Treaty (21 March 2017)

March 21, 2017

IMPLEMENTING ARRANGEMENT (IA) ON SPECIFIC AREAS OF COOPERATION BETWEEN THE PHILIPPINE CARABAO CENTER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND COOPERATIVES OF THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND ON SWAMP AND DAIRY BUFFALO PRODUCTION

Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), attached agency of the Department of Agriculture of the Republic of the Philippines and the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of the Kingdom of Thailand, hereinafter referred to jointly as "Participants" and individually as a "Participant" in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Agricultural Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand signed on 19 October 2003 in Bangkok; Desiring to enhance the existing friendly relations between the two Participants, and to broaden the scope of scientific and technical cooperation as well as to strengthen mutual research cooperation on swamp and dairy buffalo breeding, reproductive biotechnologies, nutrition and forage production; Recognizing that cooperation involves working together toward common goals of mutual interest and that successful cooperation occurs only through mutual understanding and the efficient administration of joint programs; Have reached the following understanding: Paragraph I Purpose of Cooperation The Participants will establish and promote cooperation and exchange in the areas of swamp and dairy buffalo, and forage production on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations of the two countries. The cooperative activities under this IA will be conducted with the following objectives:

1. To promote exchange and collaboration among scientists in the field of swamp and dairy buffalo breeding and reproductive technologies, forage production and nutrition management from the Participants;

2. To provide researchers and scientists with opportunities to exchange knowledge, information, ideas, skills, and techniques;

3. To expand collaborative opportunities to address swamp and dairy buffalo and forage production issues of common concern;

4. To encourage the participation of the Participants in the projects carried out under this IA.Paragraph II Areas and Scope of Cooperation The specific areas of cooperation may include, but not limited to, such areas of mutual interests relating to swamp and dairy buffalo, as follows:

1. Breeding and reproductive technologies;

2. Forage production and nutrition management;

3. Dairy buffalo farm management and dairy plant operation;

4. Dairy buffalo processing products development for value adding and packaging technology. Paragraph III Forms of Cooperation The cooperation will be carried out by the Participants in the following forms:

1. Undertaking collaborative researches as well as sharing of expertise on swamp and dairy buffalo production, including but not limited to breeding genetic improvement, reproductive technologies, nutrition management, forages and buffalo-derived products;

2. Sharing frozen semen of dairy buffalo from the Philippines to Thailand subject to applicable OIE regulations and protocols on FMD and other diseases;

3. Sharing forage seeds/planting materials;

4. Exchanging of scientists, experts and researchers;

5. Updating knowledge, information, research progress and results on the subjects of mutual interests through workshops, study tours, training courses, project consultations and seminars, which will be held alternately in the Kingdom of Thailand and the Republic of the Philippines. Paragraph IV General Provisions It is mutually understood by the Participants that:

1. All activities under this IA should be carried out in strict adherence to the laws and regulations of the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Thailand.

2. Outlines covering goals and objectives, working plans, research methodologies, and procedures may be prepared jointly.

3. This IA does not restrict either Party from participating in activities or arrangements with other public or private agencies, organizations or individuals.

4. Reciprocal visits by researchers and scientists from the PCC and the DLD may be encouraged or planned in order to carry out new collaborative research for additional long-term exchanges.

5. The Participants will attempt to resolve any dispute regarding the implementation or interpretation of this IA through friendly and timely consultations. Paragraph V Implementing MechanismThe Joint Steering Committee (JSC) will be established to monitor and implement the provisions of this IA. The head of JSC will be high level officers. The JSC will be responsible for assessing the outcomes of the implementing programs of this IA, submitting proposals for their further development and improvement, and recommending possible ways and means of overcoming their problems or difficulties. The JSC will meet alternately annually or at the time jointly decided upon by the Participants. Paragraph VI Financial Commitments Regarding the expenses incurred as a result of any joint activities specified in Paragraph III of this IA, the Participants have decided that the international travel expenses and lodging will be covered by the sending Participant. Local transportation and other logistical arrangements will be provided by the receiving Participant unless otherwise jointly decided by the Participants. Paragraph VII Intellectual Property Benefits The Participants will ensure that any intellectual property right which may arise out of the implementing cooperation activities referred to in Paragraph III of this IA will be protected in accordance with the current laws and regulations in their respective countries and their commitments stated in international arrangements, and that the implementing programs or projects under this IA will include provisions regarding treatment of any intellectual property benefits which may arise out of such programs or projects. Any information gathered under this IA will not be given to any third party without prior consent of the other party. Paragraph VIII Settlement of Differences Any differences arising out of the interpretation or Implementation of this Implementing Arrangement will be settled amicably through consultation or negotiation between the Participants, through diplomatic channels. Paragraph IX Amendment Any amendment or revision to the text of this Implementing Arrangement will be done by mutual consent of the Participants. Such amendment or revision will come into effect in accordance with the provision on effectively. Paragraph X Effectively, Validity and Termination1. This Implementing Arrangement will come into effect on the date signing.

2. This Implementing Arrangement will be effective for five (5) years and will be renewed for a similar period, unless one Participant notifies the other in writing, through diplomatic channels, of its intention to suspend or terminate this IA, at least three (3) months prior to the intended date of termination. In such a case, the Implementing Arrangement will remain effective until sixty (60) days after the date on which one Participant receives an official notification from the other Participant expressing the desire of the latter to suspend or terminate this IA.

3. The termination of this Implementing Arrangement will not affect the implementation of any on-going activities or projects, unless both Participants mutually decide otherwise. st SIGNED in Bangkok on this 21 day of March 2017, in duplicate in the English Language. For the Philippine Carabao Center For Department of Livestock Development Department of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Republic of the Philippines Kingdom of Thailand

(Sgd.) Dr. Arnel N. Del Barrio (Sgd.) Dr. Apai Suttisunk Acting Executive Director, PCC PCC Director General, DLD Entry into Force: March 21, 2017