MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE OF HUNGARY ON COOPERATION IN THE FIELD OF…

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Agriculture of Hungary, hereinafter referred to each as the “Participant” and together as the “Participants”,

DESIRING to develop and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of food safety in pursuant to the prevailing laws and regulations in the respective countries of both Participants;

INTENDING to promote benefits of mutual interest in the field of food safety;

HAVE reached the following understanding:

PARAGRAPH 1

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this Memorandum of Understanding, hereinafter referred to as MOU, is to establish a framework of cooperation in the field of food safety based on mutual benefit of the Participants.

PARAGRAPH 2

AREAS OF COOPERATION

The areas of cooperation of this MOU may include, but are not limited to the following:

a.	Exchange of information on food safety policy, including laws, regulations and standards;
b.	Cooperation programmes concerning:
	–	Food safety risk analysis;
	–	Food inspection and certification systems;
	–	Food monitoring and surveillance systems;
	–	Crisis management including rapid alerts and emergency response;
	–	Food standard setting systems;
	–	Food labelling systems;
	–	Food safety/research; and
	–	Food testing laboratories;
c.	Cooperation in the field of formal post graduate education on food science and technology;
d.	Direct and timely notification of cases of serious and immediate concern with respect to public health associated with food traded between the countries; and
e.	Other areas of interest of the Participants within their regulatory responsibilities as they may mutually determine.

PARAGRAPH 3

IMPLEMENTATION

The implementation of the areas of cooperation set forth in Paragraph 2 of this MOU will be carried out through special arrangements to be mutually decided by the Participants.

PARAGRAPH 4

CONSULTATION FORM

1.	The Participants will establish a Consultation Forum to facilitate the implementation of this MOU.
2.	The Consultation Forum will jointly decide implementing arrangements and will initially develop and recommend an action plan outlining the joint work programmes for the next two years.
3.	The Consultation Forum will be jointly chaired by senior representatives of the Participants and will consist of technical members coming from the Participants.
4.	The Consultation Forum may establish technical working groups or other meetings of officials to further facilitate the programmes of cooperation and the wider objectives of this MOU.
5.	The Consultation Forum will monitor and review the implementation of this MOU on a periodic basis and will prepare written reports as and where required on the progress of the cooperation.
6.	Meetings of the Consultation Forum may occur in person, or via electronic means.

PARAGRAPH 5

FUNDING AND PERSONNEL

1.	Implementation of this MOU is subject to the availability or funding and personnel of each Participant.
2.	Each Participant will bear its own costs which arise from the implementation of cooperative activities under this MOU unless otherwise mutually decided by the Participants.

PARAGRAPH 6

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

1.	Where a Participant, hereinafter referred to as “the providing Participant”, provides information to the other Participant hereinafter referred to as “the receiving Participant” in accordance with this MOU and designates the information as confidential the receiving Participant shall maintain the confidentiality of such information.
2.	The receiving Participant shall use such information only for purposes specified by the providing Participant, and shall not otherwise disclose or use such information without the express written permission of the providing Participant except to the extent that the disclosure or use is necessary to comply with the receiving Participants’ domestic law.

PARAGRAPH 7

NATURE OF RELATIONSHIP

1.	This MOU does not constitute an international treaty and hence generates no rights and obligations under the international law.
2.	If there are any differences in the interpretation and/or implementation of the provisions of this MOU, it will be settled through consultations or negotiations between the Participants.

PARAGRAPH 8

AMENDMENT AND REVIEW

The Participants may review or amend this MOU by mutual written consent at any time. Such revisions or amendments shall come into effect upon signature by both Participants, or as otherwise mutually determined by the Participants.

PARAGRAPH 9

LIAISON OFFICERS AND ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES

1.	Each Participant will designate Liaison Officers to be the primary point of contact for communications under this MOU and will send a written notice informing the other Participant about their designation.
2.	The Participants will inform each other about any changes in the designated persons or any relevant changes in the name, structure or accountabilities of their organization.

PARAGRAPH 10

EFFECTIVITY AND TERMINATION

1.	This MOU will come into effect on the date of its signature and will remain valid for an undefined period of time. This MOU may be terminated by either Participant upon written notice to the other Participant. Termination will occur sixty (60) days upon the receipt of such notice.
2.	The termination of this MOU shall not affect the implementation of ongoing project activities decided upon before the termination of this MOU, unless otherwise decided by the Participants.
3.	The termination of this MOU shall not affect provisions for disclosure of confidential information under Paragraph 6.

Signed on December 4^th 2020 in Manila, in two originals, both in English language with all texts being equally authentic.

Entry into Force: December 4, 2020