Noli talks housing with Chilean president

Vice President Noli de Castro discussed with Chile’s President Ricardo Lagos and his Cabinet yesterday socialized housing, trade, investment and counter-terrorism while on an official visit to the South American country, the Office of the Vice President said.

"In particular, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is very keen on learning about the Vivendos Sociales (housing) program of Chile, which has proven to be very effective in reducing the housing deficit in the country," De Castro said.

De Castro, who is also chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, said President Arroyo is also keen on expanding trade between the Philippines and Chile.

"We wish to improve the balance of trade with Chile, in particular, explore areas where our country can improve exports to Chile," he said.

De Castro told Lagos and his Cabinet that the Philippines planned to export fresh and dried mangoes to Chile.

"We have presented a working plan for the export of our fresh mangos to Chile with vapor heat quarantine treatment, and we are looking forward to the full implementation of this plan," he said.

De Castro said the Philippines is committed to strengthen ties with Chile and other Latin American countries through the East Asia-Latin America Cooperation forum.

De Castro and a delegation from HUDCC will be in Chile until May 1 to discuss with Chile’s housing officials the success of the Vivendos Sociales housing program for informal settlers in the capital of Santiago.