Duterte mulls cheaper medicine from India

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discuss matters during the bilateral meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on November 13, 2017. KARL NORMAN ALONZO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte is eyeing to stronger trade ties with India, particularly in the purchase of cheaper medicines.

During his bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, Duterte expressed optimism that there would be Indian investors who are keen to manufacture affordable medicine in the Philippines.

“We want to discuss trade relations further and especially, the most important one is that… and I’m happy that you’re here because of we can’t find the medicines, and you have it and it is [in] India [where] people who [can] really afford to buy it,” Duterte said.

“We would [be] happy to see you building an investment that would include the medicines,” Duterte added.

Duterte also said he might send his secretaries of finance, agriculture, trade, and health to discuss means to ensure the availability of cheaper drugs in the country.

“I’m more interested, really, in the medicines because we are a poor country,” he said.

“And if there is an investor that could be interested, an Indian citizen of yours who would want to venture in our place, we would be happy,” the president added.

Duterte also praised the Indian-made Mahindra cars, which are being used by the Philippine National Police.

“It’s the one that’s being used and there are a lot of them… almost 1,000 and it’s good and it’s being used now. They are outside, they are guarding this place,” Duterte said.

For his part, Modi expressed gratitude to Duterte for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during his first visit in the Philippines.

He also thanked the President for including the music of Indian artist Rama Hari during the program at the opening ceremony of the 31st ASEAN Summit.

“With this particular program, you have touched the hearts of the Indian people and you have won their hearts,” Modi said.