Philippine, Russian officials explore local COVID-19 vaccine plant

Philippine and Russian officials are exploring the possibility of establishing a plant to manufacture Russia's COVID-19 vaccine locally.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and outgoing Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev discussed potential delays in vaccine distribution due to high demand, as well as joint clinical trials and local manufacturing after regulatory approvals.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) plans another round of talks on the matter next month during the Joint Economic Commission meeting.