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Philippines


Agricultural groups say RCEP trade deal to hurt local farmers
Several agricultural groups reiterated their opposition to the ratification of the Philippine participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) saying it could hurt local farmers.
US open to forging FTA with Asean, says Romualdez
The United States may pursue a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) as it seeks to boost economic activities with the major economic bloc, which bodes well for the Philippines.
Marcos backing for RCEP premature, think tank says
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s declaration of support for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is premature pending the resolution of the agriculture industry remaining unresolved, a think tank said.
Marcos pushes for PH-EU free trade amid COVID-19 recovery
President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. made a pitch for a free trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Union to shore up economic recovery following the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DTI: GSP+ renewal on Brussels agenda
The Philippines remains committed to reapplying for Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) privileges from the European Union once these expire next year, the Trade department said.
PH, SoKor target to sign free trade deal in Q1 2023
Manila and Seoul target to conclude discussions of their bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) in order to sign the trade pact by first quarter of next year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
Signing of PH-S.Korea FTA in Cambodia hits snag
Signing of the Philippines-South Korea free trade area (PH-ROK FTA) will have to wait until early next yet instead of this month, as both parties are still reviewing text and provisions of the trade deal.
Philippines willing to work on FTA negotiations with EU
The Philippines has expressed interest and willingness to work toward the resumption of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
PH seen ratifying economic treaty end-2022
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is yet to make a decision on the ratification of the RCEP as he wants to ensure the trade agreement will not be detrimental to local industries.
PH-S. Korea free trade deal seen entering into force in 2023
The Philippines is eyeing the entry into force of a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea next year, with the bilateral pact seen benefiting local banana and processed pineapple exporters in the form of reduced tariffs.
DTI calls for resumption of PH-EU FTA nego
The Philippines has expressed its readiness to resume negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union and the planned visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Brussels in December this year could help advance the trade deal negotiation.
Canada prefers FTA with Asean over bilateral deal with Philippines
Canada has expressed preference for a free trade agreement with the ASEAN instead of one with the Philippines, dampening the hopes of some groups that a bilateral trade deal between the two countries will be forged.
NEDA pushes RCEP ratification
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is pushing for the immediate ratification of the RCEP agreement to send a clear signal that the country is open to investments that will help generate more jobs.
PH ready to sign free trade pact with S.Korea
The Philippines’ free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea is inching closer to formalization with the initial signing of the economic pact seen within the next two weeks.
PH-EFTA to push for improved trade to recover from pandemic
Philippines and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries have agreed to push for more trade to improve utilization of the free trade agreement (FTA) stressing the FTA as a tool for economic recovery after the pandemic.
Philippines forges investment promotion agreement with UAE
The Philippines and United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed an investment promotion and protection agreement (IPPA) on June 9, with the Trade department expressing an interest in tapping Dubai investment in agriculture and energy, among others.
PH, Israel sign deal to strengthen economic ties
The Philippines and Israel inked the investment promotion and protection agreement that includes investor-state dispute settlement.
PH cannot afford to reject RCEP
President-elect Marcos’ has expressed uncertainty about the RCEP and suggesting that the government might need "to take another look at it."
Why is the agriculture sector against RCEP?
The current Senate should defer further action on RCEP. President-elect Bongbong Marcos and the incoming Congress can then review the agreement and craft the country’s trade policy, consistent with an overall plan for the revitalization and competitiveness of Philippine agriculture.
US-led Asia trade pact eyes clean energy, supply chains
US President Joe Biden has announced a new economic framework deal for Asia-Pacific designed to boost investment in clean energy infrastructure, drive decarbonisation efforts and strengthen regional supply chains.