bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

Philippines

The Philippines signed its first bilateral FTA with Japan in 2006 and is presently party to the ASEAN FTA processes (China, India, Korea, Japan and Australia/New Zealand). The Philippine government has been trying to get Washington to offer an FTA, while those of New Zealand and Chile are apparently in favour of a bilateral deal with Manila. The Philippine government wants to join the TPP, and is engaged in efforts to lay the groundwork for negotiations with the EU for a possible FTA.

last update: May 2012
Photo: Michel Cermak/Twitter


DTI intensifies info drive on FTA benefits
With poor awareness among exporters of trade opportunities under the country’s various free trade agreements, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is intensifying its information awareness campaign focusing on the government’s priority exports.
Trade deal with EU to go beyond tariffs
The European Union wants a trade deal with the Philippines to go beyond tariffs and will seek as well commitments on services, government procurement and intellectual property (IP) protection, an official last week said.
Gov’t pressed to start free trade talks with European Union
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday renewed calls for the government to start negotiating a free trade deal with the European Union, after noting that more Southeast Asian neighbors have begun talks with the Western bloc.
Preparations for Pacific pact to take five years
"The only way we can have a trade agreement with the US right now is through the TPP," says Philippine Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo.
Aquino banks on FTAs for more jobs, trade
President Aquino expressed hope that the free-trade agreements (FTAs) signed and being negotiated by member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) with dialogue partners will provide jobs for Filipino workers as well as facilitate trade and investments within the region.
RP explores trade deals with US, EU
“President Aquino will be flying to the US in September to explore an engagement with [Washington], whether a bilateral or a cluster free-trade agreement,” said the director of the Philippines’ Bureau of International Trade Relations,
RP to forge more free-trade deals
The Philippines is keen on joining the negotiations for the inter-regional economic integration (TPP) as well as starting informal talks with the European Union for a possible bilateral trade pact, the Trade department said.
Philippines, EU can start implementing PCA
The Philippines and the European Union (EU) can start implementing the Partnership Cooperation Agreement (PCA) that facilitates trade and investments and improve Filipino migration to Europe before ratification by the 27 EU member-states and the Philippines.
Aquino urged to disclose details of pact with EU
Trade activists urged the newly-installed administration of Filipino President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to publicly disclose the content of a political framework agreement the Philippine government signed with the European Union early June.
‘One-China’ policy stands; no FTA with Taiwan
Short of shooting down a proposed bilateral free trade agreement between Taiwan and the Philippines, Trade and Industry Secretary Jesli A. Lapus said the country’s “One-China” policy stands and that commercial relations between the two economies are adequately covered under the Philippines-Taiwan Joint Economic Conference.