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  1. Negotiations

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

Aquino urged to disclose details of pact with EU
4-Jul-2010 Inquirer
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
22-Jun-2010 Manila Bulletin
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.
Recall midnight EOs, trade group urges Aquino
20-Jun-2010
The multi-sectoral Fair Trade Alliance (FTA) is calling on incoming President Benigno Aquino III to prioritize the review and recall of controversial “midnight” Executive Orders issued by outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Group calls for FTA moratorium
8-Jun-2010
Civil society is asking the incoming administration for a moratorium on all pending trade agreements pending thorough consultation and study.
RP-EU partnership deal inked this year?
8-Jun-2010 Business World
A framework agreement that will govern relations between the Philippines and the European Union is likely to be signed in October and could pave the way for a bilateral trade deal, a Cabinet official yesterday said.
RP to explore bilateral pact with Taiwan
1-Jun-2010 PDI
The Philippines is exploring the possibility of forging a bilateral agreement with Taipei, with talks to start between the two governments this week at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation trade ministers’ meeting in Japan.
Hopes for RP-US FTA dim, no talks set
24-May-2010 Manila Bulletin
"My sense is that the US is just waiting for us,” says Philippine Trade and Industry senior undersecretary Thomas G. Aquino
RP, EU to meet on cooperation deal
15-Mar-2010 BusinessWorld
The Philippines will again be angling for easier commitments meant to facilitate trade with the European Union (EU) during meetings — scheduled to start this week — to forge a partnership cooperation agreement (PCA), a Trade official said.
Rural banks decry ASEAN free trade pact
18-Feb-2010 BusinessWorld
The Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines says its sector will suffer greatly as tariffs on farm goods fall in line with the implementation of the ASEAN FTA.
Fewer jobs for Taiwan OFWs sans RP trade pact
12-Feb-2010 GMA News
Taiwan-based factories employing Filipinos may move operations to mainland China once the trade pact between China and Taiwan is signed. The Philippines should therefore sign an FTA with Taiwan to tap into the Beijing-Taipei deal, some argue.