PH bats for workers' rights in trade policy
Published May 26, 2023 10:00 am
The Philippines said that labor is an important element to trade policy, stressing that any trade policy must ensure that workers are empowered and their rights protected.
This was emphasized by Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual during a special session ahead of the Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Detroit, USA on Thursday, May 25. Ambassador Katherine Tai, the US Trade Representative and APEC 2023 MRT Chair, hosted a dialogue among APEC Trade Ministers and prominent labor leaders to discuss the vital link between trade policy and upholding workers’ rights. “A strong workforce promotes robust trade and a robust trade should promote a strong workforce. Thus, it is important to keep trade open and the workforce empowered,” Pascual said. Pascual further explained that while there may be arguments raised for and against the interface of labor and trade policies, the fact remains that the stability that they bring to the economy far outweighs any perceived adverse concerns. He also stressed that in case of disruption in global supply chains, the workers and their families are the ones immediately affected. Likewise, he said, the stability of trade and the resilience of the global supply chain also ensure the welfare of our workers and their family. “As a matter of state policy, no less than the Constitution of the Philippines affirms labor as a primary social economic force, and that it is imperative for us to protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare,” Pascual added. The dialogue focused on the submission that trade policy must be workers-centric as workers play an important role in fostering economic growth and development in a country. It was also observed at the forum that there is still a growing inequality when it comes to workers’ welfare vis-a-vis business growth. Thus, the challenge posed in the discussion was how to shape a trade and investment model that will ensure the protection of workers’ rights as economies work towards socio-economic development. The meeting also highlighted the ministers’ discussions on the important role of trade in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth. The participating APEC ministers of trade shared ideas and practical ways how it can improve the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) responsiveness to global challenges. Nonetheless, the Philippines remained committed to the WTO and the multilateral trading system. Pascual said the Philippines supports for global trade rules that foster an open, sustainable, and inclusive trade and investment environment. The APEC is a regional cooperative forum composed of 21 member economies with the common goal of promoting economic growth, fostering and strengthening trade, and improving the living standards in the region.
Trade and Industry Secretary Fred Pascual (left) and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Carlos Sorreta,at the Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Detroit, USA on Thursday, May 25, 2023.
This was emphasized by Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual during a special session ahead of the Asia Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Detroit, USA on Thursday, May 25. Ambassador Katherine Tai, the US Trade Representative and APEC 2023 MRT Chair, hosted a dialogue among APEC Trade Ministers and prominent labor leaders to discuss the vital link between trade policy and upholding workers’ rights. “A strong workforce promotes robust trade and a robust trade should promote a strong workforce. Thus, it is important to keep trade open and the workforce empowered,” Pascual said. Pascual further explained that while there may be arguments raised for and against the interface of labor and trade policies, the fact remains that the stability that they bring to the economy far outweighs any perceived adverse concerns. He also stressed that in case of disruption in global supply chains, the workers and their families are the ones immediately affected. Likewise, he said, the stability of trade and the resilience of the global supply chain also ensure the welfare of our workers and their family. “As a matter of state policy, no less than the Constitution of the Philippines affirms labor as a primary social economic force, and that it is imperative for us to protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare,” Pascual added. The dialogue focused on the submission that trade policy must be workers-centric as workers play an important role in fostering economic growth and development in a country. It was also observed at the forum that there is still a growing inequality when it comes to workers’ welfare vis-a-vis business growth. Thus, the challenge posed in the discussion was how to shape a trade and investment model that will ensure the protection of workers’ rights as economies work towards socio-economic development. The meeting also highlighted the ministers’ discussions on the important role of trade in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth. The participating APEC ministers of trade shared ideas and practical ways how it can improve the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) responsiveness to global challenges. Nonetheless, the Philippines remained committed to the WTO and the multilateral trading system. Pascual said the Philippines supports for global trade rules that foster an open, sustainable, and inclusive trade and investment environment. The APEC is a regional cooperative forum composed of 21 member economies with the common goal of promoting economic growth, fostering and strengthening trade, and improving the living standards in the region.