KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — China signed an expanded version of a free trade agreement Tuesday with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang pitching expanded economic ties with his country as an alternative to the protectionist policies of U.S. President...
The European Union (EU) is aiming to secure a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Philippines by the end of 2027, or before the expiration of a special incentive system that provides the country duty-free access for over 6,200 products to the 27-member bloc. EU Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo...
Former Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras is urging the government to expand the Philippines’ bilateral agreements with trading partners to increase potential investment sources, amid growing protectionist policies. Almendras, who was presented with the Arangkada Lifetime Achievement Award on...
Despite what many described as the biggest corruption scandal in the Philippines, the multi-billion peso flood control issue currently being investigated in the Senate has not changed the minds of Italian investors over their interests in bringing business to the country. Italian Ambassador to the...
The governments of the Philippines and Israel have both sent their economic team for the first meeting of its Joint Economic Committee, which looks to host first-round negotiations for a possible Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries. In a statement, the Embassy of Israel in Manila...
The local agriculture industry may soon see stronger trade ties with Canada, as its agriculture and agri-food minister expressed confidence in deepening the North American country ’s trade relationship with the Philippines. Despite tariff uncertainties in the United States (US), Heath...
The Philippines is working to conclude negotiations for its free trade agreement (FTA) with Chile this year, following a successful first round of talks. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan Gepty said that after a productive round of negotiations, both countries are now on...
The Philippines expects negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) to conclude next year, as the government seeks to open new markets for its goods and services. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque stated that the FTA with the 27-member...
United States (US) President Donald Trump’s move to reduce the threatened tariffs on Philippine exports by a mere one percentage point (ppt) still positions the country in a favorable light for foreign direct investments (FDIs), according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Trump said...
South Korean Ambassador to Manila Lee Sang-hwa said that there was a 4,000 percent increase in South Korea’s investment in the Philippines during the first quarter of this year because of the free trade agreement (FTA) that entered into force on Dec. 31, 2024. In a media luncheon on Tuesday,...
The Philippines and the European Union (EU) are seeking to expedite the conclusion of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) amid uncertainties in global trade, with the next round of talks scheduled for October in Manila. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan Gepty,...
The Philippines’ first free trade agreement (FTA) with a Middle Eastern country is expected to be signed next month with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which will likely set the stage for more substantial investments from sovereign wealth funds. In a business forum hosted by the Dubai Chamber of...
