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...
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. held a meeting with Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen ahead of the entry into force of the Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) on Thursday, Sept. 11. Teodoro held a bilateral defense dialogue with Gen on the...
Hong Kong is ramping up its incentive programs and investment facilitation schemes to further boost trade with the Philippines, committing to low trade barriers, in contrast with the protectionist policies of the United States (US). Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the agency responsible for...
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, dismissed China’s claim that the Philippines was at fault for the recent collision between two Chinese vessels near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying he would not dignify what he...
The Philippines-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which will allow both countries to work more closely on defense and security matters, will enter into force on Sept. 11. This was announced by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador to the...
Lopez-led First Gen Corp. (FGen) is asserting that the extension of its power purchase agreement (PPA) with Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for the 1,100-megawatt Santa Rita power plant is valid and essential for energy security. While the proposal still awaits approval from the Energy Regulatory...
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...
