PH pushes to keep EU GSP+, FTA talks

The Philippine delegation also noted that the government continues to adhere to the rule of law, protect human rights, and implement zero tolerance for abusive enforcers. (Photo By:Philippine Information Agency – Philippine Information Agency, Public Domain)

MANILA— Philippine government officials have pushed dialogue on the expansion of the European Union Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (EU GSP+) for the country to further strengthen trade relations with the EU through free trade agreement (FTA).

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez and Special Envoy to the EU Edgardo Angara have met with the EU Parliament in Brussels, Belgium this week highlighting the economic relations between the Philippines and EU.

“We want to follow through the dialogue on the expansion of the GSP+ and move to a long lasting trade concession via a free trade agreement,” Lopez said. Lopez and Angara assured the EU Parliament and the private sector that the Philippines is a viable investment destination in Asia, being the gateway to ASEAN and other major Asian markets such as China, Japan, and South Korea.

The Philippine delegation also noted that the government continues to adhere to the rule of law, protect human rights, and implement zero tolerance for abusive enforcers.

They highlighted during the meeting with the members of the parliament that the administration continues to push its programs to eradicate poverty, development of micro, small, and medium enterprises, universal healthcare, free education, free irrigation, and social development, among others.

Meanwhile, the Philippines has invited EU Council President Donald Dusk to attend the ASEAN summit in Manila this November as the country hosts the 2017 ASEAN Summit.

DTI also confirmed that Dusk accepted the invitation.