Philippines


European chamber calls for PHL free trade deal to go on fast track
At a recent briefing, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Alan B. Gepty said the DTI is hoping to finalize a decision on whether negotiations for the FTA will resume in the first quarter.
Philippines pressing for expedited resolution to Japan FTA talks
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of Philippines is pressing for a swift conclusion to the renegotiation of the PJEPA. Concerns include improved market access for Philippine bananas and Japan seeking better market access for its industrial goods.
S. Korea to ratify free trade pact with PH soon: envoy
South Korea is eager to see increased trade and investment with the Philippines, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines said, as he conveyed Seoul’s intention to ratify its recently signed free trade agreement with Manila “soon”.
PH and UAE set to embark on a comprehensive economic partnership
On December 2, 2023, The Philippine's DTI Secretary signed the Terms of Reference for negotiations on a CEPA with the UAE, marking the first step towards a proposed bilateral free trade agreement. The TOR provides guidelines for the negotiations and outlines the scope and coverage of the CEPA.
EU free trade deal scoping talks seen completed by Dec.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that the free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and the Philippines is currently at the “scoping stage,” which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Preferential trade deal to boost India, PH ties
To increase trade and facilitate more investment flows, the Philippine and Indian governments are currently in negotiations on a bilateral preferential trade agreement (PTA), that will reduce and eliminate tariffs on various goods.
PHL picks negotiators for trade pillar of IPEF accord
The Philippines has chosen its negotiators to champion the country’s interests under the trade pillar of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).
PH-EU free trade talks gain momentum
The Philippines is nearing the conclusion of initial discussions for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union, signaling that formal discussions could begin on the bilateral agreement that is seen bringing greater market access and improved trade with the regional bloc.
India, Philippines go slow on BIT push
A push by India and the Philippines to renegotiate their investment agreement is moving slowly. The agreement, which was signed in 2000 and came into force in 2001, expired in 2011. New Delhi has called for the agreement to be terminated and replaced by a new Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).
After SoKor, other countries eyed for free trade deal
Following the signing last week of the free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea, the Philippines is readying similar deals with other countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the European Union (EU) and through Asean with Canada.