Hopes for RP-US FTA dim, no talks set
Manila Bulletin | May 23, 2010
Hopes for RP-US FTA dim, no talks set
By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT
Prospects for a free trade deal between the Philippines and the US appear dim as negotiations have not really prospered over the past few years.
“Negotiations have not really prospered and my sense is that the US is just waiting for us as to the direction of the talks,” said Trade and Industry senior undersecretary Thomas G. Aquino, who just arrived from the ASEAN economic ministers roadshow for the US wherein they discussed the future of trade between the two parties with officials of the US Trade Representative office and the Department of Commerce. The proposed RP-US FTA was earlier initiated by the US-ASEAN Business Council. The US had wanted for a full blown FTA with the Philippines but the Philippines instead chose to go first for sectoral FTAs.
The Philippines is now pushing for a preferential trading arrangement with the U.S. for the garment sector.
