Trade dep’t seeking to tap ex- Soviet nations’ GSP

THE Philippines is hoping to boost trade with another nontraditional market — the Eurasian Economic Union (EAU) — by accessing that bloc’s generalized system of preferences (GSP).

“To enhance market access, the Philippines proposed to engage in dialogue the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC),” the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in a statement on Wednesday, and asked for information on the EAU market and regulations.

The EAU’s original members are Belarus, Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation. It later admitted Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. The EEC conducts negotiations for the EAU.

The bloc grants GSP status to selected products from developing countries.

In a recent meeting with Russia, the Philippines sought Moscow’s assistance in tapping its GSP scheme.

The two countries met on April 19 in Manila to convene their Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, a mechanism to improve bilateral economic relations.

During the meeting, both sides agreed to disclose the final results of their veterinary missions to audit Philippine seafood and seafood products and Russian meat products.

“The audit was undertaken to ensure the safety of consumers against diseases and contamination from these export products,” the DTI said.

Both countries gave updates on business arrangements initiated during the official visit to Russia of President Rodrigo R. Duterte last year.

The initial deals agreed during the visit involved engineering and design services for steel structures and pipeline construction, among others.

The Philippines has been exploring nontraditional markets like Russia as part of the government’s shift to an independent foreign policy. —