DTI holding consultations to push more trade with Europe

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently conducted the second round of stakeholder consultations for a Philippine-European Union (EU) trade agreement.

The consultations presented studies on the possible impact of a free-trade agreement with the EU.

“The studies presented by independent research organizations during the stakeholder consultations support the government’s objectives to make our trade policies more transparent and responsive,” said Adrian Cristobal Jr., DTI undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy.

The DTI commissioned the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), Ateneo de Manila University, University of Asia and the Pacific and De La Salle University to conduct and present the impact studies in a series of national consultations, most recent of which were held in Manila and Davao.

The stakeholder consultations were attended by members of the academe, gov- ernment agencies, civil society and business organizations.

Cristobal said that the substantive discussions during the stakeholder consultations support the decision making process of government.

“For example, the PIDS study on the impact of a PH-EU trade agreement on our agricultural sector and the reaction of those affected validate the country’s strategy to increase our competitive advantage in select products such as cacao

and abaca,” he added.

During the consultations, dubbed as One Country, One Voice, Dr. Roehlando Briones, PIDS senior research fellow, presented his study entitled Prospects for a PH-EU FTA: Agricultural Sector Com

ponent where he said that niche products or sectors, including cacao and abaca, are possible sources of economic growth opportunities. FTA stands for free trade agreement.