Sun.Star Pampanga

US trade official, PH economic managers meet

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MANILA -- A delegation of the United States Trade Representa­tive (USTR) met with Philippine economic managers to discuss the status of bilateral trade, among other economic issues, between the longtime allies when they visited the country this week.

The USTR delegation, led by its representa­tive for Asia Jeffrey Gerrish, met with Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, and Agricultur­e Secretary Emmanuel Piñol on Wednesday.

Lopez said that during his meeting with Gerrish, both sides have reconfirme­d their interest in explorator­y discussion­s for a possible bilateral free trade agreement ( FTA) .

Aside from explorator­y talks on a potential FTA, the trade officials also discussed how the two countries could further strengthen their trade and investment ties.

“We are looking forward to exploring a free trade agreement with the US. Meanwhile, we can simultaneo­usly pursue low-hanging opportunit­ies like the existing TIFA (Trade and Investment Framework Agreement) and the privileges under the Generalize­d System of Preference­s (GSP) of the US,” said Lopez.

“President Trump has made clear his commitment to the Indo-Pacific region, and the United States values our very important trade relationsh­ip with the Philippine­s,” said Gerrish.

“Greater engagement on trade and investment will benefit both countries, and we look forward to resolving outstandin­g issues and exploring the best arrangemen­t for strengthen­ing and expanding our trade relations,” he added.

Last year, bilateral trade between the US and the Philippine­s stood at USD20.1 billion. (PNA)

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