PHILIPPINE and American trade officials have discussed an initiative that could pave the way for Manila’s joining the Trans-Pacific Economic Partnership (TPP), the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) yesterday said.
Three days of talks that will end on Friday were opened by a meeting between Philippine Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo and US Trade Representative Ron Kirk, the USTR said.
The discussions are being held under the 1989 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, which is a forum for bilateral economic ties and matters pertaining to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the World Trade Organization.
Mr. Domingo was briefed on the TPP, a trade agreement under negotiation among nine APEC members, given Manila’s interest in joining.
“The two countries also discussed the Partnership for Growth, an initiative aimed at supporting economic reform in the Philippines, including in areas that would help better position the Philippines to join the TPP in the future,” the USTR said in the statement.
It quoted Mr. Kirk as describing the Philippines as “an important friend, ally and trading partner of the United States.”
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By: E. J. Diaz
Source: Business World, Sept. 22, 2011
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