The Philippines is advocating for preserving a provision in the free trade agreement within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that safeguards sensitive agricultural products in the country, such as rice and sugar.
During the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting and Related Meetings in Vientiane, Laos from September 16 to 22, Department of Trade and Industry undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo expressed the Philippines' request to maintain the special consideration for rice and sugar as part of the ongoing review of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).
Rodolfo made it clear that the Philippines' aim is not to retain these measures as trade-restrictive instruments but to honor its commitment to address stakeholders' concerns and sensitivities.
Under the current protocol, importing countries of rice and sugar products can temporarily and impartially suspend preferences when the import volume is causing or threatening serious harm to the local industry.
Furthermore, the Philippines has pledged to uphold its obligations to ATIGA, particularly in removing barriers and facilitating smoother trade within the region.
During the AEM meeting, Rodolfo highlighted that the Philippines launched the full issuance and acceptance of e-Form D this year, marking the first e-documents exchanged through the ASEAN Single Window.
He emphasized the importance of collective efforts among ASEAN member states to avoid actions that would increase burdens and costs for consumers and businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Under ATIGA, 2% of tariff lines are exempt from liberalization, and the tariffs of these excluded lines range from 5 to 35%.
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