THE Philippines and Japan could wrap up negotiations on the review of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement in talks scheduled on Oct. 23–26 in Japan, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.
“If all goes well, then that will be the last [session],” Roque said.
A team from the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Bureau of International Trade Relations will attend the negotiations. The DTI hopes to conclude the review by November.
Among the Philippines’ priorities is securing lower tariffs on banana exports to Japan, which currently range from 8 to 18 percent depending on the season.
“[We hope to bring it down] to zero, or at least lower than eight,” Roque said.
Lower tariffs would make Philippine bananas more competitive in Japan and could help increase export volumes, DTI said.
Roque said she had conveyed the Philippines’ negotiating goals to Japan’s trade minister and other officials, with discussions now focused on the details. She declined to disclose the remaining issues, citing the confidentiality of the negotiations.
She added she was prepared to fly to Japan if the negotiating team needed her.
DTI also aims to conclude trade talks with the European Union and Canada in November, along with the signing of a trade agreement with Chile.
