THE review of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) is on track to conclude by November, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters over the weekend.
“There’s only one issue left in agriculture,” Roque said, adding that Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel has assured her that it won’t be a problem.
The JPEPA, signed in 2006 and in force since 2008, was the Philippines’ first bilateral free trade agreement. Its review was originally scheduled for 2011 and every five years thereafter.
Roque had previously cited the need to amend the agreement to address remaining trade barriers, including tariffs on bananas.
The update comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Japan last month and met with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with both sides stressing the importance of fully implementing existing agreements, including the JPEPA.
