The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is working to resolve agriculture-related issues in its proposed free trade agreements (FTAs) with Chile and the European Union, with both deals targeted for completion this year, according to a report by BusinessWorld.
Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque said the Philippines has delayed its projected completion date for the negotiations, though she did not specify a new timeline. The unresolved agricultural concerns include market access and tariff reductions for key farm products.
The FTAs are seen as crucial for expanding Philippine exports, but agricultural sensitivities remain a sticking point. The DTI continues to engage with stakeholders to balance domestic interests with trade liberalization goals.