DTI chief bares progress in PHL-EU free trade talks

SCOPING discussions on the free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the European Union (EU) will begin within the year, according to Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual.

Ang initial discussion is scoping ’yung gusto nila, gusto natin, compare notes kasi nga kung meron meeting of minds. Kung wala, eh hindi tutuloy ’yung negotiation,” Pascual told reporters in a media briefing on Monday.

The trade chief explained that while there is still no formal agreement on the resumption of negotiations for the EU-PH Free Trade Agreement (EU-PH FTA), there are ongoing face-to-face discussions with “key people” in Europe. He explained that the final decision would be done by the appropriate body in the EU.

Wala pang resumption ito, but instead, face-to-face discussions with the key people kasi ’yung final decision, will be done by the appropriate body. Marami sila diba? Mayroong EU Commission, EU Council. EU Parliament,” Pascual added.

For his part, Trade Undersecretary for Industry Development and Trade Policy Group (IDTPG) Ceferino S. Rodolfo explained what usually happens in scoping discussions.

Pag nag -scoping na kayo general principles, ano ’yung mga coverage ng discussion, ano ’yung modalities, so pag-uusapan niyo rin ’yun,” Rodolfo told reporters in the same media briefing.

H aving led a scoping discussion before for the Philippines