PH pursues trade perks renewal with EU
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine government has expressed willingness to work with the European Union (EU) to address concerns surrounding the ongoing trade perks that the country currently receives.
The statement came after EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore said the few criminal convictions linked to the previous administration’s drug war is not enough to guarantee the continuation of benefits from the Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+).
The GSP+ mechanism removes tariffs for over 66% of the products listed officially by the EU. GSP+ beneficiary nations are required to ratify and implement 27 conventions pertaining to human rights, good governance, and sustainable development as a condition of receiving benefits.
“With or without EU GSP+, the Philippines is committed to adhere to these conventions not only because they are treaty commitments but because it is our state policies to protect and respect human rights, protect and preserve the environment, protect labor rights and promote good governance,” said Trade Assistant Secretary Allan Gepty.
“Doing business with the EU means addressing human rights issues,” stressed Gilmore, who was on an official 3-day visit to the Philippines last week.
“We note that there are many issues raised against the Philippines with respect to our compliance, but the government is always open and willing to collaborate with the EU to clarify these issues and show our strong commitment to these principles,” added Gepty.
The Department of Trade and Industry says that the Philippines’ exports under the EU’s GSP+ scheme amounted to 2.03 billion euros ($2.21 billion) in 2021, representing a 26 percent share of GSP+ exports to total exports.
The GSP+ scheme is set to expire by the end of 2023.
