Japan-RP trade pact under WTO review By Michaela P. del Callar 06/21/2010

Japan-RP trade pact under WTO review

By Michaela P. del Callar 06/21/2010 The controversial free trade pact between the Philippines and Japan is currently being reviewed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ensure the agreement’s transparency, the Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday said. The review of the Japan Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (Jpepa) was considered by the WTO’s Committee on Regional Trade Agreements (CRTA) chaired by Ambassador Alfredo Suescum of Panama last June 15 in Geneva, Switzerland.  Aside from the Jpepa, the CRTA also considered the free trade agreement between Australia and Chile. The CRTA was established by the WTO General Council to examine individual regional trade agreements (RTAs). The review process is governed by the Transparency Mechanism for Regional Trade Agreements adopted on Dec. 14, 2006 establishing on a provisional basis a new transparency mechanism for all RTAs. Trade Undersecretary Thomas Aquino, who chairs the Inter-agency Technical Committee on WTO Matters and the lead negotiator for the Jpepa, headed the Philippine delegation. Those who joined him were officials from the National Economic Development Authority, Board of Investments, Bureau of International Trade Relations, Department of Agriculture, Tariff Commission, Department of Justice and Bureau of Customs, as well as officers of the Philippine Mission to the WTO led by Ambassador Manuel Teehankee.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100621hed4.html

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