Philippines, EU resume free trade agreement talks
MANILA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines and the European Union (EU) resumed negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) on Monday, the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced Tuesday. "Strengthening economic engagement with the EU remains a priority for the Philippines," said Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, adding that the Philippines aims for an ambitious, b.....»»
Marcos hopes for Philippines-EU FTA by 2027
President Marcos is hoping to conclude negotiations for a free trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Union by 2027 that is seen to further boost trade and investments between the country and the EU......»»
‘Government should help exporters hurdle EU barriers’
The government must seek the removal of some trade barriers imposed by the European states to allow exporters to maximize the opportunities of the country’s prospective free trade agreement with Europe, an industry group said......»»
UP offers 24 free online courses with training certificates
The University of the Philippines Open University is offering 24 free online courses on a diverse range of topics — from business analytics to graphic design — that will grant its completers training certificates they can add to their resume......»»
Philippines total external trade shrinks by 15.4 pct in March
MANILA, May 8 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' total external trade in goods recorded a year-on-year decrease of 15.4 percent in March to 15.44 billion U.S. dollars, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Wednesday. Of the total external trade in March, 60.3 percent were imported goods, while the rest were exported goods, the agency said. The PSA data showed the trade deficit in March amounted to 3.....»»
Philippines total external trade up 9.7 pct in February
MANILA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' total external trade in goods increased by 9.7 percent in February to 15.46 billion U.S. dollars, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Thursday. Of the total external trade in February, 61.8 percent were imported goods, while the rest were exported goods, the agency said. The PSA said the deficit of trade in goods amounted to 3.65 billion dollars,.....»»
NZ welcomes Australia and Brazil to agreements
New Zealand has welcomed Australia to the Inclusive Trade Action Group (ITAG) and Australia and Brazil to the Global Trade and Gender Arrangement (GTAGA) Minister for Trade Todd McClay says. As the current chair of ITAG and GTAGA, Minister McClay hosted the signing ceremony and issued the Abu Dhabi Joint Statement on Sustainable and Inclusive Trade with fellow ITAG Ministers from Australi.....»»
Philippine calls for stronger action on climate change
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual has called for stronger sustainable trade and development initiatives to address climate change during the second ministerial meeting of the Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate on the sidelines of the 13th World Trade Organization ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates......»»
UNCTAD raises alarm over global trade disruptions
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development is sounding the alarm about the increasing disruptions in global trade, attributed to escalating geopolitical tensions and the impact of climate change on vital trade routes around the world......»»
Carpio: Duterte surrenders PH’s Ayungin rights in China agreement
MANILA, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte gave up the Philippines’ ownership of Ayungin Shoal under the guise of a “gentlemen’s agreement” with China, former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio has revealed. The “gentlemen’s agreement” governs Manila’s maintenance and repair of the BRP Sierra Madre, a Philippine Navy vessel grounded in the disputed area. READ:.....»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
PH, France to start VFA talks in May
The Philippines and France might start talking formally next month about a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). This agreement would let their militaries do joint exercises in the Philippines. Ambassador Marie Fontanel, the top French diplomat in Manila, said at a briefing on Thursday that they’re currently drafting the agreement and getting ready for negotiations, possibly.....»»
Año slams persistent talks on ‘gentleman’s agreement’
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año denounced yesterday how persistent talk about a gentleman’s agreement, supposedly entered into between the previous administration and the Chinese government, is distracting and even dividing Filipinos on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue......»»
Sri Lanka signs free trade pack with Thailand
Sri Lanka signs free trade pack with Thailand.....»»
PAL to resume Clark-Basco flights
PAL to resume Clark-Basco flights.....»»
PAL to resume Clark-Basco flights
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines will resume flights between Clark in Pampanga and Basco in Batanes starting July 2......»»
LTO may resume delivery of driver’s license this month
With the expected delivery of plastic cards in the coming days, the Land Transportation Office is looking to resume the issuance of driver’s licenses this month......»»
Top donor to resume funding UNRWA
Top donor to resume funding UNRWA.....»»
UN chief: Resume funding Gaza aid agency
UN chief: Resume funding Gaza aid agency.....»»
PUJ driver offers free rides, snacks to passengers on his birthday
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — A jeepney driver from Balud, San Fernando, offered free rides to his passengers on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, as he celebrated his 53rd birthday. Catalino Villasan said that he has been doing this since 2018. In addition to the free rides, he also gave free burgers to his first 60 passengers......»»
PCCI cites economic benefits from Philippines-EU FTA
The country’s largest business organization welcomed the announcement of the resumption of the free trade agreement negotiations between the Philippines and the European Union as it expects the deal to bring economic benefits for both parties......»»