Philippines


The Philippines signed its first bilateral FTA with Japan in 2006 and is presently party to the ASEAN FTA processes (China, India, Korea, Japan and Australia/New Zealand). The Philippine government has been trying to get Washington to offer an FTA, while those of New Zealand and Chile are apparently in favour of a bilateral deal with Manila. The Philippine government wants to join the TPP, and is engaged in efforts to lay the groundwork for negotiations with the EU for a possible FTA.

last update: May 2012
Photo: Michel Cermak/Twitter


Philippines, Peru set to engage in FTA talks
The Philippines is set to engage into free trade agreement talks with Peru, a senior government official said on Wednesday.
New generation free trade agreements: A threat to life and livelihoods
Multi-sectoral network calls on Philippine government to turn back from its FTA ambitions
EFTA, Philippines hold first FTA negotiations
The first round of free trade agreement talks between the Philippines and the members of the European Free Trade Association – Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland – was held last week in Makati, Philippines.
Chile interested in free trade agreement with PH—Domingo
A Chilean delegation is set to arrive in March and may initiate talks for a bilateral free trade agreement with the Philippines, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said over the weekend.
Philippines interested in joining US-led Trans-Pacific free trade area
Philippine President Benigno Aquino said his government is studying the benefits of joining the TPP before it makes a decision.
US-led trade bloc seen to harm Philippines
The Philippines stands to lose some of its major markets if it will not be able to join the United States-led Trans-Pacific Partnership trade bloc, a US-based economist said.
PHL to open more bilateral agreements
Trade Undersecretary Adrian Cristobal Jr. said the Philippines is willing to look into having bilateral trade agreements with other countries.
EU-ASEAN FTA Network statement on the signing of Joint Declaration on Cooperation between the Philippines and EFTA
The signing of the Joint Declaration on Cooperation between the Philippines and the European Free Trade Association is a prelude to an ambitious and comprehensive free trade agreement with EFTA and eventually with the European Union as well.
Philippines pursues free trade talks with European bloc
Tthe Philippines and EFTA member countries -- Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway -- signed last June 23 a joint declaration of cooperation that paves the way for free trade talks.
Philippines, EFTA sign deal this week to explore possible free trade accord
The Philippine government and EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) will sign a Joint Declaration on Cooperation on 23 June, setting the stage for negotiations on a free trade agreement.