|
Most Philippine exports to Europe, particularly farm and fish products could now be exported to Europe, duty-free or with drastically reduced import taxes.
The more liberalized trade regime between the two took effect last January after the European Union unrolled its revised General System of Preference (GSP) that gives special tax cuts to least developed and developing countries like the Philippines.
Under the new system, all members of the ASEAN 10 economic bloc, except Singapore and Brunei, are among about 175 of the poorer countries across the globe that were given the special tariff privileges, announced the Universal Access to Competitiveness and Trade (U-ACT), the research think tank of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), announced.
Most Philippine products sold to Europe included in the list of about 7,200 items that can enjoy low or zero tariff include pineapple, bananas, coffee, coconut, essential oils, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, textile fibers, ceramics, furniture, toys and games, glass and glasswares, machinery parts and motor vehicles.
These items make up the big exports of the country to the EU besides semiconductor and electronics.
U-ACT announced that to spread the word on the new privilege Philippine export enterprises now enjoy in the European marketplace, it has scheduled several seminars beginning this week in strategic cities in the country for the latter to start taking advantage of the privilege.
The sessions will be held in the following areas; Holiday Inn in Clark, Pampanga on May 30, 2011; AIM Conference Center, Makati City on May 31, 2011; Tagaytay International Convention Center, Tagaytay City on June 1; Hotel Koresko in Cagayan de Oro on June 3, and CCCI Training Room in Cebu City on June 6.
The EU-GSP is the system of preferential trading arrangements through which the EU extends preferential access to its markets to developing countries. It grants products imported from GSP-beneficiary countries either duty free access or tariff reduction. .
The lead facilitator for the seminar will be Atty. Stefan Friedrich Moser, an independent consultant who has more than 14 years of experience in international trade negotiations, World Trade Organization (WTO) and World Customs Organization (WCO) in the framework of bilateral free trade negotiations with the European Union (EU) and free trade negotiations of European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
The seminars are free of charge. To register, email name and contact information to
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
or call the Secretariat at telephone numbers (02) 8468196 local 125 or 110 and look for Janessa Santelices. -- PHILEXPORT News and Features
|
