RP presses Japan for removal of non-tariff barriers

The Philippines will press Japan to remove non-tariff barriers which impede trade between the two countries, Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II said yesterday.

Roxas II said the removal of non-tariff barriers such as sanitary and phytosanitary requirements "is one of the areas of intense negotiations between the Philippines and Japan as part of preparations for a free trade agreement."

The issue of sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, Roxas added, is "one of the elements that currently impede trade between the Philippines and Japan."

Specifically affected are Philippine mangoes and bananas and other unprocessed agricultural products.

President Arroyo is scheduled to visit Japan next month and the proposed Philippine-Japan economic partnership will be among the major highlights of her trip.

Roxas said actual negotiations for the RP-Japan FTA will go into full swing after the President’s trip to Japan.

"Aside from the entry of Philippine fruits and other unprocessed agricultural products to Japan, there would also be negotiations to liberalize the exchange of care-givers and professionals and in setting up of retirement villages for Japanese retirees," Roxas said.

While Roxas refused to comment about the revised Motor Vehicle Development Program (MVDP), President Arroyo’s trip is also expected to address concerns of Japanese automakers about the influx of imported second hand vehicles.