P-Noy, Obama to discuss Phl inclusion in TPP

MANILA, Philippines - The country’s possible participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement is expected to be part of the discussions in the visit of US President Barack Obama to the country today until Tuesday.

In a statement, the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines said its members are hopeful the discussions between the leaders of the two countries will lead to enhanced economic and security relations.

“In particular, we hope that the Philippines will be welcomed into the group of countries in the TPP at the earliest opportunity to help sustain high levels of economic growth needed for the Filipino people to enjoy better lives in future years,” the group said.

The Makati Business Club (MBC) likewise expects the TPP to be among the economic issues to be discussed.

“That’s probably something they can discuss. What are some of the reasons why we cannot go on board immediately and maybe look at how we can get in the next round of countries that will join,” MBC executive director Peter Perfecto told reporters.

The TPP, currently being negotiated by the US and 11 other Pacific countries such as Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, seeks to set high standards covering intellectual property, labor rights and environmental protection, in line with the creation of a free trade bloc which would represent more than half of global output and over 40 percent of world trade.

“We in the MBC, we’ve always said that if Japan and US, two of our largest trading partners are in the TPP, we should try to find a way to be part of it also, that will be mutually beneficial,” Perfecto said.

While some have concerns over joining the TPP citing that the agreement is all to the advantage of the US, he said the MBC is of the view that as the deal covers a group of countries, the Philippines would be in a better position to negotiate its interests.

“At the end, this government will look at whether it (TPP) will benefit us or not,” he added.

The US and Philippine officials last month started a program of technical consultations on detailed information on what the Philippine government will need to consider if it decides to join the TPP.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg said the American government welcomes the Philippines’ expression of interest to join the TPP.