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PHL seeks ‘improved’ access for fruits exports in Korea


The Philippines wants better market access for its tropical fruits and other exports in South Korea as the country takes opportunity of the ongoing negotiations over further trade liberalization between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the East Asian country.

"The Philippines, in particular, is requesting for improved market access for our exports of tropical fruits and other products of interest to Korea," Philippine lead of ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting and Trade Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo told reporters in a press briefing in Pasay City on Saturday.

"This tropical fruits are the bananas, pineapples, and mangoes which are very important for the Philippines," the Trade official said.

Rodolfo said Trade Secretary and AEM chairman Ramon Lopez made the request during a bilateral meeting with his South Korean counterpart Kim Hyun-chong Saturday morning.

"The bilateral meeting...provided an opportunity for the Philippines to pursue its trade and market interests with Korea, in line with current efforts to further liberalization being pursued under the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area (FTA)," the Trade official said.

"Korea was receptive and will look into the Philippines’ request," he added.

The Trade official also provided updates on the 14th AEM-Republic of Korea (South Korea), wherein trade ministers noted the progress made towards the implementation of the Third Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Korea Trade in Goods Agreements (AKTIGA).

"Ministers noted the progress in the negotiations in improving market access for goods under the sensitive track currently reserved from zero tariffs and looked forward to substantive outcomes from the negotiations," Rodolfo said.

"Ministers also had constructive exchanges on the initiatives being pursued by the ASEAN-Korea Business Council, giving particular importance towards promotion of stronger collaboration between ASEAN and Korean micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs," he said.

These initiatives had the overall objective in making them active participants in the global and regional value and supply chains, the Trade official said.

"A range of other areas were identified for possible collaboration that include Information Technology (IT) in consideration of Korea’s strength in this particular area," he added. —ALG, GMA News