The Philippines is pushing for a review of the Philippines-Japan economic partnership agreement (PJEPA), highlighting lost opportunities for both sides.
“The review is long overdue. We want PJEPA to be more comprehensive and be at par with the high quality FTAs (free trade agreements) we have concluded recently,” said Allan Gepty, undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
He was referring to the recent upgrades in Asean FTAs as well as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
Gepty since PJEPA came into force in 2008, no new concessions were obtained. The agreement called for a review in 2011.
“We started negotiations, but the review was never concluded,” said Gepty.
He noted the need to review some of the provisions on some chapters like intellectual property, competition, digital trade and electronic commerce.
“There has been a lot of developments since 2008,” Gepty added.
In agriculture, a key concession that has to be improved is the tariff on bananas, other tropical fruits like fresh pineapples and coffee.
Gepty said the Philippines seeks zero tariff on bananas.
At present, bananas from the Philippines enter Japan with 18 percent duty during the cold months and 8 percent in summer.
Banana is the Philippines’ top agricultural export to Japan, with total volume between 2020 and 2023 reaching 3.4 million metric tons, based on sanitary and phytosanitary permits issued.
The Philippines is also seeking opportunities in leather goods such as the high-value products from Marikina.
Gepty said the Philippines is seeking improved market access in services especially for professionals like engineers and architects.
“We want our professionals to be able to practice and establish their presence in Japan, not just as employees,” Gepty said. Other opportunities are in retail, financial services and construction.
