The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations’ Technical Working Group (TWG) continue to hold meetings to discuss the positions of relevant public and private agencies and organizations on the ratification Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement.

 

Government led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been urging the Senate for the ratification of RCEP stressing its importance as far as economic advancements are concerned.

 

Agriculture stakeholders from the private sector however are concerned at the possible detrimental impact of the agreement to the country’s agriculture industry.  Alyansa Agrikultura, Agri-Fisheries Alliance, and United Broiler Raisers Association said they are apprehensive on the RCEP ratification, citing the lack of consultations with the agricultural sector.  They cited the lack of tariff protection and absence of transitional safeguards.  They recommended the strengthening of consultations with the private sector to identify key measures and ensure that the country is ready and capacitated before RCEP is implemented.

 

RCEP is a free trade agreement among countries comprising the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members plus Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.  Last December 2022, Committee of Foreign Relations Chair, Senator Imee Marcos called for the establishment of the Technical Working Group to produce a report on the ratification of RCEP. ---  Avery Del Mundo