PHL, China discuss ‘special treatment’ of rice in WTO

Amid their standoff at Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, the Philippines and China have agreed to pursue talks on special treatment of rice, an agreement between exporting and importing countries in the Wolrd Trade Organization (WTO). The Department of Foreign Affairs said National Food Authority head Angelito Banayo led a Philippine delegation that met with Chinese Ministry of Commerce officials last April 26. “China indicated understanding of the Philippines’ position in food security and competitiveness of its rice farmers. The Philippines took note of China’s desire for an increase in market access,” the DFA said. Both countries agreed to hold further bilateral talks on the issue, it added. Leading the Chinese delegation at the meeting in Beijing was Assistant Commerce Minister Yu Jian Hua. The DFA said the two sides discussed an arrangement as between exporting and importing countries in the WTO. “The Philippines and China have agreed to pursue these talks in the spirit of mutual respect and understanding and observance of fair and equitable principles in accordance with existing multilateral agreements in the WTO,” it said. — LBG, GMA News