Gov't to assist US probe into forced labor in PH — DTI

The Philippine government will be assisting the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) office ongoing probe into unfair trade practices, such as alleged forced labor, of 60 economies, including the Philippines.

“We take note of the ongoing Section 301 investigations recently launched by the United States against 60 economies,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said in a statement. 

“We will closely monitor and  actively participate in  the investigation to address the concerns of the United States,” Roque said.

The USTR has announced it has begun a second set of Section 301 unfair trade practices probes of 60 economies, including the Philippines, in relation to what it called failures to take action on forced labor.

“These investigations will determine whether foreign governments have taken sufficient steps to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labor and how the failure to eradicate these abhorrent practices impacts US workers and businesses," US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in a statement

The list of 60 countries and economies includes some of the US’ major trade partners and allies such as Australia, Canada, the EU, Britain, Israel, India, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. China and Russia are also on the list. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News