Philippines should have preferential treatment in trade, Zubiri tells US envoy

The Philippines, being the main security ally of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, must be given preferential treatment on trade and investments.

This was intimated by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri to Ambassador Katherine Tai, US Trade Representative, who is currently in the Philippines to seek support for US trade policies under the administration of US President Joe Biden and expound on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), the economic and trade policy of the Biden leadership in the region.

The Senate president said he emphasized the need for like-minded countries who share the same values for freedom, democracy, and rule of law to strengthen their relations not only on defense and security but also on trade, investments and economy.

According to Zubiri, Tai told him that the US is back to engaging its partners on these matters under the Biden administration and that “the US will enhance its economic partnership with the Philippines to have more inclusive prosperity between the two countries.”

The lawmaker expressed his gratitude to the US official for the renewed US engagement with the Philippines on trade and economic aspects and hoped that American companies which are leaving China and other states will prioritize the Philippines in their relocation plans.

Apart from this, Zubiri said he discussed with Tai several issues including the transition to clean and green economy, digital economy, decarbonization of infrastructure, trade-facilitation, supply chain, sound labor practices, sustainable agricultural practices, and making jurisdictions more attractive to businesses and investments.

Joining the two officials was US Ambassador to the Philippines May Kay Karlson.—LDF, GMA Integrated News