Date:
May 2003
Market Access Issues are on the Washington Agenda
Washington
discussions are expected to focus on a wide
range of issues and not only the security
problem and the role of the Philippines in
Iraq's reconstruction. Trade items will also
be on the agenda.
The Philippines is pushing for duty-free market
access for its exports of dried mangoes, pineapple
juice, carrageen and tuna. With improved access
to the US market, the export of these products
to the USA is expected to grow from US$676
million recorded in 2001 to over US$ 1 billion.
According to Trade and Industry Secretary,
Manuel A. Roxas, the primary beneficiaries
from improved access to the US market will
be small and medium enterprises. The Philippines
is seeking concessions under the US GSP Program
which gives preferential and unilateral beneficial
treatment to certain products from developing
countries
The Philippines will also be seeking a waiver
of quota limits on its exports of salted fish
and fish in brine, dried guavas, mangoes and
mangosteens; preserved papaya pulp; handbags
made of abaca, twine, cordage and rope as
well as sports gloves.
The President left for the United States on
May 17 and is due to return on May 24. This
will be her third visit to America during
her presidency and her first "state visit."
Her first stop is in Los Angeles to meet the
large Filipino-American community there. She
will then spend three days in Washington.
She is due to make a visit to Korea in early
June.
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