'DTI chief must focus on FTAs, MSMEs'

Outgoing Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual wants the new chief of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to focus on negotiations for free trade agreements (FTA) and initiatives to support the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

- LOUELLA DESIDERIO

“What needs to be given focus are our negotiations for FTAs,” Pascual told journalists yesterday, when asked about his recommendations for the next DTI chief.

Pascual said there are ongoing negotiations for FTAs with the European Union and United Arab Emirates, while the FTA with South Korea is in the process of being ratified.

He said there is a review of the existing Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and there are plans to start talks for FTAs with other countries like Canada.

“My marching order to our International Trade Group was to already start working on identifying a country in Latin America where we can initiate FTA and a country in Africa. We have lined up a short list,” Pascual said.

Aside from FTAs, he also recommends continuing initiatives for MSMEs like shared service facilities to help expand their product range.

Pascual, who is returning to the private sector, said he is leaving the DTI with a pipeline of investments.