Phl, EU to tackle labor, environment, procurement in next FTA talks

The Philippines and the European Union (EU) resumed negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) last week, with the parties considering the inclusion of labor and environmental standards, as well as government procurement in the deal.

- By LOUELLA DESIDERIO

The next round of talks are expected to be held in February next year.

Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty said in a Viber message to The STAR that FTA talks between the Philippines and the EU, which resumed in Brussels last week after being on hold since 2017, were "very positive and constructive."

There are many elements being considered in the FTA that are not usually present under our existing FTAs such as labor, environment, good governance and government procurement, he said.