The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), a Philippine government’s agency mandated to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption, is serving as the lead negotiator for the Transparency and Good Regulatory Practices (GRP) chapters in the Philippines–European Union Free Trade Agreement (PH-EU FTA).
“We believe that these negotiations on Transparency and GRP will create a strong foundation for the overall PH-EU FTA and contribute positively to its successful ratification and implementation,” said Secretary Ernesto V. Perez.
EU and the Philippines resumed the FTA negotiations after being halted in 2017 due to the EU’s concerns over the governance practices of the previous administration, ARTA said. The bilateral PH-EU FTA aims to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment.
Perez said the first negotiation on the two articles of the PH-EU FTA was held in Brussels in June this year. The second round will be held in Manila in October this year also.
As the agency primarily mandated to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption, Perez said that ARTA plays a key role in representing the Philippines in transparency and GRP initiatives.
Perez expressed optimism for an upcoming agreement, stating they aim to improve trade policy openness, streamline business operations, and promote fair competition through sound regulatory practices.
Aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of a more efficient bureaucracy under Bagong Pilipinas, ARTA remains proactive in all efforts consistent with its mandate, including bilateral negotiations on free trade.
Transparency and GRP chapters
