The Philippines and the European Union are working to conclude bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations during the seventh round of talks, which is scheduled this coming June 29 to July 3 in Brussels and is hoped to be the final round.
Trade and Industry Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty, who leads the Philippines’ bilateral FTA negotiations, made the statement following the conclusion of the sixth round of discussions held in Manila from May 18 to 22. The EU delegation was led by Gepty’s counterpart, Dora Correia, Director General for Trade and Economic Security of the European Commission. The last negotiation focused on a range of areas including trade in goods, services, investments; government procurement; sustainable development; customs and trade facilitation; digital trade; and intellectual property.
“We are working hard and hoping this will be the last round,” Gepty said.
During the seventh round in Brussels, both parties are expected to tackle market access and other remaining provisions of the agreement.
“We are on track for the target date to conclude the negotiation by mid this year,” he added.
Gepty said the EU-PH FTA is considered one of the Philippines’ most strategically important trade partnerships.
According to Gepty, the agreement presents a transformative opportunity for the country by providing preferential access to the EU’s single market of more than 450 million consumers for Philippine goods and services. It is also expected to attract European investments into key growth sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and digital innovation.
For the European Union, the agreement would deepen its economic presence in Southeast Asia amid intensifying global competition. It is also expected to strengthen supply chain resilience and promote shared commitments on sustainable development, labor standards, and good governance.
“The Philippines stands ready to be the premier gateway for European engagement with the broader ASEAN region,” he said.
