PH, Efta states vow to improve FTA utilization rates

THE free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and European Free Trade Association (Efta) member states—Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland has been working well with no critical implementation issues since the FTA’s implementation five years ago. Both are currently enjoying preferential utilization rates of 31 percent for the Philippines and 30 percent for Efta member […]

US investments in semiconductors, electronics seen rising with IPEF 

THE Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is expected to boost US investments in the Philippine semiconductor and electronics industries, according to the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI). “The IPEF will allow for the expansion and diversification of US foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations […]

Taiwan wants visa-free travel to PH

TAIWAN’S Ambassador to the Philippines urged the national government to grant tourists from Taiwan with visa-free travel to the country as this will bolster economic and tourism activities between two nations. Currently, the Taiwanese government allows Filipinos to visit their country for 14 days as a tourist and without requiring them for a visa, said […]

Palace: Datagro to help boost Philippine sugar industry 

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has secured project commitments from Brazilian company Datagro to boost the Philippines sugar industry, the presidential palace said on Monday night.  Datagro had proposed during a meeting between its officials and the Philippine leader to start its technology transfer project on the islands of Negros and Panay, the Presidential Communications […]

Philippine-China economic ties may persist amid US presence

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza, Reporter THE PHILIPPINES under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. would probably keep close economic ties with China despite a security partnership with the United States, according to political analysts. But increasing tensions in the South China Sea and Manila’s involvement in the China-Taiwan conflict pose threats to their relationship, they […]

Marcos talks to Grab CEO on transportation upgrade

THE PHILIPPINES could generate about 500,000 jobs after getting an investment commitment from Grab Holdings, Inc., according to the presidential palace. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. met with Grab officials on Thursday to discuss the company’s recommendations on how to modernize Philippine transportation, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement. During the meeting, […]

ECCP: PHL to attract ‘billions’ after easing investment caps

THE European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) is expecting the Philippines to attract “billions” worth of investments after various industries were cleared to receive up to 100% foreign ownership. ECCP President Lars Wittig said at a launch of event in Makati City on Thursday that the group is expecting “billions of dollars” worth of […]

Journalists still in danger of being killed, harassed under Marcos gov’t, says CPJ

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter FILIPINO journalists remained at risk of getting killed and harassed under the government of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). “All four of the murders in the Philippines were of radio journalists covering local politics, highlighting the dangers faced by […]

Landbank, Israel Embassy explore partnership to boost PH development

TO FURTHER strengthen bilateral relations between the Philippines and Israel, the Land Bank of the Philippines (Landbank) and the Israel Embassy explored possible areas of collaboration to advance economic development in the country. Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss and Landbank president and chief executive officer Cecilia Borromeo in a meeting discussed Israel’s modern […]