MANILA, Philippines – Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap said yesterday that the Philippines well do well to delay by five years the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) which is scheduled for implementation next year.
In an interview with newsmen, Yap said a five-year delay “may be… good… because of the recession.”
Yap pointed out that there are so many “instabilities” that make it difficult to project commodity prices and even farm inputs such as fertilizers.
He also noted that uncertainties continue to affect the global economic recovery with “the stimulus and rescue packages not even determined.”
Furthermore, Yap observed that “the West… Japan and China have not shown any signs of recovery at all.”
Thus “this is not the time to go head on and destabilize the system by unbridled trade flows,” he added.
Yap pointed out that Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila, has made representations to other ASEAN countries for the temporary suspension of the full implementation of AFTA by 2010.
“Secretary Favila has already said that he will make representations.We will await the results of that. We’re waiting for a suspension of the full implementation because of the recession and Sec Favila has already agreed to that. That is also my position.” –Marianne v. Go, Philippine Star
20 February –
WORLD DAY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE
“Every day, give everyone their due.
Every day should be Social Justice Day!
The only way”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
February Observances
1-7 Feb: World Interfaith Harmony Week
01 Feb: World Wetlands Day
02 Feb: International Day of Human Fraternity
04 Feb: International Day of Zero Tolerance
for Female Genital Mutilation
11 Feb: International Day of Women and Girls
in Science
20 Feb: World Day of Social Justice
Monthly Observances:
National Health Insurance Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: National Awareness Week
for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
and Exploitation
Week 3: Public Administration Week
Daily Observances:
Feb 1 Constitution Day
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