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
May –
Anti-Graft and Corruption Awareness Month
“Corruption drains the nation
and victimizes workers who build the nation.
Accountability now!”
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
May 1 – Labor Day
May 2 – World Freedom Day
May 12 – World Communication Day
May 15 – International Day of Families
May 16 – International Day of Living
Together in Peace
May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity
for Dialogue and Development
Monthly Observances:
The Month of the Ocean
Anti-Graft and Corruption Awareness Month
Volunteerism Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 2: Safe Motherhood Week
Daily Observances:
May 1: Labor Day
May 7: Health Worker’s Day
May 31: National Fisherfolks Day
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