JPEPA benefits now being felt by RP, Japan

MANILA, Philippines – The Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) is starting to render wide-ranging benefits to both countries as seen in the 24-percent increase in Philippine banana export to Japan due to tariff reduction and the dispatch of more than 300 Filipino candidates for nurses and caregivers to Japan this year, according to Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura.

During Japan’s National Day Reception on Tuesday celebrating the 76th birthday of the Emperor of Japan and the 20th anniversary of his accession to the throne, Katsura emphasized in his speech that Japan, as one of the major partners of the Philippines in trade and investment as well as its largest official development assistance (ODA) donor, would continue assisting the Philippines’ nation building efforts as its strategic partner, in view of the entry into force of the JPEPA in December 2008.

“On trade and investment, the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement or JPEPA entered into force just a year ago, and started offering wide-ranging benefits to the peoples of both countries,” Katsura said.

He noted Japan had been and would continue to support the Philippines’ reconstruction efforts specially in the aftermath of the recent typhoons.

On the peace-building efforts in Mindanao, Katsura, while expressing Japan’s commitment to contributing to the peace and stability in the region, said Japan welcomed the resumption of official peace talks in the Mindanao peace process.

“As for the peace-building efforts in Mindanao, needless to say, we have no intention whatsoever to interfere in the Philippines’ domestic affairs, but upon request, we will continue to assist the Philippines’ efforts for peace-building as its strategic partner,” Katsura said.

The government of Japan has been providing extensive assistance in the conflict affected areas for construction of schools, vocational centers and water supply systems to make the local people feel “peace dividends” or feel that peace is better than fighting each other.

A Japanese development expert was deployed in Cotabato as member of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) for the last three years. Another expert was deployed by Japan last year before the IMT was temporarily suspended.

The Philippine government, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Malaysian government as facilitator requested Japan to participate in the International Contact Group (ICG) which is expected to give advice to the parties concerned and to participate in peace talks as observers.

“We strongly expect that the parties concerned will continue sincere discussions making use of peace process frameworks and reach the final agreement for peace in Mindanao at an early date,” he added.

The diplomat expressed his strong hope that in the Maguindanao province justice would be done in relation to the massacre and normalcy would return as quickly as possible. –Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star)