Phl to push for agri, MSMEs in WTO meeting

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will push for the protection of farm products as well as advocate for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in the ongoing Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

“The Philippines’ priorities are to secure, first, a special safeguard mechanism (SSM) for agriculture and, second, outcomes that will lead to greater participation in international trade for MSMEs,” Lopez said over the weekend as he heads to the 11th Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina along with Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.??

Lopez said the Philippines places great importance on the role of MSMEs in promoting inclusive growth which is why it is among the country’s priorities in the ongoing conference.

“We need to ensure that even among MSMEs, competition needs to be fair among them and this can be facilitated by discussing the need to align the comparable definition of MSME enterprise size, so that we level the playing field as we discuss various interventions for MSMEs,” he said.?

“Now, even among similarly-sized MSMEs – support system and resources vary from country to country. And, hence, due consideration to the development level of countries should be considered,” the trade chief added.

Lopez said the challenge of including MSMEs in trade is not only important, but is also urgent.

“If we are to make globalization truly inclusive, as emphasized by President Duterte, we have to ensure MSMEs are empowered and upgraded to enable them to participate in the global value chain. Moreover, bigger economies are enjoined to provide better market access for MSMEs to maximize the potential gains from globalization. Our President wants globalization that will have only winners, where no one will be left behind,” Lopez said.

Lopez said the Philippines is seeking within the existing framework of the WTO and relevant committees appropriate arrangements such as the establishment of a working group under the General Council that will be mandated to consider how the multilateral trading system can impact and benefit MSMEs, with particular consideration to the needs and interests of developing and least-developed countries.

 On agriculture, meanwhile, Lopez said he and Piñol are supporting the agenda of the sector with respect to ensuring the SSM as well as fairness and leveling of the playing field such as rules on domestic support and export restrictions.

 Piñol earlier said the country would negotiate to achieve what is best for the Philippine agriculture as well as prioritize the protection of local farmers.

Among the issues to be raised are quantitative restriction and rice tariffication.

The Ministerial Conference, which is attended by trade ministers and other senior officials from the organization’s 164 members, is the highest decision-making body of the WTO.

Under the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO, the Ministerial Conference is to meet at least once every two years.

The Philippines has been a WTO member since 1995 and a member of the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade since 1979. – With Louise Maureen Simeon