DTI pushes for GSP renewal, FTA for stronger US ties

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is pushing to strengthen ties with the US through the renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the forging of a free trade agreement (FTA). Speaking at the Philippines-US Business Dialogue held Tuesday, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the renewal of the US GSP which expired on Dec. 31 last year is under discussion. “But we hope to strengthen our relationship beyond the GSP and graduate toward an FTA that would provide a long-term, rules- based, and predictable trade environment for our two nations,” he said. Th...