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EU reaches initial free trade deal with Philippines in pivot to Asia
The pact would remove tariffs on most goods and expand rules on digital trade, procurement, intellectual property and clean technology.
On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos agreed on a free-trade deal, marking a significant step forward in negotiations.
The Philippines is only the third Association of Southeast Asian Nations member country to conclude a bilateral free trade deal with the European Union, after Singapore and Vietnam.
Both sides aim to deepen trade and investment ties, offering fair rules and predictability for businesses, farmers, and manufacturers amid global economic volatility.
Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic instructed negotiators to finalize the agreement as soon as possible, targeting formal conclusion in the coming months.
The European Chamber welcomed the deal as a "historic first" for economic relations, with President Diana Edralin noting the framework establishes a predictable foundation for future global investment.