PH bats for more access to UAE services sector
The Philippines wants greater market access for its service exports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the planned free trade agreement (FTA) with the Middle Eastern country, specifically in the fields of engineering, health care, as well as in legal and tax-related services.
Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepty, who is leading the Philippine side in the negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the UAE, said this on Friday, days before the start of a three-day negotiation beginning May 6 in Dubai.
“Professional services [are] a key interest of the Philippines. We want to create more opportunities for our people,” Gepty said in a message to the Inquirer, noting that the UAE is also the Middle East’s second-largest market for professional services.
“The UAE can also offer opportunities for Filipino service suppliers in information and communications, it being a regional leader in information communication technology and one of the largest data center hubs in the region,” he added.
Aside from greater market access for these services exported by the Philippines, Gepty said they also want more stable rules on the matter. He did not elaborate on this aspect.
Also, Gepty expressed hope that negotiations will be completed within this year.
Other goods that the Philippines want included under the FTA are tropical fruits and garments as well as high-end, finished consumer goods like luxury watches, belts and other leather products. INQ
