Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced Tuesday several achievements resolving bilateral trade issues under the bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.
The two countries held a bilateral meeting on Aug. 31, 2018 in Singapore during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Economic Ministers Meeting.
Both governments agreed that that enhanced bilateral engagement on trade under Tifa should include work that yields benefits for agricultural producers, importers, exporters and consumers and intention to work together in a number of areas.
The two countries agreed to collaborate on the development of cold chain requirements and best practices in the Philippines, taking into account international guidelines and codes of practice regarding food hygiene adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
This work will build on private sector and local efforts already underway in the Philippines to improve the existing cold chain. The US also agreed to make best efforts, subject to availability of US resources, to provide technical assistance to enhance cold chain development and management in the Philippines.