The Philippines may have a hard time negotiating for a free trade agreement with the European Union, an official of the Department of Trade and Industry said Monday.
The EU Parliament, according to the official, was having doubts on forging a trade agreement with the Philippines because of several “problematic” areas and socio-civic issues.
“The EU Commission cannot schedule the third of negotiation lest they be questioned by the parliament,” the official said.
The Philippines, however, is confident that Manila and the European Union will hurdle the difficulties and sign and a long-term and mutually-beneficial trade agreement.
In a recent trade mission to the EU, the Philippines conveyed to the European Parliament’s Delegation that the Philippine economy was now on a high growth trajectory and offered positive prospects for EU investors.