The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines and the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights expressed hope that the country’s good standing for seven straight years in the Special 301 report will reinvigorate discussions on a possible free trade agreement with the US.
The IPOPH said the Philippines’ strong enforcement of anti-piracy laws and activities would help ensure the country’s continued enjoyment of the US preferential trade program and further bilateral dialog on a long sought free trade deal.
“The strong cooperation within the NCIPR network has made this possible. We also laud the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, which serves as vice-chair of the NCIPR, for steering the monthly meetings to ensure harmony in the implementation of existing policies. They also helped in enhancing them to be firmer and more responsive to the changing needs of intellectual property (IP) rights holders,” said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.
A bilateral FTA will provide not only an expanded market access for Philippine products but a more stable and predictable economic environment, the agency said in a statement.