Duty Free Whisky Imports Could Ease Tuna Exports ff
14 October 2002
Philippines It would be easier to move negotiations forward on the tuna issue in the European Union (EU) if the Philippines would also open up its market for spirits, particularly scotch whisky.
Eammon Staunton, first secretary for trade and investments of the British Embassy, said the high tariff cover on imported scotch has been a kink in the EU-RP trade relations.
But Staunton was quick to stress that scotch was not a major trade issue and should not be interpreted as a possible trade off for the Philippines' wider access of its tuna exports in the EU market.
Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II said that aside from the government's aggressive lobbying including President Gloria Arroyo, tuna players themselves have launched their own lobbying efforts.
"This is a concerted effort the government is pursuing where together with the private sector are exploring all avenues - be it formal or informal - for lobbying," Roxas said.
The Us$200 million tuna industry in the Philippines directly employs 7,500 people and provides another 17,000 indirect jobs
