Industry groups urge gov't to exclude sugar from FTA talks with Chile

Industry groups want sugar to be excluded from the negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with Chile, citing lack of export interest and the presence of non-tariff measures in the South American country.

- By LOUELLA DESIDERIO

During the Tariff Commission's public consultation for the Philippines-Chile Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Philippine Sugar Millers Association (PSMA) called on the government to exclude sugar from the FTA talks.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of Sugar Producers Association (CONFED) pushed for exclusion in terms of market access discussions, but to include sugar in research and development (R&D) cooperation.