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Recto floats FTA with US executives

The Philippine Star

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January 24, 2024

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has floated the potential of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States as he seeks more economic and investment opportunities with the world's biggest economy.

-  LOUISE MAUREEN SIMEON

In a statement, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Recto recently met with US officials, led by Treasury Department deputy assistant secretary for Asia Robert Kaproth, to discuss efforts that could strengthen ties and boost economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, Recto brought up the potential of having an FTA with the US and further enhancing security and military ties.

The DOF, however, did not elaborate on how the US officials responded to Recto's bringing up the topic.

US Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai said in April last year that a bilateral FTA is not part of ongoing negotiations between the two nations.

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