Manila aims for 'best deal' in US

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque is set to fly to the United States (US) next week, as Philippine trade and eco-nomic officials would meet with the Trump admin-istration to address the imposition of the currently paused tariffs.

- DEXTER BARRO II

Roque told reporters on Friday, April 25, that she will depart Manila for Washington, D.C., on April 29, alongside Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go.

While she cannot confirm the exact date of the meeting, Roque said it will take place before their return to Manila on May 2.

The Philippine delegation will meet with the trade gurus of the Trump administration, namely US Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

The DTI chief said the primary goal of this meeting is to “get what’s best for our country.”

“Of course, to bring down the tariffs...and to really just reiterate that we will continue a strong relationship between the US and the Philippines,” she said.