The Department of Trade and Industry is expecting to see a considerable progress within one to two years amid the country’s attempt to seal a free trade agreement (FTA) with the US.

Trade secretary Ramon M. Lopez told reporters on Tuesday that while both sides are still conducting their own studies, it may not be far to reach deeper negotiations within two years’ time.

“Right now, it’s only exploratory but at least it’s moving, compared to last year when it wasn’t even moving. By the third year, we could be at really at an advanced stage,” he added.

As for the side of the Philippines, the DTI is currently looking into products that could be promoted further while the US is pushing for its meat exports.

This is the second bilateral trade agreement sought out by the Philippines, years after the country sealed the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.

“I won’t say [this negotiation] is [going too] fast, [but] this will be fast. It’s a big economy (US) but we want our interest to seal it within the administration,” Mr. Lopez said. — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR