RP to extend preferential tariff to 4 Asean countries

The Philippines is set to finalize a list of products from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLVM) which will be extended preferential tariff treatment in line with the ASEAN General System of Preferences scheme or also known as the ASEAN Integration System of Preferences (AISP).

However, even as the Philippines finalizes it ASEAN GSP list, it is urging other ASEAN members to implement their respective commitments to reduce their tariff barriers as scheduled.

Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II said the Philippines has received product request lists from Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Vietnam’s request list has 141 tariff lines including rice and sugar while Myanmar’s list has 504 items including potatoes and onions, and Cambodia’s list has 99 tariff lines including rice and maize.

Public hearings were conducted last August to discuss what products from the three countries will be included in the list under the AISP program.

The final list of products will be determined after assessing the various positions submitted by local industries to the Tariff Commission.

Under the AISP, the original members of the ASEAN – Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore – would unilaterally extend tariff preferences to ASEAN’s new members, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam based on a list of products of export interest to them.

The ASEAN economic ministers agreed that AISP would be implemented on a bilateral basis.

The Philippines imports about $105.74-million worth of products from Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos.

The AISP scheme is subject to annual review by each preference-giving country.

Additional products requested by CMLV for AISP preference should be submitted by June 1 each year so that these can be considered for the following year.