Phl seeks US duty-free access anew for goods from Yolanda-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine government is studying a proposal thatwould give duty-free entry to the US for goods produced in areas hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The proposal would be contained in a proposed bill.

“I am hoping (we can have the draft bill) before the end of the month.It is still being drafted,” Philippine Ambassador to the US JoseCuisia Jr. told reporters on the sidelines of the joint membershipmeeting of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Makati Business Club and Management Association of the Philippines.

Once the draft bill is made, Cuisia said the government would present it to members of the US Congress to get support for the bill.

“We have a number of (US) legislators who have expressed their desire to support Yolanda affected areas. We have to come up with a draft bill and present it to them to get support,” he said.

Earlier, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said the government would work with a foreign consultancy firm on a draft bill that would give duty-free access for products made in areas damaged by Yolanda.

“We are proposing a minimum of seven to 10 years for the tradepreference,” he said.

The draft bill is intended to encourage firms to set up operations in the affected areas.

He said there are opportunities for those engaged in the manufacture of garments, handicraft and food products in the typhoon affected areas.

Considered to be one of the strongest typhoons, Yolanda, which hit provinces in central Philippines in November last year has killed thousands of people and left many homeless.

Earlier, the government was pushing for the Save Our Industries Act (SAVE) which seeks to give duty-free entry for Philippine-made apparel using American fabrics to the US.

The SAVE Act which was first filed in Washington in 2009, needs a new sponsor after its primary sponsor Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye passed away in 2012.

The measure is seen key to save the local garments sector amid decline in export sales and jobs after the WTO’s elimination of quota on shipments in 2005.