Asean pact to benefit architects, surveyors

SINGAPORE – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations economic ministers will sign here a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) that will allow licensed architects and surveyors from the region to practice their profession in any ASEAN member country.

Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Luis Cruz said yesterday in a press briefing that the economic ministers will sign the Asean MRA on Surveying Qualifications and on Architecture Services.

Trade Secretary Peter Favila will sign the agreements in behalf of the Philippines.

With the signing of the agreements, Cruz explained that licensed architects and surveyors from ASEAN will no longer be required to take another licensure examination should they decide to work in a member-country.

“The MRAs we signed for engineers and services will be extended to other professionals-architect and surveyors. All licensed architects and surveyors from Asean countries can practice in the region. They don’t have to undergo examination,” Cruz said.

ASEAN had signed the MRA on engineers and nurses.

“We’re building a borderless community with free flow of goods and services and movement of people. These agreements are leading to liberalization even in services,” he added. – Pia Lee-Brago