EU: Philippines improving in implementation of int'l conventions

MANILA, Philippines - The European Commission said on Thursday that the Philippines is making good progress on implementing 27 international conventions on human rights, labor rights, environment and governance.

The commission adopted its first Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) monitoring report to the European Parliament and the Council and assessed the Philippines's implementation of the conventions.

A statement from the European Union (EU) said that preferential imports to EU amount to over €50 billion in 2015 and the Philippines is increasing its share after its successful application of GSP preferential treatment in December 2014.

"GSP+ is offering the Philippines enormous export opportunities. Whereas Philippines's exports to most countries have gone down in 2015, Philippines's exports to the EU grew by over 19 percent in the months January to September 2015 compared to the same period in 2014," Head of EU Delegation Franz Jessen said.

Exports of the Philippines to EU under GSP increased by 27 percent from EUR 584 million to EUR 743 million in the first half of 2015.

The largest increases included animal products (157 percent), fish and related products (41 percent), cereals, flour, nuts, etc. (46 percent), prepared foodstuffs (72 percent), chemicals (42 percent), plastics (46 percent), wood and wood charcoal (199 percent) and footwear (230 percent).

The report assesses implementations and dialogue on 27 international conventions, the EU said.

The report noted that the Philippines has strengthened its human rights legal framework since 2010 as enforced disappearances substantially declined.

The current administration has also made progress on labor rights, including improvement of awareness and implementation of labor and employment policies.

The GSP has assisted developing countries in their efforts to reduce poverty, promote good governance and sustainable development.

It provides preferential access to the EU market and helps developing countries to generate additional revenue through international trade. -  Patricia Lourdes Viray