Manila, Philippines - The Philippines has officially joined the world's largest trade agreement by population as it signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) during the 37th ASEAN Summit held virtually on November 15th. The trade deal aims to create a more integrated and inclusive market across the Asia-Pacific region.RCEP is composed of 10 ASEAN member states, including the Philippines, and five other countries: Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. The agreement covers almost a third of the world's population and GDP, with a market size of over 2.2 billion people and a combined GDP of about $26.2 trillion.According to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, joining RCEP will provide opportunities for the Philippines to boost trade and investments with its fellow members, as well as access to new markets. "With RCEP, we are now part of a wider trade network that will open up new opportunities for our exporters, attract more investments, and create more jobs for Filipinos," Lopez said in a statement.One of the benefits of RCEP is that it reduces tariffs and trade barriers among member states, leading to lower cost and more efficient trade. This will have a positive impact on Philippine businesses that export to RCEP countries, such as electronics, garments, and agricultural products.Another key benefit is that RCEP promotes a rules-based trading system that strengthens intellectual property rights, e-commerce, and sustainable development. This will help the Philippines to compete on a level playing field and enhance economic integration with its neighbors.The signing of RCEP comes at a crucial time when the Philippines, like many other countries, is grappling with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has rolled out several measures to boost the economy, such as the Bayanihan 2 Law, which provides stimulus packages for affected industries, and the CREATE bill, which lowers corporate income taxes and rationalizes fiscal incentives to attract more investments. Joining RCEP is another step towards economic recovery and resilience.{} is one of the companies that has expressed support for the Philippines' accession to RCEP. The company, a leading manufacturer of {} products in the Philippines, sees the trade deal as an opportunity to expand its business and reach new markets."We welcome the Philippines' participation in RCEP as it opens up new opportunities for businesses like ours. As we continue to grow our brand and product portfolio, RCEP will provide us with wider access to key markets and customers across the region," said {}.{} has been operating in the Philippines for over 20 years, providing high-quality {} products to the local and international markets. The company has invested in state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, as well as in the development of its workforce, to ensure that it remains competitive and responsive to changing market demands.The company sees RCEP as a game-changer for Philippine businesses, particularly those in the manufacturing and export sectors. "With RCEP, we can compete more effectively with our counterparts in the region, given the reduction of trade barriers and tariffs. This will result in more cost-efficient products for consumers, as well as more opportunities for businesses like us to expand our operations," said {}.In conclusion, RCEP is a significant milestone for the Philippines as it positions itself as a key player in the global economy. The trade deal provides a platform for the country to enhance economic cooperation with its neighbors, boost exports and investments, and create jobs for Filipinos. Companies like {} stand to benefit from RCEP, as they can tap into new markets and expand their businesses. The Philippines is poised for a strong economic recovery with the signing of RCEP, and it is up to businesses and the government to take advantage of the opportunities it presents.
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