(Photo courtesy of PNA)
Senators Erwin Tulfo and Francis Pangilinan are pushing for the removal of Japanese import tariffs on Philippine-made heated tobacco products (HTPs), fruits and other agricultural commodities to expand market access and strengthen trade relations between Manila and Tokyo.
In a statement Thursday, Tulfo said the proposal was presented during a Philippine Senate delegation’s parliamentary visit to Japan, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
“With the emergence of new products from the Philippine tobacco industry and the increasing demand for them in Japan, we are respectfully asking the Japanese government to consider our proposal to exempt Philippine-made HTPs from tariffs,” Tulfo said.
HTPs use electronic devices to heat processed tobacco and produce an aerosol without burning it like conventional cigarettes.
Tulfo, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said eliminating tariffs could make Philippine-manufactured tobacco products more competitive in Japan, particularly against similar imports from the European Union.
He said the proposal also aims to create more export opportunities for Filipino farmers and manufacturers under the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA).
Signed in September 2006 and implemented in December 2008, the PJEPA provides for the reduction or elimination of tariffs on various products traded between the two countries.
Tulfo said the agreement should be updated to accommodate emerging products and provide greater market access for Philippine agricultural exports.
“This will not only ensure a steady supply to our Asian neighbors but will also strengthen the Philippine manufacturing, agriculture, and export industries, ultimately boosting the country’s economy and generate jobs,” he said.
The proposal was discussed during meetings between the Philippine delegation, led by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, and senior Japanese government and parliamentary officials.
Among the Japanese officials involved in the engagements were Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, House of Councillors President Masakazu Sekiguchi and House of Representatives Speaker Eisuke Mori.
The Philippine delegation also includes Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senators Manuel Lapid, Raffy Tulfo, Joseph Victor Ejercito and Pangilinan.
The parliamentary visit includes discussions with the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Japan-ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Exchange Group and Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League.
The engagements are part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and parliamentary relations.
The visit follows the September 16 meeting between Philippine senators and a Japanese parliamentary delegation led by House of Councillors Vice President Tetsuro Fukuyama at the Senate in Pasay City.
The proposed tariff exemptions remain subject to consideration by the Japanese government and applicable trade negotiations.
