Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (left), United States Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai (right), and other Filipino and American officials during a meeting where they discussed a wide range of issues that include the transition to a clean and green economy, digital economy, decarbonization of infrastructure, trade facilitation, supply chain, sound labor practices, sustainable agricultural practices, and making jurisdictions more attractive to businesses and investments. Contributed photo
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has met with Ambassador Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative, who is in the country to drum up support for US trade policies under the Biden administration and expound on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
IPEF is the economic and trade policy of the Biden administration in the Indo-Pacific region.
The two leaders discussed various issues, including the transition to a clean and green economy, digital economy, decarbonization of infrastructure, trade facilitation, supply chain, sound labor practices, sustainable agricultural practices, and making jurisdictions more attractive to businesses and investments.
READ: US trade chief to visit Philippines next week
Zubiri stressed the need for like-minded countries who share the same values on freedom, democracy, and the rule of law to strengthen their partnerships on defense and security matters and, more importantly, on trade, investments, and the economy.
United States Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri pose for a photo after a meeting where they discussed a wide range of issues that include the transition to a clean and green economy, digital economy, decarbonization of infrastructure, trade facilitation, supply chain, sound labor practices, sustainable agricultural practices, and making jurisdictions more attractive to businesses and investments. Contributed photo
He further emphasized that the Philippines, being the United States’ main security ally in the region, should be given preferential treatment on trade and investments.
To which the US Trade chief replied that the United States, under the Biden administration, is back to engaging its partners on these matters.
READ: Stronger momentum in US-PH ties in 2023
Tai likewise said that “the US will enhance its economic partnership with the Philippines to have more inclusive prosperity between the two countries.”
Zubiri then thanked Tai for this renewed US engagement with the Philippines on trade and economic fronts.
He expressed hopes that United States companies leaving China and elsewhere should prioritize the Philippines to relocate their businesses.
United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Karlson also joined the meeting.
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