The Philippines delivered a strong message of commitment to the European Union as part of efforts to retain preferential trade terms under the economic bloc's generalized system of preference plus scheme.

EU and the Philippines partnership in trade and investment was tackled during the recent convening of the EU Parliament Committee on International Trade.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual presented in the European legislature in Brussels, during this critical last month of the monitoring process for the renewal of the Philippines GSP+ preferential status, the country's willingness to work closely with the EU.

The EU has tied the continued enjoyment of trade privileges to a set of conditions related to human rights issues.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration rejected putting strings on the GSP privileges, saying that the imposition of conditions on trade relations was a case of intrusion into domestic affairs.

Tighter relations sought

Pascual highlighted EU-GSP+ support in improving bilateral relations and socio-economic development in the Philippines, as well as policies and programs of the new administration that reaffirms the country's compliance with international conventions.

The GSP+ grants the Philippines zero tariffs on 6,274 products or 66 percent of all EU tariff lines.

The preferential trade is maintained, while the country upholds its commitments under the GSP+ select 27 international conventions on human rights, labor, good governance, and environment.

"The Philippines is an attractive investment destination given its solid macroeconomic fundamentals, enabling policy environment, and young and trainable workforce. With a stable and predictable political regime, our country is well-positioned in the Indo -Pacific to become a regional hub for the manufacturing, innovation, training, and education," Pascual said.

The Trade chief recognized the EU as one of its top partners in trade and investment, attributing the EU-GSP+ as an enabling factor to attain this.