PH officials meet with US trade representative on investments, tariffs

Metro Manila, Philippines - A Philippine delegation in the United States met with Washington's Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Friday, May 2, to discuss the recent tariff hikes and possible investments.

High-level officials in the meet included Economic Czar Frederick Go,Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez.

“Both sides expressed optimism on the future of PH-US trade and investment relations especially in the context of economic security and fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade,” a statement from the Philippine Embassy stated.

The embassy said both sides are optimistic about Manila and Washington ties, highlighting trade and investment relations in the context of “economic security and fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade.”

It added that the two nations welcomed the “positive outcome of the discussions” and agreed that an “economically and strategically strong partnership” between the two states is vital.

US President Donald Trump earlier announced a 90-day pause on the hiked reciprocal tariffs Washington imposed on most countries on April 9. However, the blanket 10 percent duty on all its trading partners remains.