Philippines wants to join CPTPP
(VOVWORLD) -The Philippines has formally expressed its interest to be part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) with the goal of building new relationships with countries outside its existing free trade agreements.
 The CPTPP was signed in Chile on March 8, 2018. (photo: AFP / VNA) |
Ramon Lopez, Secretary of Trade and Industry, sent a signed letter of intent to New Zealand, the depositary nation of the trade bloc.
The CPTPP took effect from 2018, involving 11 member countries. In addition to the Philippines, some other countries such as China and Thailand have also expressed interest in the CPTPP.
Last February, the UK made an official request to join the CPTPP as well.