TWG formed for eased agricultural import barriers

MANILA, Philippines — A technical working group (TWG) has been formed following President Marcos’ April 18 order to remove non-tariff barriers on agricultural imports.

Non-tariff barriers are policy measures, other than customs tariffs, that restrict trade, including quotas, import licensing systems, regulations and red tape, Marcos said.

He cited constraints that increase importation costs and limit the supply of farm goods in removing non-tariff barriers.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has created the TWG in compliance with Administrative Order 20.

The group is tasked with streamlining administrative procedures and policies that would make it easier for importers to secure licenses or exempt licensed importers from submission of registration requirements.

The TWG is mandated to consult with the National Economic and Development Authority’s Committee on Tariff and Related Matters to allow the importation of certain agricultural products beyond the quantity allowed under the minimum access volume and reduce, if not remove, administrative fees pertaining to such importation.

The group is also authorized to streamline the process for the issuance of import permits for agricultural products and improve logistics, transport, distribution and storage.

Marcos appointed Agriculture Undersecretary for policy, planning and regulations Asis Perez as head of the TWG.

Tiu Laurel appointed lawyer Jomila May Fugaban as head of the TWG secretariat.

Meanwhile, the National Food Authority (NFA)’s mandate should be expanded to include other agricultural commodities, such as pork, amid the spike in the retail prices of farm products, the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) said yesterday.

In an interview with The STAR, PCAFI president Danilo Fausto said the NFA should include in its buffer stock other basic goods that can be tapped if prices increase.

“The local buffer stocks (on agricultural products) should be strengthened. It is only the government that can intervene in any price increase. The only way in lieu of price control is to release cheap products as a solution to high retail prices,” Fausto explained.

“The meaning of NFA is National