Dangwa pushes Afta talks

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Board Member Nelson Dangwa said a focus on trade and industry will be made this year.

Dangwa, who chairs the provincial board’s Trade and Industry committee, said one of the focuses for this year will be the plight of farmers as well as the effect of the Asean Free Trade Agreement (Afta).

“There should be a close coordination with Governor Nestor Fongwan, he is most knowledgeable about it,” Dangwa added.

He said the drawing up of plans for the impending Afta implementation is in order for farmers in the province to be fully prepared for the global trading policy.

“We should have a reassessment to know how we can fair in the Afta,” Dangwa added. He said a scientific approach is needed in combating the Afta.

Dangwa said a closer coordination with the governor’s office and his committee will be seen this year, specifically to tackle the Afta.

The Afta was formed by the Asean countries in 1993 aiming to increase Asean’s competitive edge in production in the world market. It will open doors for intense competition from the ten Asean neighbors.

The Afta implementation will push vegetable farmers to make produce world class as markets will open globally for all nations.

Dangwa said the possibility of a tripartite agreement with farmers and the Provincial Government can be set into place as well as an information campaign for farmers.