The government is preparing steps to keep the country business-friendly even as it deals with the 20 percent tariff the United States will soon charge on Philippine products.

Secretary Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, said the economic team and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will continue to advance key economic reforms.

This is “to sustain a competitive and investor-friendly business environment,” Go said in a Malacañang press briefing.

The government will also “seek to build more trade partnerships with other countries worldwide,” Go said, aiming to create broader market opportunities for Philippine businesses.

Go said these initiatives are apart from talks that he, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, and DTI Undersecretaries Ceferino Rodolfo and Allan Gepty will undertake with officials of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative next week.

“We remain committed to continuing negotiations with the United States in good faith to pursue a bilateral comprehensive economic agreement or, if possible, an FTA (free trade agreement),” Go said.

Go said the government is determined to maintain a constructive and productive engagement with the U.S. even as Washington imposed a 20 percent tariff on all Philippine goods entering the U.S. market starting August 1. | PND