The study takes off from an earlier inquiry on the effects of HCV (home consumption value) valuation. This study is intended to assist policymakers as well as the private sector in their task of deciding whether to implement or postpone the adoption of the GATT Valuation Code (GVC) by January 1,...

From 1980-1994, the Philippine economy has been generally unstable. This paper provides measures by which the Philippine government can promote private investment in the light of its move towards market economy. Recommendations include prioritizing domestic resource mobilization and flexibility...

Reduction in tariff rates has been one of the major developments in international trade. With the forged commitments in Uruguay Round and unilateral trade liberalization/tariff reduction programs under regional trading arrangements, further tariff reduction is expected. Despite the reforms and...

Despite commitments to the WTO and the AFTA, many agricultural commodities continue to enjoy protection in the form of tariffs and quotas. Still, the sector has performed dismally relative to other countries. Using tariffs alone, corn producers possess comparative advantage under the 5 percent...

Recently, one of the most highly controversial reforms implemented in the Philippines is the trade reform program. It includes tarrification of quantitative restrictions, the simplification of tariff rates structure and the reduction in the tariff protection. This paper discusses the effects of...

Significant trade and industrial reforms have been instituted for more than a decade now. While the economy has been growing by more than 6%, there are recent indicators that cast doubts over the optimism on the reforms. In light of the recent developments, this paper discusses the impact of...

Using the principle of subsidiary and the general rule of optimal intervention, this paper reviews the current discussion in the WTO on resolving the issues of environment-related trade and trade-related environmental measures with the rules of the multilateral trading system. Economic growth,...

The fast economic integration of the world in the 1990s has brought new players, new products and new technology into the market, paving the way for intense market competition. In response to this development, the Philippines embarked on a clear-cut change in trade policy in the 1990s, via...

This study focuses on the impact of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program on the industry’s access to formal finance. The paper has the following objectives: documentation and assessment of bank’s reaction to the program, determination of differences in bank’s approach to lending to...