RP, Japan to seal free trade accord

RP, Japan to seal free trade accord

MANILA: Manila and Tokyo are to sign a free trade accord this year which will allow more Philippines nurses and caregivers access to Japan, the Japanese ambassador here said.

"We have agreed on many points and now we are going through the details," ambassador Ryu Yamazaki said late on Tuesday. The mission released a transcript on Wednesday.

He said both sides were in continuous talks to complete the "technical work" before the agreement is sealed.

The planned free trade accord would affect mainly industrial and agricultural products but would also include services as well as proposals to allow more Filipino nurses and caregivers to work in Japan to minister to its aging population. -- AFP