Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo recently said that, it is the last chance for getting the reintroduced Save Our Industries bill passed in the US Congress within this year, as Presidential elections are due in the United States, next year.
If not passed this year, there are very few chances of getting the trade bill passed next year, owing to the Presidential elections, the official said.
The bill seeks to earn preferential duty-free treatment for the Philippine made garments in the US, if they are manufactured using US fabrics. Also, it seeks lower duty imposition on apparels produced from US-made yarns.
Besides, the bill is even aimed at earning preferential treatment for a selected range of Philippine exports of "cut and sew" textile items, which for the reason of not being manufactured in the US are considered to be non-sensitive.
The Senate version of the bill was filed by the Sen John Ensign, whereas the original supporter John McDermott reintroduced the bill before the House of Representatives, the Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio said.
However, he stated that there are fifty-fifty chances for the passage of the bill, as support of more co-sponsors is required for the purpose.
Representatives McDermott and Brian P. Bilbray introduced the original SAVE bill in June 2009, with the support of 10 sponsors, but could not get it passed in the 111th US Congress. Senators Kit Bond and Daniel Inouye filed the companion bill in the Senate.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India
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