RESTRICTEDWORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/C/W/168
29 November 1999
(99-5135)
Council for Trade in Goods Original:  English
PHILIPPINES' REQUEST P URSANT TO ARTICLE 5.3 ON THE AGREEMENT ON TRIMS
Written questions from the European Communities
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Question 1: Why does the Philippines ask for an exte nsion of all elements of their TRIMs?
The extension of the Foreign Exchange balancing element needs a specificjustification.  Are BOP considerati ons at the basis of this request?
Question 2: We would appreciate an explanation wh y the TRIMs are an essential element in
re-structuring the automotive sector.  If protection of the sector is needed for
some time, have other means been explored?
Question 3: Could you provide separate explanations for the requested TRIMS extension for
each of the sectors concerned, i.e. for motorcycles, commercial vehicles and cars?
Have the sectors been affected in the same way by the Asian crisis?  Are the
employment implications the same for all sectors?
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