EFFORTS to eliminate trade barriers are meant to stimulate economic growth and development, but they can also be exploited by criminal syndicates. That is why we welcome the initiative of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and China's Ministry of Public Safety to strengthen their collaboration against transnational crimes.
Last November, 15 countries signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, creating the largest free-trade area in the world. It covers a third of the world's population, including the Philippines, the other members of the Association of Southeast Nations, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. They also represent $26.2 trillion of global gross domestic product.
Meeting between the Philippine National Police and the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China. PHOTO FROM THE PNP