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DTI CHIEF: REDUCE ASEAN TRADE BARRIERS. During the ASEAN Prosperity Summit in Metro Manila, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Chair 2017 Secretary Ramon Lopez (3rd from L) recently (28 April) called for the standardization of tariff measures among ASEAN Member States that would pave the way to the reduction of trade barriers in the region. The trade chief believes that allowing a more liberal trade flow would eventually lead to prosperity in ASEAN, spurring greater competition in goods and services. Sec. Lopez was part of the Summit's panelists along Pampanga 2nd District Representative and former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (3rd from L), Senator Bam Aquino (2nd from L), Former Secretary of Department of Agriculture Dr. William Dar (leftmost) and The Royal Group (Cambodia) Senior Vice-President Rami Sharaf (rightmost). The Summit's Session 1 focused on creating an enabling environment in achieving prosperity for all and was moderated by broadcast journalist Cathy Yang (2nd from R). Wrapping the session, Sec. Lopez urged businesses to take part of the prosperity movement and include the micro, small and medium enterprises into a bigger global market.