TRADE Secretary Alfredo Pascual said on Monday that the government remained committed to boosting the Philippines' foothold in Europe through the country's free trade agreements (FTAs) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states comprising of Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland.

'This agreement facilitates increased market access, reduction of non-tariff barriers, trade and sustainable development, and protection of intellectual property rights, among others, which we see as crucial for the Philippine economy,' Pascual said.