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Australia

Bad blood over FTA
15-May-2006
Australia’s monopoly blood processor, CSL, has backed Red Cross calls for a ban on plasma imports and warned against opening up the nation’s supply network to overseas companies.
Treasury dismisses bilateral free trade deals in Asia
14-May-2006 ABC
Australia’s Treasury has dismissed the Australian Government’s quest for bilateral free trade deals in Asia, saying that there are no clear benefits.
Australia, Japan set to launch FTA talks
10-May-2006 AAP
Australia and Japan expect to launch negotiations on a free trade deal late this year or early in 2007, Trade Minister Mark Vaile said.
US drug company appeals PBS decision
8-May-2006 ABC
It’s just over a year since the Australia US Free Trade Agreement came into force, opening the door for US drug companies to force a review of decisions about which drugs are subsidised by the Australian Government. Now that power is being used by the US drug company Eli Lilly.
Vaile pushes for broad Chinese FTA
6-May-2006 ABC
Federal Trade Minister Mark Vaile says wheat and beef must be included in any Australian free trade agreement (FTA) with China.
Japan on verge of signing FTA
4-May-2006 The Australian
Australia is preparing to move ahead with a free-trade agreement next year with its most important trading partner, Japan, on the 50th anniversary of the ground-breaking treaty of commerce between the two countries.
Keep the FTA away from our plasma
24-Apr-2006
It has been several years since my last donation, but yesterday I did my part towards saving someone’s life.
At your service: Chinese FTA win
24-Apr-2006
Australia’s service providers - including the big banks, universities and construction and transport companies - yesterday received the strongest indication yet that they may be among the winners from the free trade agreement being negotiated with China.
China is losing its single voice
24-Apr-2006
Businesspeople naturally admire decisiveness. This is one reason why China is so widely sought by corporate Australia as a trade and investment partner.
US trade deal failing some Aussie firms
19-Apr-2006 Sydney Morning Herald
Australia’s free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States is only benefiting businesses with well-established links, Australia’s peak industry group says.
METI’s Asia-Oceania FTA pitch surprises but is predictable
18-Apr-2006 Japan Times
Trade minister Toshihiro Nikai’s announcement earlier this month that Japan plans to start talks with 15 other nations in 2008 to create an Asia-Oceania free-trade zone took many by surprise — not only experts but also those within government — sparking speculation about the ministry’s true intentions.
US biotech deal blazes Aussie trail
12-Apr-2006
At just $4million, it’s hardly the biggest biotech deal ever struck by an Australian company, but it’s an important first.
Japan proposes huge free trade zone
6-Apr-2006
Japan’s sponsorship of a vast free trade area including most of Asia, Australia and New Zealand is expected to be on the agenda when Associate Trade Minister Jim Sutton visits Tokyo later this month.
Japanese govt to propose big Asian free-trade zone
4-Apr-2006 AFX
The Japanese government plans to propose the formation of an Asian free-trade zone which could include half the world’s population and rival the EU and NAFTA, an official of the trade ministry said.
Farmers urge caution in China FTA talks
3-Apr-2006 ABC
Australian farmers are warning the Federal Government to take its time negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with China, after a push by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to accelerate talks.
China wants fast-tracked trade deal
3-Apr-2006
China wants a breakthrough on a free trade deal with Australia within two years, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao says.
KL-Canberra free trade pact talks on track
3-Apr-2006 Business Times
Negotiations are ongoing for the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with focus on tourism, education and professional services.
UAE: Address abuse of migrant workers
31-Mar-2006 HRW
The governments of the United States, the European Union, and Australia are currently negotiating free trade agreements with the UAE. Human Rights Watch called on these governments to require improvement of UAE’s labor practices and legal standards before signing such agreements.
Economic sectors split in bid to secure China FTA
30-Mar-2006 ABC
Australia is to break the link between key economic sectors, to start formal negotiations with China on a free trade agreement (FTA). The offers on goods and agriculture will start before work on services and investment.
Malaysian FTA taking shape
15-Mar-2006 WA Business News
Australia and Malaysia are working toward the implementation of a free trade agreement, the first draft of which is due for completion by the end of 2006.