27-Jun-2005
Manila Bulletin
The Japanese government is considering the position of the Philippines that there should be no quota and volume limit on the entry of Filipino IT and medical professionals to Japan but rather the entry of Filipino labor to Japan be driven by demand and qualification.
25-Jun-2005
Public Broadcasting Service
Rob Portman, the new US trade representative, discusses the US trade deficit with China and the controversial Central America Free Trade Agreement.
18-May-2005
Sydney Morning Herald
Racism and left wing politicians focusing on human rights could threaten a proposed free trade deal between Australia and China, a new report says.
31-Mar-2005
Washington Post
The fundamental reality of most of the US’ trade accords is that they are designed to maximize corporate profits no matter the cost to the peoples of the signatory nations.
24-Mar-2005
Khaleej Times
Dr Khalid Mohammed Al Khazraji, UAE Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, denied reports that the country would be enacting a new labour law, stressing that the UAE Labour Law No. 8 of 1980 is undergoing several amendments. He also denied any link between the amendments under way and proposals submitted by the US delegation in the context of the US-UAE FTA negotiations.
17-Jan-2005
Khaleej Times
The United Arab Emirates and Oman must make new efforts to qualify for proposed free trade pacts with the United States, a US official said on Friday in response to objections raised by labour groups.
14-Dec-2004
GURN (135kb PDF)
This report looks at major Customs Unions, Free Trade Areas, and economic
association agreements around the world, with particular attention to any clauses
covering social issues, core labour standards and trade union participation.
7-Dec-2004
Reuters AlterNet
Japan and the Philippines on Monday clinched a broad free trade agreement (FTA) that would include letting a trickle of nurses into Japan to help cope with a shortage.