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European treaty may revive debate over power to conclude investment agreements
2-Nov-2007 ITN
The debate over who in the European Union holds the legal authority to conclude international investment agreements with non-European countries — the European Community or individual Member States — is set to intensify as the EU Reform Treaty throws dust into an already hazy situation.
Central Africa steps back from signing EPA, asks EU for preference extension
1-Nov-2007 ICTSD
Prospects for an Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and eight Central African countries became even more uncertain on 29 October, when Central African ministers pulled back from signing a deal, saying too much work still needed to be done in terms of negotiating specific trade concessions and related development aid.
Malaysia: Keep Myanmar politics out of ASEAN-EU free trade talks
31-Oct-2007 IHT
Myanmar’s political crisis should not be used an excuse to hold up a proposed free trade pact between Europe and Southeast Asian nations, Malaysia’s trade minister has said.
Commerce ministry backs Asean-EU trade talks
31-Oct-2007 Bangkok Post
Thailand will be able to export more boiled chicken to EU, Siripol Yodmuangcharoen, permanent secretary for Commerce, said.
Farmers deserve a fair hearing
30-Oct-2007 East African
We should not be surprised at the Kenyan state’s almost complete lack of understanding of the concerns raised in a suit filed last week by the Kenya Small Scale Farmers Forum, with the support of the Kenya Human Rights Commission, to block any trade agreement between Kenya and the EU.
East Africa: Ministers move to protect industries from threats of EPAs
30-Oct-2007 AllAfrica.com
East African trade ministers have thrown a new spanner in the works as the countdown to the December 31, 2007 deadline for signing a new trade partnership deal with the industrialized EU states narrows to less than 60 days. The ministers held a secret meeting in Nairobi away from the full glare of anti-globolisation activists and agreed to sign the contentious Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) only if an amendment ensuring that the region’s taxation regime remained intact.
EPAs will destroy African economies — German NGOs
29-Oct-2007
The economic partnership agreements (EPAs), proposed by the European Union (EU) to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, constitute a "neo-colonial instrument" which will destroy the economic and social basis in African states, according to some German non-governmental organisations.
It’s GSP Plus after December... after EU failed to push EPA’s through
29-Oct-2007 The Statesman
West Africa wants the EPA with the European Union to come into force on 1st January 2011 instead of January 2008 provided under the Cotonou partnership agreement. But what trading regime will apply after the expiration of the current trading system in December this year?
Kenya: Manufacturers join trade case
28-Oct-2007 AllAfrica.com
The stage is set for a battle pitting small-scale farmers against manufacturers and exporters of fresh produce. On Friday, the Kenya Association of Manufacturers and Kenya Fresh Produce Exporters Association applied and were included in the case as interested parties to support the Government against the farmers and the Kenya Human Rights Commission.
Ecuador exporters warn increased duties could derail FTA
27-Oct-2007 Dow Jones
Ecuador’s Federation of Exporters warned Friday that the country’s recent increases in import duties will negatively affect negotiations on a free trade agreement between Andean countries and the European Union.
EU negotiations launch, so does opposition
25-Oct-2007 Tico Times
As negotiations between the European Union and Central America over an association agreement kicked off this week, so did something else: opposition.
Legal obstacles emerge over free trade deal with Europe
25-Oct-2007 Business Daily Africa
A landmark case has entered the Kenyan corridors of justice as a group of farmers and a human rights watchdog move to challenge the State over ongoing negotiations for a new trade agreement with Europe.
EU tries to establish Mediterranean free trade zone, meets fierce opposition
25-Oct-2007 AC
Friends of the Earth MedNet has lodged a fierce protest against European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson for his part in attempting to establish a free trade zone encompassing the countries around the Mediterranean, including non-EU member countries.
European Commission presents roadmap for negotiating trade agreements with ACP countries
24-Oct-2007 DG Trade
For the European Commission, the end of 2007 represents a firm deadline for negotiating the goods market access element of the Economic Partnership Agreements
NGOs accuse miffed Mandy of neo-imperialism
24-Oct-2007 Guardian
Peter Mandelson is feeling misunderstood. As EU trade commissioner, he stands accused of being a neo-colonialist trying to railroad through Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries within the next few weeks.
France backs Morocco push for closer EU ties
24-Oct-2007 Reuters
Sarkozy said he hoped Morocco would play a "leading role" in a Mediterranean Union.
India heading towards free trade agreement with EU
24-Oct-2007 Kahbrein Info
"This (FTA) will be one of the easier agreements to conclude," India’s commerce minister Kamal Nath said. But European NGOs’ recent campaigns against Indian industries, accusing them of violating human rights and labour laws, are not helping.
India for greater trade ties with Finland
23-Oct-2007 The Statesman
Even as India works towards an India-European Union economic partnership agreement, bilateral relations with Finland need to be strengthened with greater contact between the people of the two countries, the Union commerce and trade minister, Mr Kamal Nath said.
Central America’s poor and the environment will be hit by free trade with the EU
23-Oct-2007
Non-governmental organisations have criticised the EU for its aggressive position in the bi-regional trade and political negotiations with Central America on the day the first official round of negotiations between the European Union and Central American countries begins in San José
EU, Mediterranean nations renew commitment to establish free trade zone by 2010
22-Oct-2007 People’s Daily
Trade ministers of the European Union (EU) and the southern Mediterranean countries on Sunday renewed their commitment to establish a free trade area in the region by 2010 and to enhance bilateral ties.