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Brussels rejects moves to link trade with aid
Despite public rhetoric that new trade agreements with some of the world’s poorest countries are a development tool, in private the European Union is insisting on excluding aid from the negotiations.
Egypt will be ready for free trade with Europe in three years
Egypt will be ready to create free trade area with Europe in three years, announced prime minister Ahmed Nazif. The Arab country already has a tariff preference agreement with the EU, but it does not include all products traded.
Reject the Economic Partnership Agreement EU-ACP!
The member organizations of Via Campesina in Africa, in Europe and in the Caribbean consider that the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between the European Union (EU) and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP) are a new threat for the peasants and small farmers in the four regions. We ask a definitive stop in the negotiations and the opening of a period of debate and analyses on the impacts of free-trade on our national agricultures. Alternatives based on the right to food sovereignty exist.
Sacu-US to pursue scaled-back trade talks after FTA process ceases
The South African Customs Unions (Sacu) has formally accepted an offer made by the US government to progress a so-called trade and investment cooperation agreement (Tica), following the breakdown of the more ambitious free-trade agreement (FTA) talks earlier in the year.
Unequal partners
This paper by Claire Godfrey provides a wide-ranging look at the many problems with the EPAs, and investigates how these could impact on the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries’ future development.
Key issues in Pacific trade negotiations with the EU
This short summary of issues by Barry Coates of Oaxfam New Zealand focuses on the most recent negotiating documents, particularly the draft “legal text” that was prepared by Pacific negotiators after their meeting in June 2006. It aims to provide a “non-technical” overview to inform civil society of progress in negotiations.
The implications of an Economic Partnership Agreement
Swaziland will be forced to open up her market to foreign EU exports as a result of an EPA. This will have a devastating impact on local industries to the extent that they would have to adjust due to competition.
India, EU FTA talks in Dec.
India and the European Union will begin negotiations soon for an ambitious and comprehensive bilateral trade and investment agreement though it may take nearly two years for the pact to become a reality.
SA, EU Consolidate Cooperation
The European Union (EU) and South Africa have agreed to start negotiations for a comprehensive update and revision of the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA).
Ministers endorse Multilateral Fisheries Partnership Agreement
Pacific Island Countries now have a draft Multilateral Fisheries Partnership Agreement (MFPA) to negotiate with the European Union (EU) as part of the region’s Economic Partnership Agreement(EPA).
S. Korea to hold public hearing on trade deal with EU
South Korea said Wednesday it will hold a public hearing next week to discuss a possible free trade agreement the the European Union.
European lawmakers call for international force to stop killings in Gaza
Members of the European Parliament which recently returned from a fact-finding mission to Israel and Palestine insisted that the EU should review its association agreement with Israel.
Ghana, EU to sign partnership pact
Ghana and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitments to go ahead with signing Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) despite calls by the civil society for its immediate suspension.
China, EU reach new consensus on economic cooperation
China and the European Union (EU) reached eight-point consensus and signed new agreements on further developing trade relations and enhancing IPR protection in Beijing Tuesday.
FTA with EU not linked to Doha debacle
The Indian government on Wednesday said the negotiations to ink a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) was not linked to the failure of the Doha round of WTO talks.
EU envoy calls for free trade agreement with Canada
In the past, Canada had suggested a free trade agreement with the EU, but the request was turned down.
Mercosur and EU willing to compromise on trade
Mercosur and European Union delegates begin Monday a two days meeting in Rio do Janeiro with the purpose of re-launching negotiations for a free trade agreement.
EU risks Russian backlash over Georgia trade deal
The EU is considering boosting trade with Georgia in an attempt to neutralise Russia’s sanctions against its neighbour, a move that Moscow is likely to view as a direct challenge to its interests. But according to one EU trade official such a deal would have an adverse impact on the Georgian economy, leaving it open to a flood of EU products and decimating local firms.
The importance of free trade agreements
The European relations with the Arab World can be regarded as a model that the US should follow. The evidence lies in the welcome of free trade agreements between the EU and Arab countries, and in the doubts about free trade agreements with the US.