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Key issues in Pacific trade negotiations with the EU
21-Nov-2006 Oxfam New Zealand
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
21-Nov-2006 Swazi Observer
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.
17-Nov-2006 The Hindu
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.
Draft EU-Caribbean EPA - IPR non-paper (Nov 2006)
17-Nov-2006 IP Watch
SA, EU Consolidate Cooperation
16-Nov-2006 AllAfrica.com
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
15-Nov-2006 Fiji Village
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
15-Nov-2006 Yonhap
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
12-Nov-2006 IRNA
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
9-Nov-2006 Graphic Ghana
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
9-Nov-2006 Xinhua
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
9-Nov-2006 Financial Express
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
9-Nov-2006 Embassy Magazine
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
6-Nov-2006 MercoPress
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
3-Nov-2006 European Voice
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
3-Nov-2006 Al-Hayat
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.
South Korea seeks free trade talks with EU, China next year: president
3-Nov-2006 Channel News Asia
South Korea wants to open free trade talks with the European Union and China as soon as next year, President Roh Moo-Hyun said.
Multiple problems in EPAs highlighted at workshop
31-Oct-2006 TWN
The absence of development content and the severe effects of rapid trade liberalization were among key problems highlighted by policymakers and NGO participants at a workshop held here on the Economic Partnership Agreements between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group.
EU hails Balkan free trade deal as milestone
31-Oct-2006 IWPR
The drive to create a free trade area in the Western Balkans ended more or less successfully on October 20, after negotiations closed on extending the Central European Free Trade Area, CEFTA. Trade integration is nothing new for the Western Balkans, where countries have signed at least 32 bilateral agreements freeing the movement of goods and services. “CEFTA will turn the spaghetti bowl into a lasagne,” said an EC official.
Europe should study Syria incentives - lawmakers
28-Oct-2006 Reuters
The European Parliament has reaffirmed that Syria must respect democratic values and human rights before the Council of 25 EU member states could approve the EU-Syria Association Agreement that has been on ice for two years.
Pacific ACP united against pressure
24-Oct-2006 Fiji Times
Papua New Guinea prime minister Sir Michael Somare said that after much negotiation, the European Commission had conceded that not all Pacific ACPs would need to sign up to a single, comprehensive EPA.