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South America trade zone faces challenges
15-Feb-2006 AP
Mercosur is becoming more of a political body than a free-trade advocacy group.
EU eyes free trade zone in Balkans
15-Feb-2006 SE Times
The European Commission has proposed replacing the existing web of bilateral trade agreements in the Balkans with a regional free trade agreement — a move it says would boost economic prospects. However, the idea has met with opposition in Croatia.
Japan, GCC to hold pre-FTA talks
15-Feb-2006 Japan Times
Japan and the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council will hold preliminary talks on a free-trade agreement in late May, government sources said Tuesday.
Uribe heads to US to salvage free trade negotiations
15-Feb-2006 FT
Alvaro Uribe, Colombia’s president, is expected to roll up his shirt sleeves in Washington on Wednesday on a high-stakes mission to personally salvage stalled but crucial free trade negotiations with the US.
Govt opens FTA dialogue
14-Feb-2006
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak asked academics to keep an open mind on the proposed Thai-US Free Trade Area agreement, saying that the FTA would benefit the two countries equally.
Pakistan, Bangladesh sign 4 memoranda
14-Feb-2006
Pakistan and Bangladesh signed four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on trade, standardisation and quality control, agriculture and tourism on Monday.
Malaysia: FTAs with Pakistan, Australia & NZ to be completed this year
14-Feb-2006 Bernama
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) initiatives with Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand are expected to be completed this year, Malaysia’s International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said Tuesday. She also said that FTA negotiations with the US and India would also begin this year, followed by the launch of a joint feasibility study for a possible FTA between Malaysia and Chile.
US sorghum sold to Morocco for the first time in six years
14-Feb-2006 US Grains Council
US sorghum has been sold to Morocco for the first time in six years, a testament that the US-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is working.
EPAs remain roadmap for Africa’s development - EU
14-Feb-2006 Public Agenda
The European Union is still insisting that the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) whose implementation it is currently negotiating with four sub-regional groupings in Sub-Saharan Africa remain the only option for Africa’s development.
UAE debate on benefits of FTA rekindled
14-Feb-2006 Middle East Times
After almost two years, negotiations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States over a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are nearing an end, with the two sides expected to close a deal within a few months. But the debate over the effect of the agreement on the UAE’s economy has recently been reignited.
Trade agreements key strategy for Singapore
14-Feb-2006 Asia Times
Singapore’s attitude toward free-trade agreements makes a sharp contrast with other countries in the region, such as Thailand: where Thailand has seen controversy over its proposed FTA with the United States, Singapore only seems to become more eager with time when it comes to inking FTAs with the rest of the world.
Congresistas colombianos crean grupo opuesto al TLC
14-Feb-2006 Prensa Latina
Liderados por los opositores partidos Polo Democrático y un sector del Liberal, varios congresistas colombianos crearon hoy un grupo parlamentario opuesto al Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) con Estados Unidos.
Bilateral FTA to be finalised by Sept
14-Feb-2006 Daily Star
Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to finalise bilateral free trade area (FTA) agreement within the shortest possible time, by September at the latest, to create scope for easy access of Bangladeshi products to Pakistani market as a measure for reducing the existing trade gap.
Colombia, US resume FTA talks
13-Feb-2006 Prensa Latina
Colombia and the US have set up the 14th negotiation round of the Free Trade Agreement Monday in Washington, with President Alvaro Uribe heading the talks for Colombia.
EU, Central America to decide on talks
13-Feb-2006 Associated Press
The European Union and Central American officials will decide whether to launch free trade talks in May, officials said Monday.
Korea wants rice out of FTA
13-Feb-2006 Korea Times
Improving the quality of locally grown agricultural products will be a key government goal this year as more imports are expected to be sold on the South Korean market, the country’s agriculture minister said Monday.
Free trade agreements: The quiet economic track of US Middle East policy
13-Feb-2006 Washington Institute
Since the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Bush administration has placed democratization and reform in the Middle East at the top of its agenda. While press reports have focused on political developments, another key component to the American strategy entails encouraging economic growth, modernization, and liberalization throughout the region.
Japan, Chile to hold 1st formal FTA talks on Feb. 23-24
13-Feb-2006 TMCnet
Japan and Chile will hold their first official negotiations aimed at sealing a bilateral free trade agreement on Feb. 23-24 in Tokyo.
Free trade fuels drug smuggling
13-Feb-2006 Houston Chronicle
US drug agents say that free trade with Mexico has had an ugly and unintended consequence: Just as legitimate business people have flocked to Nuevo Laredo, so have criminals.
Aid issue hinders progress in Africa, EU trade talks
13-Feb-2006 ANDnetwork
According to officials, dispute over whether Europe should provide aid to help African states prepare for increased competition ahead of a new trade regime, is hindering progress in talks between the two blocs.