bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

All articles


Philippines readies for free trade agreement talks with US
The Philippines Department of Trade and Industry said it will begin a study in preparation for negotiating a free trade agreement with the United States. The study is expected to be completed in September and the results would be validated through regional public consultations starting in October.
RP prepares for possible trade accord with US
Baby steps have begun in engaging the United States on a possible trade pact, the Philippines’ trade department said in a report to President Arroyo.
Assessment shows trade pact danger
A Taiwanese government report argues that increased economic integration between China, Japan and South Korea could threaten the nation
India to explore FTA with AGCC
India will explore a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and explore opportunities with individual countries in the Arab world for greater cooperation in the services sector.
Sticky situation for Japan’s rice policy
As Japan moves to sign more bilateral Free Trade Agreements, agriculture remains a sticking point with other rice producing nations such as Australia, India and China.
CAFTA approved by US House
The US House of Representatives approved the Central American Free Trade Agreement, overcoming objections by unions, sugar producers and textile makers in what became the most contentious trade fight in Congress in a decade.
Pacific nations’ threat
Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island countries are likely to be forced to drop trade barriers earlier than planned to Australia and New Zealand.
In Bush win, House narrowly approves CAFTA
The US House of Representatives narrowly approved the Central American Free Trade Agreement early Thursday, a personal triumph for President Bush.
Thai-Japan Free Trade Agreement expected by next April
Despite a few sticky issues, the leader of the Thai negotiating team reckons the Thai-Japanese Free Trade Agreement could be ready to be signed by the two leaders next April.
Australian PM holds FTA talks with United Arab Emirates
Australian Prime Minister John Howard has held talks with officials from the United Arab Emirates on another Free Trade Agreement. The UAE has the world’s 3rd largest oil reserves.
CECA and free trade agreements
A Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between India and Singapore has been signed on the 29th June in New Delhi by the Prime Ministers of two countries.
Inter-ministerial group to assess trade agreement with China
The Indian government is planning to constitute a high-level inter-ministerial group to weigh the pros and cons of having some sort of trade/economic pact with China.
President Roh wants Economic Partnership Agreement with Mexico
South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun says he prefers an economic partnership agreement over a free trade pact with Mexico. In an interview with news daily "El Sol de Mexico," President Roh said he would propose a comprehensive economic partnership when he makes an official visit to the country in September.
FTA with Singapore to benefit India: NCAER
Changing its views on India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (ISCECA), the Delhi-based think-tank National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) has said that India will be benefitted from ‘plus’ component of the free trade agreement (FTA).
Thai team coming to discuss FTA
A high-level team from Thailand is visiting New Delhi on Monday to discuss the details of the proposed India-Thailand free trade agreement with Indian officials.
Committee agrees on FTA elements
In a meeting held recently at the Ministry of Finance and Industry (MoFI) in Dubai, the Rules of Origin National Committee agreed upon various elements including the official forms that will be adopted in the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that are currently under negotiation between the UAE and other countries.
2 Minnesotans hold CAFTA cards
In a showdown that could be a defining moment in President Bush’s second term, Congress is preparing to vote this week on the proposed Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). And all eyes are on two Republican congressmen from Minnesota.
’Indonesia set for a fall in free trade era’
Indonesia will not be able to take advantage of increasing world trade liberalization because many stakeholders here are not even aware it is going on, an official says.
NLC, others want economic partnership date shifted
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the civil society have called for a shift in the commencement date of Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), from January 2008 to a more appropriate and realistic date. They said this became necessary in view of the apparent unpreparedness of Economic Community of the West African State (ECOWAS), little or lack of public awareness on EPA process and the little involvement of non-state actors.
U.S., Andean talks move forward
While the Andean trade talks drew little attention in the United States, several hundred negotiators, business advisors, lawmakers and journalists from the three Latin American countries came to Miami, a sign of just how important these negotiations are in the region.