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Kenya, Sudan to sign trade pact
Kenya and Sudan are set to sign a bilateral trade agreement that may open up the vast Sudanese market to Kenyan entrepreneurs.
Cabinet may approve new trade accord with Indonesia today
The federal cabinet is expected to accord ex-post fecto approval to the signing of Framework Agreement between Pakistan and Indonesia on Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CEP) and its ratification on Thursday.
Uruguay rejects President’s plea to halt pulp mills
Under an investment treaty signed by Uruguay and Finland in 2002, Uruguay would have to pay heavy damages if it ordered the suspension of work on the Botnia factory.
China, Australia hold fourth round of FTA talks
Due to structural differences between the two economies, the talks will focus on agriculture, service and Australia-interested investment.
’Korea-US FTA talks face bumpy road’
Seoul is unlikely to meet its timetable to strike a free trade agreement (FTA) deal with Washington by June next year due to a number of roadblocks that lie ahead, said an expert on South Korea.
UAE to invest in US but port row may spook others
Opposition in the United States to a UAE firm taking over US ports will not deter the Arab state from more investments there, but could make other countries divert funds to Asia and Europe, the UAE’s economy minister said on Wednesday.
Thailand suspends US free trade talks due to poll
Thailand has suspended free trade talks with the United States and delayed signing a deal with Japan until after an April 2 election called by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, officials said on Wednesday.
Signing of BIT with US put off
The signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between Pakistan and the US, expected on the eve of visit of President Bush this weekend in Islamabad, has apparently been put off again as businessmen give no indication of firm answers from the US on objections raised by Pakistan on certain clauses.
Made in North Korea - or is it?
The issue of how much the North Korean workers are paid is, as one manager puts it, "a delicate question" as South Korea negotiates with the United States for a free trade agreement.
No to free trade with US
Trade experts say the United States is demanding far deeper market access than South Africa is willing to give, particularly in the area of services that are covered by regulatory protection rather than tariffs.
Ambassador describes DR-Canada free trade scenario
Dominican Republic can favorably negotiate the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that has been outlined with Canada, as long as the official and private sector representatives define a good negotiating strategy on time.
Syria, EU hold talks on partnership association pact
Syria and the European Union on Tuesday held talks on means to facilitate the final approval of an association agreement initialled more than a year ago.
Salvadorans protest trade deal with US
Thousands of street vendors, university students and labor unionists marched in San Salvador Tuesday against a regional free trade accord with the United States, which they say will hurt small businesses and organized labor.
Singapore, Panama sign free trade deal
Panama and Singapore signed a free trade agreement Wednesday that will allow companies in both countries greater access to each other’s markets, as well as enhance collaboration in areas such as investment promotion and science and technology.
Colombian students oppose FTA
Students of Colombia’s Teachers College protested on Tuesday against what they described as a free trade agreement with the US that goes against national interests.
Singapore, South Korea FTA takes effect Thursday
Three-quarters of Singapore’s domestic exports to South Korea will enjoy tariff elimination from Thursday.
New Zealand to explore S. Korea trade deal
New Zealand is planning to explore the possibility of forging a free trade agreement with South Korea, Minister of State Jim Sutton said Tuesday.
Japan seeks free trade deal with Gulf
Japan plans to begin talks with six Gulf Arab states this year toward a free-trade agreement in the aim of securing stable energy supplies, officials said yesterday.
Intellectual property provisions of bilateral and regional trade agreements in light of US federal law
The critical lesson for developing countries accepting IPRs commitments in FTAs with the United States is that US IPRs law is replete with exceptions to the general rules, in many cases elaborated in considerable detail. If developing countries accept obligations in the FTAs, they must also be prepared to implement a significant level of exceptions so as to create a reasonable balance within their own law. If they do not implement these exceptions, they will find themselves not only with TRIPS-plus levels of IPRs protection, but also with US-plus levels of IPRs protection.
Trade negotiations command attention
Amidst the promises of positive benefits of FTAs to Thailand, more and more citizens are raising questions, especially in relation to the services and investment sectors.