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Pakistan still pays 9pc duty on leather export to China under FTA regime
12-May-2014
Pakistan is not benefiting from Free Trade Agreement with China, as the leather industry is still paying around 9 per cent import duty on its export goods to China owing to non-implementation of zero-duty under FTA regime.
RCEP negotiation in full swing amid challenges as region steps up integration
12-May-2014 Xinhua
The fifth round of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) talks is set to commence in June, barely two months after the last round, a sign that the efforts by 16 Asian countries to create the world’s biggest free trade area are gaining momentum.
US-EU trade agreement will make higher education ‘more commercial’
12-May-2014 Irish Times
The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership would subject higher education “to the commercial rules of trade agreements for the first time”, said David Robinson, consultant to Education International, the global federation of teachers’ associations and unions.
Zambia: State to determine EPA stance
12-May-2014 Zambia Daily Mail
Zambia, as chair of the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) states negotiating with the EU, has commissioned an impact study of the EPA in ESA countries to be ready in July. Then, each ESA state will decide whether to sign or not.
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the rights of Mexican workers
12-May-2014 Global Research
The deep integration of the continent makes a continental labour response necessary and possible. However, the prospects of such a response depend on the political evolution in the Mexican working-class on both sides of the border, the political evolution of unions in North America, and more general developments in the politics and economy of each country.
Uruguay’s smoking laws draw tobacco fire
11-May-2014
While Uruguay has been celebrated by liberals around the world for its bold steps to regulate cannabis, with new rules taking effect this week, its similarly pioneering attempts to control smoking of another, legal plant – tobacco – has earned it powerful enemies.
Colombia thrilled about Korea FTA
11-May-2014
Colombia is set to gain a foothold in East Asia after a free trade agreement is signed with Korea.
Canada EU free trade deal still a long way off due to technicalities
10-May-2014 Canadian Press
The EU’s De Gucht said "technical problems’’ in 3-4 areas prevented him and Fast from sealing the deal while a senior Canadian official says even if a text is released, the deal is still a long way off because both sides would still need to consult with member states, provinces and lawyers.
Colombian farmers reach deal to end 11-day strike
10-May-2014 Reuters
Colombian farmers agreed on Friday to halt an 11-day strike that had threatened to damage President Juan Manuel Santos’s re-election campaign with just over two weeks left before the election.
Implementation of FTA with Indonesia urged
9-May-2014
Emphasising the need for enhanced trade relations between Pakistan and Indonesia, the Chairman Senate Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari on Thursday observed that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two needs to be implemented in letter and spirit for mutual growth and prosperity.
‘Thorny’ CETA issues to be tackled in coming weeks: EU trade chief
9-May-2014 Embassy
Besides dealing with final technical issues, the EU Commission is also fighting with member states over who has the competence over the deal.
Canada-EU trade deal: Trojan horse for contested ISDS?
9-May-2014 ETUC
The EU-Canada trade agreement – which may be concluded on May 8 at the Foreign Affairs Council – should not be used as a ‘Trojan horse’ to smuggle in a controversial Investor-to-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) warned the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC).
Privacy and the e-commerce chapter of the TPP
9-May-2014
US proposals for free flow of information across borders and a ban on local server requirements could hamper other governments’ ability to uphold national privacy laws and regulations for off-shored personal data
EU demands human rights clause linked to economic partnership agreement with Japan
9-May-2014 Japan Times
The European Union is insisting on a human rights clause linked to a proposed economic partnership agreement (EPA) with Japan. It allows Brussels to suspend the trade deal if Japan engages in human rights violations
Progressives unite in call against ’horrific’ TPP
9-May-2014 Common Dreams
Hundreds of protesters rallied outside of the Capitol building in Washington DC on Wednesday to declare to the US government that "the entire progressive movement is united" in the call to reject unjust trade deals.
FSG calls on President to reject EPA
8-May-2014 GNA
Food Sovereignty Ghana (FSG), a body against genetically modified foods, has called on the Mahama Administration to reject the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as it stands.
Vodafone initiates investment arbitration against India
8-May-2014 Live Mint
Vodafone Group Plc has abandoned the conciliation process and started international investment arbitration against the Indian government over its long-running tax dispute.
Over 120 injured in agrarian strikes: Interior Ministry
8-May-2014 Colombia Reports
Colombian authorities have announced that 61 policemen and 66 farmers have been injured as a result of recent confrontations during the ongoing nationwide agrarian strikes adding that they do not know who is using weapons.
Germans hold demo against US-EU free trade deal
8-May-2014 Press TV
Under the motto: "Civil society against the corporate-deal," members of more than 60 non governmental organizations demonstrate in Berlin against the free trade agreement between the European Union and the United States.
Canada knocks CARICOM ‘lack of ambition’ in trade talks
8-May-2014 Stabroek News
Less than two months remain to the agreed deadline for the conclusion of talks on a free-trade agreement between CARICOM and Canada, and the tensions are showing.