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Korea-US FTA to cause large reduction of farm production
4-Oct-2011 Yonhap
The implementation of the signed free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States will likely cause billions of dollars in damages to South Korea’s farming industry, a government report showed Tuesday.
Obama sends Korea, Colombia, Panama Trade pacts to Congress, ending wait
4-Oct-2011 Bloomberg
President Barack Obama sent Congress legislation for free-trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, ending a wait for business supporters that spanned more than four years and two presidencies.
Sri Lanka to further delay trade agreement with India
4-Oct-2011 Xinhua
Sri Lanka is expected to delay the decision to sign a comprehensive trade agreement with India that would encourage bilateral trade, a top government official said on Tuesday.
Workers’ rights a part of trade deals
3-Oct-2011 Politico
The Republicans’ refusal to reference the Colombian Action Plan Related to Labor Rights in the US-Colombia free trade agreement’s implementing bill — and the Obama administration’s acquiescence to that refusal — is a fundamental flaw that is becoming increasingly apparent, writes US Representative Sander Levin
"Trade deals hurt the middle class"
3-Oct-2011 Politico
"We strongly oppose the proposed trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama. They will not help put Americans back to work, only further hasten the decline of our middle class," declares Richard Trumka, head of the AFL-CIO
Study: Colombia anti-union violence undeterred
3-Oct-2011 AP
A new study challenges claims from the administration of President Barack Obama that Colombia is making important strides in bringing to justice killers of labor activists and so deserves U.S. congressional approval of a long-stalled free trade pact.
M’sia looks to sign FTA with European Free Trade Association
3-Oct-2011 The Star
The Government is doing feasibility studies to see whether it could embark on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) by mid next year, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
Philippines: EU remains interested in FTA
3-Oct-2011 Manila Bulletin
The European Union continues to seek a free trade agreement with the Philippines as it is seen to be the key in increasing foreign investments into the Philippines, including the green and renewable energy sector.
FTA strategies in China and India
2-Oct-2011
By mid-2011, the two Asian giants were among Asia’s leaders in FTA activity with 11 each in effect in both China and India. The number of FTAs under negotiation and proposed suggested that such activity will rise in the future, as China has another 13 agreements in the pipeline and India another 20.
Fifth round FTA negotiations between Malaysia-EU in mid Oct
30-Sep-2011 Bernama
The fifth round of the Free Trade Agreement negotiations between the European Union and Malaysia will be held in mid-October in Brussels, Belgium.
Access to EU markets for exporters from African, Caribbean and Pacific countries
30-Sep-2011 EU Trade
The Commission will withdraw the Market Access Regulation for 18 countries that have not taken the necessary steps towards ratifying Economic Partnership Agreements signed with the EU.
Developing countries query European bid to abolish sugar quotas
28-Sep-2011 ACP
The ACP Sugar Group has recently been made aware through media reports of an “impact study” made by and for the European Commission, reportedly due for release in October 2011. This study refers to proposals for changes in the European sugar regime. It is hoped that this is not accurate as some of the key assumptions and results are more than questionable.
US cheese companies prepare to infiltrate Korea
28-Sep-2011 Chosun Ilbo
As Korea and the U.S. await the approval of their respective legislatures on a Free Trade Agreement, around 30 members of the US Dairy Export Council came to Korea to study and tap this promising market this week.
EU seeks to begin FTA negotiations with S. Mediterranean countries
28-Sep-2011 KUNA
The European Union Foreign Affairs Council on Trade Monday agreed to begin negotiations on "direct and comprehensive" free trade agreements with Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia.
EU-FTA: Wine tax reduction remains pipe dream
28-Sep-2011 Indian Wine Academy
The target date for reaching a deal is now February 2012
Palestinians to export direct to EU, avoiding Israel
27-Sep-2011 AFP
The European parliament Tuesday gave its green light to a deal enabling Palestinians to export farm and fish products directly to the European Union starting next year, without transit through Israel.
Palestine joins Agadir FTA
27-Sep-2011 MAP
Foreign Ministers of the signatories to the Agadir free trade agreement (signed on February 25, 2004 and includes Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Jordan) agreed, Monday in New York, to Palestine’s membership of the grouping.
Documentary: CAFTA led to workers’ rights violations in Honduras
27-Sep-2011 AFL CIO
Ever since it was passed five years ago, the Central America Free Trade Agreement-Dominican Republic (CAFTA-DR) has led to an increase in unemployment, violations of worker rights and discrimination against women in Honduras, according to an about-to-be-released documentary.
Jordan firm accused of sexual abuse supplied clothes to Sears, Target and others
27-Sep-2011 WBEZ
Since 2007, at least 300 young female employees have been raped and brutalized by Classic managers while sewing clothes for giant retailers, including Hanes, Target, Sears, Macy’s and Land’s End. These garments enter the US duty-free under the US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement.
EU Parliament backs food-trade deal with Palestinian Authority
27-Sep-2011 Bloomberg
European Union lawmakers approved a plan to give the Palestinian Authority greater access to the EU food market in a bid to bolster the local economy and drive for statehood.