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CSME on slow march
30-Nov-2008
There are growing concerns, regionwide, that the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) project may be in serious danger of not being realised as planned for 2015. It is currently on a slow march.
Timing of FTA ratification
30-Nov-2008
The Lee government seems to have come to realize, albeit belatedly, that its attempted push for early enforcement of the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) was a non-starter from the beginning. The FTA was a top priority for President Lee Myung-bak, who believed it would help turn around the nation’s declining economy.
Thailand: Status as regional leader in doubt
30-Nov-2008 IPS
The inability of the government to function lessens the prospect of Thailand failing to get parliament’s approval of trade deals vital for ASEAN’s economic agenda. The country needs to get the legislature’s backing for 30 agreements, including an ASEAN-India free trade agreement and an ASEAN-South Korea free trade agreement.
Indonesian chefs, teachers ready to fill New Zealand market
29-Nov-2008
Local skilled workers will have a chance next year to try their luck in New Zealand, which has agreed to open up to Indonesian workers as part of a free trade agreement (FTA).
Trade Deals Will Face More Critics in Congress
29-Nov-2008
Free-trade critics picked up more than two dozen House seats and at least six Senate seats in the Nov. 4 election, a shift that could further endanger proposed free-trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.
Argentina’s protectionist policies alienate Mercosur partners
29-Nov-2008
As was anticipated Mercosur senior members Argentina and Brazil proposed Friday an increase of the common external tariff, (AEC) for certain products, and as was expected junior members Uruguay and Paraguay rejected the idea.
S. Korea, EU to Resume FTA Talks in Mid-Dec.
29-Nov-2008
South Korea and the European Union will resume their negotiations in Vienna Dec. 15 - 17 to finalize their free trade agreement talks, Yonhap News reported Saturday, quoting an unnamed government official.
US senators write to Taiwan President Ma over meat trade issue
29-Nov-2008 Taiwan News
Two influential American senators have written to Republic of China President Ma Ying-jeou expressing "deep concern" about what they describe as "continued Taiwanese barriers to US agricultural products." Taiwan allows only imports of US boneless beef from cattle under 30 months of age because of concerns about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow disease.
European Parliamentarian says Pacific EPAs must be changed
29-Nov-2008 The EPA Exposed
A member of the European Parliament has told the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) - European Union (EU) joint parliamentary assembly meeting this week in Port Moresby that free trade deals initialled between the EU and Pacific countries must be changed to reflect the development needs of the region.
Cote d’Ivoire succumbs to EU
29-Nov-2008 IPS
Cote d’Ivoire became the first country in Africa to sign a ’stepping stone’ economic partnership agreement with the European Union this week, prompting fears that the accord will prevent the country from developing closer ties with its neighbours.
Turkey-Montenegro sign free trade agreement
29-Nov-2008 Emportal
Turkey and Montenegro signed a free trade agreement on the sidelines of a Balkan economy summit in Istanbul.
China-Singapore FTA (2008)
29-Nov-2008
Turkey in the straw
28-Nov-2008 Watermelon Blog
I rarely go into town these days, and when I have to I try to make the trip worthwhile by doing as many things as I can while I’m there. Kevin Rudd obviously thinks the same way, because when he goes off to these conferences overseas he tries to pack a lot in.
ALBA member nations to create common currency
28-Nov-2008
Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas, ALBA, announced on Wednesday it will create a common currency.
Ruling On Land Threat To Foreign Investment - lawyer
28-Nov-2008
The judgement by the Supreme Court this week dismissing a Danish land suit against the government has shown that any foreign investment in land will not be protected by the law, defence lawyer Advocate Lewis Uriri has said.
Canada’s deal with Colombia ignores human rights abuses
28-Nov-2008
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has joined with other labour and human rights organizations in condemning the Harper government’s approval of a free-trade deal with Colombia. The union is urging MPs in Ottawa to reject the tentative deal.
Pacific Governments want amendments to EPA
28-Nov-2008
Pacific governments have given early indications they will not sign the current Economic Partnership Agreement with European Union without amendments.
Cote d’Ivoire, EU sign economic partnership agreement
28-Nov-2008
Cote d’Ivoire and the European Union have signed an economic partnership agreement to promote bilateral trade, which the European bloc sees as an example for other West African countries to follow.
European Parliamentarian says Pacific EPAs must be changed
28-Nov-2008
Concerns have been raised that the European Commission should allow Pacific countries to use export taxes for development purposes and that Economic Partnership Agreements should include adequate protection for infant industries.
Peru expects to conclude free trade agreement with Mexico by summer 2009
27-Nov-2008 LIP
Foreign Trade and Tourism Minister, Mercedes Aráoz, confirmed today that Peru expects to finalize a free trade agreement with Mexico by summer next year.