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Sovereignty or solidarity? Pacific changes tack as Europe wins first round in trade talks
9-Jun-2008 Islands Business
Sovereignty must be partially surrendered if Pacific islands countries are to maintain solidarity in trade negotiations. Pacific countries who are members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific bloc of states had a rude realisation of this basic and age-old truth in their on-going negotiations with the European Commission for an economic partnership agreement.
Free trade with Japan would be major boost for Canadian sales: ambassador
9-Jun-2008 Vancouver Sun
"What we would really like is a [free trade agreement] and the government of Canada has called for one," Canadian Ambassador to Japan Joseph Caron told a Vancouver Board of Trade meeting, noting the Japanese have not yet given an official positive response to possible free trade discussions.
Trinidad and Tobago to sign EPA
9-Jun-2008 Caribbean Net News
Trinidad and Tobago is expected by the end of July 2008 to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between CARIFORUM and the European Union along with its regional counterparts.
Seoul to enforce private sector ban on US beef from older cattle
8-Jun-2008 Yonhap
The South Korean government says it will return or destroy all US beef from cattle older than 30 months in the process of its import quarantine if private sectors in both South Korea and the US voluntarily reach an agreement to impose an age limit in their beef trade. This would run directly counter to the US-Korea beef import deal signed in mid-April.
US targets full opening of Asian beef market
7-Jun-2008 Korea Times
The Bush administration, whose major political funding sources allegedly involve ranchers, is likely to urge China and Japan to "fully" open their beef markets, citing the negotiation results with South Korea.
Situation about Korean people’s struggle on beef deal
6-Jun-2008
Korean public opinion wants a complete scrap of the April 18 beef deal with the US. The scale, intensity, and variety of participants in the street protests continue to grow. The mood is like a “Second June Struggle,” the June Struggle of 1987 having been a significant event in Korea’s democracy movement. However some say that the May struggle for nullification of Beef deal has a lot of significant signs that differ from 1987 democracy struggle. These actions are creating New democracy.
Possible free trade deal for Asia-Pacific?
6-Jun-2008 TVNZ
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says his proposed new regional organisation could produce an Asia-Pacific free trade agreement which would mean big benefits for Australia.
NZ-China FTA - Full of human rights promises but no substance
6-Jun-2008 Scoop
Amnesty International has made a second submission on the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Bill highlighting ongoing concerns about the lack of practical applications to ensure labour standards are addressed and improved in China. And this within an agreement that significantly weakens New Zealand’s labour rights obligations.
Government procurement provisions in the CARIFORUM EPA and lessons for other ACP states
6-Jun-2008
This paper on government procurement and EPAS written by Stephen Woolcock from LSE recommends that ACP countries first open their procurment markets on a regional basis, before making commitments to the EU.
EU mulls free trade deal with Armenia
5-Jun-2008 Armenia Liberty
The European Union is considering signing a free trade agreement with Armenia as part of its efforts to strengthen ties with the South Caucasus state
Government procurement provisions in the CARIFORUM EPA and lessons for other ACP states
5-Jun-2008
This paper on government procurement and EPAs written by Stephen Woolcock from LSE recommends that ACP countries first open their procurement markets on a regional basis, before making commitments to the EU.
UN Committee recommends that India assess likely impacts of EFTA and EU trade talks
5-Jun-2008 3D
A leading UN Committee has recommended that India review all aspects of its trade negotiations - particularly those with EU and EFTA - to ensure that they do not result in a situation which undermines the rights of people within the country, particularly the most disadvantaged and vulnerable. Meeting last month in Geneva, the Committee also noted its concern about the impact of genetically-modified seeds in India on farmers’ livelihoods.
Man sets himself on fire after candlelight vigil
5-Jun-2008 Korea Times
A South Korean man set himself on fire early Thursday morning following a candlelight rally in central Seoul against the resumption of US beef imports. Kim, a day laborer, is in critical condition with severe burns to his body.
Thousands begin protest over US beef amid fears of violent clash
5-Jun-2008 Yonhap
Rally organizers claimed as many as 1 million people could turn out nationwide for a scheduled rally on Tuesday, when the country marks the anniversary of a 1987 democratic uprising that led the then military regime to grant free elections, prompting ensuing political reforms.
Korea gives up renegotiating deal
5-Jun-2008 Korea Times
A senior government official indicated Thursday that the Korean government would not ask the United States to renegotiate the beef import deal. Opposition parties and the majority of the people, however, want the renegotiation.
India-Burma BIT approved
5-Jun-2008 PIB
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with the Government of the Union of Myanmar and ratification thereof.
The failed expectations of US trade policy
5-Jun-2008 FPIF
As the principal negotiator for the landmark market access agreement that led to China’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), I have reflected on whether the agreements we negotiated really lived up to our expectations. A sober reflection has led me to conclude that those trade agreements did not.
Chile-China FTA (2006)
5-Jun-2008 DIRECON
Thailand-Peru FTA likely to take effect late this year
5-Jun-2008 MCOT
The free trade area agreement between Thailand and Peru is expected to become effective during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in November this year or early next year, according to an official of Thailand’s Trade Negotiations Department.
Factbox: McCain, Obama plans on US trade policy
4-Jun-2008 Reuters
The US presidential election in November will be a face-off between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain. Following are some of McCain’s and Obama’s main positions on trade — an issue that has become contentious during this election cycle.