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US House OKs 8-month Andean trade benefit extension
The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday approved an eight-month extension of long-standing trade benefits for Andean countries, potentially setting the stage for approval of a free trade pact with Peru and a contentious debate on a deal with Colombia.
FTAs uncorking big changes in Korea’s wine market
The Korean wine industry expects the Korea-EU free trade agreement will cause a third seismic shift in Korea’s imported wine market.
US House set to vote on extending Andean trade preferences
The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote today on a plan to extend trade preferences for Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia for eight months.
Comesa intensifying talks with EC on EPA rules of origin
With six months remaining for African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) says it has intensified discussions with the European Commission (EC) on the rules of origin.
The great spaghetti tangle
The World Trade Organization (WTO) lays down parameters for the conduct of international trade among its 150 member countries. The basic objective, as stated more than implemented, is to provide a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory, rule-based multilateral trade environment.
Pressure groups to hold mass protests at AU summit
As Accra gets set to host the African Union Summit next week, Civil Society Groups and other Pressure Organisations are also adding to the menu of the summit, trade agreement issues on the agenda of Heads of States and Governments.
Free trade deals stymied by domestic barriers
When International Trade Minister David Emerson announced earlier this month Canada’s first free trade agreement in six years, he said the deal, combined with the government’s intentions to conclude ongoing talks with several other trading partners and start a host of new negotiations, was a sign that Canada was "back in the game."
Minister hopes negotiation timeline for EU agreement defined this week
Costa Rica hopes that by Friday a timeline will have been set for negotiations on an association agreement between Central America and the European Union, Foreign Trade Minister Marco Vinicio Ruiz said yesterday during a press conference.
EU to use FTA to access Indian mkt for agri goods
Having failed to get any concession on fast-expanding Indian market for food products in the WTO talks, the European Union will push for achieving a similar objective in its bilateral negotiations with New Delhi on the India-EU Free Trade Agreement.
Thailand, India to sign FTA by 2010
The visiting Thailand prime minister, General Surayud Chulanont, said on Tuesday that India and Thailand are close to concluding a free trade agreement (FTA) in goods. A roadshow to speed up the FTA will soon be launched.
A backroom deal on trade?
The crisis facing the US empire in the Middle East is also playing out in American efforts to maintain economic dominance in Asia and Latin America.
Metalworkers to go ahead with walkout this week
Unionized metalworkers said Monday they will push ahead with a planned five-day walkout starting Monday, saying a proposed free trade deal between South Korea and the United States will jeopardize their job security.
USTR, Congress settle on changes to trade deals
The Bush administration and U.S. lawmakers have agreed on a blueprint to strengthen labor and environmental protections in four pending free trade deals, trade officials said on Monday.
Police probe circulation of anti-FTA brochures
Malaysian police are investigating the distribution of pamphlets protesting the signing of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Malaysia and the United States.
CPTA expects duty cut on imported papers during Thai PM’s visit
The Calcutta Paper Traders’ Association (CPTA) is expecting lowering of duties on writing, printing, packing and wrapping papers imported from Thailand as Thai Prime Minister General Surayud Chulanont is scheduled to visit India soon.
Pan African ‘Stop EPA peoples’ forum’ in Accra
The Africa Trade Network (ATN) and the Economic Justice Network (EJN) will host a two-day Pan African ‘Stop EPA peoples’ forum’ in Accra from June 29-30.
South Korea, U.S. to hold more talks on FTA revisions this week
South Korea will hold more talks with the United States this week on potential revisions to a free trade agreement (FTA) aimed at reflecting Washington’s new trade policy guidelines, a senior negotiator said Monday.
EPA confab on free trade ends
A one-day workshop on Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to establish a free trade between the EU and Africa Carribea Pacific (ACP) countries, abolish tariffs between the parties, as well as non-tariff measures and other related issues, on Tuesday ended at NaNa Building in Bakau.
Surayud off on a busy India tour
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh are to sign pacts on Tuesday on energy and culture, while speeding up talks on a free trade deal that could be signed next month.
Free trade with Indonesia on the cards
Australia and Indonesia are to consider negotiating a free trade agreement, potentially opening up South-East Asia’s biggest market, but adding to pressure on the embattled textiles and clothing industry.