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SAFTA: How successful has it been so far?
23-Mar-2008
The South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) signed by the members of the SAARC and implemented in July 2006, has since been a matter of concern for the countries involved, regarding how effective it is in increasing the economic wellbeing of the region in general. When it was initially signed, the goals included forming a common currency for the region and forming a Customs Union (CU) which would eventually lead to Total Economic Integration.
Tüzmen to Indian businessmen: Urge your gov’t to sign FTA
22-Mar-2008
Foreign Trade Minister Kürsad Tüzmen has called on Indian businessmen to urge the Indian government to sign a free trade agreement between the two countries.
Rowley: Trade agreement with Canada next
22-Mar-2008
A trade agreement with Canada is the next item on the agenda for the Caribbean Community (Caricom).
Finesse, not foolhardiness is the right response to Chinese
22-Mar-2008
The moral high ground is always easier to occupy when falling from it poses little danger of sustaining serious damage. So it required little courage for MP Keith Locke, the Green Party’s indefatigable foreign affairs spokesperson, to put pressure on the Government to take a stronger stand against the Chinese authorities’ crackdown on protesters in Tibet.
NGOs confront EU over regional deals
22-Mar-2008
On his arrival at a Joint Parliamentary Assembly of EU and ACP countries in Slovenian capital Ljubljana this week, EU Development Commissioner Louis Michel was confronted with an array of parliamentarians and civil society activists carrying the message, ’Brussels-made EPAs will not fit ACPs’.
NAFTA clause that allows companies to sue governments draws flak
22-Mar-2008
When agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland Co. quietly filed court documents this month to overturn — and increase — a multi-million-dollar trade penalty it won against the Mexican government, the move shone a light on Chapter 11, perhaps the most controversial clause in the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Industry sees only troubles, no gains from China FTA
22-Mar-2008
The government has been urged to adopt a cautious stand on free trade agreement (FTAs), especially in the case of countries like China, and discourage export of raw materials. Import duties should come down gradually under such pacts and India Inc should be enabled to face global competition, says a study by industry chamber Assocham. While acknowledging that India cannot shy away from globalisation, the government has been asked to beef up infrastructure and provide a favourable exchange rate mechanism to ensure a level playing field.
FM: Association with China generates investments, tourism in Peru
21-Mar-2008
China and Peru will accomplish a free trade agreement (FTA) and become strategic associates, which would bring more investments and tourism to this South American country, Peruvian Foreign Minister Jose Garcia Belaunde said Thursday.
Trade with Malaysia: List of high-growth products ready
20-Mar-2008
As trade negotiations between India and Malaysia on a Comprehensive Economic Co-operation Agreement (CECA) progress, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has identified several products which have high export potential to Malaysia. The list includes auto components and parts, iron and steel and related products, textiles, electrical and mechanical machinery and their spares.
Trade ministry mulls overseas farm investments in FTAs
20-Mar-2008
Korea is mulling over including agricultural investment in free trade agreements with countries like China and Australia that export agricultural products.
India-Asean FTA hinges on Indonesia, market access
20-Mar-2008
The India-Asean free trade agreement (FTA) seems to have come within clinching distance, though the month-end deadline for concluding the negotiations will not be met. In the recent high-level officials meeting in Cambodia, the Indian side managed to make the Asean members happy with their side of offers. The Asean countries, especially Indonesia, however, have to come up with some more concessions to seal the deal.
CAN intensifies preparations for the third round of CAN-EU negotiations
20-Mar-2008 IBLS
The Andean Community Member Countries intensified their preparations this week for the Third Round of Negotiations for the establishment of an Association Agreement with the European Union, which will be held this coming April 21 to 25 in Quito
Canada strengthens investor protections
20-Mar-2008 Mondaq
Canada has just passed legislation implementing the ICSID Convention, a very important tool for the resolution of investor-state disputes. But the government has not yet indicated a timetable for ratification of the treaty. To date, only four provinces and one territory have passed similar implementing legislation.
China, Chile continue talks on service trade
19-Mar-2008
Chile and China started their sixth round of talks on cooperation in the service trade Tuesday in the Chilean capital of Santiago.
’How EPA will underdevelop Nigeria’s economy’
19-Mar-2008 AllAfrica.com
Nigerian cocoa producers have said that the Economic Partnership Agreement will underdevelop Nigeria’s economy because the EU standard makes it necessary for exporters to add value to cocoa, something Nigerian cocoa producers cannot comply with.
EPAs - Groups decry perceived EU imposition
19-Mar-2008
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including farmers, workers, women, faith-based and students groups and organisations drawn from across Africa, have decried the negotiations on the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between Europe and the continent as another form of re-colonisation.
Maqbool discusses FTA with EU delegation
19-Mar-2008
Commerce and Industry Minister Maqbool bin Ali Sultan received here yesterday the European Union parliamentary delegation and briefed them on the Omani economy and the Sultanate’s future projects.
Turkey offers FTA with India
19-Mar-2008
Turkey has offered to have a free trade agreement (FTA) with India and wants to boost its exports of food products, textiles, plastics, chemicals, machinery and construction materials.
Peters wary of freer trade
19-Mar-2008
Winston Peters wants some assurances on how a free trade agreement with China will benefit this country before he is prepared to support the deal to be signed next month by Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Trade clause a coup for NZ
19-Mar-2008
New Zealand has succeeded in gaining "most favoured nation" status from China in the negotiations for the upcoming bilateral free trade deal.