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Seoul to gather public opinion on FTA with US
2-Mar-2006 Korea Times
In advance of negotiations with the United States on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), the South Korean government that it would gather public opinion on the issue through e-mail.
Ecuador ready to butt US FTA
2-Mar-2006 Prensa Latina
The Ecuadorian government’s aspirations to wrap up the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US by the end of March, are stirring up Thursday grassroots organizations against that deal.
Private rivers: Will transnational water companies swallow El Salvador’s water supply?
2-Mar-2006 Upside Down World
CAFTA creates a new legal framework for the sale of water and other public services, although it allows countries to "opt-out" of the public services of their choosing. El Salvador’s President Tony Saca chose no service exemptions, and thus opened the entire water sector to competition by international corporations.
Kenya, Sudan to sign trade pact
2-Mar-2006 The Standard
Kenya and Sudan are set to sign a bilateral trade agreement that may open up the vast Sudanese market to Kenyan entrepreneurs.
Cabinet may approve new trade accord with Indonesia today
2-Mar-2006 Daily Times
The federal cabinet is expected to accord ex-post fecto approval to the signing of Framework Agreement between Pakistan and Indonesia on Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CEP) and its ratification on Thursday.
Uruguay rejects President’s plea to halt pulp mills
2-Mar-2006 IPS
Under an investment treaty signed by Uruguay and Finland in 2002, Uruguay would have to pay heavy damages if it ordered the suspension of work on the Botnia factory.
China, Australia hold fourth round of FTA talks
2-Mar-2006 People’s Daily
Due to structural differences between the two economies, the talks will focus on agriculture, service and Australia-interested investment.
’Korea-US FTA talks face bumpy road’
2-Mar-2006 Korea Times
Seoul is unlikely to meet its timetable to strike a free trade agreement (FTA) deal with Washington by June next year due to a number of roadblocks that lie ahead, said an expert on South Korea.
UAE to invest in US but port row may spook others
1-Mar-2006 Reuters
Opposition in the United States to a UAE firm taking over US ports will not deter the Arab state from more investments there, but could make other countries divert funds to Asia and Europe, the UAE’s economy minister said on Wednesday.
Thailand suspends US free trade talks due to poll
1-Mar-2006 Reuters
Thailand has suspended free trade talks with the United States and delayed signing a deal with Japan until after an April 2 election called by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, officials said on Wednesday.
Signing of BIT with US put off
1-Mar-2006 Dawn
The signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between Pakistan and the US, expected on the eve of visit of President Bush this weekend in Islamabad, has apparently been put off again as businessmen give no indication of firm answers from the US on objections raised by Pakistan on certain clauses.
Made in North Korea - or is it?
1-Mar-2006 Christian Science Monitor
The issue of how much the North Korean workers are paid is, as one manager puts it, "a delicate question" as South Korea negotiates with the United States for a free trade agreement.
No to free trade with US
1-Mar-2006 Mail & Guardian
Trade experts say the United States is demanding far deeper market access than South Africa is willing to give, particularly in the area of services that are covered by regulatory protection rather than tariffs.
Ambassador describes DR-Canada free trade scenario
1-Mar-2006 Dominican Today
Dominican Republic can favorably negotiate the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that has been outlined with Canada, as long as the official and private sector representatives define a good negotiating strategy on time.
Syria, EU hold talks on partnership association pact
1-Mar-2006 Xinhua
Syria and the European Union on Tuesday held talks on means to facilitate the final approval of an association agreement initialled more than a year ago.
Salvadorans protest trade deal with US
1-Mar-2006 Houston Chronicle
Thousands of street vendors, university students and labor unionists marched in San Salvador Tuesday against a regional free trade accord with the United States, which they say will hurt small businesses and organized labor.
Singapore, Panama sign free trade deal
1-Mar-2006 AP
Panama and Singapore signed a free trade agreement Wednesday that will allow companies in both countries greater access to each other’s markets, as well as enhance collaboration in areas such as investment promotion and science and technology.
Colombian students oppose FTA
1-Mar-2006 Prensa Latina
Students of Colombia’s Teachers College protested on Tuesday against what they described as a free trade agreement with the US that goes against national interests.
Singapore, South Korea FTA takes effect Thursday
1-Mar-2006 Channel News Asia
Three-quarters of Singapore’s domestic exports to South Korea will enjoy tariff elimination from Thursday.
New Zealand to explore S. Korea trade deal
28-Feb-2006 AP
New Zealand is planning to explore the possibility of forging a free trade agreement with South Korea, Minister of State Jim Sutton said Tuesday.