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FTAA dead but not quite buried, say activists
Activists and academics are singing the requiem for the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), a US-driven initiative that they say will soon be buried. However, the governments that have participated in the talks are not yet talking about failure.
SA union signs trade agreement with Mercosur
Countries making up the South African Customs (SACU) Union have signed a preferential trade agreement with Mercosur, South America’s trading bloc. However, trade negotiations with the US have run into problems.
Australia-China FTA feasibility study
Report of a joint feasibility study, leading to the launch of FTA negotiations.
Cashing in on our pharmaceutical expertise
One important provision in a China-Australia Free Trade Agreement could be the establishment of a Medicines Working Committee. This committee would facilitate cooperation, collaborations and joint ventures between Australian and Chinese pharmaceutical regulators, clinical trial and biotechnology researchers, as well as generic manufacturers.
Korea to sign FTA with EFTA in July
Korea and the European Free Trade Association have tentatively agreed that they will sign the final free trade agreement (FTA) in July, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Sunday.
Leading on free trade
The Roh administration has not had an easy time handling the foreign policy file. But for all its faults and foibles, there is one very important portion of that file in which the president has provided some strong leadership: free trade.
India yes to Bipa, no to FTA/RTA
The government of India is set to initial a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (Bipa) with China with the two pending issues on security and legal jurisdiction being sorted out by the National Security Adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office. A free trade agreement, however, looks distant with the domestic industry raising serious concerns.
FTA with EU looks more imminent than ever
The stage is being developed for a fast-track free trade agreement (FTA) between the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and 25-member European Union. Possibly, the EU has felt the urge to sign an FTA with the GCC now that the US has moved to reach bilateral agreements with individual GCC states.
Automakers holding up JPEPA
Issues involving tariff protection and reduction on automotive products have delayed the conclusion of talks over the planned Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
Signatures to stalk FTA
Opponents of the Thai-US free trade agreement are gathering 50,000 signatures to sponsor a bill requiring the government to get public and parliamentary approval for any commitments it reaches with a foreign country.
FTA with Australia, NZ to cover textiles, forestry
Indonesia will propose special facilities for some of its leading industries in upcoming preliminary negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with Australia and New Zealand, a minister has said.
Bahrain businessmen propose FTA to Philippines
Bahrain businessmen have identified areas to improve bilateral trade relations with the Philippines can be improved including the forging of a free trade agreement (FTA).
Why an FTA gives us cold feet
why is China so keen on an FTA and India less eager?
Thailand pressured to exclude autos from FTA talks with Japan
US and European carmakers recently demanded the Thai government exclude the automobile sector from free trade negotiations with Japan and warned that they may abandon investment in Thailand if import tariffs on Japanese luxury cars are lifted, local media reported Friday.
Chinese PM to press FTA deal with India
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will propose to establish the world’s biggest Free Trade Area (FTA) between China and India during talks with the Indian leadership next week.
US firm on IP rights protection
US chief negotiator Barbara Weisel assured that the FTA agreement would not affect drug prices in Thailand.
Japan, S Korea to advance FTA talks
Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki and South Korean Finance and Economy Minister Han Duck Soo agreed Saturday to make progress by the end of the year on resuming stalled talks for a bilateral free trade agreement.
FTA would have little impact on Japan’s farm sector: Aust
A free trade agreement (FTA) between Japan and Australia would not deal a serious blow to Japanese agricultural sectors, a senior Australian Government official says.
US hails progress in Thailand talks
US negotiators on Friday wound up a third round of negotiations with their Thai counterparts on a proposed free trade agreement, saying they were pleased with the progress made.
Singapore and Panama hope to sign FTA later this year
Singapore and Panama have successfully concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement which both countries hope to sign later this year.