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Malaysian manufacturers wary of US move on patents
22-Aug-2006
Malaysian manufacturers are wary of any move by the US to incorporate software patents and pharmaceutical patents in ongoing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks between the US and Malaysia.
SADC Peoples Summit declaration
21-Aug-2006
We are particularly concerned that the EU’s plan for so-called Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA’s) with our countries is having the effect of splitting SADC into two groups and undermining the potential for our future co-ordinated regional programmes for mutual economic and social development.
SA bid to shield assets in Zim
21-Aug-2006
The South African government is trying to protect its citizens’ rights in the face of Zimbabwean nationalisation moves.
Asean can thwart economic hegemony through FTA, says Laos
21-Aug-2006
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the six East Asean members as proposed by Japan can help thwart the rich nations’ economic hegemony in the region, said Laos Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Nam Viyaketh.
Manufacturing tariffs to stay in China FTA
21-Aug-2006
The Federal Industry Minister has ruled out abolishing import tariffs in the automotive and clothing industries as part of a free trade agreement with China.
’Pacts on services, investment should follow Asean FTA’
21-Aug-2006
Having submitted a revised offer to break the deadlock over the free trade negotiations with the Asean, India has now made clear that the pacts on services and investment will have to be implemented within a year of the implementation of the free trade agreement on goods.
Consider everyone’s interest in FTA, says Vietnam
21-Aug-2006
Vietnam wants ASEAN to weigh the interest of all its members before deciding on the Asean Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with its six East Asia partners, an official said Sunday.
Goff cautiously supports massive trade bloc plan
21-Aug-2006
Trade Minister Phil Goff is cautiously keen on a plan to create the world’s largest trading bloc which would include Asean members and New Zealand and Australia.
Tanzania turns to Southern African Customs Union
21-Aug-2006
Tanzania is likely to enter into a trade agreement with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) allowing the East African nation to export textile and clothing material on preferential terms within the trading bloc’s countries.
US welcomes S Korea’s new drug policy within FTA: Seoul official
21-Aug-2006
South Korea and the United States ended the first of a two-day meeting on pharmaceuticals and medical equipment on Monday, with Washington reiterating its acceptance of Seoul’s new drug policy plan within an envisioned free trade agreement (FTA), South Korean officials said.
Japan must act amid trade talk rubble
21-Aug-2006
The World Cup of soccer wrapped up last month on an uncertain note. The unfortunate incident between French star Zinedine Zidane and Italian Marco Materazzi left an unsavory taste in the mouths of spectators worldwide. But there was probably a more significant though less closely watched international competition going on that month which may have resulted in all nations losing out.
Must Asean be wary of FTAs while embracing them?
21-Aug-2006
While everybody has been rushing to ink Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), no thanks to the consistent failure in global trade talks, questions are raised as to whether its adverse consequences are being ignored.
India-ASEAN Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation (2003)
20-Aug-2006
US rules out N Korea park in S Korea trade pact
20-Aug-2006 NDTV
The United States cannot agree to South Korea’s request for a free trade pact between the two countries to include goods made in an industrial park in North Korea. "It won’t happen, can’t happen," US Trade Representative Susan Schwab said Friday.
Canada examining its Foreign Investment Protection Treaty Program
20-Aug-2006 Mondaq
Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is currently considering expanding the countries covered by its bilateral investment protection agreements. Potential future partners include a number of Caribbean and Latin American countries, as well as Pakistan, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Libya, Israel, and South Africa, among many others.
US-India Knowledge Initiative on Agriculture: Indian proposal (May 2006)
20-Aug-2006
A proposal to implement the US-India KIA from India
US-ASEAN deal won’t address Myanmar
20-Aug-2006 Houston Chronicle
The United States will sign a pact with Southeast Asia next week to boost trade and investment, but the plan has been scaled down because of Myanmar, whose poor human rights record has hindered trade relations, officials said Saturday.
Peru seeks to renegotiate free-trade pact with US
20-Aug-2006 Bloomberg
Peruvian President Alan Garcia said his government will seek to renegotiate a free-trade agreement signed between Peru and the US which is awaiting a vote in the US Congress. "We need to think about a different accord, one for the poor, one that looks within, complying with a national agenda."
Textiles ’not negotiable’ in China FTA
20-Aug-2006 The Age
Industry plans for Australia’s manufacturing, textile and clothing industries are not up for negotiation in a free trade deal with China, the federal government says.
Japan draws up Nikai initiative to boost regional trade
20-Aug-2006 The Star
The Japanese private sector is pivotal in pushing the initiative, as they want to dangle what is undoubtedly a carrot for Asean countries to propel the proposed East Asia Free Trade Area (EAFTA).