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US-Malaysia FTA talks expected to be wrapped up by year-end
The ongoing Malaysia-US free trade agreement (FTA) talks can be concluded within the schedule of meetings lined up till the end of the year, says Howard F. Rosen, the executive director of the US-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) Trade Adjustment Assistance Coalition.
Howard trade trip signals closer ties
Australian Prime Minister John Howard will pay a two-day visit to China from today to promote gas exports and plans for a free-trade deal with the booming, energy-famished economy.
Anti-FTA Rally Shakes Lima
Thousands of Peruvians made Lima shudder with a rally against the congressional ratification Thursday morning of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US.
Rational debate on FTA nearly impossible
Allegations have surfaced that the Bush administration intervened earlier this year to arrange the transfer out of Thailand of a World Health Organisation representative who published comments critical of the proposed Thai-US free-trade agreement (FTA).
U.S., Oman Pact Nixes Israel Boycott
The U.S. Congress is likely to approve a free trade agreement that includes strong foreign policy components with Oman, one of Washington’s closest allies in the Middle East, despite protests over the Arab country’s record on labour standards, human rights and the environment.
FTAs: Much more than trade pacts
In keeping with the global trend, it is free trade agreement (FTA) talks galore in the Gulf. Apart from a deal with Lebanon, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are collectively and individually negotiating FTAs with the United States, European Union and India at present.
Screen quota reduction to begin July 1
Starting July 1, South Korea will reduce the quota for the number of days domestic movies must be screened in local theaters. The move follows a requirement from Washington that the quota be reduced in order to begin free trade negotiations with Seoul.
Dominican Republic may have ‘missed its opportunity’ to trade with Canada
Dominican ambassador in Canada said he hopes that his country can join a multilateral trade deal with Canada similar to the one it already has with the U.S., but he worries that the Dominican Republic may have missed its opportunity.
Leaders optimistic on Sino-Australian FTA talks
Both the Chinese premier and the Australian prime minister have expressed their hopes of accelerating talks on a free-trade agreement yesterday in the southern city.
Legitimate claims for disclosure about FTA negotiations
A public hearing about the free trade agreement (FTA) being negotiated with the United States came to an abrupt end when protesters opposed to the deal interrupted the meeting. It is unfortunate that the hearing could not be an open forum for the exchange of opinion.
The U.S. isn’t pressuring Dominican Republic, ambassador says
United States ambassador Hans Hertell denied yesterday that his nation is making last minute for incorporating the Dominican Republic to the Free Trade Agreement in July, affirming that what the U.S. only expects is that the Caribbean nation complies with what it originally negotiated and signed.
Brazil: “new deal” for Mercosur junior members
Brazil proposed in Montevideo a “new deal” for Mercosur and requested a “credit of confidence” from Uruguay, which has bitterly complained about the group’s functioning and is moving closer to United States.
Lift the Veil of Secrecy on Stalled Central America Trade Deal, Demands Civil Society
The Tory government says a free trade agreement with Central America, on ice since 2004, will eventually be debated in the House. One academic doesn’t mind the delay, worrying the deal could be bad news for some nations, while industry officials worry Canadian firms may lose interest before the deal is reached. Once it’s done, Canada-Central American Free Trade Agreement will be debated in the House of Commons, Conservative MPs said last week, but there are no guarantees draft agreements will be available to civil society organizations or other third parties.
Peru ratifies US free trade deal
Peru’s outgoing Congress has voted overwhelmingly to ratify a free trade deal with the US amid protests by recently elected opposition deputies.
Dominican Republic Wants In On Trade Talks
Ambassador Eduardo Tejera hopes his country can join a multilateral trade deal with Canada similar to the one it already has with the U.S., but he worries that the Dominican Republic may have missed its opportunity.
Disrupted Debates
The chaotic scene at Tuesday’s public hearing on the Korea-U.S. free trade talks requires serious social reflection. The canceled debate not only highlighted Korea’s vulnerability to conducting crucial negotiations but also revealed its weakness in calm communication and coordination of differing views and interests.
Peru approves free-trade pact with U.S.
Peru’s Congress overwhelmingly voted to ratify a free trade pact with the United States early Wednesday.
China trade plan wins few friends
Fewer than a quarter of Australian manufacturing companies support a free trade agreement with China, according a survey by the Australian Industry Group.
Chile, Panama Sign Free Trade Agreement
Chile and Panama signed a tree trade agreement that severs 98 percent trade tariffs, 15 years in Panama and 10 years in Chile.
Seoul talks to shape FTA with U.S.
The second round of the free trade agreement talks between Korea and the United States to begin on July 10 is expected to determine the shape and future course of the controversial deal, experts say.