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Vietnamese, Japanese governments sign scientific co-operation agreement
The agreement signed between the two governments will facilitate exchanges of information and scientists and technicians providing training to improve professional skills and the protection of intellectual property rights.
35 Uri lawmakers urge Bush to include Kaesong goods in FTA
A group of 35 governing Uri Party lawmakers Tuesday called on US President George W Bush to include products from an inter-Korean industrial park in a free trade agreement (FTA) between South Korea and the US.
US-Asean TIFA likely to be concluded
The Asean-United States Trade Investment Framework Agreement (Tifa), which is likely to be concluded Friday, is a well-timed development given the growing trade and investment between the two, a US senior congressional aide said here Monday.
Bachelet signs China-Chile free-trade agreement
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet signed a free-trade agreement with China to increase sales of copper, fruit and fish oil to Asia’s second-biggest economy.
Uruguay to negotiate trade with US
Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez said after a meeting with opposition leaders on Monday that his country will negotiate a trade agreement with the United States "as far as possible".
Bangladesh, Pakistan to discuss FTA issues
The first meeting of the Bangladesh-Pakistan Joint Business Council expected to kick-off in Dhaka next week would give priority to issues relating to signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, sources said.
Malaysian manufacturers wary of US move on patents
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
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
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
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
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’
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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.