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Russia, Latvia seal economic cooperation agreement
Russia and Latvia have sealed an economic cooperation agreement and an agreement on creating an inter-governmental commission.
Kiwi economist points to free trade option for South Africa
A former chief economist in New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says South Africa should consider joining a Free Trade Agreement that exists between Singapore, New Zealand, Chile and Brunei (P4).
Overview of bilateral free trade and investment agreements now available
This document was originally prepared as a resource paper for the "Fighting FTAs" strategy workshop at the end of July 2006. It was then revised at the end of September, with the input of the workshop participants, for sharing as a public document.
Overview of bilateral free trade and investment agreements
A general overview of free trade agreements and bilateral investment treaties that have been signed or are being negotiated all over the world. Organised by region, it provides a snapshot of the many processes currently under way, some of the controversies they raise and opposition movements against these agreements.
Europeans drop demands of equal treatment in Free Trade with Dominicans
As part of an important achievement for the Dominican Republic, the European Union (EU) will not demand from the Dominican Republic the same treatment that the Caribbean nation is compelled to grant to its partners in the Free Trade Agreement with Central America and the United States (DR-CAFTA).
El Salvador-US: Free trade deal a menace to local producers
Seven months after the Central American free trade treaty with the United States came into effect, small-scale producers and economists in El Salvador say that it only benefits a few sectors of society, to the detriment of most national production and thousands of jobs.
Mercosur-GCC agreement to include all bilateral trade
Apart from the products whose imports are prohibited, negotiations between both blocs should cover 100% of the current tax universe. This is one of the conclusions of the meeting that took place this week between diplomats from both blocs.
Mandelson backs new EU-India trade and investment agreement
The EU Commissioner for Trade, Peter Mandelson, has today told Indian and EU Business leaders that EU and India should boost their bilateral trade and economic relationship with a new trade and investment agreement.
Bush free trade plan puts Amazon up for grabs
The Bush administration is quietly pressing for a free trade agreement with Peru that will put the Amazon rainforest - often described as one of the earth’s lungs - on the chopping block.
Africa: Trade still prime engine for prosperity in Africa, official says
The United States is doubling the number of its trade and investment framework agreements (TIFAs) in Africa.
India-ASEAN cooperation in services - an overview
India and ASEAN have complementary expectations from the FTA under negotiation. While ASEAN stands to gain most in goods liberalisation, India’s interests clearly lie in services.
Prospects for IT-enabled services under a Indo-US FTA
ITES/BPO services is an important and growing component of India’s trade in services with the US. While the Indian government has implemented several measures to support the growth of this sector, Indian companies face various barriers in the US market such as anti-outsourcing regulations, restrictive visa/work permit regime and concerns relating to protection of sensitive data.
Chile, Colombia begin free trade talks
Chile and Colombia on Tuesday began a series of free trade talks which they aimed to complete within two months, Carlos Furche, who heads Chile’s negotiating team, said. "The bilateral free trade agreement with Colombia will be the broadest and deepest in the region," he noted.
Iraq to sign trade agreement with EU, Foreign Minister says
Iraq Minister of Foreign Affairs Hoshyar Zebari said that Iraq would shortly sign a trade agreement with the European Union (EU). The agreement would treat Iraq as a friendly country to the EU and give it priority in commercial exchanges, according to the Ministry.
Thailand halts trade talks until new government
Thailand will suspend all bilateral free trade talks until a new civilian government is elected a year from now, Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram said on Wednesday, following last month’s coup.
EU may sign FTA with MERCOSUR
The European Parliament will vote today on a report that urges European Union to sign, as soon as possible, the Free Trade Agreement it is discussing with the South Common Market (MERCOSUR) since 1999.
Gulf: take oil, open financial sector
The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has asked India to push through financial sector reforms and in return offered its huge oil and gas reserves to meet the country’s energy needs.
Nuke test poses minimal impact on KORUS FTA talks
One glaring issue is Gaeseong, the inter-industrial park located in North Korea. Seoul, up until the previous round of FTA negotiations held last month, said it would not give up trying to persuade Washington to include products made in Gaeseong in their deal.
Canadians, Americans feel losers in NAFTA
According to a poll by Ipsos-Reid for the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the Canada Institute on North American Issues, 63 per cent of Canadian respondents and 53 per cent of American respondents believe their respective countries were losers as a result of the commerce agreement.
Services liberalization in the new generation of Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs): How much further than the GATS?
A comprehensive overview of services liberalization commitments in the new generation of preferential trade agreements as compared to prevailing GATS commitments and Doha Round offers.