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US lawmakers express skepticism about Central American trade pact
For the first time since Congress fought fiercely over the North American Free Trade Agreement 11 years ago, a US president’s proposed trade deal faces major resistance on Capitol Hill.
Measuring the economic impact of an EU-GCC free trade agreement
The new customs union and proposed EU-GCC free trade agreement will both appreciably expand trade and improve economic welfare in the GCC countries, with little significant economic impact on the EU.
Japan, ASEAN kick off FTA talks
Japan and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations kicked off their first round of formal negotiations in Tokyo on Wednesday for a free trade agreement with the aim of completing the talks within two years.
China proposes FTA with India after landmark political accord
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today announced the decision of India and China to institute a joint feasibility study on a Free Trade Area (FTA) Agreement between the two countries, having signed a landmark political accord to settle the lingering boundary dispute.
Maryland legislature revokes Governor Ehrlich’s CAFTA commitment
The Maryland General Assembly’s override today rescinding Gov. Robert Ehrlich’s 2003 commitment to allow Maryland’s state procurement rules to be bound by pending trade agreements negotiated by the Bush administration and in previous trade agreements such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) is a victory for Maryland taxpayers and the latest evidence of state officials’ growing demands for accountability in international trade negotiations, Public Citizen said today.
Deiss calls for trade accord with Indonesia
Swiss Economics Minister Joseph Deiss, ending a trade visit to southeast Asia, has invited Indonesia to enter an agreement with the European Free Trade Association.
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?