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S. Korea will not automatically accept OIE ruling on US beef: minister
South Korea is not obliged to automatically accept a planned ruling by a world animal health body that may make it easier for the United States to export beef, a senior policymaker said Wednesday.
Southern Africa: Spotlight on economic integration as SADC ministers meet
The spotlight falls on the march towards an integrated southern African economic community as ministers from the region meet in Lesotho on 22-23 March to discuss the budget for current financial year and regional projects.
Chile business leaders to visit Vietnam, push for FTA
A group of Chilean 18 business leaders will visit Vietnam March 26 through April 1 in an economic mission organized by SOFOFA (Industrial Promotion Society), the Pacific Chilean Foundation, and Quiñenco SA.
Malaysia mulls FTA with GCC countries
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said Malaysia is considering discussing free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
US trade rep pushes for removal of beef ban, auto tariff
Pressure is mounting on South Korea to open several of its markets to the US as free trade negotiations between the two nations are nearing an end.
Bush talks to cover trade deal
Prime Minister Helen Clark has placed a free-trade deal near the top of the agenda for her meeting with President George W. Bush today, after receiving encouraging signals in Washington.
Report lends to exporting services, widening sector
A report on the services sector released on Monday, revealed that computer-related and environmental services have high export potential, while communication, road transportation and tourism-related services are best reserved for domestic supply.
Chief US envoy on South Korea FTA talks says ’success is still within our reach’
The top US negotiator on free trade agreement (FTA) talks with South Korea expressed optimism Wednesday that both sides can strike a deal ahead of an end-of-March deadline, though she conceded key sticking points remain.
Trade: Support builds for labour, environment standards
Strong majorities in both developing and developed countries believe that international trade agreements should require governments to abide by minimum labour and environmental standards, according to a new survey of public opinion in 10 countries.
EU: APEB wants boycott of banana imports in FTA talks with Latin America
The association of European banana producers APEB has announced that it will request the EU to leave any discussion of the banana import tariff out of the negotiations on economic collaboration or free trade agreements with the Andean countries in South America and with the countries in Central America.
Netherlands signs investment agreement with Algeria
This is important for Dutch investors because the Algerian market is attractive for sectors such as energy and agriculture.
Thailand bilateral free trade with US alarms tuna industry key players
Despite the positive prospects of the tuna industry, key players are alarmed with the recent move of other countries like Thailand which is seeking bilateral free trade agreement with the US.
Chile-Mexico: Nothing like free trade
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet’s Tuesday-Wednesday visit to Mexico will help strengthen the fastest-growing commercial relationship in Latin America — which expanded by nearly 2,000 percent between 1990 and 2006 — while giving concrete form to a strategic alliance that could also benefit neighbouring countries.
Table FTA document in Parliament for debate - backbencher
A backbencher today called for the Malaysia-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) document to be tabled in Parliament to be debated.
Confusion surrounding FTA due to lack of understanding, says Rafidah
Some of the negative comments made on the Malaysia-US Free Trade Agreement negotiations have been due to a lack of understanding of the FTA and the related issues, Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz said today.
Singapore signs Japan FTA revision, urges bigger Japan role in ASEAN
Japan and Singapore on Monday officially signed a partial revision of their bilateral free trade agreement to advance financial deregulation and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said it is crucial for Japan to have a good and quick agreement on the Japan-ASEAN free trade agreement.
US eyes Vietnam trade accord
The Bush administration yesterday announced the beginning of trade talks with Vietnam that could lead to a free-trade agreement with the former US enemy.
US auto industry, agriculture lobby face off over Korea FTA
More than a dozen farm groups are lobbying the US administration in Korea this week to ensure it only concludes a deal that significantly increases US agriculture exports. But agriculture’s interests are somewhat complicated by those of the auto industry, which has warned it could oppose the deal unless it ensures that US exports to Korea will increase. Still, some sources say that support from agriculture could trump opposition from the auto industry if a deal is reached.
Activists seek alternative model to ‘neo-liberal’ trade pacts
With two controversial trade deals awaiting ratification, Congress is taking stock of the White House’s free-trade agenda, and activists are seizing the moment to call for policies that respond to the social needs of all countries involved.
Vietnam, Japan to continue free trade talks
The second round of an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) featuring a free trade agreement between Vietnam and Japan will be held in Hanoi on March 26-27.