bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

Articles by language


CAFTA on the ropes: Agreement must protect people and the environment
The lack of worker and environmental protections leads the list of concerns as CAFTA is modeled after the failed 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. At its 10-year anniversary, the verdict on NAFTA is in: It is an economic, social and environmental failure.
India, Singapore sign CECA to boost investments
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, on Wednesday, signed the much awaited Comprehensive Economic Co-operation Agreement (CECA).
S Korea blames Japan for trade impasse
Eighteen months of talks over a proposed bilateral trade agreement between Japan and South Korea are on the verge of collapse because Japan’s Agriculture Ministry has blocked meaningful dialogue on trade in farm and marine products, a South Korean diplomat said yesterday.
Interview: Thailand aims to further enhance Thailand-China strategic partnership
The Thailand-China relations have been developed in a positive and constructive way since the diplomatic ties between the two countries were established 30 years ago, and now it is time to push it to a higher plane, said Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra before his departure to China on the occasion of 30th anniversary of bilateral relations.
Thai AIDS activists fear losing cheap drugs in free trade talks with Japan, US
As Thailand prepares for new rounds of free trade talks with Japan and the United States, AIDS activists are voicing increasing concern that patients here could lose access to cheap, life-prolonging drugs.
US trade rep helps powerful drug industry
When George W. Bush and the U.S. pharmaceutical industry team up in Washington, you know it’s bad news for U.S. consumers. Now they are taking their show on the road — to Central America.
Current developments and trends in the field of intellectual property: implications for Arab countries
Developments relating to protection of IP in Arab countries have, in general, received less attention from stakeholders, particularly civil society, than in other developing countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America. In this connection, the aim of this paper is to stress the need for Arab countries to adopt a more development-oriented perspective on IP protection.
Vanuatu ratifies Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement
Vanuatu has ratified the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA). The PICTA seeks to create a free trade area over a decade, initially starting with the Pacific Forum Island Countries, and providing for expansion to other trade partners in future.
Israel, Mercosur nations negotiating free trade agreement
Israel is beginning negotiations for a free trade agreement with the Mercado Comun del Sur (Mercosur) countries (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay).
Pakistan and Bahrain agree to open talks on FTA: MoU signed
Pakistan and Bahrain on Monday agreed to initiate talks on Free Trade Agreement (FTA), boost co-operation in trade, economic and defence fields as Bahrain Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa began a three-day visit to the country.
Tunisia and United States negotiate free trade agreement
Assistant US Trade Representative for Europe and the Mediterranean Catherine Novelli announced in Tunis on Wednesday (15 June) that the United States and Tunisia are negotiating for the establishment of a free trade agreement (FTA).
CAFTA deserves a quiet death
The White House’s failure to push forward its latest "free trade" deal is a victory for working people throughout the Americas.
FTA talks with US without domestic private sector termed not good - UAE
Chairman of the Emirates Bank Group Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer has expressed disappointment about not involving the private sector in Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with the US, fearing it may turn out to be an ’agreement of mass destruction’ for the domestic economy.
Beef holds up Korean-Canadian FTA
Canada and Korea have enjoyed decades of positive bilateral relations and the future looks bright except for one major obstacle - beef - that is holding back negotiations for a free trade agreement between the countries.
Urge Congress to vote NO on CAFTA!
Global Exchange, an international human rights organization, calls on citizens across the country to make their voices heard with their elected officials in opposition to CAFTA.
Wisdom ultimately prevails on Gulf states’ FTAs with US
The wise decision adopted by the GCC Finance and Economy Ministers to exclude the Free Trade Agreements (FTA) signed or expected to be signed with the United States from the Gulf agreement concerning unified customs tariffs is considered a prudent decision that serves the interest of enhancing Gulf economic co-operation and integration.
Bush likely to pay high price for CAFTA accord
A US trade official acknowledged that the lack of Democratic support [for the congressional vote on CAFTA] “means we are going to have to make some trade-offs with elements of the Republican party that do not normally support trade agreements. That will probably involve making some uncomfortable deals.”
No quota under proposed JPEPA
The Japanese government is considering the position of the Philippines that there should be no quota and volume limit on the entry of Filipino IT and medical professionals to Japan but rather the entry of Filipino labor to Japan be driven by demand and qualification.
Longing for modest gains from SAFTA
Much though economic integration is desirable, the SAARC nations will first have to create a politically harmonious subcontinent, and that is a formidable task. The ball is now in India’s court. It must take frantic efforts to wipe out elements of mistrust, shun big brotherly attitude and help restore confidence among its neighbours.
India-Thailand FTA (2003)
FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT FOR ESTABLISHING FREE TRADE AREA BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA AND THE KINGDOM OF THAILAND