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No renegotiation on Thai-Japan trade deal
27-Feb-2007 The Nation
Thai Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram told a powerful Japanese business association on Monday that Thailand would not renegotiate on any issues in the controversial economic agreement with Japan.
Costa Ricans protest free-trade pact
27-Feb-2007 Seattle Post Intelligencer
Tens of thousands of union members, farmers and political activists marched through Costa Rica’s capital on Monday to protest a free-trade pact with the US they say will be harmful to local businesses.
Mexico: Staple foods at risk from free market
27-Feb-2007 IPS
When the Mexican government negotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), in force since 1994, it estimated that 14 years of safeguards for its maize and beans would be enough time for local production of these crops to become competitive. But things did not work out that way.
Beware the northeastern free trade dream called Atlantica
26-Feb-2007 NUPGE
The Prince Edward Island Union of Public Sector Employees (PEIUPSE/NUPGE) is joining other Atlantic public sector unions in sounding the warning about Atlantica, a free trade scheme proposed for Eastern Canada and the northeastern United States.
Thailand-Japan pact could damage auto-parts industry
26-Feb-2007 Bangkok Post
A free trade agreement between Japan and Thailand could damage the attractiveness of the kingdom as an investment destination for high-technology auto-parts manufacturers from Japan with the introduction of a zero import-tariff rate, according to the Thai Auto-parts Manufacturers Association (Tapma).
US Alliance a distinct liability for Australia
26-Feb-2007 Online Opinion
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade report estimated that the benefits to Australia from the US FTA would be $ 9.9 billion over 20 years. That would amount to a mere $26.05 per person per year. Common sense suggests that it would be ridiculous to bargain away Australia’s sovereignty for such a “benefit”.
Gulf states must open markets, EU’s Mandelson says
26-Feb-2007 Bloomberg
The EU has agreed to reduce import tariffs on aluminum and petrochemicals from the Gulf to zero in an attempt to conclude their FTA negotiations. In return, the EU wants the limit on foreigners owning majority stakes in Gulf companies ended.
Labor sees Bush trade talks with Congress failing
25-Feb-2007 Reuters
The Bush administration is unlikely to reach a deal with the Democratic-led Congress to salvage free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and Peru, the AFL-CIO said on Friday.
FTAs vital for China’s foreign trade: Vice Minister
25-Feb-2007 China Economic Net
Vice Minister of Commerce Yu Guangzhou has stressed the importance of Free Trade Areas (FTA) for China’s foreign trade development. "FTAs will expand rapidly over the next 10 years and economic heavyweights will become the leaders of this expansion," he said.
Israelis would like to join European Union
24-Feb-2007 Angus Reid
While Israel signed an association agreement with the EU in November 1995—which incorporates specific free trade regulations—the prospect of Israel’s full membership in the EU has never been seriously considered by either Israeli or European leaders.
The FTA with the US: To sign or not to sign?
24-Feb-2007 Tehran Times
While there are some benefits that will accrue to Malaysia from a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States, the disadvantages, it is apparent, will outweigh its advantages.
Japan-Chile to sign free trade pact in March
24-Feb-2007 Gulf Daily News
Japan is expected to sign a free trade deal with Chile when the South American country’s foreign minister visits next month.
Trade deals to position UAE as economic hub
24-Feb-2007 Zawya
The UAE is negotiating eight free-trade agreements with key economic blocks that will have an impact on trade worth Dh388 billion, according to 2005 figures, and cement the country’s position as the economic hub of the Middle East.
Entering into a dangerous battle
24-Feb-2007 Bangkok Post
The military-installed Thai government is entering into a risky new battle with farmer’s groups and the anti-FTA movement by pressing ahead with the Thai-Japan free trade agreement. Thousands of farmers, environmental activists and medical patients now plan to stage a mass protest next month against the government’s pro-FTA policy.
Coup-installed govt seeks Japan’s approval via rushed trade pact
24-Feb-2007 Bangkok Post
Despite an earlier announcement that all signing and negotiating of free trade agreements would be halted, the government of Gen Surayud Chulanont bit its tongue yet again, with the issuing of a cabinet resolution on Feb 20 stating its readiness to go ahead with the Japan-Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement (JTEPA).
S Korean trade official hints at resolution of beef spat with US
23-Feb-2007 Yonhap
South Korea’s chief negotiator in free trade agreement (FTA) talks with the United States on Friday said the two sides could resolve a trade dispute over his country’s rejection of US beef shipments, one of a few lingering obstacles in the nine-month-old negotiations.
RI-Japan economic partnership agreement almost finished
23-Feb-2007 Antara
For Indonesia, the only issue left is about cooperation assistance for increasing its industrial capacity. Japan, meanwhile, is still awaiting the result of the discussion on the country’s draft capital investment law before it would sign the EPA.
India, Nepal begin talks to review trade treaty
23-Feb-2007 Times of India
With 11 days left for the bilateral trade pact between India and Nepal to lapse, the two neighbours started their two-day talks on Thursday to review the 11-year-old Indo-Nepal trade treaty.
US inspectors to examine trucks on Mexican soil
23-Feb-2007 Houston Chronicle
US safety inspectors will be allowed to inspect trucks on Mexican soil before they enter the United States under a program announced on Thursday that officials said will remove the last barrier to the long-delayed opening of US highways to Mexican truckers.
Peru, China to start trade talks this year
23-Feb-2007 Xinhua
Peru and China are expected to begin free trade talks this year with expert-level discussion to open next month, Peru’s Tourism and Foreign Trade Minister Mercedes Araoz said Thursday.