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Expectations, Burma case derail FTA
Continuing political turmoil in the military-ruled Burma have caused major hurdles in the proposed free-trade deals being negotiated by members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with the European Union, Canada and the United States.
APEC free trade a key issue under Japan’s leadership
The Japanese government said Wednesday it will accelerate efforts to get Pacific Rim economies to create a free-trade area during a series of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum meetings next year
US, Turkey launch new trade, investment forum
The United States and NATO ally Turkey launched an initiative Monday aimed at boosting trade and investment ties, but said there were no plans for the two countries to negotiate a free trade agreement.
Regional integration is a pipe dream
Those who favour a big push for regional integration in Asia now have their day in the sun. They say that the global economic crisis has accelerated the decline of America and the rise of China, India and other emerging powers. Power is shifting inexorably from the West to Asia.
APEC to assign Japan to develop proposals for Asia Pacific FTA
Leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum will set Japan, the next APEC chair, the task of identifying ways for the 21-member grouping to create a free trade bloc in the future, according to a draft statement they are expected to issue at their Nov. 14 to 15 summit in Singapore.
Nepal: US floats TIFA for zero-duty facility
The US Trade Representative has floated an option of Washington and Kathmandu signing a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and it has forwarded a text of the TIFA to the Commerce Ministry for necessary study for further negotiations.
Thailand’s demand to cut RP rice tariffs amid calamity insensitive, highlights dangers of free trade deals
Research group IBON called insensitive the Thai government’s demand to cut import tariffs on rice, especially since the country is still reeling from the recent typhoon disasters and its food security is threatened. It also highlights the dangers of entering into free trade agreements, which leaves the country no room to maneuver its policies on agriculture and industries.
Protest in solidarity with people of Honduras
Meredith Aby, of the Anti-War Committee and the Colombia Action Network, explained the root of the coup, "While in office Zelaya took some strong stands to help his people, like increasing the minimum wage and standing with ALBA (Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America) against the US’s free trade agenda in the region."
ASEAN to study free trade pact: officials
East Asian nations (ASEAN+3: China, Japan, Korea) are to carry out a feasibility study for a huge free trade zone, officials said at a summit Saturday. A separate study for a wider economic partnership also covering India, Australia and New Zealand (ASEAN+6) would be carried out in tandem.
India, China in talks for free trade pact
India said on Sunday that it is in discussions with China for a free trade agreement (FTA) to break down duty barriers to bilateral trade.
Japan, Australia ‘test’ Asia leaders with trade bloc plans
Japan and Australia outlined competing visions for an East Asian trade bloc during a 16- nation summit in Thailand, offering plans that differ on what role the US will play.
Maldives signs agreement with US on trade
The Maldives signed a framework agreement with the United States to open up the discussion on trade between the two countries.
China, Japan likely to debate trade bloc at Asia summit
A summit this weekend between Asia’s main economies is likely to morph into a contest between China and Japan over whether to establish a free-trade bloc in the region as it recovers from the global slump.
New Via Campesina publication: FTAs in South East Asia and East Asia
This book is a compilation of various papers that were presented at a strategic meeting organized by La Via Campesina in South Korea in December 2008.
US eyes free trade pact with SE Asia countries
The United States is beginning to lay the initial groundwork for talks to forge a free trade agreement with Southeast Asia, ahead of President Barack Obama’s maiden trip to the region.
Lugar to introduce legislation on free trade with ASEAN
An influential Republican Senator has announced to introduce a legislation in US Senate next week for free trade agreement negotiations between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Asian trade: The noodle bowl
Why trade agreements are all the rage in Asia
Leaders press for Asia Pacific free trade area
It is time for APEC to take more concrete actions towards establishing a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP) in view of the financial crisis and the stalled Doha Round negotiations, says the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC).
Asean+6 to create world’s biggest economic bloc
Asean and its six major trading partners yesterday reaffirmed their resolve to create the world’s largest economic bloc through the "East Asia Free Trade Agreement" and "Comprehen-sive Economic Partnership in East Asia" within 15 years.
Service-sector liberalisation to be speeded up ahead of AEC
Liberalisation in air transport, tourism, telecommunications and healthcare will deepen further next year, when Asean members will be allowed to own 70 per cent of such companies in the region.