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’Korea-US FTA talks face bumpy road’
2-Mar-2006 Korea Times
Seoul is unlikely to meet its timetable to strike a free trade agreement (FTA) deal with Washington by June next year due to a number of roadblocks that lie ahead, said an expert on South Korea.
UAE to invest in US but port row may spook others
1-Mar-2006 Reuters
Opposition in the United States to a UAE firm taking over US ports will not deter the Arab state from more investments there, but could make other countries divert funds to Asia and Europe, the UAE’s economy minister said on Wednesday.
Thailand suspends US free trade talks due to poll
1-Mar-2006 Reuters
Thailand has suspended free trade talks with the United States and delayed signing a deal with Japan until after an April 2 election called by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, officials said on Wednesday.
Signing of BIT with US put off
1-Mar-2006 Dawn
The signing of a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between Pakistan and the US, expected on the eve of visit of President Bush this weekend in Islamabad, has apparently been put off again as businessmen give no indication of firm answers from the US on objections raised by Pakistan on certain clauses.
Made in North Korea - or is it?
1-Mar-2006 Christian Science Monitor
The issue of how much the North Korean workers are paid is, as one manager puts it, "a delicate question" as South Korea negotiates with the United States for a free trade agreement.
No to free trade with US
1-Mar-2006 Mail & Guardian
Trade experts say the United States is demanding far deeper market access than South Africa is willing to give, particularly in the area of services that are covered by regulatory protection rather than tariffs.
Intellectual property provisions of bilateral and regional trade agreements in light of US federal law
28-Feb-2006 ICTSD/UNCTAD
The critical lesson for developing countries accepting IPRs commitments in FTAs with the United States is that US IPRs law is replete with exceptions to the general rules, in many cases elaborated in considerable detail. If developing countries accept obligations in the FTAs, they must also be prepared to implement a significant level of exceptions so as to create a reasonable balance within their own law. If they do not implement these exceptions, they will find themselves not only with TRIPS-plus levels of IPRs protection, but also with US-plus levels of IPRs protection.
Trade negotiations command attention
28-Feb-2006 Bangkok Post
Amidst the promises of positive benefits of FTAs to Thailand, more and more citizens are raising questions, especially in relation to the services and investment sectors.
Indian IT sector eyeing free trade pact with US
27-Feb-2006 Navhind Times
India’s dollar-spinning information technology industry is looking forward to some positive initiatives towards inking a free trade agreement with the US in the services sector during the US President, Mr George W Bush’s visit to the country.
US says reaches free trade deal with Colombia
27-Feb-2006 Reuters
The United States has reached a free trade deal with Colombia after nearly two years of talks, the US Trade Representative said on Monday.
S Korea’s Roh says FTA with US top priority
27-Feb-2006 AFX
President Roh Moo-Hyun said that reaching a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States will be the top priority for his government during his remaining tenure.
IPO plans for state firms, FTAs face uncertain future as new election called
27-Feb-2006 The Nation
The dissolution of the House of Representatives has put the Thai government’s key economic policies - free-trade deals, the privatisation of state enterprises and investment in mega-projects - in limbo.
Cairo angered by US trade talks freeze
26-Feb-2006 FT
Rachid Mohamed Rachid, Egypt’s trade and industry minister, criticised Washington yesterday for mixing business with politics in its decision to freeze negotiations on a free trade agreement.
US calls for more flexible currency regime in Malaysia
24-Feb-2006 Business Times
The US would like to see greater exchange rate flexibility in Malaysia, US Treasury Under Secretary Timothy Adams said yesterday.
American Ambassador: It’s no secret
24-Feb-2006 Bangkok Post
When the former head of the Thai negotiating team, Nitya Pibulsonggram, was asked why the Thai-US trade deals must be kept confidential, he told journalists that he was asked by the US negotiation team to initial the agreements, but that he refused to do so. We asked US Ambassador to Thailand Ralph Boyce some questions concerning the confidentiality of the Free Trade Agreement.
S. Korea to exclude rice, beef pacts from FTA talks with US
23-Feb-2006 Yonhap
South Korea’s agriculture minister said Thursday that the country will not include deals on the liberalization of rice and beef imports in the agenda of upcoming free trade talks with the United States.
US sugar producers support Peru agreement
23-Feb-2006 Brownfield
Here’s a switch. US sugar farmers are supporting a proposed US/Peru Free Trade Agreement. They’ve been solidly against FTAs in the past.
US groups fear ports uproar may hurt UAE trade deal
23-Feb-2006 Reuters
US business leaders voiced worry on Wednesday that a congressional uproar over an Arab company’s takeover of operations at key US ports could slow proposed free trade pacts in the Middle East, particularly with the United Arab Emirates, where the company is based.
Bush plans to sign investment treaty: Greater cooperation with Pakistan on cards
23-Feb-2006 Dawn
US President George W. Bush said on Wednesday that a bilateral investment treaty that he is planning to sign during his visit to Islamabad will be the first step towards greater trade and commercial relations with Pakistan.
US, Colombia close to free trade deal: Portman
23-Feb-2006 Reuters
The United States and Colombia are close to a free trade agreement after nearly two years of talks and a push last week by Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, a top U.S. trade official said on Wednesday.