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Signing of BIT likely on 20th: Access to US market
4-Jan-2006 Dawn
Pakistan is seeking additional $2 billion market access from the United States and the issue is likely to be finalized after both the countries conclude their much awaited Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) here on January 20.
FTA change will push drug prices up: ALP
3-Jan-2006 ABC
The Federal Opposition is warning the cost of medicines will rise if a Labor amendment designed to protect Australian drug prices in the US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is removed.
Morocco becomes 1st MENA country to have free trade with US
2-Jan-2006 Xinhua
Morocco became the first country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to have free trade with the United States after the two countries’ free trade agreement came into effect on Sunday.
CRS Report for Congress: Intellectual property and FTAs
2-Jan-2006
Some observers believe that certain FTA provisions may lock the United States into current intellectual property policies, inhibiting opportunities for future reform. Others are concerned that under existing multilateral agreements, the intellectual property obligations found within one FTA may extend beyond that particular treaty partner. Some perceive FTAs to be an inappropriate and unfair vehicle for international intellectual property reforms due to the strong bargaining position of the United States.
Opposition delays free trade implementation
2-Jan-2006 The New Standard
As CAFTA member-nations struggle to comply with the free trade pact’s requirements, opponents of the deal say the delays show how unpopular and undemocratic the mandated reforms are.
Ecuador, Colombia to have talks on FTA with US
31-Dec-2005
Ecuadoran President Alfredo Palacio will travel to Bogota in January to discuss with his Colombian counterpart, Alvaro Uribe, a free trade agreement (FTA) that their countries are negotiating with the United States.
Bolivia: A new weave for ALBA
30-Dec-2005 Dissident Voice
The decisive numbers of Evo Morales’ election victory in South America’s poorest country give him the legitimacy he needs to redistribute Bolivia’s wealth in favor of the impoverished and excluded majority. But he faces enormous pressure from foreign corporations and international financial institutions to continue promoting superficial economic growth for the benefit of a small elite.
CAFTA to miss New Year’s Day target
30-Dec-2005
The Central American Free Trade Agreement, a Bush administration priority passed by the House in July after a bruising political fight, will not take effect New Year’s Day, the target date set by the White House.
Industries eye qiz option
30-Dec-2005 Business Monthly
When representatives of Egypt, Israel and the US met in Cairo last December, they signed a historic agreement that more or less linked Egypt’s industrial success to its willingness to cooperate with its traditional foe, Israel.
CRS report for Congress: US-Thailand FTA negotiations
30-Dec-2005
The US-Thailand FTA negotiations are of interest to Congress because (1) an agreement would require passage of implementing legislation to go into effect; (2) an agreement could increase U.S. exports of goods, services, and investment, with particular benefits for agricultural exports; and (3) an agreement could increase competition for U.S. import-competing industries such as textiles and apparel and light trucks, thereby raising the issue of job losses.
Uruguayan congress passes investment treaty with United States
29-Dec-2005 Washington File
The Uruguayan government has ratified a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with the United States that is intended to enhance bilateral relations as well as trade and investment ties, according to the U.S. State Department.
Government insists it met with Free Trade requirements
29-Dec-2005
The Dominican government reiterated today that the country “met the requirements” and “is ready” to enter the Free Trade Agreement with Central America and the United States (DR-CAFTA), but that it decided to postpone entering free trade until next July.
Free trade agreements: Impact on US trade and implications for US trade policy
28-Dec-2005
FTAs are now a significant U.S. trade policy tool. Their rapid emergence raises some important policy issues for the US Congress as it considers implementing legislation and monitors negotiations as part of its oversight responsibilities.
Bush moves to implement US-Morocco free-trade pact
24-Dec-2005 Washington File
In anticipation of the January 1, 2006, entry into force of the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement, President Bush issued a proclamation December 22 on adjusting tariffs on imports from Morocco and authorizing the commerce secretary to take actions to support the implementation of the pact.
US to help address India’s energy security concerns: official
23-Dec-2005 Web India 123
A senior US Embassy official today said Washington and New Delhi were working actively on the proposal mooted by business leaders in both countries for a Free Trade Area (FTA) agreement between India and the US.
Postponement of DR-CAFTA gives government RD$9,320M more
22-Dec-2005 Dominican Today
The decision to maintain the exchange commission at a rate of 9% during 2006, plus duty charges to be collected during the first 6 months next year prior to entering the DR-CAFTA would give the Dominican government an extra-budgetary income of approximately RD$9.3 billion.
US ratifies DR not on board for DR-CAFTA in January
21-Dec-2005
The United States ratified implementation of the Free Trade Agreement as of January 1st, 2006 with the sole inclusion of El Salvador and Honduras, since these were the only countries that met all requirements by the set deadline.
Improbable DR enters CAFTA in January
20-Dec-2005
US Ambassador Hans Hertell affirmed yesterday that there is a good possibility that the Dominican Republic be impeded to integrate this upcoming January onto the Free Trade Agreement known as DR-CAFTA, given that the voluminous documentation that authorities recently sent to the United States is currently under review.
Agro producers favor postponing DR-CAFTA
20-Dec-2005
The Pork Industry Association, president Jose Alba, considered that not entering the Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) in January 2006 would be a welcomed break for the productive sector. This grace period, in his view, would be well-used to correct distortions in the tax system and enable competitiveness.
Colombia, US to resume talks in January
19-Dec-2005
Stalled U.S.-Colombia free-trade talks will resume next month, Colombia’s trade minister said Monday.