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’It’s Ok to Belong to More Trade Blocs’
15-Mar-2008
The East African Community (EAC) in November 2007 signed interim agreements with the European Union (EU) after the December 31 expiry of the Cotonou arrangement that gave preferential treatment to Africa, Caribbean and Pacific countries accessing the EU market. Peter Kaujju, spoke to Chungu Mwila, the director for investment promotion and private sector development at the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Free trade agreements and international investments
14-Mar-2008 Ecoportal
Developed countries see free trade agreements as forming part of a two-pronged strategy: to use international law to lay down market rules; and to give the appearance of legality to a system that allows States and their people to be exploited, robbed of their resources and wealth by excluding them from the international community and then legitimizing this exclusion
US looking forward to to seal FTA with Malaysia
14-Mar-2008 NST
The United States is looking forward to tie-up the Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia now that a new government has been formed after the 12th general election.
EU leaders agree on watered-down "Club Med" plan
14-Mar-2008 Reuters
European Union leaders agreed on Thursday to a watered-down version of French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s grand design for a Mediterranean Union to boost ties with the bloc’s southern neighbours.
Integration advantage
14-Mar-2008 FDI Magazine
Further integration into Asean (the Association of South-east Asian Nations) is top of the agenda of ministers in all 10 member countries, and is impacting upon their trade and investment policies. This stems from two important steps: the signing of a charter last November to give more structure to Asean decision-making and the intention to establish a regional free trade zone by 2015.
What does "NAFTA-gate" mean for social movements?
13-Mar-2008 rabble
The current discussion of renegotiation of NAFTA presents a challenge for social movements, many of which prefer abrogation. But one thing it definitely offers is an opportunity to organize.
Central American leaders oppose preconditions for EU talks
13-Mar-2008 Earth Times
The leaders of Central America Wednesday agreed to finish negotiations about a new agreement with the European Union by early 2009 - but only if EU demands for preconditions such as changing local laws are dropped.
ITC launches new investigation on possible modification to the US-Chile FTA rules of origin
13-Mar-2008 Fresh Plaza
The investigation, Probable Economic Effect of Certain Modifications to the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement Rules of Origin, was requested by the US Trade Representative (USTR)
Exploitation of RP nurses in New Zealand justifies Jpepa rejection
13-Mar-2008 OFW News
The reported exploitation of Filipino nurses in New Zealand gives a reason for the Senate to reject the Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement, according to the Philippine Nurses Association.
EPA negotiations: State of play and strategic considerations for way forward
12-Mar-2008 South Centre
This South Centre Analytical Note overviews some of the main challenges that ACP governments face now in the EPA negotiations and provides suggestions regarding strategic options for the way forward.
Govt seeks inputs from industry for Japan CEPA
12-Mar-2008 Economic Times
The Indian government has asked industry to come up with an ‘offensive’ list of items of export interest to India in the Japanese market.
Brussels seeks greater power in foreign deals
12-Mar-2008 FT
The European Commission is seeking to take more power into its hands to strike deals to protect European companies investing abroad, a role traditionally undertaken by the European Union’s member states.
Change to Win urges Congress to reject Colombia free trade agreement
12-Mar-2008 Sun Herald
Change to Win released a print ad today demanding the United States Congress reject the Colombia Free Trade Agreement deal that the Bush administration is threatening to send to Congress in the coming weeks despite strong opposition.
White House eyes new trade war
12-Mar-2008 Politico
The White House is moving toward sending the Colombia Free Trade Agreement to Congress without the blessing of Democratic leaders. Already, a coalition of business groups pushing for the trade deal is forming “war rooms” and ramping up lobbying efforts in anticipation of the coming battle.
IBON to senators: Heed bad Asian experiences in Japan trade deals
12-Mar-2008 GMA News
As the Senate prepares to vote on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), a militant think tank urged senators to heed the bad experiences of Asian countries with Japan trade deals.
Plan to include stationery items in FTAs
12-Mar-2008
The WTO cell of TDAP has been given a task to work with the stationery industry and develop a proposal for the Ministry of Commerce to include stationery items in the free trade agreement (FTA).
Singapore to promote trade ties with Middle East
12-Mar-2008
Singapore has completed a free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a senior official said Tuesday.
Agriculture officials have beef with Mexico-Canada trade agreement
11-Mar-2008 Brownsville Herald
Mexico and the US Department of Agriculture are negotiating a trade agreement that would presumably pave the way for the export of US breeding stock. The announcement comes on the heels of a trade agreement last week that includes breeding stock between Mexico and Canada.
Goff: Speech to New Zealand Meat Board AGM
11-Mar-2008 Scoop
NZ Trade Minister Goff outlines New Zealand’s FTA roadmap for the meat & wool industry in key markets.
RBI objects to bilateral trade agreements
11-Mar-2008 Business Standard
After political opposition to bilateral trade agreements, it is now the Reserve Bank of India that is raising the red flag on treaties signed by India.