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Group calls for halt to US-Malaysia FTA negotiations
28-Feb-2007
Malaysia should stop all negotiations with the US on a free trade agreement (FTA) as it has failed to conduct an assessment on the implications of such an agreement on the people, a grouping of concerned Malaysians urged on Tuesday.
M’sia pressured to ease up on GM food regulations
28-Feb-2007 Malaysiakini.com
The Malaysian government has been urged not to bend to US pressure, under their bilateral FTA talks, to scrap its proposed laws that would bring in mandatory labeling of genetically-modified (GM) foods.
Pakistan regrets Indian review of trade concessions
28-Feb-2007 Reuters
Pakistan regrets an Indian decision to review tariff concessions extended to Pakistan under a regional trade agreement but will not retaliate, a senior Pakistani government official said on Tuesday.
Taiwan willing to sign free trade agreement with SD
27-Feb-2007 Swazi Observer
Taiwanese Ambassador Leonard Chao has pledged his country’s willingness to sign a free trade agreement with Swaziland.
UNICE strategy on an EU approach to free trade agreements
27-Feb-2007 Business Europe
Past EU bilateral and regional agreements have been strongly influenced by political concerns. The new generation of FTAs must be based on economic criteria: where the EU’s current and future markets lie.
Toward a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific
27-Feb-2007 Peterson Institute
At their latest annual summit in Vietnam in November 2006, the leaders of the 21 members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum agreed to “seriously consider” negotiating a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP).
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.