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Korea should not ratify FTA
Korea and the United States have finalized the free trade agreement (FTA) between them and officially sign the actual document today. Given its social and economic influence and the problems the FTA will present, issues that have become apparent in the course of the release of the initial draft after it was first finalized in April, and then in the course of the renegotiations, Korea stands to lose more than it will gain. We urge the National Assembly not to ratify the agreement.
S. Korea hit by massive protests against FTA with US
Tens of thousands of workers and anti-US activists rallied Friday in central Seoul in monsoon rains to oppose a free trade agreement (FTA) between South Korea and the United States.
Apec trade ministers to mull ways to harmonise RTAs & FTAs
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) trade ministers will meet next week to mull ways to standardise rules in regional and free trade pacts so that countries face fewer complications when they are members of several accords.
Asean FTA talks with partners not as expected
The results of negotiations for Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) between Asean and India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand have not been as expected and areas are still there where consensus have yet to reached.
Put the FTA back in the hands of the people
Renegotiations on the FTA with the United States have effectively come to an end. Following approximately one more round of talks, the two countries will finalize and sign the document on June 30.
PM to attend key investment conference
Fresh from the European Council where Malta was admitted, along with Cyprus, to the eurozone, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is due to head a delegation and be one of the principal guests at a high level investment conference that is being held in La Baule, France, this week.
Benefits of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA)
International Relations Commission members of the Cuban parliament received an update Monday on the progress of the agreements being implemented under the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), which promotes social development, solidarity and mutually beneficial trade.
Unapologetic Venezuela urges Brazil, Paraguay to approve entry into Mercosur
Brazil wants a "goodwill gesture" from Venezuela before its Congress votes it into the Mercosur trade bloc, but President Hugo Chavez’s government indicated Thursday it won’t be extending an olive branch any time soon.
Thailand PM launches FTA roadshow in India
Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Tuesday announced launching of an FTA roadshow aimed at speeding up a free trade agreement between India and Thailand, for which fresh negotiations will begin next month.
House Republicans push for Bush trade renewal
U.S. House of Representatives Republicans sought a broad renewal on Thursday of the Bush administration’s "fast track" trade authority to conclude world trade talks and smaller bilateral deals.
China, Pakistan to cut tariffs
China and Pakistan will next month begin reducing tariffs on one another’s imports, in line with the two countries’ Free Trade Agreement (FTA), according to a senior Chinese trade official.
Costa Rica, free trade fewer jobs
Costa Rica’s PAC party (Citizen Action) president Otton Solis has warned of the potential increase in unemployment if CAFTA-DR, the free trade treaty with the United States, is approved.
Stop the EPAs, Oxfam, Panos tell African leaders
Social movements across the African Continent have started arriving in Accra for the 9th Ordinary Summit of the African Union, scheduled for July 2-3, 2007.
India, EU start talks on FTA
As part of its policy to push for Free Trade Agreements with major trading partners, India has formally launched negotiations with the European Union for an ambitious and comprehensive FTA aimed at removing barriers across all sectors including investment and services.
Panamanians protest US trade deal
Groups of students, professionals, and unions in Panama are protesting the signing Thursday of a free trade agreement with the US, for considering it an affront to the country s sovereignty and dignity.
South Korea, US agree on changes to free trade deal
South Korea has accepted a U.S. request to add new labour and environmental provisions to a trade deal they reached in April and will sign the pact by a Saturday deadline, the prime minister said.
US, Panama sign free trade pact just in time
The United States and Panama signed a free trade agreement on Thursday with only a few days to spare before key US legislation expires.
South Korea to spend $140 bln for US trade deal
South Korea will spend more than 130 trillion won ($140.3 billion) through 2013 to compensate for losses to farms and fisheries stemming from a free trade deal with the United States, the government said on Thursday.
US offers Canberra a Doha fallback over trade
Australia could be invited to join the North American Free Trade Agreement as part of a strategy among Asia-Pacific nations to deal with the collapse of world trade talks.
Overcome political issues to boost regional economy
Indian Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon yesterday urged India’s smaller neighbours to overcome political issues to become stakeholders in the India-led regional economic growth by dismantling trade and road and water transport barriers.