bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

Articles by language


Costa Rica may vote down US trade
Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Saturday announced that he will submit to the Legislative Assembly a proposal for a direct referendum over free trade agreement with the US.
FTA protestors hold joint meeting, notch up efforts
About 100 representatives of more than 800 civic and social organizations opposed to the South Korea-US free trade agreement (FTA) held a meeting in downtown Seoul on April 13, urging the government to hold a national referendum regarding the trade deal and to release information regarding the FTA negotiations, which concluded with a preliminary agreement on April 2.
Costa Rica to hold referendum on US trade pact
Costa Rica will hold a referendum on whether to enter a regional free trade pact with the United States, President Oscar Arias said on Friday, in a blow to Washington’s trade agenda in the region.
Brazil hopes to sign FTA soon
A free trade agreement (FTA) is expected to be concluded soon between India and the MERCOSUR group of South American countries, visiting Brazilian foreign minister, Mr Celso Amorim, today indicated. “It is partly our fault that the bilateral trade between India and Brazil is still very small around $3 billion,” Mr Amorim said at an interactive session organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Comesa to discuss EPAs
Heads of government and policy organs of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) will meet in the Kenyan capital Nairobi from May 11-23 to consider the progress made on the Economic Partnership Agreements with the European Union among other things.
Michigan pays high price for free trade agreements
As a proud Michigan native, I’m angry about the dire financial conditions facing the state and its families. Michigan has fallen from its boom days primarily because our good-paying manufacturing jobs have been exported.
South Asian countries must unite for regional clothing and textile hub, say trade experts
Trade experts say countries in the South Asian region can form a major textile and apparel hub - provided they can work together. Right now, mutual mistrust and trade barriers against each other, are stopping SAARC countries from cashing in on a waiting opportunity.
‘India, South Korea to sign economic pact soon’
India’s proposed trade pact with South Korea should span all sectors, especially the services and the IT sector so that economic cooperation between the two countries is placed on the fast track, Seoul’s former mayor and the country’s presidential hopeful Lee Myung Bak, currently visiting New Delhi, said on Thursday.
India, Sri Lanka FTA to be reviewed on 16th -17th April
In a bid to review the functioning of India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a join delegation over FTA is going to be organized the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Sri Lankan Government.
Prospect for an Arab-Asian FTA
On two counts, the 27-28 March Arab League summit in Riyadh could be the beginning of a turning point in the tumultuous history of the Middle East post-1948.
Govt seeks to amend Botswana trade agreement
Zimbabwe which is fast losing its market niche in the Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc) is seeking amendments to the Bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (BPTA of 1988) with Botswana in a bid to access markets in the neighbouring nation.
Labor in limbo under FTA with US
Korea’s labor market is emerging as a hot-button issue in the South Korea-US free trade agreement (FTA). If the US Congress and other stakeholders continue to request to add or modify some labor provisions in the agreement, it could prompt South Korea to lose support for the deal at home because domestic business circles may oppose the request.
Indonesia could suffer as result of free trade agreements, say NGOs
Indonesia could suffer losses as great as, or even worse, than those that other developing countries have suffered as a result of entering into free trade agreements, such as the proposed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, says an international NGO.
Analysis: Korean cab driver self immolates to protest free trade agreement
Although this FTA is poised to reshape the landscape of South Korea and become the United States’ second largest trade deal after NAFTA, Americans have heard virtually nothing about it.
Pakistan, Russia to finalize bilateral investment treaty: PMs
Pakistan and Russia Thursday agreed to finalize a bilateral investment treaty and agreement on avoidance of double taxation with an objective to expand their trade and economic ties.
US slow to talk free trade if Japan keeps rice off table
The United States said yesterday it was reluctant to negotiate a free trade deal with Japan unless the Asian nation opened up its agriculture sector. Although Washington agreed to exclude rice from its free trade agreement with South Korea, it would not offer a similar concession to Japan, Assistant US Trade Representative Wendy Cutler told reporters.
Free trade deal boosts NZ exports to Thailand
New Zealand exports to Thailand have risen strongly since the two countries signed a free trade deal in 2005.
Korean culture industry feels the FTA
The nation’s culture industry is gearing up for the repercussions of the free trade agreement (FTA) signed with the United States, and each sector is preparing damage control for possible side effects from the pact.
Caricom wants ’special provisions’ for sugar, bananas
The EU concession announced last week to remove all remaining quota and tariff restrictions on ACP products includes a phase-out period for rice and sugar, but does not mention bananas.
Italy to tap Korean food markets
The recent free trade agreement between Korea and the US could help uncork one of the hottest markets in an expanding Asian frontier: quality foodstuffs and wine.