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Corporate boss leads charge for free trade
Fujio Mitarai, the Nippon Keidanren chairman who leads a powerful business mission to Australia at the weekend, belongs to the Japanese establishment’s inner elite. His position is often described as "prime minister of business".
US asked to suspend free trade talks with Malaysia over Iran deal
A key US lawmaker on Wednesday called on the administration of President George W Bush to suspend free trade talks with Malaysia in protest over its mega energy deal with Iran.
EU to spend 200 million Euros in Pakistan’s northern areas
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz visited EU headquarters for talks on future relations and brought up Pakistan’s desire to forge a free trade agreement with the 27-nation bloc, along the lines of deals being proposed for India, South Korea and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Japan resurfaces global IPR enforcement framework; EU refers to FTAs
The EU is planning a more detailed intellectual property chapter in its FTAs. In form, not in content, it would be closer to the “US-type” with “detailed things” listed.
Canada to discuss free trade with Peru
Peru and Canada could start discussions for a bilateral free trade agreement as early as February, according to Peruvian Agriculture Minister Juan Jose Salazar.
Campaigners call for caution, transparency in free trade deal with Japan
Critics of the proposed Japan Thailand Economic Partnership Agreement have warned the Thai government not to rush the draft free trade agreement through the National Legislative Assembly.
S Korea mulls free trade deal with Gulf states
South Korea is actively considering forging a free trade agreement with six Gulf nations, its top economic official said Wednesday.
US asks Bangladesh to resume TIFA negotiations
The United States has asked Bangladesh to re-examine the possibility of restarting negotiations on the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries.
Why Koreans have a beef with free trade
Half the South Korean population is against the FTA, especially workers and farmers who have seen trade agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement lead to job flight, decaying communities, and increased social polarization. But what really unites Koreans against the FTA is the undemocratic nature of the negotiation process and the threat to South Korea’s national sovereignty.
Malaysian, US unions oppose trade deal
Labor unions in Malaysia and the United States said Monday they opposed a free trade agreement between their two countries unless it incorporated mechanism to protect labor and social rights.
Chavez, Morales, Correa bypass US in deals with Iran, China
Presidents including Ecuador’s Rafael Correa, Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and Bolivia’s Evo Morales are bypassing the US in reaching trade accords and strengthening diplomatic and commercial ties with nations that compete with, or are hostile toward, US interests.
Hurdles galore on road to FTA with Asean
While the government’s decision to reduce import duty on palm oil could be interpreted as India’s signal to the Asean about its seriousness to sign the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) in July, several issues need to be settled before the deal is through.
US interest: Indonesia
Indonesia and the US are exploring the possibility of entering into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
PM urged to guarantee transparency
Thailand’s National Human Rights Commission and intellectual property law experts have called on Prime Minister Gen Surayud Chulanont to draft a trade negotiation bill to guarantee transparency in trade talks.
Pakistan, Switzerland agree to start negotiations on FTA
Pakistan and Switzerland have decided to initiate negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement.
Free trade agreement with Egypt signed
Switzerland and its fellow European Free Trade Association (Efta) members have signed a free trade agreement with Egypt. A statement also announced that Efta ministers had met the Indonesian trade minister with a view to concluding a similar accord.
China vs Japan: FTAs, oil and Taiwan
China and Japan are locked in a rivalry over at least three flashpoints: Free trade agreements, particularly in the region; oil energy; and Taiwan.
Uruguay-US: A trade agreement, after all
After huge internal controversy and strong opposition from the rest of the members of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) trade bloc, Uruguay has agreed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with the United States.
Pakistan, Egypt to start negotiations for Free Trade Agreement
Pakistan and Egypt on Friday decided to start negotiations for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries to promote trade and economic activities.
Charest pushing free trade deal between Canada and European Union
Quebec Premier Jean Charest is pushing for a free-trade deal between Canada and the European Union that he says could level the playing field with emerging markets.