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ECOWAS ministers, partners finalise talks on reforms
ECOWAS trade, foreign affairs and cooperation ministers today began the final lap of talks toward restructuring the body into a Commission.
Next India and ASEAN talks on FTA in Kochi
After resuming talks on a free trade pact, India and ASEAN are likely to hold another round of discussions in Kuala Lumpur next month and later in Kochi, with a view to finish negotiations by the end of this year.
Korea’s third FTA effective next month
South Korea’s free trade agreement (FTA) with four non-EU members will go into effect next month.
’Caution required for cross-border services’
A financial research institute urged Korea to take a cautious approach in allowing cross-border insurance brokerage services as it would be harder to protect local consumers from potential damages.
U.S. trade issue looms over Colombia and Peru
Major exporters from Colombia fear being blindsided by tariffs up to 20 percent on key exports to the United States unless special trade preferences designed to wean the Andean nations off of cocaine production are renewed before their expiration Jan. 1.
Indonesia to exempt duty on Japanese auto parts
Indonesia plans to exempt duty on several automotive parts imported from Japan to support local industries as both countries are moving closer to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), an official said Thursday.
Taiwan keen on free trade
Taiwan is eager to enter into a free trade agreement (FTA) with Malaysia, according to its vice-president Annette Lu Hsiu-lien.
Manufacturers face testing times with China, study shows
Australian manufacturers are experiencing increased competitive pressures in their dealings with China, while at the same time they now see China as the most important market in which to grow their business outside Australia, according to a major new study released today by the Australian Industry Group.
Indian businesses seek FTA with Bangladesh
A business delegation of India yesterday underscored the need for inking a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and India to boost trade between the two countries.
Thailand hopes to resume FTA talks with S. Korea before next Asean Summit
Thailand, the sole Asean country yet to sign the grouping’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South Korea, hopes to resume negotiations with Seoul before the Asean Summit in Cebu in December.
US signs trade pact with ASEAN
The United States on Friday signed a trade and investment pact with Southeast Asia in a bid to bolster its influence in the region, which is growing closer to China.
Pisco sour
Little by little, South America is dividing itself into two very different trade blocks. Mercosur, based on Brazil and Argentina and recently joined by Venezuela, is relatively protectionist and suspicious of bilateral trade deals with the United States. Most countries on the Pacific seaboard are committed to free trade with both el norte and Asia.
A bridge between Asia and South America
In the last few months, Chile has made it clear that it intends to become a trade platform between the vast Asia Pacific region and the Andean countries, by means of trade treaties and political integration. Prompt re-entry into the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) would be a step in that direction.
US: No plans to begin new trade talks
The United States has no plans to begin new bilateral free trade negotiations with other nations, and will focus on successfully concluding the four it is actively pursuing, Washington’s top trade envoy said Friday.
India offers economic pact to Nepal
India has offered to deepen its bilateral trade relations with Nepal by mooting a comprehensive economic parternship agreement (CEPA) to include services and investment. It has also offered to negotiate a more liberal bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement (BIPPA).
ASEAN countries accept N. Korean park in free trade deal with S. Korea
ASEAN countries agreed to accept South Korea’s request to recognize some products from a North Korean industrial park as South Korean as part of their plan for a free trade pact, officials here said Thursday.
Asean-Australia-NZ FTA may be concluded in 2007
The Asean-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks could be concluded in 2007, despite some wrangling over issues like government procurements and environment.
Plan B: keep talking
Having initiated the idea of a free trade agreement with China, the Howard Government has been stung by its implications and has fallen back to a strategy of caution and protracted negotiation that will extend beyond the 2007 national election.
Bush asks congress to approve trade agreement with Colombia
President George W. Bush asked US congress to approve a free trade agreement with Colombia, saying it would strengthen a democracy in Latin America.
Singapore, China to launch talks for bilateral FTA
Singapore and China will start negotiations for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA).