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EPAs remain roadmap for Africa’s development - EU
14-Feb-2006 Public Agenda
The European Union is still insisting that the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) whose implementation it is currently negotiating with four sub-regional groupings in Sub-Saharan Africa remain the only option for Africa’s development.
UAE debate on benefits of FTA rekindled
14-Feb-2006 Middle East Times
After almost two years, negotiations between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States over a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) are nearing an end, with the two sides expected to close a deal within a few months. But the debate over the effect of the agreement on the UAE’s economy has recently been reignited.
Trade agreements key strategy for Singapore
14-Feb-2006 Asia Times
Singapore’s attitude toward free-trade agreements makes a sharp contrast with other countries in the region, such as Thailand: where Thailand has seen controversy over its proposed FTA with the United States, Singapore only seems to become more eager with time when it comes to inking FTAs with the rest of the world.
Congresistas colombianos crean grupo opuesto al TLC
14-Feb-2006 Prensa Latina
Liderados por los opositores partidos Polo Democrático y un sector del Liberal, varios congresistas colombianos crearon hoy un grupo parlamentario opuesto al Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) con Estados Unidos.
Bilateral FTA to be finalised by Sept
14-Feb-2006 Daily Star
Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to finalise bilateral free trade area (FTA) agreement within the shortest possible time, by September at the latest, to create scope for easy access of Bangladeshi products to Pakistani market as a measure for reducing the existing trade gap.
Colombia, US resume FTA talks
13-Feb-2006 Prensa Latina
Colombia and the US have set up the 14th negotiation round of the Free Trade Agreement Monday in Washington, with President Alvaro Uribe heading the talks for Colombia.
EU, Central America to decide on talks
13-Feb-2006 Associated Press
The European Union and Central American officials will decide whether to launch free trade talks in May, officials said Monday.
Korea wants rice out of FTA
13-Feb-2006 Korea Times
Improving the quality of locally grown agricultural products will be a key government goal this year as more imports are expected to be sold on the South Korean market, the country’s agriculture minister said Monday.
Free trade agreements: The quiet economic track of US Middle East policy
13-Feb-2006 Washington Institute
Since the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Bush administration has placed democratization and reform in the Middle East at the top of its agenda. While press reports have focused on political developments, another key component to the American strategy entails encouraging economic growth, modernization, and liberalization throughout the region.
Japan, Chile to hold 1st formal FTA talks on Feb. 23-24
13-Feb-2006 TMCnet
Japan and Chile will hold their first official negotiations aimed at sealing a bilateral free trade agreement on Feb. 23-24 in Tokyo.
Free trade fuels drug smuggling
13-Feb-2006 Houston Chronicle
US drug agents say that free trade with Mexico has had an ugly and unintended consequence: Just as legitimate business people have flocked to Nuevo Laredo, so have criminals.
Aid issue hinders progress in Africa, EU trade talks
13-Feb-2006 ANDnetwork
According to officials, dispute over whether Europe should provide aid to help African states prepare for increased competition ahead of a new trade regime, is hindering progress in talks between the two blocs.
Cartoons threat to EU trade talks
13-Feb-2006 Gulf News
Free trade negotiations between the EU and GCC face being disrupted by the ongoing controversy surrounding cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), according to a Saudi official involved in the talks.
Eastern promise
12-Feb-2006 Gulf News
Trade and investment. Not words which always set the pulse racing, the heart pounding.
Freedom isn’t free
12-Feb-2006 Business Today
Disarray on the political side of the house casts the side of free-trade talks with the United States into question.
Japan, ASEAN to resume free trade talks
12-Feb-2006 Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed Saturday to resume official free trade agreement negotiations in March, as ASEAN welcomed Japan’s proposal of a common tariff-elimination method.
Thai service sector must adapt to FTA challenges
12-Feb-2006 MCOT
Economists at the KASIKORN Research Centre (KRC) on Sunday urged Thailand’s service sector to adapt if it plans to survive stiff competition caused by free trade area (FTA) agreements Thailand has signed with other countries.
Uribe for US FTA, Colombia against
12-Feb-2006 Prensa Latina
President Alvaro Uribe will travel to the US on Monday to talk about free trade agreements while most Colombians continue rejecting that trade scheme.
No US-ME free trade talks this year but with Egypt
12-Feb-2006 MENAFN
According to US Trade Representative for Europe and the Middle East Shaun Donnelly, the only Arab country under consideration for beginning FTA talks before the summer of 2007 is Egypt.
Oman-US FTA gathers momentum
11-Feb-2006 Zawya
Notwithstanding the Democrats’ reservations over the existing labour laws in Oman, the United States is confident that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that it had signed on January 19 this year in Washington will sail through smoothly in the Congress in the next few months.