S. Korea-Turkey FTA takes effect on May 1
News.xinhuane, 30 April, 2013
The free trade agreement (FTA) between South Korea and Turkey will take effect on May 1, the trade ministry said Tuesday. More…
China investment deal raises red flags in Canada
Deutsche Welle, 30 April, 2013
After a vote to block it failed this week, Canada’s controversial investment treaty with China could be ratified any day now. The government says it protects Canadian investments in China. More…
Political corruption and the ’free trade’ racket
Al Jazeera, 29 April, 2013
The US-EU free trade pact and TPP are about securing regulatory gains for major corporate interests. More…
Colombia to resume peace talks with the FARC amidst US and Colombian military “saber-rattling”
Nacla, 29 April, 2013
Peace negotiations between the Juan Manuel Santos administration and the Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC) are to resume after a month-long recess. More…
Crucial trade talks still in limbo
Republica, 28 April, 2013
Though it has been almost one and half months that the new government was formed, bilateral negotiations with major trade partners including India and the US, which are crucial for Nepal´s foreign trade, are still in limbo. More…
Norway wants acceleration of EFTA trade negotiations
Jakarta Post, 27 April, 2013
Norway expects the negotiations on the proposed free trade agreement between Indonesia and Norway and its three Scandinavian neighbors under the European Free Trade Association. More…
Hong Kong to work on free trade deal with Asean
South China Morning Post, 27 April, 2013
Hong Kong and Asean have agreed to pursue a bilateral free trade agreement, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So Kam-leung announced in Beijing yesterday. More…
Perception and inertia, obstacles to trade: Peter Sutherland
Business Standard, 27 April, 2013
Canada’s high commissioner to India from 2000 to 2003, has taken over as president and CEO of the Canada-India Business Council. More…
German envoy sees trade upside, boost to cooperation
Business Line, 26 April, 2013
The India-Germany bilateral trade, now at about €18 billion is set for a big boost as the negotiations on the free trade. More…
Thailand not involved in TPP talks
Bangkok Post, 26 April, 2013
A misleading web page promoting the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade negotiations indicates that Thailand is participating. More…
Bangladesh keen to sign a “Free Trade Agreement” with Sri Lanka
News 360, 26 April, 2013
Bangladesh says it is ready to start discussions with Sri Lanka to strike a Free Trade Agreement between the two nations to improve two way trade. More…
U.S. trade talks should not cover culture, EU says
Insurance Journal (Reuters), 26 April, 2013
European Union lawmakers have backed French demands to exempt culture from a proposed free-trade pact between Europe and the United States. More…
Four sensitive issues studied ahead of FTA talks with EU
The Nation, 26 April, 2013
Thailand will carefully consider four sensitive issues under the talks for a Thailand-European Union Free-Trade Agreement to ensure that losses to the affected sectors are minimise. More…
NZ minister slams TPP exceptions for Japan
Japan Times, 25 April, 2013
New Zealand trade minister Tim Groser said Wednesday all trade products should be subjected to liberalization under the Trans-Pacific Partnership without exception. More…
Five reasons Canada should NOT ratify a Canada-EU free trade agreement
Troy Media, 25 April, 2013
Jock Finlayson of the Business Council of British Columbia recently wrote a column for Troy Media on the virtues of the Canada-European Union free trade deal. More…
Date set for talks on Asia-Pacific free trade zone
Deutsche Welle, 25 April, 2013
China and 15 other Asia-Pacific nations have agreed to launch a first round of talks next month aimed at creating one of the world’s largest trading blocs. More…
“Cultural Exception” Proves Early Sticking Point in EU-US Pact Preparations
ICTSD, 25 April, 2013
Fears that Brussels’ planned negotiations with Washington on a bilateral trade and investment pact could lead to the loss of the controversial. More…
Brazil admits postponing free trade with Argentina
Folha de S.Paulo, 25 April, 2013
The Minister of Development, Industry and Foreign Commerce, Fernando Pimentel, suggested that Brazil could postpone. More…
EU lawmakers support free trade deal with US
Bloomberg Business Week, 25 April, 2013
European Union lawmakers have voted in favor of starting talks on a wide-ranging free trade agreement with the United States. More…
New Zealand to ratify free trade agreement with the GCC
Gulf News, 25 April, 2013
The New Zealand government is likely to ratify a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states within 12 months, a senior official said. More…
China agricultural agreement signed
SunLive, 25 April, 2013
Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has signed a Strategic Plan on Promoting Agricultural Cooperation between New Zealand and China. More…
China-ROK FTA talks
China Daily, 25 April, 2013
China is willing to work with the Republic of Korea on accelerating negotiations on a free trade agreement, deepening bilateral economic cooperation, Premier Li Keqiang said. More…
A Trans-Atlantic Trade Pact for the World
The New York Times, 24 April, 2013
The opening of global markets — starting in 1947 with the first round of trade negotiations among 23 nations and the creation of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. More…
5 reasons why a Canada/EU free trade agreement must be ratified
Troy Media, 24 April, 2013
As forecasters continue to downgrade their near-term projections for the global economy, many countries are stepping up efforts to conclude new trade agreements with key commercial partners. More…
ASEAN plans free trade pact with Hong Kong
Jakarta Globe, 22 April, 2013
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will pursue a free trade agreement with Hong Kong, a document obtained by AFP said Tuesday. More…
Mexico expects free-trade deal with Indonesia
Jakarta Post, 23 April, 2013
In an effort to boost bilateral trade and investment, Mexico is intending to build an economic partnership agreement (EPA) with Indonesia. More…
Warming Up Relations
Beijing Review.com, 22 April, 2013
Free trade agreement adds momentum to build further ties with Europe. More…
South Korea and Indonesia Plan to Ratify Trade Pact
Jakarta Globe, 22 April, 2013
A major agreement aimed at boosting trade and investment ties between South Korea and Indonesia may be ratified. More…
Trans-Pacific tariff talks expand to include Japan
South China Morning Post, 22 April, 2013
Japan will be admitted to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade talks, the existing 11 members of the negotiations said in a statement issued at the weekend after a meeting in Indonesia. More…
Despite promising start, Taiwan misses free trade deals
Forbes Asia, 22 April, 2013
Taiwan said three years ago other governments were lining up to discuss free trade agreements after. More…
European Union (EU) free-trade car ’quota’ buzz has makers in a tizzy
DNA, 22 April, 2013
The passenger vehicle industry is in a tizzy over the import quota proposed in the free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU). More…
Between China and America? Real Choices Facing Indonesia
Jakarta Globe, 22 April, 2013
With the start of Asean’s Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership talks expected next month, observers have raised repeated. More…
APEC pushes FTAs in shift toward regional initiative
Japan Times, 22 April, 2013
The trade ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum agreed Sunday to promote free-trade agreements. More…
Importers ‘misusing Bahrain’s FTA with US’
TradeArabia News Service, 21 April, 2013
Importers in Bahrain have been accused of trying to misuse the kingdom’s Free Trade Agreement. More…
Indonesia to kick off CEPA talks with Chile
Jakarta Post, 22 April, 2013
Indonesia has agreed to begin talks on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) with Chile, hoping to use the nation as a trade hub in South America. More…
Cars and cattle clash on Japan free trade agreement
The Australian, 19 April, 2013
AUSTRALIA’s meat exporters believe they are being sacrificed for the benefit of the car industry as negotiations for the Australia-Japan free trade agreement draw closer to conclusion. More…
Indonesia’s Pangestu: G-20 Should Commit to Global Trade Framework Goal
The Wall Street Journal, 19 April, 2013
The Group of 20 leading economies should express its commitment to achieving a global trade framework. More…
China FTA abandoned
The Australian, 19 April, 2013
Labor has rejected a Chinese request for its investments in Australia to be rubber stamped without scrutiny up to a value of $1 billion. More…
US, UK want financial services as part of trade pact
Reuters, 18 April, 2013
The United States and the UK aim to include financial services in a proposed free-trade agreement between Washington and the 27-nation European Union. More…
France threatens to block start of EU/U.S. free trade talks
Reuters, 18 April, 2013
France said on Thursday it would block proposed negotiations on a free trade agreement between the European Union and the United States unless cultural sectors. More…
EU-US free trade deal worth €800m
Irish Examiner, 18 April, 2013
The proposed EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership free trade agreement could boost the economy by €800m per annum in increased GDP, and help create 4,000 jobs. More…
Australia, Japan close to signing FTA
Japan Daily Press, 18 April, 2013
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade revealed on Wednesday that the country is very close to finally formalizing a free trade agreement with Japan. More…
Sino-Gulf FTA ’may be signed this year’
China Daily, 18 April, 2013
A free trade agreement between China and the Gulf Cooperation Council may be concluded this year, the United Arab Emirate’s ambassador to China said. More…
Free trade talks deadlocked over foreign investment restrictions
The Australian, 18 April, 2013
TALKS over free trade agreement with China are deadlocked over that country’s insistence on Australia lifting foreign investment restrictions. More…
Indonesia overcharging on Japanese car imports – Nikkei
Reuters, 17 April, 2013
Indonesia has not reduced its import duties on certain Japanese cars as required under a trade agreement between the two countries, the Nikkei said. More…
Workshop on potential impacts of the EU-Armenia Deep and Comprehensive FTA
Public Radio of Armenia, 16 April, 2013
A workshop on potential impacts of the proposed EU-Armenia Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area will be held in Yerevan on April 17. More…
Free trade agreement opens door
China Daily, 16 April, 2013
After six years of negotiations, Iceland on Monday became the first European country to sign a free trade agreement with China. More…
Japan set to join TPP talks after agreement with US
Menafn.com, 2013 April
Japan and the US reached an agreement on Japan`s participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade negotiations, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced on Friday. More…
China-Iceland FTA A Natural Continuation Of Bilateral Cooperation – Icelandic FM
Bernama, 12 April, 2013
The signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Iceland and China would be “a natural continuation. More…
Japan Reaches Deal With U.S. on Joining TPP Trade Talks
BloombergBW, 12 April, 2013
Japan reached a deal with the U.S. on bilateral trade issues that clears the way for the worlds third-largest economy to join talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement as soon as July. More…
Upshot of TPP prep talks with U.S. to be aired
Japan Times, 12 April, 2013
The government is planning to announce Friday the results of its preliminary negotiations with the United States on Japan joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade talks, sources said Thursday. More…
PTA can boost Pak-Indonesia trade up to $2b
Global Post, 11 April, 2013
Ambassador of Republic of Indonesia to Pakistan Burhan Muhammad has stated that his priorities were to enhance economic cooperation between Indonesia and Pakistan. More…
USTR Praises Trade Relationship With South Korea
Tax News, 11 April, 2013
During a panel discussion on United States economic cooperation with South Korea and the Asia-Pacific region, Assistant United States Trade Representative (USTR) for Japan, Korea and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Affairs. More…
BJP calls for halt in FTA negotiations with European Union
The Hindu, 11 April, 2013
Warning that the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) would seriously jeopardise Indian interests, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday demanded that the government halt. More…
Canadian, European Union bilateral trade agreement close to completion
EdmontonJournal, 10 April, 2013
The Comprehensive & Economic Trade Agreement, an ambitious bilateral initiative between Canada and the European Union, is expected to be concluded soon and will have huge benefits for both trading partners. More…
Siam’s aversion to EU-FTA
Business Standard, 10 April, 2013
The pressure owing to India’s imminent opening up of trade in the automobile sector, thanks to the India-EU Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), is evident in the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam’s) white paper on India’s free trade agreements (FTAs). More…
PM to hardsell reforms, woo German investors
The Indian Express, 10 April, 2013
India-EU free trade agreement, called Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), which has been under negotiation for the past six years. More…
PM hails historic deal with China
Sky News, 10 April, 2013
Prime Minister Julia Gillard says talks on a free trade agreement between China and Australia will continue next month. More…
Japan, EU to kick off first round of trade talks on April 15
Europe Online Magazine, 09 April, 2013
Japan and the European Union are scheduled to hold a first round of trade negotiations in Brussels on April 15-19, following an agreement between the two sides in late March, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said Tuesday. More…
Automakers fear free trade pact with EU will hit investments
Hindu Businessline, 09 April, 2013
Indian auto industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Monday came with a White Paper on the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (EU-FTA). More…
New round of Canada-Japan trade talks coming in April
Globe and Mail, 09 April, 2013
Canada and Japan are meeting for a second round of free-trade talks this month as Ottawa tries to stay ahead of other countries looking to cut similar deals with Tokyo. More…
New Cato Policy Analysis on Regulatory Protectionism
Cato at Liberty, 09 April, 2013
Just in time for today’s release of my and Bill Watson’s new PA, “Regulatory Protectionism: A Hidden Threat to Free Trade”. More…
Agreement with Indonesia has opened trade doors for Pakistan
PakistanAffairs, 09 April, 2013
Indonesian Ambassador to Pakistan Burhan Muhammad has said that the Indonesia-Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) is a landmark development. More…
President wants more deals with Australia
China Daily, 08 April, 2013
President Xi Jinping called on Sunday for more cooperation with Australia in bilateral economic ties and promoting stability in the Asia-Pacific region. More…
KCCI for early implementation of PTA between Pakistan & Indonesia
Business Recorder, 08 April, 2013
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Muhammad Haroon Agar has asked the Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan. More…
Thai, EU trade officials still seeking more input
Bangkok Post, 08 April, 2013
The European Commission will begin a week-long free trade agreement (FTA) negotiation with Thailand in Brussels in late May, the first round of official talks, with the hope of reaching an agreement in 18 months. More…
Australia eyes conclusion of FTA talks with China
China Daily, 08 April, 2013
Though talks on a free trade agreement with China have lagged for years, Australia wants to finish them to further boost bilateral economic ties. More…
Japan, Australia achieve FTA breakthrough on farm products
The Economic Times, 07 April, 2013
Japan and Australia have reached a broad agreement on how to deal with farm products as they continue negotiations on a bilateral free-trade agreement, government sources said Sunday. More…
Transatlantic Trade: A Chance to Get it Right?
Insead Knowledge, 08 April, 2013
As hopes for a global trade agreement fade, the U.S. and EU are eager to draw closer. Could the time have come to tackle trade barriers and technical differences once and for all?. More…
Doha Still the Best Way to Go
Insead Knowledge, 08 April, 2013
In the absence of agreement on the Doha round of trade talks, Asia has embarked on a host of bilateral and region-to-region trading arrangements which have increased trade complexity. A global deal is safer. More…
Canada FTA may face delay; likely to miss December deadline
The Economic Times, 07 April, 2013
The proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Canada is likely to be delayed and may miss the December 2013 deadline, a government official has said. More…
Negotiations for FTA after PTA’s implementation: Indonesian envoy
Business Recorder, 06 April, 2013
Indonesian Ambassador, Burhan Muhammad, has said that implementation of Pakistan Indonesia Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) will result in substantial increase in trade volume between the two countries. More…
National Consultation On EPA Coming
AllAfrica.com, 05 April, 2013
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Calle Schlettwein, yesterday told the National Assembly that he would organise a national consultation on. More…
FTA with European Union on PM’s agenda, insurance cap a sticker
The Economic Times, 05 April, 2013
Increasing the insurance cap by India is virtually a “must” for inking of the long-pending India-European Union FTA, which has seen 15 rounds of negotiations since its launch in 2007. More…
Australia wants tariffs on Japanese cars to linger
The Japan Times, 05 April, 2013
Australia has demanded it be allowed to keep its 5 percent tariff on Japanese car imports in place in bilateral free-trade negotiations with Japan. More…
Global risk from trade wars: time to get back to Doha
The Nation, Thailand, 05 April, 2013
The recent proliferation of regional free trade agreements (FTAs) spells good news for the parties involved. More…
FTA with EU will pave way for more exports
FIS, 05 April, 2013
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the European Union (EU) is expected to open many doors for Vietnamese seafood to enter the EU, a market which consists of more than 500 million. More…
US trade office calls for comments on transatlantic trade deal
Intellectual Property Watch, 04 April, 2013
Another step toward launching negotiations on a European Union-United States trade agreement has been made as the Office of the US Trade. More…
U.S. President Obama and Turkey’s PM Erdogan will discuss a possible free trade agreement
Balkans.com, 04 April, 2013
Economy Minister Caglayan said that U.S. President Obama and PM Erdogan will discuss a possible free trade agreement (FTA) when they meet in. More…
RI told to play active role in trade talks
Jakarta Post, 03 April, 2013
Indonesia should take a more active role in bilateral and regional trade-liberalization negotiations amid the continuing global economic slowdown, a researcher says. More…
Indonesia Encouraged to Form Free Trade Agreement With European Union
The Jakarta Globe, 03 April, 2013
In order for Indonesia to boost its international trade and economic growth, it needs a free trade agreement with the European Union and to later. More…
China left out of Obama free trade party
Financial Times, 01 April, 2013
With the rise of China in its sights, the Obama administration has posted marines in Darwin, Australia and increased the number of warships visiting Subic Bay in the Philippines. More…
European Union sets tough conditions under FTA
LiveMint, 02 April, 2013
The gains accruing to the Indian generic drugs industry as a result of the Supreme Court judgement on the Novartis case may be lost if India accepts demands. More…
West African states, US may work on new trade agreement
AllAfrica, 01 April, 2013
The United States is exploring a trade and investment framework agreement (TIFA) with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). More…
Seoul says FTA with Turkey will take effect in May
Yonhap News, Korea South, 01 April, 2013
South Korea’s free trade agreement (FTA) with Turkey will go into effect in May, opening the door for the two nations to expand bilateral trade and boost economic cooperation, the Seoul government said Monday. More…
Taiwan-New Zealand trade talks going ‘great’
Taipei Times, 01 April, 2013
Taiwan and New Zealand are making great progress in negotiations on a bilateral economic cooperation agreement, New Zealand envoy to Taiwan, Stephen Payton, said. More…