Auto industry an unlikely roadblock in Ottawa’s ambitious free-trade talks
Globe and Mail, Toronto, 31 March, 2013
Agriculture has long been the bane of Canadian trade negotiators. No trade deal gets done without crossing farmers first. More…
RI, South Korea aim to seal CEPA at year’s end
Jakarta Post, Indonesia, 30 March, 2013
Indonesia and South Korea have agreed to continue talks on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), aiming to conclude at the end of this year a deal. More…
Programs to train foreign nurses still falling short
Asahi Shimbun, Japan, 30 March, 2013
Unfortunately, programs to accept nurses from Indonesia and the Philippines as part of Japan’s economic cooperation with these countries. More…
EU FTA: Cars may not see sharp cut in customs duty
Financial Express, 30 March, 2013
In a move that could spell relief for the domestic auto industry, India may not offer the European Union (EU) a sharp customs duty cut to 10-30 per cent for imported premium cars as previously. More…
Vietnam, Customs Union kick off FTA talks
Kyiv Post, Ukraine, 28 March, 2013
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Chairman of the Eurasian Economic Commission’s Board Viktor Borisovich Khristenko, on March 28, officially launched negotiations. More…
Long line for big free-trade club
China Daily, 29 March, 2013
It threatens to be the mother of all free-trade agreements, which probably explains why countries are falling over themselves to join this exclusive new club. More…
Closing free talks with deal to be harder than opening negotiations for SKorea, China, Japan
The Washington Post, 29 March, 2013
China, Japan and South Korea are inching ahead with talks for a free trade zone that would rival the European Union and North America in economic heft. More…
Moldova can sign free trade agreement with EU in no less than year
Kyiv Post, Ukraine, 28 March, 2013
An agreement on Moldova’s admission to a free trade zone with the European Union (DCFTA) will be signed no sooner than a year’s time, Moldova’s Economy. More…
Regional FTA quests playing off each other
Japan Times, 27 March, 2013
Japan is entering a new stage in its pursuit of free-trade agreements as it begins bilateral and multilateral FTA negotiations involving its three major trade partners. More…
Turkey demands place at table as part of FTA talks
World Bulletin, 27 March, 2013
Turkish economy minister said that Turkey needed a place at the table as part of free trade agreement talks between the European Union (EU) and the US. More…
Amul requests for a relook at EU-India FTA
Times of India, 27 March, 2013
Country’s largest dairy co-operative – Amul – has requested the commerce ministry to relook at the European Union (EU)-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). More…
TPP declaration fuels other talks / European nations grow more eager to reach trade deals with Japan
Daily Yomiuri, 27 March, 2013
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s recent announcement that Japan aims to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations has sparked life into other trade talks Japan has. More…
Government moves to protect rooibos in EU — eight years on
Business Day, South Africa, 27 March, 2013
A FRENCH company’s attempt to make “rooibos” their cup of tea has galvanised the government into action to protect the term. More…
Indian pharma sector fears India-European Union FTA could imperil local industry
Economic Times, 27 March, 2013
Drugmakers and healthcare activists are worried that the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is in the works, may contain a provision that could imperil local industry and. More…
Experts call for BRICS free trade pact
China Daily, 27 March, 2013
BRICS members should create a free trade agreement to increase the power and voice of emerging economies in the world economy, Chinese experts says. More…
France threatens to delay quick start of EU-US trade talks
Reuters, 26 March, 2013
France threatened on Monday to delay the swift start of EU-U.S. trade talks if its red lines on culture and farm produce are not respected. More…
Japan, EU agree to open FTA talks in April
Japan Times, 26 March, 2013
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and two European Union leaders agreed in a teleconference Monday to start official negotiations in April on a free trade and service pact in April, Japanese officials said. More…
Turkish PM sends letter to Obama on EU deal
Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey, 26 March, 2013
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has sent a letter to U.S. President Barack Obama so that Washington would continue talks with Turkey for a free trade agreement simultaneously with the EU. More…
Vice minister discusses costs of TPP
Taipei Times, 26 March, 2013
Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Bill Cho (卓士昭) yesterday provided general information to lawmakers about the costs and benefits of a potential entry by Taiwan into the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). More…
S.Korea’s auto body concerned about trade deal with China, Japan
Reuters, 26 March, 2013
South Korea’s auto industry expressed fears of an influx of car imports as Seoul kicked off trilateral talks on Tuesday with Japan and China to allow free trade between over 1.5 billion consumers in the three Asian nations. More…
China, Japan, ROK start FTA talks in Seoul
Global Times, China, 26 March, 2013
China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Tuesday started the first round of trilateral talks on the free trade agreement (FTA) in the ROK’s capital. More…
NGOs term undue hurry in finalizing EU-India FTA as undemocratic
Pharmabiz, 25 March, 2013
The undue hurry on the ongoing negotiations between the Indian government and the European Commission (EC) to finalise the EU-India free trade agreement (FTA) has come. More…
Namibia: EU tightens trade screws
The Namibian, 25 March, 2013
NAMIBIA has just over 18 months to conclude controversial trade negotiations with the European Union or lose its duty- and quota-free access for beef, fish and grapes to EU markets. More…
Trans-Atlantic partnership trade pact
Bilaterals.org, 25 March, 2013
Neoliberalism knows no borders, so perhaps it should not come as a bolt out of the blue that the United States and European Union are set to negotiate a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. More…
Cyprus crisis delays Japan-E.U. free trade talks
The Blade, 24 March, 2013
A Japan-European Union summit next week that was expected to initiate negotiations on a free trade agreement has been postponed due to the financial crisis in Cyprus. More…
Govt to set up 14 panels before EU FTA talks
The Nation (Thailand), 23 March, 2013
Thailand has agreed to set up 14 subcommittees to consider various issues in talks for the Thailand-European Union Free-Trade Agreement in order to ensure the greatest benefits for the Kingdom. More…
President pledges to create conditions for Taiwan’s TPP access
Focus Taiwan News Channel, 21 March, 2013
President Ma Ying-jeou said Thursday that his government will work hard to create the conditions for Taiwan to participate in the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership at an appropriate time. More…
European Union-India FTA may hit generic medical industry
Times of India, 21 March, 2013
The free trade agreement that European Union is pushing India to sign could put an end to India’s status as the pharmacy of the developing providing affordable medicines, especially HIV drugs to countries like Brazil, Thailand, South Africa, Zimbabwe and several others. More…
Blanco: Free Trade Agreements are Rendering WTO Rules Obsolete
This Day (Nigeria), 21 March, 2013
Dr. Herminio Blanco, the Mexican Candidate for the position of the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), visited Nigeria recently to canvass support. More…
US says trade talks are ajar for China
China Daily, 21 March, 2013
The United States remains open to including China in a Pacific free-trade zone, Washington’s top trade official said less than a week after Japan asked to join the negotiations. More…
US hoping South Korea will join trans-pacific partnership
The Hankyoreh, 21 March, 2013
To counter China, US is seeking to expand its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and wants SK as a partner. More…
Bilateral agreements easy to negotiate’
Daily Times, Pakistan, 20 March, 2013
Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) could be successful if bilateral agreements between the member countries complement them. More…
Panama-Colombia free trade talks stall
Newsroom Panama, 20 March, 2013
The sixth round of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between Panama and Colombia in Medellin, closed in Medellin last Friday without any agreement being reached. More…
EU-Vietnam weigh FTA
Asia Times Online, 20 March, 2013
A proposed free-trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union and Vietnam promises to bolster already fast-rising bilateral trade. While both sides agree an FTA would. More…
France draws red lines for EU-US free trade negotiations
EurActiv, 20 March, 2013
Speaking at the conclusion of a two-day European summit on 15 March, French President François Hollande said he was “in favour of opening a negotiation” with the US to lift trade barriers and “promote growth” in Europe. More…
Obama administration notifies Congress of intent to negotiate Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership
Office of the US Trade Representative,
20 March, 2013
The Obama Administration today notified the U.S. Congress of its intent to enter into negotiations on a comprehensive trade and investment agreement with the European Union. More…
TPP entry could pave way for U.S. LNG deal
Japan Times (Bloomberg), 19 March, 2013
Japan’s bid to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade negotiations may make it easier for it to import liquefied natural gas from the United States. More…
Germany, EU keen to clinch Thai FTA within two years: ambassador
The China Post, 19 March, 2013
Germany and the entire European Union are ready to provide maximum cooperation for conclusion of the Thai-EU free-trade agreement in two years’ time, for a win-win scenario for both parties. More…
Now US Wants Transatlantic Free Trade Agreement With European Union To Include Turkey: Who’s Next?
TechDirt, 19 March, 2013
Last week we wrote about the important news that Mexico is asking to join what began as a bilateral trade agreement between the US and Europe, with the suggestion that Canada might follow suit. More…
Multinational firms look for tax shields in bilateral pacts
Live Mint, 18 March, 2013
The aggressive push by India’s tax department to increase revenue has prompted several multinational companies (MNCs) to informally seek the views of lawyers and consultants about invoking bilateral investment promotion and protection agreements. More…
Effects of joining TPP mixed / Though imports would become cheaper, some fear threats to food safety
The Yomiuri Shimbun, 17 March, 2013
Joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) multilateral free trade agreement would have mixed results for Japan. More…
TPP talks ’on track’ for 2013 conclusion
Tax-News, 15 March, 2013
At the close of the 10-day 16th round of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations on March 13, 2013, in Singapore, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) reported that the talks had been placed on. More…
Japan may open beef in TPP trade talks, former adviser says
Bloomberg, 15 March, 2013
Wheat and rice paddies have become the battleground for a dispute between Japan’s agricultural and business lobbies. The so-called Trans-Pacific Partnership started in 2005 as a pact. More…
Still many unresolved issues with the KORUS FTA
The Hankyoreh, 15 March,2013
One year after the South Korea-United States Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) took effect, many issues between the two sides remain unaddressed. Among these are the investor-state dispute (ISD) clause. More…
Japan’s Abe to announce joining trade pact talks
Global Post, 15 March, 2013
Japan will announce its participation in talks to forge a US-backed free trade deal on Friday, an official said, giving the pact much-needed economic clout, but possibly angering farmers at home. More…
EU-Canada free-trade agreement could lay groundwork for larger accord with US
Industry Week (Agence France-Presse), 14 March, 2013
Leaders from France and Canada expressed the sentiment as they work to resume stalled negotiations between Canada and the European Union. More…
Thai-Chilean FTA wins parliamentary endorsement
The Nation, 14 March, 2013
Thailand’s Parliament today endorsed the Thai-Chilean free trade agreement, which once taking effect in the fourth quarter, should benefit Thailand’s export and investment. More…
U.S. ambassador says renegotiation of free trade deal with Seoul possible
Yonhap, 14 March, 2013
The U.S. ambassador to Seoul raised the possibility of making changes to the free trade agreement with South Korea, saying a renegotiation would be possible if South Korea wants to do so. More…
Call to speed up African Tripartite FTA negotiations
Tax News, 13 March, 2013
The Government of Zambia has called on the three African regional economic communities (RECs) — the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). More…
New Briefing On The Eu-Morocco Free Trade Agreement
Eurogroup for Animals, 12 March, 2013
Eurogroup for Animals released a brief insight into different ways how the EU and Morocco could include animal welfare in their Free Trade Agreement discussions. More…
Insurance Bill now holds the key to FTA with EU
LiveMint, 10 March, 2013
The much-delayed free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU) may finally get through if the government is able to amend the law to allow greater foreign. More…
America will sign the TPP – John Key
3News, 09 March, 2013
Prime Minister John Key is confident America will sign one of the world’s largest free trade deals, because its economic hands are tied. More…
Businesses want TPP to be concluded
The Nation, Thailand, 09 March, 2013
Business representatives from around the Asia-Pacific region, gathered for the current 16th round of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations in Singapore, urged negotiators to. More…
Ecuador plans legal challenge on foreign investment, oil
Agence France-Presse (Global Post), 09 March, 2013
Ecuador’s president on Saturday said he planned to challenge several bilateral investment treaties after the South American country was ordered to pay billions of dollars in damages by overseas courts. More…
Colombian trade coup a feather in Key’s sombrero
NZ Herald, 09 Saturday March, 2013
The smile on John Key’s face widened as broad as the sombrero that Juan Manuel Santos had just given him. More…
Canadian meat producers don’t need CETA, aren’t filling existing export quotas: NFU
Rabble.ca, 08 March, 2013
Canadian beef exporters are using less than half of their tariff-free quota access to the European market and pork exporters come nowhere close to meeting their allowances. More…
Nation plans study for free trade deal with Europe
China Daily, 08 March, 2013
China and the European Union could start investment talks in the coming months, the Chinese ambassador to the EU said. More…
Vietnam, EU look to conclude FTA negotiations
Vietnam Plus, 08 March, 2013
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has affirmed that Vietnam wishes to boost two-way trade with the European Union (EU) and speed up negotiations. More…
Colombia keen on free trade deal with NZ
Radio New Zealand, 07 March, 2013
Following the meeting, Mr Santos told reporters that Colombia is opening up and has free trade agreements with a number of other countries including the United States, Korea and all other countries in Latin America. More…
Thai PM puts free trade agreement on the table with EU
Financial Times, 07 March, 2013
The issue has dominated Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s current tour of northern Europe and, if concluded successfully, an FTA would kick in just as Thailand’s cushy preferential trade treatment. More…
Europe’s carmakers look forward to US trade pact
New York Times, 06 March, 2013
As the industry convenes here for the Geneva auto show amid the worst European car market slump in decades, there is at least one ray of hope: the green light President Barack Obama recently gave to negotiations for a U.S.-E.U. free-trade pact. More…
Merkel, Yudhoyono call for free trade agreement
Deutsche Welle 06 March, 2013
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for a free-trade agreement between the European Union and Indonesia. This, she said, could be a first step towards. More…
A Japan – EU free trade deal?
The Diplomat, 05 March, 2013
Amid talk of a super, transatlantic free trade zone, the eurozone now has a new potential partner: Japan. But, in light of Tokyo’s slow progress on. More…
As clock ticks toward Trans-Pacific trade pact deadline, U.S. must end stall tactics on access to medicines
Médecins Sans Frontières, 04 March, 2013
As closed-door talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement resume in Singapore this week, international medical humanitarian. More…
Local firms reel under free trade deals
The Jakarta Post, 04 March, 2013
As the only tinplate producer in Indonesia, Pelat Timah Nusantara (Latinusa) has supplied packaging material to an array of manufacturer. More…
Canada worries about US-EU free trade
BBC, 02 March, 2013
The European Union and the US announced this month that they will soon begin talks on the biggest free-trade deal in history. More…
Civic groups warn against pact with EU
Bangkok Post, 01 March, 2013
Twenty-eight civic groups have warned the government against entering into a free-trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union. More…
EU-Morocco: Barroso launches talks for free trade agreement
ANSAmed , 01 March, 2013
European Commission president Jose’ Manuel Barroso was in Rabat on Friday to launch talks for an EU-Morocco free trade agreement. More…
Australian-US alliance a factor in Chinese investment decisions
ABC (Radio Australia), 01 March, 2013
The growing size and value of China’s investments in Australia makes the case for a bilateral investment treaty increasingly urgent, according to a leading China expert. More…
EU trade talks offer poor deal
Bangkok Post, 01 March, 2013
Should we trade poor people’s lives with trade benefits for agro-industry corporations? This question has been posed by civic groups to the Yingluck Shinawatra government concerning the free-trade. More…
Thai, the Philippines keen to join TPP talks
Business Times, Malaysia, 01 March, 2013M
Thailand and the Philippines are among countries that have recently expressed an interest in joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) bandwagon with the other 11 stakeholders. More…