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Putin’s free-trade proposal is ’just a smokescreen’
The governments in Berlin, Warsaw and Paris are unlikely to be terribly thrilled. They fear domination by the Russian energy giant Gazprom, which is still majority owned by the Russian state, writes Der Spiegel
Zapatistas struggle for another Mexico
As in Colombia, evidence suggests paramilitaries act as enforcers for foreign corporations. Since NAFTA took effect, US and Canadian mining companies have acquired more than a million hectares of land in Chiapas, displacing thousands of peasants.
India, EU to hold talks to seal trade pact
India’s Commerce and Trade Minister Anand Sharma and EU trade commissioner Karel De Gucht will meet in Brussels on Monday to take stock of the negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement, the PTI news agency reported.
Korea, US to resume FTA talks
It remains to be seen whether beef will continue to be the deal breaker.
Mass rally against EU-India FTA at Moreh
Hundreds of people participated in a mass rally marched down the streets in Moreh, today in protest against the ongoing EU-India Free Trade Agreement.
Farm reform panel eyed for FTAs
The Japanese government said Friday it will set up a task force to discuss agricultural reforms as it seeks out more free-trade agreements with other economies.
Panama begins campaign for free trade with EFTA
Panama’s Trade and Industry Minister Roberto Enriquez announced on Friday that Panama will begin campaigning for a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nations.
India, EU pact won’t be ready before Dec summit
Agreement delayed because of economic crisis in Europe and unresolved issues between the two sides
Merkel talks down chances of Russia-EU free trade zone
German Chancellor Angela Merkel Thursday talked down the chances of a Russia-EU free trade zone ahead of a visit by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin who has floated the idea.
Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo to hold 3rd joint meeting on FTA
South Korea, China and Japan will hold a third joint study meeting next week on the feasibility of a free trade agreement among the three Northeast Asian countries, Seoul’s trade ministry said Wednesday.
Seoul to support livestock industry
The Korean government has decided to provide 2 trillion won in aid to the beleaguered livestock industry, which expects to be hit hard when the Korea-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA) takes effect.
Living off toxic trash in the Philippines
That Japan has been sending its enormous piles of e-waste to the Philippines is not a revelation, but with the enforcement of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), a wide-ranging bilateral trade agreement, critics fear the Philippines may essentially become Japan’s dumping ground.
Farm groups renew call for S. Korea trade pact
The Korea FTA would lift live US hog prices by $10 per animal and generate an additional $687 million in US pork exports, the National Pork Producers Council argues.
Free trade agreement between Ukraine and Israel may be concluded next year, President Yanukovych believes
This was aired by the Uklrainian President during a joint press conference with President Shimon Peres of Israel in Kiev. The two have already signed a bilateral investment treaty.
S’pore, Colombia discuss FTA
Singapore has begun negotiations with Colombia on a free trade agreement (FTA), Colombian press said on Monday.
Japan, Australia to restart free trade talks
Japan and Australia on Tuesday agreed to make a "fresh start" on stalled negotiations for a free trade deal after the Japanese government embraced a less protectionist trade policy this month.
Report: Human rights impact assessments for trade and investment agreements [EN, ES, FR]
A new report setting out key issues and methodologies for conducting human rights impact assessments for trade and investment agreements is now available on the Human Rights Impact Resource Centre website.
Beef free trade pact signed by Canada, EU
Canadian beef exporters have won access to European meat markets after a landmark trade deal between Ottawa and the EU.
Turkey, Lebanon to sign free trade deal
Turkey and Lebanon are expected to sign several deals this week, including a partnership establishing a free-trade zone and a joint political declaration aiming toward a new high-level strategic cooperation counc
Europe attacking access to affordable generic drugs
The EU claims data exclusivity is required under international law. It is not. It also claims that there will be no harm to access to medicines. But other countries have learned the hard way how harmful it can be.