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Bush deals last-minute insults to workers’ rights
29-Jan-2009 AFL-CIO
In Bush’s final hours in office, he implemented a trade agreement with Peru despite calls by Congress, unions, environmental and human rights groups to delay action to ensure that Peru’s laws meet its commitments before the agreement enters into force. At the same time, the Bush Labor Department’s Office of Trade & Labor Affairs rejected a petition, the first of its kind, under the labor provisions of the Central America Free Trade Act (CAFTA).
Ramming the matter home: Peru-US FTA rushed, diluted and finagled
29-Jan-2009 COHA
Two weeks ago, as the Peruvian Congress buoyantly rushed to amend labor, health, and environmental requirements in order to implement the long pending bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US, former President George W. Bush and Peruvian President Alan García could not afford any further delays. As Barack Obama moved into the White House, it was clear that the Bush and García Administrations’ priority was to declare the FTA in effect regardless of what had been previously negotiated and amended in the halls of the Peruvian Congress.
China and Switzerland: investment protection signed, free trade under study
29-Jan-2009 GenevaLunch
Switzerland is the first country whose investors will receive a “higher level” of protection in China, under the terms of a bilateral agreement signed during a working visit by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
The European Union and the Gaza war
28-Jan-2009 Press TV
The recent war in Gaza has served to highlight the European Union’s relations with Israel. Although the genocide in Gaza has embarrassed many EU officials, there are no signs that the European Union is going to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement signed in 2004.
Crucial ASEAN bills pass in rowdy house session
28-Jan-2009 The Nation
Thai lawmakers yesterday approved a total of 41 crucial Asean agreements after a stormy House session was suspended twice due to heated debates. Among the pacts were free-trade agreements between Asean and India, China and Australia & New Zealand.
European Union and Central America for Partnership in 2009
28-Jan-2009 ICR
The European Union (EU) and Central America started on Monday the sixth round of negotiations for a Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the commitment to speed up the process so that it can be signed in 2009.
China, Switzerland agree to begin feasibility study on free trade zone
28-Jan-2009 Xinhua
China and Switzerland decided on Tuesday to begin a joint feasibility study on creating a bilateral free trade zone in the second half of this year in preparation for formally launching negotiations on the issue.
ASEAN-India free trade agreement depends on Thailand
26-Jan-2009 Monsters and Critics
A free trade agreement between India and South-East Asia will be signed at the upcoming summit of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) if the Thai parliament approves the pact. Under Thailand’s new 2007 constitution all international agreements must first be approved by the parliament before going into effect.
Bangladesh to resume TIFA negotiation with US
26-Jan-2009 AHN
Bangladesh will resume the pending talks with the United States on striking a deal —Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) — as new governments in both the countries have assumed office.
Ecuador, EU to explore trade
26-Jan-2009 Prensa Latina
Ecuador President Rafael Correa approved negotiation of a bilateral agreement with the European Union because of the impossibility to do it in a block through the Community of Andean Nations.
Korea, Peru to have FTA negotiations in March
25-Jan-2009 Korea.net
Korea and Peru agreed to hold the first round of FTA negotiations in March, the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said
EU and Central America pursue negotiations for an Association Agreement
25-Jan-2009 EC
The European Commission and Central America — Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua; and Panama as observer — will meet in Brussels from 26 to 30 January 2009 for the sixth round of negotiations leading to an Association Agreement between the two regions. In addition, the Commission is announcing a €15 million aid package to support the strengthening of regional institutions in Central America and the participation of civil society in the process.
The UK tight-lipped over dispute with an Indian investor
23-Jan-2009 ITN
The United Kingdom has formally declined to release a notice of arbitration delivered by an Indian citizen under the UK-India bilateral investment treaty, explaining that it would likely “prejudice relations between the United Kingdom and an international organisation; UNCITRAL.”
EU déjà vu in the Caribbean
23-Jan-2009 The New American
Just as the European Union was sold to Europeans as a trade agreement even though it was actually a political union, so it has been sold again, this time to the islands of the Caribbean.
Canberra pins hope on Asean FTA
23-Jan-2009 Business Mirror
Canberra has expressed hopes that member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) will sign a comprehensive free-trade agreement (FTA) with Australia-New Zealand—already completed—that seeks to loosen restrictions on trade and improve investments.
Free trade on table with South Korea foreign minister
23-Jan-2009 NBR
Free trade will be on the table when South Korean Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan meets his New Zealand counterpart Murray McCully this weekend. The men would consider a timeframe for starting negotiations towards a free trade agreement during talks on Sunday.
Food export potential to Korea highlighted with largest organic deal
23-Jan-2009 AFN
Hakubaku Australia has completed the largest ever export deal for Australian-made organic retail products into Korea with a $300,000 shipment of organic somen noodles to leading Korean food brand Sajo Haepyo, with the assistance of Austrade. This represents the second largest retail coverage for any Australian-made product behind Australian beef and shows the potential impacts of the proposed Australia-Korea FTA.
India, Jordan signs BIPPA
23-Jan-2009 Economic Times
A Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) between India and Jordan has come into force on Thursday.
Health protection in the Association Agreement between the European Union and the Andean Community
22-Jan-2009 HAI
This new publication from Health Action International critically reviews the European proposals on intellectual property and discusses the impact they will have on access to essential medicines in the CAN countries.
US-Malaysia FTA to be fast-tracked
22-Jan-2009 Bernama
The US-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is to be fast-tracked under the administration of the new US President Barack Obama, US Ambassador to Malaysia James R. Keith said today.