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JPEPA takes effect Thursday
10-Dec-2008
The controversial Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) takes effect Thursday, December 11, with simple ceremonies in Tokyo, Philippine labor attaché to Japan Danilo Cruz said Wednesday.
Customs ready to implement JPEPA today
10-Dec-2008
Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales said yesterday that even if it leads to a loss in revenue collection, the agency is ready to implement the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
Kenya seeks to fast-track trade deal with Europe
10-Dec-2008
Kenya is gunning for a fast-track programme that will enable it sign a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with the European Union by July next year despite opposition from civil society groups.
’Unrealistic timetable hinders Ecowas’ conclusion on EPA’
10-Dec-2008
West Africa civil society platform of the Economic Partnership Agreement has said unrealistic timetable constituted the main constraint facing the Economic Community of West African States in reaching a conclusion on the agreement.
Mixed record on trade for potential USTR pick
10-Dec-2008
Since emerging as a leading contender for U.S. trade representative under President-elect Barack Obama, Rep. Xavier Becerra has been criticized as both overly protective and not protective enough of U.S. workers in trade agreements.
EU firms have strong presence
10-Dec-2008
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea proudly presented the Korea -EU Industrial Cooperation Day on December 10, and the third edition of the EU-Korea Awards, which honor not just European companies, but government authorities who have made a significant contribution to strengthening the relationship between the EU and Korea.
Condoleezza Rice visit to Panama sparks protest in capital
10-Dec-2008 Tico Times
A visit by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice sparked protest yesterday in the streets by opponents of free trade with the North American giant, a subject Rice is set to discuss here in a conference today.
Intellectual property in free trade agreements
10-Dec-2008
FTAs often include intellectual property protection that is stronger than the World Trade Organisation requires (known as ‘TRIPS-plus’ protection). This book highlights the likely effects on developing countries of agreeing to these TRIPS-plus provisions, particularly those in US FTAs.
Bilateral and regional free trade agreements: Some critical elements and development implications
10-Dec-2008
This book argues that the comprehensive and strict obligations these FTAs impose will seriously constrain the developing-country party’s policy-making capacity to pursue national socioeconomic and development goals.
An update from bilaterals.org and logo design contest announcement
10-Dec-2008
In 2009, bilaterals.org will turn five years old. Major changes are underway to expand and improve the website, which currently houses over 13,000 articles that are consulted by 6,000 different people a day.
Colombia: Social conflict replaces warfare
10-Dec-2008 Americas Program
Broad sectors in Colombian society are beginning to understand that accusations by human rights organizations against the Uribe government were not exaggerated.
Brazil, US draw nearer to bilateral tax treaty
10-Dec-2008 Easy Bourse
Brazil and the United States are closer than ever to signing a bilateral tax treaty, although a similar accord to protect investments in the two countries is a bit further off, officials of both countries said Tuesday.
Korea seeks free trade with Russia, Mercosur
10-Dec-2008 Joong Ang Ilbo
Korea wants to offset the expected slowdown in growth next year by expanding free trade pacts with Russia and South America’s Mercosur members, a government official said yesterday.
Obama’s agenda for change and the 2009 Summit of the Americas
9-Dec-2008 ALAI Net
Barack Obama’s electoral victory represents hope for change in the US relations with Latin America, but he will have to work against time to showcase the new policy direction at the Fifth Summit of the Americas, to be held in Trinidad and Tobago in April next year, write Rick Arnold and Manuel Pérez-Rocha.
Vietnam pushing free trade area with US
9-Dec-2008 VietnamNet Bridge
“We are trying to promote negotiations on a free trade area (FTA) agreement with the US. This would be a long-term task,” said Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Le Cong Phung on the sideline of the 16th diplomatic sector conference, which opened in Hanoi on December 2.
Turkey, S Korea plan to initiate FTA soon
9-Dec-2008 World Bulletin
Turkey and Korea have decided to initiate Free Trade Agreement between the two countries soon.
SC to include anti-JPEPA petition on en banc agenda next week - Marquez
9-Dec-2008 Balita
The Supreme Court of the Philippines will include in its agenda for next week’s en banc session the petition filed Thursday by a multisectoral group seeking the nullification of the implementation of the recently ratified Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
Canada Colombia Free Trade Agreement should be rejected
9-Dec-2008 rabble.ca
The Harper government pretends that the Colombian Free Trade agreement will advance the human rights agenda in Colombia. But essentially, here is what would happen: in case of abuse, a small fine would be levied by the Canadian government which the Colombian government would then pay to itself.
Panama, Canada begin second round of FTA talks
9-Dec-2008 People’s Daily
Panama and Canada on Monday began a second round of talks in their effort to reach a free trade agreement (FTA).
Pakistan pushing for more free trade with GCC
8-Dec-2008
Pakistan is trying hard to sign Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Gulf countries to give boost to its ailing economy, said a senior official.