bilaterals.org weekly | 23-29 Oct 2009

BILATERALS.ORG WEEKLY

bilaterals.org weekly | 23-29 Oct 2009

the following were posted on www.bilaterals.org in the past week

------------------------------ NEGOTIATIONS ------------------------------

China-Taiwan trade overtures questioned | 29-October-2009
As China and Taiwan inch towards a free trade agreement, questions are being raised about how much of a role politics will play in the deal.
Taiwan’s Ma eyes trade agreement with US: report | 29-October-2009
Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou has voiced hopes of reaching a free-trade agreement with the United States following a decision by the island to allow more US beef imports, a report said Wednesday.
Bahrain: MPs ban Israel links | 29-October-2009
MPs yesterday voted to jail for up to five years any Bahraini who deals directly with Israel and to resurrect the Israeli Boycott Office, closed to make way for the Free Trade Agreement with the US.
Costa Rica: Universitarios piden cambiar derechos de autor | 29-October-2009
La nueva ley de derechos de autor es parte de la legislación aprobada paralelamente con el Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) con Estados Unidos, Centroamérica y República Dominicana.
Anuncian negociación TLC entre Colombia y Corea del Sur | 29-October-2009
Corea del Sur y Colombia iniciarían próximamente negociaciones para implementar un acuerdo de libre comercio, luego de resultar positivo un estudio de factibilidad sobre el tema.
India, US to conclude three trade pacts | 28-October-2009
India and the US on Monday agreed to fast-track and conclude within a given timeframe agreements on enhancing and deepening trade and investment engagement, and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) cooperation agreement and an agreement for putting in place traditional knowledge digital library.
Sudeste Asiático: aranceles complican mercado único | 28-October-2009
El arroz se erigió en símbolo del compromiso regional, o de su ausencia, con la creación de un área de libre comercio para los 10 miembros de la Asociación de Naciones del Sudeste Asiático (Asean) en los albores del próximo año.
Cederá Panamá en tema fiscal para alcanzar TLC con EU | 28-October-2009
Panamá anunció este lunes que aceptará demandas fiscales de la OCDE, que le permitirán enviar señales positivas a Estados Unidos para ratificar el TLC.
Perú y la UE se reunirán en noviembre para tratar TLC | 28-October-2009
Perú y la Unión Europea sostendrán entre el 14 y 20 de noviembre una reunión adicional en el marco de las negociaciones del Tratado de Libre Comercio.
Culmina con "importantes avances" la IV ronda de la negociación para el TLC Perú-Corea | 28-October-2009
La IV Ronda de Negociaciones para la suscripción de un Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) entre el Perú y Corea del Sur culminó hoy en Lima "de manera exitosa (y) con importantes avances", informó una nota oficial.
EU/India: Commission in new free trade push with New Delhi | 27-October-2009
Following the conclusion of an FTA with South Korea, the European Commission’s Chief Negotiator, Ignacio Garcia Bercero, has stepped up efforts to reinvigorate the trade negotiations with India. However, two key contentious issues are standing in the way of further progress, namely tariff liberalisation and public procurement.
Fishworkers call for march to Parliament on November 11, 2009 against ASEAN-India FTA | 27-October-2009
The anger among the Fishworkers, in the face of such a monstrous Agreement, was elaborated by T. Peter (President, KSMTF): “The Fishing Community in Kerala will take all measures to stop this agreement, and will physically prevent any vessel carrying fish from the ASEAN nations from entering Cochin Harbour”.
India, US discussing framework on investment, trade | 27-October-2009
India and US have made progress towards finalising a framework agreement on trade and investment, which will be signed soon, said visiting US Trade Representative Ron Kirk. Points that still need work, in Washington’s view, are strengthening intellectual property and access of US goods and financial services into Indian markets.
Primeros ministros de China y Australia piden pronto acuerdo sobre libre comercio | 26-October-2009
El primer ministro de China Wen Jiabao y su homólogo de Australia Kevin Rudd, pidieron la pronta firma del Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) entre las dos importantes economías de Asia y el Pacífico.
Free trade versus tariffs | 26-October-2009
The debate over the future trajectory of South Africa’s economic policy is about much more than the powers of Trevor Manuel and the planning ministry.
Free trade deal buoys Fonterra | 26-October-2009
Fonterra chairman Sir Henry van der Heyden says the dairy co-operative will step up investment within Asia because of the Malaysian free trade deal.
ASEAN FTA: CM demands apology from Union ministers | 26-October-2009
Accusing Union ministers from Kerala and Opposition Leader Oommen Chandy of "misleading" the public on the Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN countries, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today demanded an apology from them.
Anand Sharma to sign new trade treaty with Nepal | 26-October-2009
Indian commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma is arriving in Nepal on Tuesday to ink the new India-Nepal Trade Treaty that will now get a seven-year shelf life instead of the earlier five with the provision to have it automatically extended every seven years.
PM: Trade deal big step for economy | 26-October-2009
John Key says the signing of a free trade deal with Malaysia is another vital move towards a "step change" for the New Zealand economy.
Taiwan, Hong Hong, Macao companies seek new chances as CAFTA approaches | 26-October-2009
Companies from China’s Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao tried to seek new chances at China-ASEAN Expo as the operation of China-ASEAN free trade area (CAFTA) approaches.
U.S. beef decision not linked to trade agreement goal: vice premier | 26-October-2009
Taiwan’s decision to relax its restrictions against U.S. beef imports has nothing to do with any attempt to resume trade talks with the United States under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) , Vice Premier Eric Lilun Chu said Monday.
M’sia, NZ sign FTA | 26-October-2009
Malaysia and New Zealand signed a free trade deal on Monday after four years of negotiations, in an agreement Malaysia hopes will see it become a gateway to investment in Southeast Asia.
Thailand’s demand to cut RP rice tariffs amid calamity insensitive, highlights dangers of free trade deals | 26-October-2009
Research group IBON called insensitive the Thai government’s demand to cut import tariffs on rice, especially since the country is still reeling from the recent typhoon disasters and its food security is threatened. It also highlights the dangers of entering into free trade agreements, which leaves the country no room to maneuver its policies on agriculture and industries.
Ottawa demande à l’UE d’abandonner ses subventions aux produits agricoles | 25-October-2009
Le Canada a demandé aux pays de l’Union européenne d’abandonner leurs subventions aux produits agricoles lors de pourparlers destinés à parvenir à un accord de libre-échange.
Protest in solidarity with people of Honduras | 25-October-2009
Meredith Aby, of the Anti-War Committee and the Colombia Action Network, explained the root of the coup, "While in office Zelaya took some strong stands to help his people, like increasing the minimum wage and standing with ALBA (Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America) against the US’s free trade agenda in the region."
ASEAN to study free trade pact: officials | 25-October-2009
East Asian nations (ASEAN+3: China, Japan, Korea) are to carry out a feasibility study for a huge free trade zone, officials said at a summit Saturday. A separate study for a wider economic partnership also covering India, Australia and New Zealand (ASEAN+6) would be carried out in tandem.
Canada pushes for lower EU subsidies at trade talks | 25-October-2009
Canada is pushing European Union countries to drop subsidies for agricultural products at talks aimed at reaching a bilateral free-trade agreement. European countries want Canada to get rid of its supply management systems for dairy, poultry and egg products.
India lines up for free trade deal with NZ | 25-October-2009
Officials from both countries had been looking at the issue but until now it had not been a serious prospect because of India’s heavy protection of its agricultural sector.
India, China in talks for free trade pact | 25-October-2009
India said on Sunday that it is in discussions with China for a free trade agreement (FTA) to break down duty barriers to bilateral trade.
Japan, Australia ‘test’ Asia leaders with trade bloc plans | 25-October-2009
Japan and Australia outlined competing visions for an East Asian trade bloc during a 16- nation summit in Thailand, offering plans that differ on what role the US will play.
US, Taiwan may resume trade talks this year | 25-October-2009
US-Taiwan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) talks are expected to be resumed by the end of this year now that the issue of beef imports from the US has been resolved, Minister of Economic Affairs Shih Yen-shiang said Friday.
NZ close to free trade compact | 25-October-2009
New Zealand is closing in on an historic free-trade agreement with Hong Kong which could be precedent-setting, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
México, los enormes costes del TLCAN | 23-October-2009
Un viejo proverbio dice que "guerra avisada no mata soldado", pero los gobernantes mexicanos, por más que se les alertó, continuaron adelante con el Tratado de Libre Comercio de América del Norte (TLCAN) el cual ha impulsado la desigualdad y la pobreza del pueblo.
“Un Tratado de Libre Comercio con China es un mal negocio para los países” | 23-October-2009
El dragón chino, ¿socio estratégico o un competidor desleal? Esa es una interrogante que muchos de los empresarios peruanos se formularon una vez cerrado el Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC) con China y que ahora es traído al debate por dos gurús del comercio mundial.
PERU. FIDH presenta informe de Misión sobre sucesos de Bagua | 23-October-2009
"PERÚ-BAGUA, Derramamiento de sangre en el contexto del paro amazónico - Urge abrir diálogo de buena fe". Informe de la misión de la FIDH que visitó Perú los días 16 a 19 de junio de 2009 tras los violentos sucesos de Bagua.
Senators urge Obama on Asia-Pacific trade deal | 23-October-2009
They urged him to complete the Transpacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (TPP) begun by the administration of former President George W. Bush in 2008.
La Chine et la Corée du Sud envisagent un accord de libre-échange | 23-October-2009
La Chine et la Corée du Sud vont réfléchir à un accord de libre-échange
México, los enormes costes del TLCAN | 23-October-2009
Un viejo proverbio dice que "guerra avisada no mata soldado", pero los gobernantes mexicanos, por más que se les alertó, continuaron adelante con el TLCAN el cual ha impulsado la desigualdad y la pobreza del pueblo.
Panamá: TLC con Nicaragua entrará en vigencia en treinta días | 23-October-2009
El Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias informó este jueves que intercambió con Nicaragua los instrumentos de ratificación del Tratado de Libre Comercio que entrará en vigencia dentro de 30 días.
India-Nepal trade pacts to be signed next week | 23-October-2009
India and Nepal will sign a revised trade treaty and an agreement to control unauthorised trade from a third country in Kathmandu next week. A Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement is expected to be signed in future.
India-US talks on investment treaty in December | 23-October-2009
India and the US will have more discussions in December on the investment treaty, aimed at providing a fillip to bilateral business ties, US Ambassador, Timothy J Roemer said today.
Syria’s Assad wants to review EU pact before sealing deal | 23-October-2009
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad insisted on Thursday that Damascus must review a partnership agreement with the European Union, which had been due to be signed next week, before it can be sealed.
EU-Egypt trade agreement: exports’ liberalization | 23-October-2009
Agricultural trade between EU and Egypt has been further liberalized under a revision to the EU-Egypt Association Agreement, causing concern in Spain
Maldives signs agreement with US on trade | 23-October-2009
The Maldives signed a framework agreement with the United States to open up the discussion on trade between the two countries.
Experts unaware of Tifa details | 23-October-2009
Businesspeople, economists and trade experts are unaware of what are in the draft of the proposed Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (Tifa) between Bangladesh and the US.
Govt to address plantation growers’ woes on FTA | 23-October-2009
Grievances of plantation growers over India agreeing to cut duties on import of pepper, black tea, coffee and palm oil will be addressed by a Ministers’ panel next week, an official said.
China, Japan likely to debate trade bloc at Asia summit | 23-October-2009
A summit this weekend between Asia’s main economies is likely to morph into a contest between China and Japan over whether to establish a free-trade bloc in the region as it recovers from the global slump.

------------------------------ KEY ISSUES ------------------------------

Asia-Pacific Business Chambers Want TPP Negotiations Top On APEC Agenda | 26-October-2009
Four Singapore-based Asia-Pacific business chambers today urged their governments to place the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (TPP) negotiations at the top of their trade policy agendas in the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting here early next month.
Is the US ready to challenge China’s Asean influence? | 25-October-2009
Proposals by a prominent Washington senator to push the US government into a free trade agreement with Asean may be no more than a political prod to get President Barack Obama more engaged in Southeast Asia.

------------------------------ DONE DEALS ------------------------------

NZ-Malaysia FTA (2009) | 28-October-2009

------------------------------ ACTIONS -----------------------------

Documentary on free trade protests | 24-October-2009
While researching for a film on the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) – a tri-lateral initiative between Mexico, the United States, and Canada – B.C. filmmaker Paul Manly was convinced by people to head to Montebello, Que., for a 2007 summit attended by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, US President George W Bush, and Mexican President Felipe Calderón.