bilaterals.org weekly | 25-31 Dec 2009

BILATERALS.ORG WEEKLY

bilaterals.org weekly | 25-31 Dec 2009

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

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

Taiwan’s likely ban on US beef stalls trade talks | 31-December-2009
Because of the proposed ban, Taiwan’s minister of economic affairs, Shih Yen-shiang, told parliament Wednesday that resumption of talks on a free-trade pact with the U.S. would be indefinitely delayed
China eyes ASEAN resources from free trade pact | 29-December-2009
A free trade agreement between China and its Southeast Asian neighbours, which takes full effect from January 1, will help China fill its urgent need for natural resources, a senior commerce official said on Tuesday.
Expectations, Burma case derail FTA | 28-December-2009
Continuing political turmoil in the military-ruled Burma have caused major hurdles in the proposed free-trade deals being negotiated by members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations with the European Union, Canada and the United States.
In Southeast Asia, unease over free trade zone | 28-December-2009
When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, China and 10 Southeast Asian nations will usher in the world’s third-largest free trade area. While many industries are eager for tariffs to fall on everything from textiles and rubber to vegetable oils and steel, a few are nervously waiting to see whether the agreement will mean boom or bust for their businesses.
Peru to negotiate FTA with Central America in May | 28-December-2009
Peru will begin negotiations to sign a Free Trade Agreement with Central America in May next year, Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism
UAE, S Korea sign economic cooperation pact | 28-December-2009
South Korea said on Sunday it had signed an enhanced economic cooperation agreement with the UAE as the two get set to mark their 30-year relationship anniversary next year.
Spain to boost EU-L.America ties during its EU presidency | 27-December-2009
Spain will seek close association agreements between the EU and Central America, boost trade agreements between the EU and Colombia and Peru and resume talks between the EU and the Common Market of the South, during Madrid’s rotating EU presidency in the first half of 2010
Government plans safeguards for farmers | 27-December-2009
Thai authorities are taking precautions to shield businesses and farmers from the fall in farm product prices after tariffs are cut under the Asean Free Trade Area (Afta) at the start of 2010..

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

Reneging on beef opening would hurt US support for Taiwan | 28-December-2009
The head of Taiwan’s National Security Council urged lawmakers and the public not to demand a reopening of talks with the United States on controversial beef imports, though he said he would "respect the final decision by the legislature" and "the people’s right to initiate a referendum on the issue."

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

Anti-mining activists killed in El Salvador | 30-December-2009
For the second time in a week, a prominent anti-mining activist has been assassinated in El Salvador.




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