Mekong countries engaging private sector in trade
Xinhua , Mrach 31, 2008

Representatives from the business community of the six countries sharing the Mekong River here on Sunday held discussions on how to enhance the involvement of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the export market. Representatives from GMS Business Forum (GMS-BF) members, leading business communities, the offices of the GMS National Coordinators and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) met here for the GMS Business and Investment Dialogue (BID). <<More>>

Owen Hembry: Girding the loins for a battle over beef
New Zealand Herald, March 31, 2008

New Zealand beef exports to North Asia have soared, following a ban on US beef in the region because of mad cow disease. Taiwan, Japan and Korea banned US beef imports in 2003 for fear of BSE. As a result, Kiwi exports to North Asia - comprising Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China - have jumped from 15 per cent of total export volume before the BSE-related ban in 2002/2003 to 27 per cent in 2006/2007. <<More>>

Full Text of Joint Summit Declaration on 3rd GMS summit
Xinhua , March 31, 2008

Leaders from the six Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) nations -- Laos, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand -- concluded their two-day summit and issued a Joint Summit Declaration on the third GMS summit. <<More>>

Who says you can't fool all of the people?
Hill Times, March 31, 2008

Democratic presidential candidates and U.S. Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton's comments about renegotiating NAFTA have sparked a flurry of responses from Canadian politicians and pundits: witness "NAFTAgate" on Parliament Hill. With very few exceptions, this commentary reveals how successfully the spin doctors have perpetuated a mythology about the benefits of this free trade agreement for Canada. <<More>>

Asian firms flock Kenya in search of big deals
Business Daily Africa, March 31, 2008

Faced with an economy growing at a neck-break speed, China and – now India – are turning their eyes on Africa for resources to boost their industrial growth. Firms from these Asian nations are now boosting their presence in Kenya through multi-million shilling acquisition deals or green field targeting industries as diverse as telecommunication, tourism, energy, technology, commodities and construction. <<More>>

Vietnam supports GMS plan on trade-investment facilitation
Nhan Dan, March 31, 2008

Vietnam supports the building of a plan of action to accelerate the liberalisation and facilitation of trade and investment among countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the statement at a forum on GMS business and investment, which was held on March 30 on the threshold of the third GMS Summit slated to open in Vientiane on March 31. <<More>>

Singapore sees free trade accord with GCC this year
Gulf Times, March 30, 2008

Targeting a significant boost in bilateral trade between the Gulf countries, particularly Qatar and the UAE, Singapore is “close to clinching” a free trade agreement (FTA) with the GCC, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Lee Yi Shyan says. <<More>>

Leaders of Mekong nations to chart future course for regional ...
Xinhua, March 30, 2008

The Summit of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) nations is expected to endorse a five-year action plan (2008-2012) soon to foster economic growth and prosperity in the region, a press release said here on Sunday. Prime ministers of the six countries sharing the Mekong River are convening in the Lao People's Democratic Republic for the Third GMS Summit, said the press release from the ADB (Asian Development Bank) office in Cambodia. <<More>>

Leaders of Mekong nations to chart future course for regional ...
Xinhua, March 30, 2008

The Summit of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) nations is expected to endorse a five-year action plan (2008-2012) soon to foster economic growth and prosperity in the region, a press release said here on Sunday. Prime ministers of the six countries sharing the Mekong River are convening in the Lao People's Democratic Republic for the Third GMS Summit, said the press release from the ADB (Asian Development Bank) office in Cambodia. <<More>>

Mekong youth forum opens to speak out regional issues
Xinhua, March 30, 2008

The Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) Youth Forum opened here Sunday to discuss how to offer wider access to information technology, educational and employment opportunities, healthcare services for youths, and better protecting environment. At the opening of the one-day forum attended by 37 young people, Khamphan Sithidampha, General Secretary of the Central Committee of Lao People's Revolutionary Youth Union said, "The GMS Youth Forum is a milestone and symbolic event, which will enhance cooperation and collaboration of youths among the six nations in the Mekong sub-region." <<More>>

China, Vietnam sign cross-border transport deal
Xinhua, March 30, 2008

China and Vietnam inked here Sunday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for inclusion of Nanning-Hanoi corridor and Youyiguan-Huu Nghi Border Crossing Point in the scope of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) Cross-Border Transport Agreement. The MOU, signed by Chinese Vice Minister of Communication Weng Mengyong and Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Transport Le Manh Hung, is a bilateral materialization of the GMS Cross-Border Transport Agreement, Lawrence Greenwood, Vice President of the Asian Development Bank, said at the MOU signing ceremony. <<More>>

Vietnam treasures GMS co-op, boosts sub-regional integration
Xinhua, March 29, 2008

"The Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) cooperation is an important link in the process of economic integration and connectivity of GMS countries, fostering as well as supplementing bilateral and regional cooperation," Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung stated Saturday. <<More>>

SAFTA to have positive impact for S Asia: ADB-UNCTAD
Financial Express, March 29, 2008

The study conducted by the Asian Development Bank and UNCTAD-India has observed that the full implementation of the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) would contribute to stronger economic growth in the region. <<More>>

Shift trade to SAARC region from slowing US, Govt to business
Economic Times, March 28, 2008

The government today asked the country's business houses to shift focus to the SAARC region and exploit the opportunities there, especially when the US and the European economies are slowing down. "Instead of focusing on US and EU markets, we should now look at our neighbours and intra-SAARC trade... South-South trade is going to increase," Commerce Secretary G K Pillai said at a Ficci seminar here. <<More>>

South-South agreements can help Doha Round deliver on its promises ...
UNCTAD, March 28, 2008

Developing countries can contribute to the ongoing Doha Round of world trade talks by drafting South-South RTAs that "help rather than hinder" the multilateral trading system embodied in the WTO, UNCTAD Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi told a meeting today in Tokyo. <<More>>

SAARC working group discusses energy support
Daily Times, March 27, 2008

A two-day fourth working group meeting of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) on energy started here on Wednesday and discussed different options of regional cooperation among SAARC countries. The discussion was focused on regional energy cooperation options including the concept of SAARC energy ring, consideration of the recommendations of the South Asia Energy Dialogue held in March 2007 in New Delhi, India, the Road Map for energy efficiency and energy conservation in the region developed in a seminar of regional experts held in April 2007 in Islamabad. <<More>>

Advancing Australia's Global and Regional Economic Interests
TamilSydney.com, March 27, 2008

The Australian Government’s mission is to implement a reform agenda to build a modern Australia capable of meeting the challenges of the 21^st century – to secure both the nation’s long-term future, and a future for working families. During its first three months, the Government has focused primarily on the implementation of its domestic policy agenda. Now, given the uncertainty in global financial markets and the increasing challenges facing the global economy, the Government will use the period ahead to engage critical economic decision makers and business leaders abroad. <<More>>

Full Text: Country Report on China's Participation in Greater ...
Trading Markets (press release), March 27, 2008

GMS cooperation is project-oriented and provides financial and technological support as per the actual needs of member countries of the region. Since its initiation, GMS cooperation has concentrated on five strategic fields, namely, infrastructure construction, cross-border trade and investment, participation by private sectors, human resource development, and environmental protection and sustainable utilization of natural resources. <<More>>

INDIA'S STRATEGIC THRUST IN SEASIA---BEFORE & AFTER 9/11 B.RAMAN ...
By B. RAMAN, March 27, 2008

A keynote speech delivered by the writer on March 26,2008, at an international seminar on INDIA-SOUTHEAST ASIA: STRATEGICCONVERGENCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY organised from March 26 to 28, 2008, by the CENTRE FOR SAARC STUDIES of the Andhra University, Visakhapattnam, India. <<More>>

Agadir forum to highlight investment, economic integration
Middle East North Africa Financial Network, March 26, 2008 

Direct investment and free trade in the Arab Mediterranean region will be on display in the First Agadir Member States Investment Forum, to be held later next month. The Agadir Agreement (Arab Mediterranean Free-Trade Area) was signed by the Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia in 2004 to form a free trade zone of Arab Mediterranean nations and help realise Euro-Mediterranean economic integration. <<More>>

EAC to spend Sh8bn harmonising transport operations in EA
Business Daily Africa, March 26, 2008

Following a misunderstanding between the five East African Community (EAC) countries over transport regulations and standards in the region, efforts have been started to bring them at par. <<More>>

Bangladesh to study deals of Lanka, Nepal with India before ...
The New Nation, March 25, 2008

Commerce Adviser Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman yesterday said Bangladesh would study the outcomes of Sri Lanka and Nepal's bilateral trade deals with India signed undercover of free trade agreements (FTA). "We believe, we're not each other's competitors in regional trade, but we need more discussions and studytWe should see first how the Nepal and Sri Lanka's agreements with India work and benefit them," he told a regional seminar on regional trade at Brac INN auditorium in the city. <<More>>

China emerges India's largest trade partner
IndiaPost.com, March 24, 2008

It is now official! China has emerged as India's largest trade partner, a position that was monopolized by the United States so far. This was revealed by the Economic Survey for 2007-2008, which said that 'China's trade share during April-October 2007 was even higher than that of the US by Rs.600 crore.' <<More>>

Beyond Bickering

With Washington headed for a prolonged period of distraction due to the American election and subsequent transition in power, followed by Brussels facing a similar change with a new Commission and Parliament in 2009, the U.S. and EU relations face the challenge of keeping their transatlantic economic dialogue going. Here are some recommendations from the National Journal on how to maintain momentum through the rocky days ahead.

Intra-Kashmir economic cooperation
GreaterKashmir.com, March 23, 2008

Following is the text of the paper on Intra-Kashmir Economic Cooperation presented by Dr Mubeen Shah president Kashmir Chamber  of Commerce and Industry at Mount Lavinia Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka. <<More>>

SAFTA: How successful has it been so far?
Sunday Times.lk, March 23, 2008

The South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) signed by the members of the SAARC and implemented in July 2006, has since been a matter of concern for the countries involved, regarding how effective it is in increasing the economic wellbeing of the region in general. When it was initially signed, the goals included forming a common currency for the region and forming a Customs Union (CU) which would eventually lead to Total Economic Integration. <<More>>

‘Pakistan, Korea should further deepen trade ties’
Daily Times, March 21, 2008

Pakistan and Korea are close friends and partners for the development of mutually beneficial relations and should further deepen trade and economic relations, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Un Shin, during his visit to Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) said. <<More>>

India and Turkey call to boost bilateral trade
Merinews, March 20, 2008

Turkey and India have expressed their desire to give a major boost to their bilateral trade, calling for the initiation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Potential areas of cooperation include mining, biotechnology, medicine and pharmaceuticals, coastal development projects, hotel management, automotive, IT and rail transportation. <<More>>

Strengthening relations with Myanmar
Financial Express, March 19, 2008

India’s trade and investment with Myanmar will increase if barriers are removed. India–Myanmar should resume full-fledged trade at the border. Compared to ocean trade, border trade in value terms has been only 1% ($3.5 million in 2004) of the total bilateral trade. <<More>>

Turkey offers to have FTA with India
Financial Express, March 19, 2008

Turkey has offered to have a free trade agreement (FTA) with India and boost its exports of food products, textiles, plastics, chemicals, machinery and construction materials. The bilateral trade between the two countries has surpassed the target limit of $ one billion in 2004 and reached $ 2.6 billion in 2007. <<More>>

What You Don't Know about Nafta

BusinessWeek, March 19, 2008

The free-trade deal is taking the blame for huge job losses. But its true effects on workers and competitiveness are far more complicated. <<More>>

Exclusive zone for Indian and Pakistan markets
The Island (subscription)

Please set up an industrial zone in Sri Lanka to cater to Indian and Pakistan Markets was the earnest plea made by Nawaz Rajabdeen, President, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) when a high powered trade delegation from Julin Province, China visited the FCCISL. <<More>>

Role of standards in promoting US-Vietnam trade relations
VietNamNet Bridge, March 17, 2008

“We want to have healthy products and bilateral trade relationship with Vietnam, and we need to ensure that the products imported from Vietnam comply with US standards”, said Steven Bipes, a senior official from the American National Standards Institute. <<More>>

PMs of 6 GMS countries to attend summit in Laos
Xinhua, March 16, 2008

Prime ministers of the six countries sharing the Mekong River will convene in Vientiane, Laos, on March 31 for the Third Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit, said a press release from the Asia Development Bank (ADB) to Cambodia here on Sunday. <<More>>

‘Investment barriers must go’
Sify, March 15, 2008

The Third Ministerial meeting of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Free Trade Agreement (SAPTA) hosted by India on March 3, 2008 in New Delhi, saw India pruning its ‘Negative List’ from 744 items to around 500, for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) of the South Asian region such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives. <<More>>

Iran, Pakistan to hold pricing talks on gas pipeline
World Socialist Web Site, March 15, 2008

The Iranian and Pakistani governments will hold final talks next month on pricing natural gas to be sent through a pipeline connecting Iran’s South Pars natural gasfields to the Pakistani cities of Karachi and Multan. <<More>>

‘India should broadbase trade pacts’
Financial Express, March 13, 2008

India could continue to look beyond free trade agreements in goods to expand the scope of agreements to incorporate service agreements, investment agreements and enhance regional monetary cooperation and cooperation in trade logistics. <<More>>

Sri Lanka study pushes transaction cost cuts to boost South Asian trade
Lanka Business Online, March 14, 2008

South Asian countries should reduce transaction costs and take measures to protect employment-intensive industries to reap more effective gains from a regional free trade deal, a new study has said. <<More>>

APTA trade under utilised by Sri Lanka
Daily Mirror, March 14, 2008

Sri Lanka has under-utilised its prospect of trade under the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA). According to the actual and potential benefits and opportunities of APTA for Sri Lankan business and issues in the Rules of Origin by Department of Commerce Dr. Dayaratne Silva, it is known that under the utilisation of preferences for current exports are 28% of all the total exports. <<More>>

Govt to formalise unconditional duty free access of garments from Sri Lanka & Bangladesh
Economic Times, March 13, 2008

For the domestic textile sector, already bleeding due to the rupee appreciation, this may add insult to injury. The government is all set to formalise unconditional duty free access of garments from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh up to specified limits. The move is guided by the South Asian Free Trade Area Agreement (SAFTA). <<More>>

Lawmakers urged cautions on Japan deals
Sun.Star, March 13, 2008

AMID current political noise brought about by the Arroyo government's questionable deals with China, Malacañang remains aggressive in its campaign to ratify the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA). <<More>>

Indo-Bangaldesh ties need stand alone attention, says ex ...
DailyIndia.com, March 12, 2008

Former Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Farook Sobhan today appealed to Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to seriously consider appointing a third Minister of State in the External Affiars to look after Indo-Bangla relations alone. <<More>>

European and Asian Integration: Achievements and Challenges
Pinoy Press, March 12, 2008

Asia’s export-orientation continues to be the foundation of our economic success, giving rise to an obvious and quite natural gravitation toward regionalism. In fact, we expect economic cooperation and integration to be a key pillar of Asia’s future development strategy as we move deeper into the 21st century. <<More>>

East Africa: Traders Laud Introduction of Regional Transit Rules
Business Daily, March 11, 2008

Traders have backed the recently introduced East African Community transit permit regulations, saying they are helping curb cases of diversion and dumping of transit goods into the local market. <<More>>

Seoul to Put Priority on Energy Diplomacy
Korea Times, March 11, 2008

The government will emphasize boosting economic cooperation with energy-rich countries around the world to secure sustainable energy resources, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Tuesday. <<More>>

China opts for stronger trade ties
The Island (subscription)

The Sri Lanka China Business Corporation Council (SLCBCC) held its 9th annual general meeting recently. Speaking on the occasion Ye Dabo the Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China said; at the forthcoming SAARC Conference in August China will be fielding a higher level delegation with focus on economic corporation and mutual development. <<More>>

RBI objects to bilateral trade agreements
Business Standard, March 11, 2008

In its discussions with the finance ministry, the RBI pointed out that the