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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.