Obama in Korea: warmer welcome than in China, Japan? Nov 19, 2009
Obama is expected to receive a warm welcome in South Korea, where top issues on agenda are North Korea talks and a free trade agreement ... Potential turmoil on free trade ... If Obama and South Korea's President Lee Myung-bak see eye to eye on North Korea, however, they will have to get around potentially contentious differences on a Korea-US free trade agreement worked out in 16 months of complex negotiations, before either of them was elected as president. (Christian Science Monitor)
N.Korea nuke talks top Obama agenda in Seoul Nov 19, 2009
But Seoul is showing signs of impatience at US efforts to renegotiate parts of a sweeping free trade agreement (FTA) signed almost 29 months ago but still awaiting ratification ... But Lee was expected to press his guest on the free trade deal, which has been in limbo since it was signed in June 2007 ... Seoul opposes any renegotiation of what would be the biggest US trade pact since the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. (Yahoo! Asia News)
* ECFA slim boost to GDP, tool for unification: experts Nov 19, 2009
An ECFA could give Taiwan the opportunity X if China does not get in the way X of signing bilateral free trade agreements with countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, he said. Chinas overarching goal, however, was unification with Taiwan and that all of Beijings policies, including an ECFA, were channeled in that direction, he said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Envoy: Trans-Pacific Partnership a future model of trade cooperation Nov 19, 2009
The United States, which already has free trade agreements with Singapore and Chile, would have to reach deals with New Zealand and Brunei to become a member ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said at the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that Malaysia would study the regional free trade pact ... US-Malaysia bilateral ties will continue growing regardless of the form it will take in future, Keith said, adding that the free trade agreement (FTA) talks between the two... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Obama voices commitment to S.Korea trade agreement Nov 19, 2009
President Barack Obama says he is committed to resolving issues that have stalled a free trade agreement between the United States and South Korea. Obama said Thursday in Seoul that expanding trade ties would have economic and strategic benefits for both countries. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Bush lays into the left at Americas summit but agrees concessions Nov 19, 2009
President George Bush was forced to make several concessions to his Latin American colleagues yesterday when they concluded their two-day summit with only a vague commitment to a controversial pan-American free trade area ... Brazil also leads the group of countries who want to narrow the scope of any continental free trade deal, particularly feared because of US agricultural subsidies ... The US vision of free trade is frequently blamed by the left in Latin America for increasing poverty... (Yahoo News -- Summit of the Americas)
Modest gains for Bush at Summit of Americas / Sweeping promises, sharp divisions as 34-nation meeting ends Nov 19, 2009
Leaders from around the Americas ended a two-day summit in Mexico on Tuesday with backslaps and a 13-page declaration of vague commitments to cooperate in economic development, free trade and the fight against poverty ... The leaders made an equally imprecise pledge to conclude talks on the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), an agreement aimed at eliminating customs duties through the hemisphere ... Bush and his aides failed to switch the focus to free trade. (Yahoo News -- Summit of the Americas)
Americas leaders 'overcome' rifts Nov 19, 2009
Leaders attending an Americas summit in Mexico have signed a final declaration, despite earlier rifts on the key issues of free trade and corruption. The document pledges support for the setting up of a free trade area for the Americas in 2005 - a key US demand ... The planned Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) aims to create the world's largest free trade area with a market of some 800 million people. (Yahoo News -- Summit of the Americas)
Lee says S. Korea may hold talks with U.S. again over auto industry issue Nov 19, 2009
SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-baksaid Thursday, with respect to the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), his country may talk again with the U.S. if the auto trade issue stands in the way. When asked whether he intends to open South Korea's automobile market for a breakthrough in the deal, Lee said that he sought an opportunity to rediscuss the matter with the United States. (Xinhuanet, China)
Seoul, Washington agree on pushing for FTA, "grand bargain" | Obama meets with S Korean president Nov 19, 2009
SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama met with his South Korean counterpart Lee Myung-bak on Thursday to hold a summit on diverse regional and global issues, including the DPRK nuclear program and the pending bilateral free trade agreement ... SEOUL, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama expressed hope to work out details on the pending free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea, eyeing its ratification as early as next year, South Korean media reported Thursday,... (Xinhuanet, China)
Obama leaves Seoul, wrapping up four-nation Asia trip Nov 19, 2009
Earlier in the day, Obama met with his counterpart Lee on ways to strengthen their alliance, to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, and to move forward on the bilateral free trade pact. At the joint conference held with Lee, Obama also announced that Stephen Bosworth, special U.S. representative for the DPRK policy, will visit Pyongyang on Dec. 8 in a bid to prod the nation back to the six-party talks. (Xinhuanet, China)
Chinese diners eat live fish on YOUTUBE... Nov 19, 2009
", my Korean host rsponded...I had the same response when we ate a live octopus in korea...still wiggling and suckered onto the inside of my mouth..dead, but did not know it..sounds like the American economy..maybe that is what is next on the chinese menu... howardhofelich on November 18, 2009 at 08:24 PM The incredibly stupid and crushed white race expects China to respond to its bleating? Just because the White race has chosen to cease to exist, to pretend that race is a non-factor, to abort... (The Drudge Report)
Obama, S.Korea's Lee urge North to end provocation Nov 19, 2009
Obama and President Lee Myung-bak also agreed to push for progress on approving a bilateral free trade deal that has yet to be ratified by legislatures in either country two years after it was signed ... The thorniest issue between Washington and Seoul is their free trade agreement, which analysts say could increase their annual two-way trade by about $20 billion from $83 billion now ... "President Obama and I once again confirmed the economic and strategic importance of the free trade agreement... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Click to read:Obama, Lee Seek Nuke Bargain with N. Korea Nov 19, 2009
To South Korea's dismay, a free trade agreement that was signed in 2007 by the two governments under previous leaders has been stalled ever since in Congress ... The accord would be the largest for the U.S. since the North American Free Trade Agreement in the 1990s and the biggest ever for South Korea. (CBS News)
International news » Nov 19, 2009
More international news. Russia's Constitutional Court effectively outlawed the death penalty Thursday, saying that a moratorium on capital punishment should remain in force until the nation fully bans executions. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
US to send envoy to North Korea on Dec 8 Nov 19, 2009
But differences remained about a sweeping bilateral free trade agreement signed in June 2007 but still awaiting Congressional ratification ... " Seoul has opposed any renegotiation of what would be the biggest US trade pact since the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. However, Lee Thursday raised the possibility of further talks on the auto trade. "If the US thinks there is a problem in the auto (sector), we are ready to discuss it again because we have also forged an FTA with the... (India Times, India)
South Asia 'agrees to free trade' Nov 19, 2009
South Asia 'agrees to free trade ... Foreign ministers at the South Asian summit in Islamabad have agreed on the framework for a regional free trade zone, a senior Indian official says. (Yahoo News -- Asian Economy)
* Straight talk on GM crops crucial Nov 19, 2009
Taiwan is highly dependent on advanced science to develop its biotechnology, and is also engaged in free trade under the WTO framework. It has imported GM corn and soybeans for many years, and most Taiwanese have long been consuming these products. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Amid upturn in relations, Obama visits South Korea Nov 19, 2009
Obama, winding up his weeklong Asian journey, said at a joint news conference that he is committed to resolving issues that have stalled a free trade agreement between the United States and South Korea ... To South Korea s dismay, a free trade agreement that was signed in 2007 by the two governments under previous leaders has been stalled ever since in Congress. (Boston Globe)
Betfair's low-margin business structure is flawed, says Racing NSW Nov 19, 2009
5 per cent turnover tax imposed on it by Racing NSW. What's more, it's contrary to the section of the Australian Constitution that enshrines free trade between the states, it alleges. But the Federal Court was told yesterday that Betfair had effectively crippled itself by choosing a high-turnover, low-margin business model and that it now expected ''special favours. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Obama and Lee urge N Korea talks Nov 19, 2009
The two presidents also agreed to make progress on a free trade agreement which was signed two years ago but has still not been ratified ... Both Mr Obama and South Korean officials have said obstacles to a yet-to-be ratified free trade agreement must be addressed ... "If automobiles are a problem, we are in a position to discuss them again," Mr Lee said, in a shift from a previous refusal to renegotiate the biggest free trade pact involving the US for years. (BBC News -- Americas)
The 16-year 'banana war' Nov 19, 2009
The dispute has highlighted free trade conflicts between rich and poor nations, with many ACP countries small and underdeveloped. ACP nations, whose products can enter the EU tariff-free, have objected to the European Union lowering banana tariffs, saying such a move would put their economies at risk. (iAfrica.com)
Canada, India Sign Agreements to Increase Energy Ties, Examine Free Trade Nov 18, 2009
Nov. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Canada and India signed agreements to enhance cooperation in energy and examine a free trade pact to boost economic ties between the two nations ... India, which this year signed free trade pacts with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and South Korea, is forging new alliances to diversify its export markets. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Talks to resume with China on free trade agreement Nov 18, 2009
THE relationship between Australia and China is back on track, with talks on a free trade agreement to resume in February, more than a year after they stalled ... There has been a rapprochement in recent weeks that enabled the free trade discussion to be regenerated ... The Howard government began the free trade negotiations in 2005, and last December the 13th set of talks was held. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
The gloves are off in the battle for betting agency's cut of thecake Nov 18, 2009
Tasmania's Betfair alleges the fee is incompatible with Section 92 of the Constitution, which enshrines free trade between the states. Because of its business model, Betfair argues, the 1. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Many exporters still unaware of FTAs importance Nov 18, 2009
KOTA KINABALU: Many exporters are still lacking in awareness in respect of the importance of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) deputy chief executive oficer Mohd Kamarudin Hassan said yesterday. He said although they knew the benefits of the FTA for their businesses, exporters had the perception that utilising the measures under it was a hassle. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Dobb's resignation causes confusion for some, elation for others Nov 18, 2009
Considering himself an "independent populist," Dobbs has shared his opinion on a wide range of subjects, being captious of the American educational system, yet also equally critical of capitalism and free trade. However, it has been his views on illegal immigration that truly made him a political lightning rod. (The Loyola Greyhound, MD)
S Korea awaits Obama's visit for FTA, DPRK issues Nov 18, 2009
SEOUL, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- As South Koreans wait for U.S. President Barack Obama's first visit to Seoul, so do major thorny issues between the two nations, such as the South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (FTA) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s denuclearization. Obama, who is currently on his tour of Asia, is set to arrive in Seoul on Wednesday evening and return back home on the next day, wrapping up his trip. (Xinhuanet, China)
CHENEY: 'NO REASON FOR AMERICAN PRESIDENT TO BOW TO ANYONE'... Nov 18, 2009
Everytime a politician goes abroad, I have to ask, how many of our jobs did they give to them with insane Free trade. and not fair trade. (The Drudge Report)
Britons Plead for End to Asia Shoe Duties Nov 18, 2009
Merchants in Britain are urging the EU not to extend protectionist tariffs against shoe imports from China and Vietnam that they say hurt consumers and free trade. By. (BusinessWeek)
Many Malaysian exporters unaware of importance of FTA Nov 17, 2009
KOTA KINABALU: Many exporters are still lacking in awareness in respect of the importance of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) deputy chief executive Officer, Mohd Kamarudin Hassan said on Tuesday. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Peru to Seek Interpol Help in Probe of Alleged Chilean Spying, Garcia Says Nov 17, 2009
Chile, which has a free trade agreement with Peru, is the countrys fourth-largest foreign investor, according to the Peruvian Foreign Ministry. Retailers , and and carrier dominate the Peruvian retail and aviation industries. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Korean model triumphs over West Nov 17, 2009
Chinese consumers are not alone in being attracted to these products, as rising sales of Hyundai cars in the United States during the "cash for clunkers program this year testify. Hyundai Kia Automotive Group's October sales in the US not only jumped nearly 50% from the same month last year, according to the automotive industry publication Ward's Auto; the increase rates of the two carmakers was the largest among light-vehicle brands, and nearly 14 times higher than the average increase rate... (Asia Times Online)
Amicable split Nov 17, 2009
Lord Pearson, keen to stress the savings he believes would come from a UK exit, says that UKIP wants "to continue in friendly free trade and therefore we will phase out what we send over an agreed period". Others warn of a more disruptive split over trade. (BBC News -- Europe)
Payback for GM Nov 16, 2009
We hope the U.S. will continue to (pursue) free trade. " The U.S. denies the charge. Dow Jones caught up with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke in China who shrugged off the criticism, saying " are a natural part of bilateral trading ties," the news wire writes and they "affect just 1. (Slate)
APEC leaders pledge new vision for economic growth Nov 16, 2009
Leaders of the 21-nation Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on Sunday pledged a new paradigm of growth based on free trade, vowing to rebuild the world economy after the worst global recession in decades ... Free trade and open markets were the key to growth in the region, said Lee ... Obama also announced US readiness to engage in the little-known free trade deal as an initial step towards molding a region-wide trade agreement with the Asia-Pacific. (Business Report, South Africa)
Opinion: U.S., China must work together Nov 16, 2009
As the largest trading nation in the world, China is fast becoming a leading champion of free trade and market economics. Therefore, barring major natural or man-made disasters, China may surpass the United States as the largest economy in the world in a matter of a couple of decades - during the lifetime of most of the population in the world. (CNN -- International)
Obama Says U.S. Trade With China Creates Jobs, Prosperity for Both Nations Nov 16, 2009
In China for his first-ever visit, Obama arrived in Shanghai last night from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Singapore where some leaders expressed concern about his commitment to free trade. He met earlier today with Shanghai Mayor and Communist Party Secretary. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Chinese VP calls for Euro-Asia cooperation Nov 16, 2009
He said European and Asian countries should expand business and investment cooperation, mutually develop markets, facilitate free trade and guarantee the quality of their products. He also called on financial organizations to further provide services for large projects of cooperation. (Xinhuanet, China)
Obama boosts hopes for free trade Nov 16, 2009
He said the United States would engage with nations in a trans-Pacific free-trade partnership to shape a new regional agreement, a move seen as crucial to creating a possible Asia-Pacific free trade zone ... He said the United States would engage with nations in a trans-Pacific free-trade partnership to shape a new regional agreement, a move seen as crucial to creating a possible Asia-Pacific free trade zone. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Economist: Malaysia, China and India next engine for growth Nov 16, 2009
When asked how the Doha Round, when concluded, would contribute to the growth of the United States, Baur said: "It would be very helpful. I think free trade theoritically increases productivity as countries can concentrate on producing what they do best in a relative sense. "I hope the Doha Round will get ramped up again. We have had several attempts to get it going," he said. Baur said while economic recovery is underway, the risks remain. According to him, businesses finds no incentives to... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
* APEC to push free trade, investment Nov 16, 2009
APEC to push free trade, investment ... Stimulus spending and other emergency measures have set the stage for global economic recovery, but nations must push ahead with free trade and investment to ensure growth, US President Barack Obama and fellow Asia-Pacific leaders said yesterday. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Peru president to cut short APEC summit visit Nov 15, 2009
Belaunde said Garcia remains committed to the goals of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, a 21-member forum to discuss free trade, despite missing a planned retreat for its leaders on Sunday. Garcia's early departure means that his talks with his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet and Mexican President Felipe Calderon scheduled for Sunday morning will be canceled. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
APEC leaders vow new eco model Nov 15, 2009
But Obama was subject to much criticism in Singapore over his perceived neglect of free trade, with Congress and powerful Democratic barons in the trade union movement clamouring to protect US industry as joblessness s 00004000 oars. In a concluding declaration, the leaders said: "We firmly reject all forms of protectionism and reaffirm our commitment to keep markets open and refrain from raising new barriers to investment or to trade in goods and services.". (India Times)
Bush lays into the left at Americas summit but agrees concessions Nov 15, 2009
President George Bush was forced to make several concessions to his Latin American colleagues yesterday when they concluded their two-day summit with only a vague commitment to a controversial pan-American free trade area ... Brazil also leads the group of countries who want to narrow the scope of any continental free trade deal, particularly feared because of US agricultural subsidies ... The US vision of free trade is frequently blamed by the left in Latin America for increasing poverty... (Yahoo News -- Summit of the Americas)
Obama: Decision Soon On Afghanistan Nov 15, 2009
The so-called Trans-Pacific Partnership is seen as a starting point for a possible regional free trade area comprising 21 countries of Asia-Pacific. Obama's announcement gives the proposal a boost. (KCRA 3, CA)
Trade barriers impact commodities (2) Nov 15, 2009
Overall, Heck says trying to resolve and harmonize some of trade issues is the point of the WTO. Bowman notes most free trade agreements are written to allow companies to negotiate across borders on the details of grain characteristics. The U.S. Grains Council has added the international trade of distillers grains, which will become an important area for U.S. farmers, Marshall says. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
GM offers Mich. option to workers Nov 15, 2009
We have one party that screams protectionism and drinks the Free Trade cool aid and the other party rolls over and plays dead. Both are corrupt and every single one of them in both parties needs to go until they realize that American workers are fed up and are not going to take it any more. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
Australia, New Zealand Welcome Obama's Commitment on Pacific Trade Group Nov 15, 2009
Leaders at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum summit in Singapore, which Obama is attending, said the TPP is a possible pathway toward the long-term goal of achieving a free trade area among its members. APEC leaders also urged for a conclusion to the World Trade Organizations eight-year-old Doha Round of talks by the end of 2010. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
APEC leaders conclude first-day meeting Nov 15, 2009
In a robust defense of free trade, APEC Leaders also reiterated their commitment to reject all forms of protectionism. There was also a good discussion on APEC's long-term vision of a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) ... The theme of free trade resonated strongly among APEC leaders. (Xinhuanet, China)
APEC Leaders Call for New Growth Strategies Nov 15, 2009
Stimulus spending and other emergency measures have set the stage for global economic recovery, but nations must push ahead with free trade and investment to ensure growth, President Barack Obama and fellow Asia-Pacific leaders said Sunday. Obama and 20 other leaders, meeting in Singapore for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, rejected protectionism and agreed to develop long-term strategies that take into account the diverse needs of economies in a region stretching from Chile... (ABC News -- Business)
US, Vietnam throw support behind Trans-Pacific Partnership Nov 15, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. "To fulfil the full promise of APEC, we must look not only at what we can do for ourselves in the region but also at how we can work together to demonstrate leadership on trade for the entire world.". (Channelnewsasia.com)
APEC rejects protectionism, pledges new growth model Nov 15, 2009
The leaders instructed their officials to start exploratory work on the so-called Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific, although analysts warn that the giant undertaking is years if not decades from fruition. More immediately, the heads of government pledged to try to conclude the World Trade Organization's stalled Doha round of negotiations next year. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Asia-Pac leaders spank Obama on trade backslide Nov 15, 2009
US President Barack Obama has come under fire from Asia-Pacific leaders for backsliding on free trade at a regional summit devoted to driving the world economy out of crisis. "President Obama is facing severe political constraints that run counter to free trade," Mexican President Felipe Calderon said, complaining about US foot-dragging on full implementation of the NAFTA pact for North America ... The US Congress has turned even more sour on free trade after the worst economic crisis since... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Peru quits summit over alleged espionage Nov 15, 2009
Chile and Peru, top South American metal exporters, were participating in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Singapore, where they held talks with Asian countries on free trade agreements. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- International)
Obama Tries to Forge Connections in Asia Nov 15, 2009
There are 168 free trade agreements in Asia and another 88 in the works, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. But the United States has only two, with Singapore and Australia. (CBS News)
South Asia 'agrees to free trade' Nov 15, 2009
South Asia 'agrees to free trade ... Foreign ministers at the South Asian summit in Islamabad have agreed on the framework for a regional free trade zone, a senior Indian official says. (Yahoo News -- Asian Economy)
APEC leaders vow new economic model after crisis Nov 15, 2009
But Obama was subject to much criticism in Singapore over his perceived neglect of free trade, with Congress and powerful Democratic barons in the trade union movement clamouring to protect US industry as joblessness soars ... " The summit's chairman, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, explained that "sustainable" growth meant working for an "ambitious outcome" at Copenhagen climate talks next month. But a hastily convened climate discussion in Singapore among key leaders -- including... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Leaders Decide to Delay Copenhagen Treaty Nov 15, 2009
He said the U.S. would engage with nations in a Trans Pacific free-trade partnership to shape a new regional agreement, a move seen as crucial to creating a possible Asia-Pacific free trade zone. worldwide global warming treaty. (Time.com)
PM Lee, Obama reaffirm excellent ties in bilateral meeting Nov 15, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next (Channelnewsasia.com)
Obama in Japan: Public Solidarity Masks Tension Nov 15, 2009
" In a way, this tension between the public celebration of friendship and the quiet struggle over intractable issues is a microcosm for Obama's first year on the world stage. On Saturday night, Obama landed in Singapore, the 18th nation he has visited in just 10 months, far more than any of his predecessors. At almost every stop, he has espoused a new vision for world relations, one of greater communication, collaboration and cooperation, even among historic foes. "As I have said, in an... (Time.com)
Getting it together at last Nov 15, 2009
Ever since the Brazilians have tended to view free trade with suspicion, despite their country s recent success as an exporter. In the mid-20th century Brazil seemed to have found a formula for stimulating growth and enjoyed what appeared to be an economic miracle. (The Economist)
India seeks services pact with ASEAN Nov 15, 2009
India has already signed a Free Trade Agreement with the 10 south east Asian nations. The agreement, which will come into effect on January 1 next year, would break duty barriers on bulk of the USD 45 billion bilateral trade with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). (India Times)
Americas leaders 'overcome' rifts Nov 15, 2009
Leaders attending an Americas summit in Mexico have signed a final declaration, despite earlier rifts on the key issues of free trade and corruption. The document pledges support for the setting up of a free trade area for the Americas in 2005 - a key US demand ... The planned Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) aims to create the world's largest free trade area with a market of some 800 million people. (Yahoo News -- Summit of the Americas)
Modest gains for Bush at Summit of Americas / Sweeping promises, sharp divisions as 34-nation meeting ends Nov 15, 2009
Leaders from around the Americas ended a two-day summit in Mexico on Tuesday with backslaps and a 13-page declaration of vague commitments to cooperate in economic development, free trade and the fight against poverty ... The leaders made an equally imprecise pledge to conclude talks on the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), an agreement aimed at eliminating customs duties through the hemisphere ... Bush and his aides failed to switch the focus to free trade. (Yahoo News -- Summit of the Americas)
