China, ASEAN sign MOUs to deepen co-op Oct 26, 2009
The MOU on establishing the ASEAN-China Center, to be based in Beijing, is designed to facilitate bilateral cooperation under the free trade area mechanism. The other two MOUs are the Memorandum of Understanding between ASEAN and China on Cooperation in the Field of Intellectual Property, and the Memorandum of Understanding between ASEAN and China on Strengthening Cooperation in the Field of Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment. (Xinhuanet, China)
E Asia, ASEAN cooperate for common good Oct 26, 2009
The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, the biggest of its kind for developing countries, will be effective next January ... "Establishing an East Asia community will be a long-term goal. But at least the countries have realized the need to cooperate and have taken concrete steps such as setting up a free trade area. We must remain patient," Su Hao said. (Xinhuanet, China)
Wen plays major role in success of ASEAN-related meetings Oct 26, 2009
Meanwhile, the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area would be put in place by 2010 as planned, said Yang ... For this end, China will host a China-ASEAN Free Trade Area forum next year, set up a portal website with the ASEAN nations, establish economic cooperation zones in the ASEAN nations and remove technical trade barriers, Yang noted. (Xinhuanet, China)
China proposes strengthening ASEAN Plus Three cooperation Oct 25, 2009
Countries in the region should take measures to move toward an East Asia Free Trade Area step by step through the ASEAN Plus One and the ASEAN Plus Three mechanisms, Wen said. China was willing to take the lead in promoting economic and trade cooperation among the countries in the ASEAN Plus Three system, he said. (Xinhuanet, China)
China makes proposal for co-op with ASEAN Oct 25, 2009
First, the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area should be brought into play through publicising laws and regulations on the free-trade area and the professional training of human resources for it, and by assisting enterprises to make good use of its preferential policies, Wen said. China was willing to hold a China-ASEAN Free Trade Area forum next year and jointly establish a commercial portal website with the ASEAN nations, he said ... The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, scheduled to be established in2010,... (Xinhuanet, China)
China to encourage its companies to invest in ASEAN Oct 25, 2009
China said it would also organize a forum on China-ASEAN FTA (Free Trade Area) to develop an FTA business portal. By 2010, tariffs on almost all goods traded between ASEAN and China would be eliminated. (Xinhuanet, China)
PM Lee urges ASEAN to work on East Asia Free Trade Area Oct 24, 2009
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Supercharging trade relations with Asean Oct 24, 2009
Four months later, the Export-Import Bank of China (Eximbank) made its first public appearance to speak about the fund, which has become one of the highlights as China-Asean cooperation reaches another milestone with the realisation of the China-Asean Free Trade Area (CAFTA) next year. Then Eximbank special financing account department deputy general manager Wang Hongwei said the bank was establishing the fund in Hong Kong and forming a fund management company entrusted by the investors. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Chinese premier arrives in Thailand for ASEAN summits with partners Oct 24, 2009
China and ASEAN are also expected to launch a Free Trade Area (FTA) in 2010, the world's largest FTA with a combined population of 1. 9 billion and the world's third largest in terms of trade volume. (Xinhuanet, China)
The Role Of Stakeholders In Fighting Corruption Oct 24, 2009
The ECOWAS treaty contains articles that promote the regularization of trade procedures between its constituent nations, culminating in the establishment of a free trade area in the region. The treaty mandates that each Member State (including Ghana) grant full and unrestricted freedom of transit through its territory for goods proceeding to or from a third country. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
China-ASEAN FTA to accelerate RMB regionalization Oct 24, 2009
NANNING, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese currency yuan is expected to play a bigger role in regional trade as the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) is to be realized on January 1 of 2010. "The upcoming CAFTA, which boasts the largest population among all the world's FTAs and allows zero-tariff on 90 percent of products traded between China and ASEAN, will quicken the process of RMB regionalization, "Xu Ningning, executive secretary general of China-ASEAN Business Council, told Xinhua at the... (Xinhuanet, China)
Chinese Premier Wen and leaders from the ASEAN member states held a regular meeting Saturday in a bid to boost regional cooperation amid the global financial crisis and to promote common development.• 12th ASEAN-China Summit to focus on "connectivity" Oct 24, 2009
The operationalization of the funds will promote infrastructure development and benefit the expansion of trade, investment and people-to-people contacts between both sides, in particular after the full implementation of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (FTA) in January next year. During this Summit and related ministerial meetings, three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed, namely, the MoU on Establishing the ASEAN-China Center, MoU on Strengthening Cooperation in the... (Xinhuanet, China)
A Free Trade Area for world's one third population Oct 23, 2009
"It's our first time to join the expo for promotions and seeking partnership. We want to export tariff-free products to China as soon as next year when the Free Trade Area is realized, "Effendi said. Under a series of agreements between China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) is due to be established on Jan. 1, 2010. (Xinhuanet, China)
China-ASEAN Fund to kick off soon Oct 21, 2009
NANNING, Oct 21 (Xinhua) -- The long-planned China-ASEAN Fund on Investment Cooperation will soon lift its curtain as the establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) drawing near, a senior financial official said here Wednesday. The operation of the first-stage fund of one billion U.S. dollars will start before the end of this year, said Li Ruogu, Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of China (Eximbank) at a conference here during the 6th China-ASEAN Expo. (Xinhuanet, China)
China, ROK, Japan chart path for future cooperation Oct 10, 2009
BEIJING, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama on Saturday called for the acceleration of progress toward a free trade area (FTA) between Japan, China and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Hatoyama made the remarks when meeting the press after the second trilateral leaders' meeting of China, Japan and the ROK in Beijing on Saturday morning. (Xinhuanet, China)
Southern Africa: Effort Afoot to Save Rickety Customs Union Oct 3, 2009
"The threat of converting the customs union into a mere free trade area (FTA) from the side of the South Africans seems to have woken up the other countries in Swaziland to the serious implications of losing the benefits of the union. "Hence the talk about common concern and commitment to make things work, but we don't know how long it will hold. If the political will is there and a common negotiating mechanism can be made to work, there is a good chance for expansion. (allAfrica.com)
Americas leaders 'overcome' rifts Sep 22, 2009
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 ... This, said Mr Chavez, was a victory for those who had opposed the free trade area. (Yahoo News -- Summit of the Americas)
Modest gains for Bush at Summit of Americas / Sweeping promises, sharp divisions as 34-nation meeting ends Sep 22, 2009
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. But because of strong opposition from Brazil and Venezuela, the pledge left out a U.S. demand for a commitment that the pact be sealed by the end of next year. (Yahoo News -- Summit of the Americas)
Zimbabwe: Harare Sanctions to Stay, Zuma Told Sep 12, 2009
"Implementation of the SA-EU Trade and Development Co-operation Agreement has been under way since 2000 with the aim of establishing a free trade area between SA and the EU by 2012," an international relations briefing document said. The EU is the world's largest trading bloc, and is one of SA's largest export destinations. (allAfrica.com)
China News 2009.09.07 Sep 9, 2009
The theme for the upcoming China-ASEAN expo, is "Free Trade Area and ASEAN Integration: Cooperation for Mutual Development." ... To speed up the construction of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and bring more opportunities for business of both sides, this years expo will focus on the exhibition of commodities and also include multi-level exchange programs and activities in various fields, thus forming a platform for the communication and cooperation between China and ASEAN.. (Xinhuanet, China)
Southern Africa: Zuma Arrives Back in Country After SADC Summit Wraps Up Sep 9, 2009
Zuma also touched on the progress in economic development and integration following the launch of the SADC Free Trade Area (SADC FTA) in South Africa last year. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
Zuma to lead delegation Sep 6, 2009
The summit will also discuss the impact of the global financial crisis and the region's response on it, the status of implementation of the SADC Free Trade Area and the proposed SADC Customs Union. Zuma will be supported by the Minister of the department Maite Nkoana Mashabane, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Tina Joemat-Petterssen and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Maria Ntuli, amongst others. (iAfrica.com)
Mashabane to chair SADC Sep 4, 2009
It was expected that the council of ministers would discuss progress made in the regional economic integration process in preparation for the Summit, particularly relating to the consolidation of the SADC Free Trade Area launched in August last year. In her capacity as the chair of the SADC Council, Nkoana-Mashabane will also chair the ministerial interview committee meeting on Friday to interview candidates for the positions of SADC deputy executive secretaries for regional integration and... (iAfrica.com)
Minister calls for decisive action on intra-regional trade Aug 28, 2009
However, the scheme has been fraught with challenges, making it difficult for the attainment of a Free Trade Area environment ... Ms Tetteh said while it was generally accepted that in a regional integration process, a monetary union ought to be preceded by completion of Free Trade Area arrangements and the creation of a Customs Union, the effort of the region had been stalled by non-implementation of the various decisions and protocols. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Senior Chinese legislator vows to boost ties with Myanmar Aug 27, 2009
6 billion U.S. dollars last year, anda Free Trade Area of China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is expected to be established in 2010. Editor: Yan. (Xinhuanet, China)
Southern Africa: 'Do or Die' for World's Oldest Customs Union [interview] Aug 26, 2009
We have concluded trade agreements with the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) and Mercosur and signed a Trade, Investment and Development Cooperation Agreement (TIDCA) with the U.S., which we see as a stepping stone to a future free trade agreement. Currently we are negotiating a preferential trade agreement with India, which we think will have great benefits for the region. (allAfrica.com)
East Africa: Tripartite Free Trade Area On Course Aug 24, 2009
com: East Africa: Tripartite Free Trade Area On Course (Page 1 of 1). East Africa: Tripartite Free Trade Area On Course ... "We are at the stage where we are about to complete the technical study which will determine what form of free trade area we should have," Mwapachu told journalists at the just concluded EAC media summit in Kampala. (allAfrica.com)
Zimbabwe: SA Firm Explores Investment Opportunities Aug 24, 2009
They are also signatories of the Free Trade Area. Currently, Zimbabwe and South Africa are negotiating a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement the essence of which will be to enhance investor confidence in both countries as safe and viable investment locations, through guaranteeing the safety of investments against expropriation, and rationalisation and providing procedures for compensation should these occur. (allAfrica.com)
Malaysian firms should seize the opportunities in Asean Aug 17, 2009
Asean countries found that they had to compete against regional trading blocs like the North American Free Trade Area and the European Union for foreign direct investment. They were also in danger of losing out to the emerging economic behemoths of China and India as low-cost producers. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
ASEAN+6 countries moving closer to intra-regional FTA Aug 16, 2009
BANGKOK, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- The 41st ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (AEM) and related meetings under the theme: "Walk Together, Work Together towards AEC," ended on Sunday, having increasingly moved toward free trade area ... According to a feasibility study released Saturday at the ASEAN+6 economic ministers' meeting, it is indicated that establishment of the free trade area will result in 1 ... And, together with already-signed China-ASEAN agreements of the trade in goods and services, the... (Xinhuanet, China)
Asean FTA a reality on Jan 1 Aug 15, 2009
BANGKOK: Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand will be a complete Free Trade Area (FTA) by Jan 1, but several issues related to non-tariff barriers are hampering full implementation. The Asean Economic Ministers meeting here expressed satisfaction with the progress in the implementation of the tariff reduction programme under the Common Effective Preferential Tariff Scheme which began in 1993. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
China-ASEAN Investment Agreement signed Aug 15, 2009
The signing of the investment agreement, together with already-signed China-ASEAN agreements of the trade in goods and services, completed the negotiation process of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA), which is to be realized by January 1, 2010. "The China-ASEAN FTA will be an advanced FTA that covers an extensive area of 13,000,000 square kilometers with a population of 1.9 billion ", Chen told Xinhua after the signing ceremony. (Xinhuanet, China)
Chinese FM stresses new areas of growth in ASEAN-China co-op Jul 23, 2009
China and ASEAN have completed negotiations on the China-ASEAN Investment Agreement, paving the way for the full establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) in 2010. The ASEAN on Monday appreciated China's active role in developing transportation infrastructure between the two sides and welcomed the establishment of the 10 billion U.S. dollar fund for bilateral investment cooperation. (Xinhuanet, China)
ASEAN expects close ties with China on economy, trade Jul 18, 2009
He also mentioned that the ASEAN-China trade agreement will be signed at the economic ministers' meeting scheduled to be held in Thailand in August, so as to complete the negotiation process on the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (FTA) by 2010. SOUNDBITE: Srivihok said, "When we have the FTA agreement with any country, in particular with very important dialogue partners like China, I think we can increase the volume of trade and investment within the two regions.". (Xinhuanet, China)
* Were determined to sign ECFA: premier Jul 15, 2009
Lais comments dampened anticipation that the agreement would be signed by the end of the year, ahead of the inauguration of the ASEAN-China free trade area next year. Meanwhile, in an interview with the Chinese-language Commercial Times on Monday, President Ma Ying-jeou (^E) said the ECFA would probably be signed next year. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Asean-six to be totally free trade area by January next year Jul 9, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean-6 will be a totally free trade area by Jan 1, 2010 when duties on most of the countries products are eliminated ... Ravindran said that because of Asean Free Trade Area, intra-Asean trade was US$452bil in 2007. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Bush lays into the left at Americas summit but agrees concessions Jul 6, 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. The US president railed against Fidel Castro in his speech, admonished several other left-leaning governments, including Venezuela and Bolivia, and urged a ban on countries deemed corrupt from attending future summits. (Yahoo News -- Summit of the Americas)
Profile: Honduras' ousted leader Jun 29, 2009
In August 2008, he took Honduras into the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (Alba), an organisation set up by Venezuela as an alternative to the stalled US plan for a Free Trade Area of the Americas. Mr Zelaya's decision to hold a national poll on whether or not to run a referendum on allowing a Honduran president to run for two consecutive terms angered many. (BBC News -- Americas)
West Africa: Ecowas Targets 2020 for Single Currency Jun 24, 2009
The one-day mid-year summit also discussed the region's development challenges, including the ongoing negotiation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between ECOWAS and the European Union (EU) for the creation of a free trade area of the two regions. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
Let trade go free Jun 19, 2009
Article By: Evan Pickworth Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:29 Business Unity South Africa has urged trade ministers of the Southern African Development Community to address the outstanding issues impeding the full implementation of the Sadc free trade area (FTA) ... Davies said government would not be supportive of agreements that took things closer to a free trade area than a customs union. (iAfrica.com)
East Africa: Customs Union Aims to Negotiate Trade In One Bloc [interview] Jun 16, 2009
Over the past 25 years, COMESA (and its previous incarnation as) the Preferential Trade Area for Eastern and Southern African states has made significant strides in integrating the economies of eastern and southern Africa regions, culminating in the launch of the COMESA Free Trade Area in 2000 ... They have already been accommodated under the COMESA Free Trade Area. (allAfrica.com)
* WTO needs to know about ECFA Jun 1, 2009
However, Article 24 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) allows members to form a free trade area or agreement (FTA) to eliminate tariffs on substantially all trade and not to extend such preferential treatment to non-FTA members. The strict requirement that an FTA eliminate tariffs on more than 90 percent of trade is to set a high standard for exception to most favored nation status. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
ASEAN, EU lock horns over Myanmar May 30, 2009
At the meeting the two blocs signed two declarations enabling the EU to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, a non-aggression pact, and agreed to seek ways to give new impetus to negotiations on an ASEAN-EU Free Trade Area. "The Myanmar issue is one, but there are other issues that need to be addressed," ASEAN secretary general Surin Pitsuwan said on Thursday. (Asia Times Online)
East Africa: Comesa on Track With Establishing Customs Union May 29, 2009
The regional integration programme for COMESA member states established a free trade area (FTA) in October 2000 and aimed to establish the customs union by December 2008, a monetary union by 2015 and a COMESA community by 2025. The FTA has 13 member states. (allAfrica.com)
Zimbabwe: Welcome to Zimbabwe! [editorial] May 28, 2009
The main focus of the summit is to strengthen and consolidate the Free Trade Area, and push forward the agenda of deepening economic integration. Indeed, the summit is taking place on the back of significant strides, which Comesa has made over the years towards boosting intra-regional trade. (allAfrica.com)
Summit of Americas' final declaration still at stake Apr 19, 2009
The four countries are members of the Bolivarian Alternative for the People of Our America, an international cooperation organization proposed by Chavez as an alternative to the U.S.-sponsored Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). Related. (Xinhuanet, China)
ALBA to create single regional currency Apr 17, 2009
ALBA is a regional organization founded in 2004 under the initiative of Venezuela and Cuba to counter the U.S.-led Free Trade Area of the Americas. During the summit, the leaders of the member countries -- Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Venezuela -- will also discuss issues including regional integration and strategies to face the global financial crisis. (Xinhuanet, China)
Obama eager to portray US as partner for Americas Apr 16, 2009
The leaders there failed to agree on a now-dead Free Trade Area of the Americas that would have stretched across two continents. And the summit was marred by street battles involving people protesting the trade plan and President George W. Bush. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
* Constructing Asias missing links Apr 16, 2009
That missions highlight was my dialogue with President Ma Ying-jeou (^E), who stressed the importance of connecting Taiwan to the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) in the light of warmer relations developing between the mainland and Taiwan. At this time of global economic turmoil, increasing Taiwans formal economic links with China and its regional partners can only benefit everyone involved, because an inevitable side-effect will be a lessening of tension. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Political turmoil glooms Thailand's outlook Apr 15, 2009
The agreement, if signed, together with a 2004 goods agreement and a 2007 services agreement, will formally complete the China-ASEAN free trade area negotiation process. Besides, the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement was to be signed on April 11. (Xinhuanet, China)
Latin leaders eager to meet Obama Apr 14, 2009
Past summits have had two memorable achievements: the launching of the negotiations for the Free Trade Area of the Americas in 1997 in Chile, and the Inter-American Democratic Charter in 2001 in Quebec City. Yet, the FTAA talks are now stalled and the charter has gone largely unused. (Globe and Mail -- International)
China offers funds to boost Asean Apr 13, 2009
That deal is intended to create the world's largest free trade area, covering nearly two-billion people. China funds. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
China to strengthen co-op with ASEAN Apr 13, 2009
The agreement, which was scheduled to be signed during the scheduled meetings, would be conducive to the establishment of the China-ASEAN free trade area ... Furthermore, the China-ASEAN free trade area, to be completed in 2010, will play an important and profound role in further strengthening China-ASEAN relations and boosting cooperation in the whole of East Asia. (Xinhuanet, China)
As Asia builds economic ties, Taiwan sidelined by China Apr 13, 2009
It was left out of China's trade pact with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which will create the world's largest free trade area (encompassing some 2 billion people) and eliminate tariffs on most goods by next year. This weekend, China announced a $10 billion ASEAN-China infrastructure investment cooperation fund, plus another $15 billion in credit to ASEAN nations, designed to help them out of the global economic doldrums with Taiwan again shut out. (Christian Science Monitor)
Scuttled summit delays talks on crisis Apr 12, 2009
Chinese premier Wen Jiabao had been expected to sign a China-ASEAN Investment Agreement, capping long-running talks for a comprehensive free trade area that would be the world's largest, encompassing 1 ... Eventually, the East Asia members hope to link up the pacts to create a free trade area stretching from Beijing to Sydney and Manila to Delhi. (India Times)
Thai anti-gov't rallies force ASEAN summits' abortion Apr 12, 2009
If signed, the agreement, together with a 2004 goods agreement and a 2007 services agreement, will formally complete the China-ASEAN free trade area negotiation process. Thai government officials said that the government is able to ensure the safety of the ASEAN leaders and their dialogue partners. (Xinhuanet, China)
Africa: Analysts Attack Regional Trade Deals Apr 12, 2009
"EPAs are being imposed by Europe on its former colonial territories in the ACP. The agreements will join these regions' economies in a free trade area with Europe and give European big business a monopoly, which is in itself anti-development.". Deve believes agriculture and industry will be destroyed. (allAfrica.com)
Premier Wen arrives in Thailand for East Asia meetings Apr 11, 2009
PATTAYA, Thailand, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Free trade area, financial cooperation and regional integration are three main topics for leaders from ASEAN and its dialogue partners who will gather in Thailand's central seaside resort of Pattaya for talks scheduled on April 10-12. Editor: Yan. (Xinhuanet, China)
Zimbabwe: Comesa - Anxiety As Customs Union Readies to Open Apr 11, 2009
Zimbabwe was also among the first countries to ratify the Southern African Development Community (SADC)'s Free Trade Area (FTA) last year. It is also one of the 13 members of the COMESA FTA.. (allAfrica.com)
China joins hands with neighbors in responding to crisis Apr 11, 2009
They should seize the opportunity to strengthen financial cooperation and promote the construction of the free trade area so that various nations can enjoy a convenient environment for trade and investment. As an important part of its diplomatic policy with its neighbors, China has attached great importance to relations with ASEAN. It is committed to strengthening neighboring friendships, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation with ASEAN in an all-round manner. (Xinhuanet, China)
ASEAN likely to become China's 3rd largest trade partner Apr 11, 2009
Greater efforts would be put into making the ASEAN-China free trade area (ACFTA) a reality by 2010, Gao told the preparatory meeting. China and ASEAN launched their cooperation dialogue in 1991 and signed the China-ASEAN Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation in 2002, proposing the ACFTA by 2010. (Xinhuanet, China)
Asia steps up efforts towards huge free-trade zone Apr 10, 2009
"In this regard, they tasked the economic ministers to submit the final report of the second phase feasibility study of the East Asia Free Trade Area" during their next summit in October, the document said. Free trade and a rejection of protectionism is also a major plank in the leaders' statement to be issued on Sunday by the larger 16-nation grouping. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Africa: New Corridor to Tackle Trade Bottle-Necks Apr 9, 2009
The three regional economic communities (RECs) have pledged to work together towards the creation of a free trade area across their 26 member states ... "The challenging economic environment, which was brought into sharper focus at last week's Group of 20 Summit, brings urgency to the efforts of COMESA, EAC and SADC to bring together our respective regional integration programmes. "This is in order to further enlarge our markets, unlock our productive potential, increase levels of intra-African... (allAfrica.com)
Singapore PM says good China-ASEAN ties helpful in tackling global crisis Apr 8, 2009
As for the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA), a vast market with a population of 1 ... Seeing the effort to link up the East Asian economies through Free Trade Agreements (FTA) as "a good example", he said that the ASEAN members, which have had a free trade area since 1992, have in recent years extended the network by negotiating ASEAN plus China FTAs with its Dialogue Partners, and are close to conclude FTAs with all six partners in the East Asia Summit. (Xinhuanet, China)
Brace up confidence, cooperation to spur development Apr 8, 2009
At the incoming China-ASEAN leadership meeting, China and ASEAN will conclude an investment agreement and, according to the agreement, a Free Trade Area (FTA) will be established in 2010 as scheduled ... Second, East Asian countries will step up pragmatic cooperation in agriculture and food grain security, poverty reduction, energy, non-traditional security fields and human resources, and actively carry out 10+3 investment and trade facilitation cooperation, and spur the construction of the 10+3... (Xinhuanet, China)
