EU leaders hammered out common positions for the upcoming G20 summit, calling for continuous efforts of fiscal stimulus and global curbs on bankers' bonuses.• EU leaders call for continued efforts in economic stimulus Sep 18, 2009
It called on the G20 summit to reiterate its stance against protectionism and continue to press for progress in trade liberalization, including with regard to a global, ambitious and balanced conclusion of the Doha negotiations in 2010. On employment, the EU document said that laying the basis for a sustainable recovery and sound public finances is the best way to ensure a rapid return to employment, prodding to speed up structural reform. (Xinhuanet, China)
Mandelson urges China to step up global role Sep 8, 2009
By taking a more active international role, China could also help push for progress in the long-stalled Doha round of trade negotiations, aimed at extending trade liberalization under the World Trade Organization, said Mandelson. Beijing has been seeking a bigger say in the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and other global financial bodies in the wake of the world economic slump, arguing that its growing sway is not fairly reflected in their decision-making. (Scientific American)
'Delhi meet can be start of end-game' Sep 4, 2009
NEW DELHI: The participating countries in the Delhi mini ministerial on Thursday pressed for further building on the consensus that has been achieved in the last seven years, so that the world economy, which at present is suffering from the worst financial crisis, can benefit from trade liberalization. Concerned over the crisis, which led to the imposition of higher tariff and trade barriers by certain countries, WTO director general Pascal Lamy hoped the Delhi ministerial meeting would be the... (India Times, India -- Intl Business)
Sherpas blazing a diplomatic trail to city Aug 30, 2009
" But the current and former U.S. sherpas agreed that the leaders could and do confront and settle issues unresolved despite the meticulous preparations. Mr. Froman pointed to a widely reported encounter during the London summit where Mr. Obama was credited with brokering a last-minute accord on language involving crackdowns on tax havens -- an issue that had promoted a heated dispute between the French and Chinese delegations. "A very interesting issue, countries with different points of view... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Africa: Steamrolling the WTO Doha Negotiations Aug 28, 2009
In principle what the Doha Declaration agreed to in 2001 was meant to foster development in developing countries and address the adverse impact of trade liberalization and deregulation ... This entails integration into the global economy based on neo-liberal policies that enforce global privatisation, deregulation, trade liberalization and the opening of financial markets and institutions with the aim of preventing regulated capital flows and generally promoting more market driven economies that... (allAfrica.com)
China trade pact carriesprice-tag query Aug 26, 2009
ASEAN nations are attracted by the opportunities brought about by China's economic expansion and trade liberalization; they also seek to leverage their FTA with China to additional FTAs with important trading partners within the region (for example Japan) or outside (such as the United States). Although there are economic benefits for pursuing FTAs, nations often pursue them for non-economic reasons (for example, to strengthen an alliance, increase peace and security, enhance collective... (Asia Times Online)
IMF adopts irrigationplan during a flood Aug 25, 2009
Again, this is not feasible in democratic states; moreover, it would entail countervailing measures by rival countries, and would impede world trade liberalization. Money creation out of nothing by central banks and the IMF could intensify inflationary pressure and accelerate the depreciation of reserve currencies. (Asia Times Online)
A National Conversation About Unconventional Ideas For Development (IV) Aug 24, 2009
However it must be noted, as Dani Rodrik observes, that China did not simply liberalize and open up; it did so by grafting a market track on top of plan track, by relying on Town and Village Enterprises (TVEs) rather than private enterprise, and through special economic zones rather than across-the-board trade liberalization. In our communities capital market imperfect is so pronounced that it is extremely difficult to establish efficient capital markets to encourage private investments in... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
ASEAN+3 support study on trade liberalization Aug 16, 2009
BANGKOK, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- The ASEAN+3 economic ministers expressed support for a feasibility study result which showed that trade liberalization would increase member countries' GDP by 1. 2 percent, Thai Commerce Minister said Saturday afternoon after the ASEAN+3 economic ministers meeting. (Xinhuanet, China)
* An ECFA could blind us all to the big picture Aug 13, 2009
It could lead to further trade liberalization, such as a free trade agreement (FTA). The US negotiated with Taiwan on a TIFA in 2007 and last year without success because of Taiwans refusal to lift restrictions on beef imports from the US. So, for those who care about Taiwan, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen deserves our appreciation for telling Kirk that TIFA negotiations with Taiwan should be resumed as soon as possible. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Kerala fights clock inASEAN free-trade deal Aug 11, 2009
Afsar Jafri from Focus on the Global South, a regional research and campaign group that monitors trade liberalization initiatives in Asia, said Malaysia's powerful palm oil industry has been lobbying hard for the FTA. "Malaysia is the world's largest producer of this vegetable oil and its duty free import into the Indian market will adversely impact crops like tea, coffee,coconut, rubber and pepper farmers.". Verghese said that Kerala's food security has already been compromised by an extensive... (Asia Times Online)
* Hardcover: US : Trading with the enemy: the paradox of economic integration Aug 9, 2009
Scott Kastner argues that if cross-strait trade liberalization continues apace, future Taiwanese presidents may be less inclined, or able, to risk offending China ... g., sovereignty) and remaining accountable to business interests that not only called for further cross-strait trade liberalization, but also increasingly clamored for stability in the Taiwan Strait. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Czinkota: Time for a North American Trade Policy Aug 8, 2009
The talks in Mexico must become a teachable moment on the subject of trade policy and, specifically, how trade liberalization and open markets are key to building a new kind of competitiveness. In the past, any definition of competitiveness depended on whether the perspective taken was that of the government, the firm or the individual. (Roll Call)
* Too soon to talk about politics with China: MAC Aug 5, 2009
The proposed framework agreement] is similar to a free trade agreement whose goal is trade liberalization, he said. But before both sides sit down and talk about details, we dont know what the content will be. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Taiwan)
Government wants to ensure good international agreements Aug 4, 2009
Mr Gyetuah said the government favoured a comprehensive regional level agreement for which reason Ghana was holding discussions with Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal to ensure that interim measures were put in place to ensure that strategic sectors of the economy were not affected by trade liberalization commitments. Mr Gyetuah said the government was interested in ensuring that commitments undertaken in the Economic Partnership Agreement, although not concluded, did not affect Ghana's... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
US official regards dialogue with China as harmonious Aug 2, 2009
Soundbite: David Dollar, Economic envoy to China " We will discuss keeping open trade, and opening up more on the investment on both sides, so we will have investment forum in next few months to go into details about some restrictions on investment of both sides and how we can ease those. We will also have the joint committee on commerce and trade, which is focused very specifically on trade liberalization on both sides. ". Under the framework of the new dialogue, Chinese officials and their... (Xinhuanet, China)
Trade Liberalization Linked To Obesity In Central America Jul 29, 2009
ScienceDaily (July 28, 2009) Since trade liberalization between Central and North America, imports and availability of processed, high-fat and high-sugar foods have increased dramatically ... Thow said, "Central America has undergone extensive trade liberalization over the past two decades, and has recently signed a Free Trade Agreement with the United States. These policies have implications for health in the region. Specifically, they have been a factor in facilitating the 'nutrition... (Science Daily)
Headwind for Trade Liberalization, How to Cope With Re-emerging Trade Protectionism? Jul 12, 2009
Headwind for Trade Liberalization, How to Cope With Re-emerging Trade Protectionism ... Headwind for Trade Liberalization, How to Cope With Re-emerging Trade Protectionism ... They proposed initiatives against trade protections, and contributed their ideas on trade liberalization facilitation. (PR Newswire)
* Major industrial powers agree on global warming Jul 10, 2009
The so-called Doha round of trade liberalization talks were launched in the Qatari capital in late 2001 but have foundered ever since, despite repeated attempts to infuse new life into the negotiations. Progress has been hampered by disputes between developed and developing nations on measures to ease restrictions on trade in agricultural and industrial products. (Taipei Times, Taiwan)
Gerson Lehrman Group and CAIJING Magazine in Beijing Collaborate on Forum at China's First 'Global Think Tank Summit' Jul 5, 2009
As part of the summit, CAIJING Magazine organized a one-day forum that promoted trade liberalization and international investment--sponsored by Gerson Lehrman Group. The forum featured a leaders luncheon with keynote speaker Jesse Wang, Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, China Investment Corporation. (PR Newswire)
* The poet behind the music Jun 29, 2009
For Getting Dark ({t, 2004), Zhong wrote about the effects of globalization as seen through the eyes of urban laborers; Planting Trees (, 2006) was about the struggles of farming communities in the face of dwindling subsidies and trade liberalization after Taiwans entrance into the World Trade Organization. Growing Up Wild looks at women and families in contemporary Taiwanese society, particularly Hakka farming communities, and touches upon the economic divide between northern and... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
G8 favors Pakistan-EU trade liberalization Jun 28, 2009
The participants said in a statement Saturday that they "welcomed the prospects of trade liberalization.". The statement said increased trade was crucial for the region's development and called for stronger ties between countries in the area. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
India asks US, China to restart stalled Doha round Jun 19, 2009
Sharma said that against the backdrop of the current crisis, there should not be a situation where powers such as the United States, India and China wait for each other to begin the task of kickstarting the Doha Round of global trade liberalization talks. "No, we must not wait. We must act. Take decisions which are correct, take decisions for which coming generations will remember that these leaders had the courage and commitment," he told a forum organized by the Peterson Institute for... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
US, India discuss to cut trade barriers Jun 18, 2009
Earlier, participating in a roundtable at the US-India Business Council's "Synergies Summit" Kirk said the results of recent elections "give India's leaders an opportunity to take bold steps and move forward with trade liberalization and economic reforms that will benefit both India and the United States.". "The 420 million acts of democracy that took place when each of those Indians made their voice heard are as much a cause for celebration as the result.". (India Times)
Press Release: IMF Management and Staff Respond to the Report by the Independent Evaluation Office on the Fund's Involvement in International Trade Policy Issues Jun 17, 2009
Commenting on the , Mr. Dominique Strauss-Kahn, IMF Managing Director, I welcome the IEO's positive findings on: the appropriateness of conditionality on trade liberalization; the effectiveness of institutional cooperation; and that on some important trade issues, bilateral surveillance has provided excellent analysis and a strong voice for changing policies that harmed global stability. While the success in opening trade regimes globally has made some reduction in staff resources for trade both... (IMF News)
Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2004 Article IV Consultation with Kenya Jun 16, 2009
However, Directors noted the deteriorating trend in total factor productivity in Kenya, and urged stronger efforts to promote private-sector led growth, including through further trade liberalization, regional integration, and improved governance. Directors welcomed the actions taken by the authorities to strengthen the financial system, including the recent approval of the amendments to the Central Bank of Kenya and Banking Acts, which transfer bank regulatory functions from the Ministry of... (IMF News)
Minister charges L'Oreal to source raw materials from Ghana Jun 6, 2009
The Minister added that this would consolidate the gains made under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme and enhance the sub-region's integration efforts. She said as part of efforts to develop the private sector, government would ensure that entrepreneurship was incorporated into the tertiary educational system to equip students with requisite skills to be able to drive the investment agenda. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Analysis: With speech, Obama took big risks Jun 6, 2009
Obama sidestepped the thorny political issues involved in trade liberalization, but he directly addressed the fears engendered by globalization and noted that economic growth was a way to help everyone. Facing so many politically sensitive subjects, the president wanted to emphasize the potential for positive breakthroughs. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
West Africa border officials blamed for torpedoing ECOWAS protocol May 31, 2009
Participants therefore appealed to the ECOWAS leadership and the various organizations to live up to the task of actualizing ECOWAS trade liberalization ... Mr Impraim stated however stated that Ghana Customs had been consistent with the implementation of the protocol on trade liberalization since its introduction about 20 years ago. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
* ECFA is not Taiwans only option May 31, 2009
There are three WTO regulations providing for economic integration among member states: Article 24 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade regarding trade liberalization in commodities; Article 5 of the General Agreement on Trade in Services regarding trade liberalization in services; and the Enabling Clause, which permits trade preferences targeted at developing countries. Article 24 provides a legal basis for FTAs, which states that duties are eliminated on substantially all the... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
China's farmers a poor base for growth May 22, 2009
Impact of trade liberalization China's commitment to eliminate agricultural quotas and reduce tariffs, made when it joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, may yet dwarf the impact of all the previous changes experienced by peasants ... Trade liberalization is also likely to have contributed to the dramatic slowdown in poverty reduction between 2000 and 2004 ... Loosening the property regime In the past few years, the priority placed on a capitalist transformation of the countryside... (Asia Times Online)
* US congressman call for overhaul of Taiwan policy May 21, 2009
He said the Asia-Pacific region had been marked by rapid trade liberalization, but that starting in the 1990s the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) had warned Asian countries not to sign free trade agreements (FTAs) with Taiwan. The numerous regional and global FTAs already in place. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* Signing an ECFA wont make firms competitive May 17, 2009
The theory of comparative advantage says that trade liberalization pushes countries to further specialize in areas of expertise within the global division of labor. Regional trade agreements (RTAs) are conducive to market expansion and advancement of competition, which help competitive industries increase profits and further innovation through expanding economies of scale. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
The Falling Value Of The Cedi And Inflation May 15, 2009
These economic problems that have gripped our economy today are due to a multiplicity of factors including low agricultural output, excess liquidity, low domestic savings, trade liberalization and exchange rate policies being pursued currently. In this article, the writer focuses attention on the depreciation of the Cedi and inflation which are amongst the economic problems facing us as a nation. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Vice Premier: China, EU "Distant Neighbors" May 7, 2009
Trade liberalization is the engine of economic growth ... Trade liberalization was, is and will continue to be the only way to global economic prosperity. (Xinhuanet, China)
EU-Canada summit to be held in Prague on Wednesday May 6, 2009
Moreover, the EU hopes the EU-Canada summit could be an impulse to revive the talks on the world trade liberalization, which started in 2001 within the World Trade Organization (WTO), but ended up in a stalemate in the past few years. The EU-Canada bilateral trade should also be supported by the aviation agreement to open the airline market that representatives of the EU and the Canadian government will sign in Prague. (Xinhuanet, China)
Cat CEO concerned about protectionism Apr 30, 2009
"The natural tendency is to look after your own in an economic crisis," he said, adding the United States has long waived the flag of trade liberalization and must continue to do so. There is a "buy American" provision in the economic stimulus package and a provision in a spending bill passed last month killing a NAFTA program allowing Mexican trucks to operate in the United States. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Indigenous peoples at world summit to share climate change observations, coping techniques Apr 20, 2009
"Indigenous Peoples are on the front lines of this global problem at a time when their cultures and livelihoods in traditional lands are already threatened by such trends as accelerating natural resource development stimulated by trade liberalization and globalization.". Says Sam Johnston of Tokyo-based United Nations University, a Summit co-sponsor: "The rich and detailed insights of Indigenous Peoples reflects and embodies a cultural and spiritual relationship with the land, ocean and... (EurekAlert!)
West Africa's ICT industry faces major threat unless Apr 12, 2009
"This means that the few experts we have, kept moving from one company to another. We need to assist public policy making institutions to get deeper understanding of the trade liberalization on ICT goods as well as build more capacities," he added. The International Development and Research Centre (IDRC) are funding the LICOM project with PANOS Institute of West Africa coordinating with the support of Ghana's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research through STEPRI.. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Nigeria: As S&P Lowers Country's Ratings [editorial] Apr 6, 2009
This is a throw-back to the SAP era and the doctrine of trade liberalization which caused incalculable harm to the nation's fragile economy. It is our submission that while credit ratings are generally useful as a barometer of economic wellbeing we must not be deluded into thinking they are infallible. (allAfrica.com)
The G-20 can do better next time Apr 5, 2009
Such a step would have kept a forward momentum on trade liberalization. In the end, the summit's best action was a promise by a few nations to provide the International Monetary Fund with up to $500 billion to rescue countries facing an economic cliff. (Yahoo News)
G-20 may decry protectionism; this time, they might mean it Apr 2, 2009
Still, those who oppose further trade liberalization, such as Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch, say most of the individual actions are legitimate domestic policy moves. China, for example, banned imports of Irish pork in December after Ireland confirmed that dangerous levels of the chemical dioxin had contaminated pork shipments to 25 countries. (USA Today -- Money)
Employment Policies and Social Sustainability: The Human Dimension in the Global Economy, Speech by John Lipsky, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, at G8 Social Summit 2009, Rome Apr 1, 2009
Policies that increase the availability of finance to the less privileged and that advance trade liberalization for example by helping to increase agricultural exports from developing countries also would help spread the benefits of globalization. These policies and others are relevant even in the current crisis environment. (IMF News)
Behold: The Godzilla of energy bills cometh Apr 1, 2009
Doesn't anyone remember -- the belief that deregulation, privatization and trade liberalization were the holy writ for all developing nations. The IMF was one of the primary proseletyzers and implementers of this vision. (Salon)
* MOEA upbeat on order lift from sourcing fair Apr 1, 2009
Vice President Vincent Siew (U) opened the sourcing fair yesterday by saying Taiwan is opposed to trade protectionism and supports trade liberalization. By holding this purchasing partners fair, we want to show the world our confidence in the recovery of the global economy, Siew said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
It's not just the economy Mar 26, 2009
Meanwhile, trade liberalization has stalled in the Doha Round of the WTO and the Obama administration has come into office expressing strong reservations about major bilateral free trade agreements already negotiated with allies like South Korea and Columbia ... We know that offensive trade liberalization through renewed efforts at the WTO or with the South Korea-US Free Trade Agreement would be the best defense of all against protectionism. (Asia Times Online)
Trade barriers rise as the recession's grip tightens Mar 24, 2009
"Instead of just talking about trade liberalization, countries need to take immediate steps to show they mean it.". Far from heeding their pledge not to erect new barriers for 12 months, many countries have raised import duties or passed stimulus measures with trade-distorting subsidies. (International Herald Tribune)
* Framework doesnt help Taiwan face ASEAN deal Mar 24, 2009
However, an economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) is aimed at promoting economic and trade liberalization across the Taiwan Strait rather than between Taiwan and ASEAN or between Taiwan and Japan or South Korea. In other words, even if Taiwan were to ink an economic pact with China, Taiwanese products would not enjoy preferential treatment from ASEAN members, let alone free trade with Japan and Korea. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Protectionism not way out of economic crisis: Forum Mar 24, 2009
In addition, he forecast, if the Doha round trade talks can be achieved at an early date, then it can play an important role in accelerating the trade liberalization and shoring up the world's confidence amid the global economic crisis. The three-day China Development Forum 2009 under the theme "China's Development and Reform in the Global Financial Crisis" began Saturday. (Xinhuanet, China)
Group of 20 Summit: Road map out of crisis Mar 21, 2009
We strongly believe that the London summit can be a milestone enabling us to tackle the dangers and seize the opportunities this crisis brings, alongside the other major issues on the global agenda, such as concluding the Doha round of negotiations on trade liberalization; creating opportunities for developing countries; fighting poverty; strengthening of internationally agreed social standards; tackling climate change and developing renewable sources of energy. 1. (International Herald Tribune)
2009 Article IV Mission to Canada: Concluding Statement Mar 12, 2009
The mission also welcomes the move to cut external tariffs, which is in line with Canada s long-standing commitment to trade liberalization and openness. 8. (IMF News)
Let's Stop This Annual Tomato Farmers' Suicides Mar 11, 2009
The Research finding also indicated that the continued withdrawal of Government support from the agricultural sector in the wake of trade liberalization also meant increased unfair competition faced by small-scale farmers. The lack of such support further heightens fears of subsequent loss of market and livelihood as liberalization is deepened within the context of the ECOWAS Regional Market. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
World integration at a crossroads Mar 6, 2009
Here it is particularly important to get our perspective right about trade liberalization. Another lesson of history suggests that the best-performing economies have been those that opened up their economies selectively and gradually. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
Capitalism and Elitism: taboo words in Ghana? Mar 4, 2009
The point is that after years and years of government policy that cocoa farmers can only sell their cocoa beans to the government, trade liberalization policies introduced from 1993 made this possible. Kuapa Kokoo is a farmers cooperative that was formed by farmers to take advantage of the new trade opportunities. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
South Korea, New Zealand to negotiate trade deal Mar 3, 2009
They "emphasized the importance of maintaining open markets and the role of ongoing trade liberalization in restoring economic growth," a message similar to that from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Thailand at the weekend. New Zealand and neighbor Australia signed a free trade agreement with the 10-nation ASEAN grouping in Thailand last Friday. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Trade and the Threat of Protectionism Feb 28, 2009
CHICAGO, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- "Trade liberalization, or the removal of barriers to trade, has been a key engine of growth for much of the post-World War II era. Indeed, one could argue that globalization helped rebuild war-torn economies after the War, lifted the living standards for much of the world's poorest populations, and forced our own industrial base to step up to the plate and innovate," says Adolfo Laurenti, senior economist at Mesirow Financial, in his February issue of Themes on... (PR Newswire)
* Taiwan may be left out in the cold Feb 26, 2009
Within that CECA framework, ASEAN and China have signed agreements on an FTA, service and trade liberalization, a conflict resolution mechanism and opening up areas for investment. Although it has been seen as a one country, two systems framework, China registered the CEPA with the WTO on Dec. 27, 2003, in accordance with Article 24 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and Article 5 of the General Agreement on Trade in Services. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
* Western aid to Africa is lending a hurting hand Feb 25, 2009
The 1980s also saw aggressive trade liberalization and privatization: The IMF and the World Bank lent large amounts of cash on the condition that free-market policies were adopted X policies that often led to the decimation of local industries that could not compete. By the end of the 1980s, debt servicing meant a net reverse flow of money from poor countries to rich. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Indonesia and Australia go for comprehensive deal Feb 20, 2009
The two countries have now agreed that both items, along with trade liberalization, would go into the economic agreement that they are working on. The trade ministers of the two countries concluded on Thursday another round of their meeting to set up a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), which they said would be built into the FTA that will be signed later this month between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Australia and New Zealand in Thailand. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia)
* Coming soon: Capitalism 3.0 Feb 18, 2009
Countries were required to undertake only limited trade liberalization, with plenty of exceptions for socially sensitive sectors (agriculture, textiles, services). This left them free to build their own versions of national capitalism, as long as they obeyed a few simple international rules. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Asia: The coming fury Feb 11, 2009
It also supported the establishment of tax incentives for exporters and, less successfully, promoted trade liberalization. Not until the mid-1980s, however, did the economies of Southeast Asia take off, and this wasn't so much because of the World Bank but because of aggressive US trade policy. (Asia Times Online)
