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APEC trade ministers endorse anti-counterfeiting and piracy initiative. APEC, 3 June 2005.
APEC trade ministers have endorsed a series of anti-counterfeiting and piracy measures including guidelines for authorities to seize and destroy pirated goods and support to increase the capacity of economies to deal with counterfeiting. This initiative is part of efforts intended to strengthen intellectual property protection and overcome damage caused to regional innovation and commercial competitiveness, especially for small businesses.
Accessed on 10 June < http://www.apecsec.org.sg/apec.html >

EUROPEAN UNION
EU tables revised services offer in Doha round negotiations. EU Press Room, 2 June 2005.
The European Commission has transmitted to the WTO the EU’s revised services offer in the Doha Development Agenda negotiations. The revised offer outlines how the EU is prepared to open further access to its services market in exchange for improved access to other WTO Members’ markets. Although the offer responds to requests for access from developing countries, it still includes safeguard measures in public services such as education, health and audio-visual services.
Accessed on 2 June
< http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/05/654&format=HTML&aged >

EU – China textile agreement. EU Press Room, 10 June 2005.
The EU and China have agreed on an accord that will manage the growth of Chinese textile imports to the EU until 2008. The agreement on 10 product categories of concern limits the rate of imports while allowing fair and reasonable growth for Chinese exports. By finding a wide and balanced agreement, the EU and China ensure a period of adjustment for textile industries in the EU and developing countries. The agreement provides greater predictability for importers and retailers and preserves the prize of market liberalisation for China.
Accessed on 14 June
<http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/05/201&format=HTML&aged>

Indian cabinet okays trade deal with Singapore to boost investment. Channel News Asia, 21 June 2005.
India's cabinet gave the go-ahead for a trade deal with Singapore that encompasses accords on trade of goods and services, investment protection and avoidance of double taxation. Singapore will offer all imports from India at zero duty. For its part, India will cut tariffs on imports from Singapore by 80 per cent after the pact is signed, gradually reducing them to zero over a five-year period. The agreement aims to ease barriers for Singaporean firms to invest in India's fast-growing economy and provide greater access for Indian professionals to Singapore's services industries.
Accessed on 21 June
< http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/153688/1/.html >

JAPAN
Japan threatens the United States of America with trade sanctions. The Jakarta Post, 2 June 2005.
Japan has joined with six other countries and the European Union in warning the United States of America of their intention to impose trade sanctions unless the United States abolish the Byrd Amendment - an antidumping tariff amendment. The move followed the World Trade Organization's ruling that the Byrd Amendment violates WTO rules. Japan was authorized by the WTO to impose retaliatory tariffs against the United States last year, but it was the first time Japan has given a clear deadline to pressure the United States.
Accessed on 10 June 2005 < http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/newse/20050610wo11.htm >

NEW ZEALAND
Four countries agree to global trade pact. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 3 June 2005.
Brunei, Chile, New Zealand and Singapore have agreed to create the first trans-Pacific free trade agreement. More than 90 per cent of trade among the four countries will be duty-free after the pact takes effect next year. Under negotiation since 2002, the agreement will also allow all four member countries to compete with domestic suppliers for most Government contracts.
Accessed on 3 June < http://www.mft.govt.nz/tradeagreements/transpacepa/transpacseppress.html>

UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT
UNCTAD proposes new ‘Trade Marshall Plan’ for least developed countries. United Nations News Service, 14 June 2005.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development has proposed a Trade Marshall Plan based on three pillars. The first pillar is the provision of WTO bound duty-free and quota-free treatment by developed countries for least developed countries (LDC) exports, coupled with effective standards-related capacity-building in LDCs to overcome market entry barriers. The second pillar is a liberalization package in services that would include measures to operationalize LDC priority areas in sectors of special interest to them, such as tourism, entertainment and sporting services, and in such other areas as the issuance of visas and work permits. The third pillar envisages the creation of a US$1 billion Aid-for-Trade Fund, which would be in addition to aid for development.
Accessed on 17 June < http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2005/dev2523.doc.htm >

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION
Accession working parties established for Iran and Sao Tome and Principe. WTO News, 26 May 2005.
The General Council of the World Trade Organization has established separate working parties to examine the membership applications of the Islamic Republic of Iran as well as Sao Tome and Principe. The WTO currently has 148 Members. The establishment of accession working parties for these three countries brings the number of governments negotiating entry into the WTO to 30.
Accessed on 31 May < http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news05_e/acc_iran_sao_may05_e.htm >

CHINA / ASEAN
China, ASEAN to cut tariffs in July. China View, 9 June 2005.
The Ministry of Commerce of China disclosed that China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to reduce duties on more than 7,000 kinds of products as of 1 July 2005 in order to reduce companies' production costs and increase their competitive capability.
Accessed on 13 June < http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-06/09/content_3064676.htm >

CHINA
China edges closer to trade war with EU, United States of America over textiles. EUNews, 30 May 2005.
The Ministry of Finance of China stated that export tariffs on 81 categories of textile goods imposed since the beginning of the year will be abolished from 1 June 2005. Therefore, the decision made on 20 May to raise export taxes on 74 textile and clothing products, many among the 81 categories, would be revoked.
The move followed decisions by the United States of America and the EU to set new curbs on imports of Chinese-made textile products after a steep surge in shipments this year since the end of the global quota system on 1 January 2005.
Accessed on 31 May < http://www.eubusiness.com/Trade/050530090600.a7so6j64 >

MALAYSIA
Malaysia to revise car tariffs after complaints. The Standard, 21 June 2005.
Malaysia aims to map out a revised plan for cutting tariffs on imported cars in September after local assemblers complained of an uneven playing field. Malaysia's current auto policy, which has sought for decades to shelter domestic carmakers from the full force of competition, is facing a challenging time, with the government under constant pressure to open its auto market under free trade agreements.
Accessed on 21 June < http://www.thestandard.com.hk/stdn/std/World/GF21Wd05.html >

PAKISTAN
100 per cent duty exemption on 76 items from China. Daily Times, 14 June 2005.
Pakistan has announced 100 per cent customs duty exemption on the import of 76 products from China with immediate effect. The move is meant to expand bilateral trade under the preferential trade agreement.
Accessed on 15 June < http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_14-6-2005_pg5_13 >

20 per cent duty on raw hides and skins demanded. Business Recorder, 17 June 2005.
The Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers and Exports Association has urged the Prime Minister and the Minister of Commerce to impose a 20 per cent duty on raw hides, skins split and wet blue leathers to ensure availability of essential raw material to leather made-ups sector and save it from collapse. Exporters of leather garments and leather products are facing shortage of essential raw material in the local market due to export of raw hides, skins, split and wet blue leathers.
Accessed on 17 June 2005
< http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=282442&currPageNo=1&query=&search=&term=&supDate= >

SOLOMON ISLANDS
Finance Minister cuts import duties on shipping. People First Network, 9 June 2005.
The Minister for Finance and Treasury announced a package of tax changes to assist the shipping sector. Import duties on ships, inboard and outboard motors and their parts, and marine safety equipment, will be reduced to zero. Furthermore, the effective tax on outboard motors of more than 40 horsepower will drop by more than one-fifth from 25.5 per cent to 19.5 per cent. This early tax reform comes in anticipation of a broader tax reform package that will be developed over the next few months by the Economic Reform Unit of the Department of Finance and Treasury.
Accessed on 10 June < http://www.peoplefirst.net.sb/news/News.asp?IDnews=5601 >

Provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of granular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) originating in China and the Russian Federation. Official Journal of the European Union, 7 June 2005.
Effective from 8 June 2005, the EU approved Commission Regulation (EC) No 862/2005 imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on so called granular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), containing not more than 3 per cent of other monomer unit than tetrafluoroethylene, without fillers, in the form of powder or pellets, with the exclusion of micronised materials, and its raw polymer (reactor bead), the latter in wet or dry form, falling within CN code ex 3904 61 00 (Taric code 3904 61 00 50) and originating in China and the Russian Federation. The duty will be applied for a period of 6 months.
Accessed on 9 June < http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/lex/JOHtml.do?uri=OJ:L:2005:144:SOM:EN:HTML >

CHINA
Anti-dumping investigation against imports of polybutylene terephthalate resin (PBT) from Japan and Taiwan, Province of China. Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department, 8 June 2005.
China has announced the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation against imports of polybutylene terephthalate resin (PBT) from Japan and Taiwan, Province of China.
Accessed on 15 June
< http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/tradecircular/cic/asia/2005/ci2012005.html >

Anti-dumping investigation against imports of wear resistant overlay from the United States and the European Union. Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department, 13 June 2005.
China has announced the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation against imports of wear resistant overlay from the United States of America and the European Union.
Accessed on 15 June
< http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/aboutus/tradecircular/cic/asia/2005/ci2042005.html >

Private exporters receive help in Guangdong. China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, 6 June 2005.
The Government of Guangdong will step up its support to export-oriented private businesses which play an increasing role in the southern province's foreign trade and overseas investment. The director of the Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation of Guangdong pledged better efficiency and sincere enforcement of related policies to enhance foreign-oriented operation of private firms, calling also for a joint working mechanism among various provincial Government agencies to tackle the problems.
Accessed on 15 June 2005
< http://www.ccpit.org/servlet/infosystem.news.ServletNewsFrontEn?actionType=view&id=28094 >

INDIA
Anti-dumping duty on acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. Eximkey, 7 June 2005.
Effective from 7 June until 6 December 2005, India has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on all imports of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) in bale form [excluding powder and carboxylated NBR] originating in, or exported from the European Union [excluding Germany], Brazil and Mexico.
Accessed on 10 June < http://www.eximkey.com/copycon/disparch.asp?archid=2508 >

INDONESIA
Government officially extends rice import ban until December. The Jakarta Post, 27 June 2005.
The government has officially extended the rice import ban until the end of 2005, following a confirmation from the Ministry of Agriculture that the country's rice stocks will be sufficient to meet national demand. The Government initially imposed the ban from January 2004 to July 2004, and then extended it in August last year until the end of 2004, on the premise of a robust domestic output. The ban applies only to indigenous rice varieties and does not block imports of rice strains that are not locally produced. The government's decision reflects its efforts to boost incomes in the agricultural sector, which is dominated by smallholder subsistence farmers.
Accessed on 27 June
< http://www.thejakartapost.com/detailbusiness.asp?fileid=20050627.L04&irec=3 >

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Reviews concerning porcelain-on-steel cooking ware from China and Taiwan, Province of China and top-of-the-stove stainless steel cooking ware from the Republic of Korea and Taiwan, Province of China. United States International Trade Commission, 6 June 2005.
The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) voted to expedite its five-year ("sunset") reviews concerning the countervailing duty and antidumping duty orders on porcelain-on-steel cooking ware from China and Taiwan, Province of China, and top-of-the-stove stainless steel cooking ware from the Republic of Korea and Taiwan, Province of China. The Commission will conduct expedited reviews to determine whether revocation of the orders concerning these products would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
Accessed on 13 June
< http://www.usitc.gov/ext_relations/news_release/2005/er0606cc3.HTM >

CHINA
China to further open civil aviation market. Hong Kong Trade Development Council, 2 June 2005.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China promised that it will put more effort in opening up the aviation market. Market access control has been gradually eased over time, for instance, private capitals have gained permission to invest in and operate airline companies. China has so far signed almost 100 bilateral air transportation accords with foreign countries.
Accessed on 3 June < http://my.tdctrade.com/airnewse/index.asp?id=7808 >

INDIA
India extends IT outsourcing boom. BBC News, 2 June 2005.
Exports of Indian software and services have grown by more than a third in the past year, with further rapid expansion predicted for the coming year. The National Association of Software Companies (Nasscom) pointed out that India's IT industry was seeking a bigger proportion of more profitable high-skilled engineering and research and development work. Nasscom said it is aiming to encourage more collaboration between Indian firms. Sharing ideas, information and best practices will give some impetus to the domestic market
Accessed on 3 June < http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4603765.stm >

INDONESIA
Government attempts to nurture stagnant high-tech industry. The Jakarta Post, 7 June 2005.
Indonesia is striving to become a supplier of telecommunication equipment and infrastructure within five years, with a blueprint currently being drafted that contains the necessary policies for developing the industry. Despite the rapid progress in the country's telecommunication service providers, Indonesia still lacks capital and skilled human resources for operating a manufacturing plant. In order to encourage local investors to engage in the industry, the Government will offer fiscal incentives, namely an exemption on import duty for capital goods as well as reduction in value-added tax and income tax.
Accessed on 10 June
< http://www.thejakartapost.com/yesterdaydetail.asp?fileid=20050607.L02&irec=1 >

MYANMAR, THAILAND
Myanmar, Thailand sign MoU on hydel-power projects. The new light of Myanmar, 2 June 2005.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the development of hydel-power projects on the Thanlwin and Taninthayi rivers has been signed by the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand.
Accessed on 6 June < http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/enlm/June02_ir2.html >

THE PHILIPPINES
Zero VAT to boost renewable energy. US-ASEAN Business Council, 13 June 2005.
The Government of the Philippines has decided to give a zero per cent VAT rating for the sale of power or fuel generated through renewable sources of energy such as biomass, solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, ocean energy, and other emerging energy sources using technologies such as fuel cells and hydrogen fuels. Hopes are that more investments will be made in developing untapped renewable energy resources to increase energy self-sufficiency and advance the Philippines’ march towards energy independence.
Accessed on 14 June < http://www.us-asean.org/headlines.asp >

China to gradually make currency fully convertible. Channel News Asia, 6 June 2005.
The Vice Premier of China said that China will gradually make its currency, the Yuan, fully convertible. The Yuan is convertible on the current account for trade in goods and services, but not on the capital account, which includes items such as direct investments, international loans and securities investments. China's major trading partners have been pressing it to make its foreign exchange regime more flexible.
Accessed on 3 June
< http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/151269/1/.html >

INDIA
Government revises financial guidelines for foreign armament companies. Press Trust of India, 9 June 2005.
The Government of India made it mandatory for all major foreign armament companies winning contracts worth more than Rs3 billion to necessarily invest thirty per cent of the amount in the country as direct offsets. This is one major change carried out in the defense capital procurement procedure manual released by the Minister of Defense. Under the new procedure, the foreign arms major will also have to sign an integrity pact to ensure that no "unfair and unethical" means were employed in winning the deals.
Accessed on 10 June
< http://www.ptinews.com/pti/ptisite.nsf/$All/A6147E10EF5EA6BB6525701B00468CA2?OpenDocument >

Three Singapore banks get full India access. Economic Times, 17 June 2005.
India will allow the three largest banks of Singapore to freely access the Indian market, with operational freedom at par with other domestic banks. This bilateral commitment for financial services is within the scope of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) agreement under the World Trade Organization.
Accessed on 17 June < http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1144387.cms >

Great changes in store for India's retail sector. Asia Times, 9 June 2005.
The Indian government has recently made public that it is inclined to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) into the sector. India's retail industry generates 10 per cent of the country's gross domestic product, but remains one of India's least developed industries. India's market size offers tremendous potential and the retail landscape is changing, with elaborate shopping malls and superstores springing up in major cities. Domestic retail majors have announced expansion plans and a number of global retail majors have expressed interest if FDI regulations are eased.
Accessed on 9 June < http://atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/GF09Df03.html >

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Islamic Republic of Iran, Bahrain to sign agreement on removing double taxation. Teheran Times, 9 June 2005.
The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran gave notice of the bill on the agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Bahrain on removing the double taxation on revenues and capitals. The bill has been sent to the Parliament. It is hoped that removing double taxation will lead to enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries.
Accessed on 10 June < http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=6/9/2005&Cat=9&Num=1 >

LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
Viet Nam increases investment and trade in Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Viet Nam News Agency, 16 June 2005.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has stated that the Government is trying to simplify permit procedures to allow Viet Nam businesses to invest in Lao People’s Democratic Republic. It will also consider providing loans at preferential interest rates to businesses investing in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, as well as measures to facilitate trade between the two countries such as reducing import-export taxes. Viet Nam and Lao People’s Democratic Republic signed an agreement on visa exemptions for their citizens on 1 June 2004 to facilitate travel and the operations of joint businesses
Accessed on 17 June
< http://www.vnanet.vn/NewsA.asp?LANGUAGE_ID=2&CATEGORY_ID=30&NEWS_ID=155468 >

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Russia accounts for 25 per cent of all EBRD investment. Interfax, 8 June.
Investment in Russian projects by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) now stands at around 4 billion euros, representing roughly 25 per cent of the entire EBRD investment portfolio for 27 countries. The bank now has 250 projects in 41 of Russia's 89 regions.
Accessed on 10 June 2005
< http://www.interfax.ru/e/B/finances/26.html?menu=2&id_issue=11308386 >

THAILAND
Interest limits for finance credit. Bangkok Post, 10 June 2005.
The Minister of Finance of Thailand approved a new legal framework controlling non-bank consumer lending. The new regulations impose a 28 per cent annual ceiling on interest rates and require consumer finance companies to be licensed to offer loans to the public. Companies must have minimum capital of 50 million baht.
Accessed on 10 June < http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/10Jun2005_biz70.php >

VIET NAM
Viet Nam launches first credit rating agency. Tanhnien News, 7 June 2005.
The first-ever credit rating agency has been launched in Viet Nam to allow local businesses to research and evaluate business credit levels. The center is aimed to provide local businesses and financial organizations with credit ratings and information services. Each year the center, in partnership with the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will assess businesses credit ratings, and make available those that have excellent ratings to do business.
Accessed on 8 June 2005 < http://thanhniennews.com/business/?catid=2&newsid=7123 >

Foreign investors urged to raise funds in Viet Nam. Asia Times, 21 June 2005.
Viet Nam hopes to woo more foreign investors by allowing them for the first time to buy shares in local businesses, set up joint-stock companies and issue bonds. The head of the Ministry of Planning and Investment's Foreign Investment Agency stated last week that this would enable foreign investors to raise funds both in Viet Nam and abroad. He also unveiled the ministry's plan to allow foreign investors to join in partnerships offering services that require professional expertise, such as legal and financial consultation and auditing.
Accessed on 21 June < http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/GF21Ae01.html >

… live whales are worth more than dead ones?
A new report from New Zealand demonstrates the high value of whale watching. More than 425,000 people went whale or dolphin watching in New Zealand last year - almost double the 1998 figure - contributing an estimated $NZ120 million (US$84 million) to the economy.
Read the full story from the Pacific Magazine
< http://www.pacificislands.cc/pina/pinadefault2.php?urlpinaid=15592 >
Accessed on 10 June 2005

… the finance ministers of the G8 agreed to cancel all the debts that 18 heavily indebted poor countries owe to the three multilateral lenders?
Finance ministers of the G8 (the G7 plus Russia) agreed to cancel all the debts that 18 heavily indebted poor countries owe to three multilateral lenders, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Read the full story from the Economist
< http://www.economist.com/finance/displayStory.cfm?story_id=4079154 >
Accessed on 17 June 2005

… agriculture export competition will intensify with rising share of trade by developing countries?
Global competition between exporters of agricultural products is expected to intensify over the next ten years in both developed and developing countries. Increasing concentration and globalisation in the food industry, and the growing role of product standards, are likely to exert an increasing influence on production and trade. With the growing integration of China and India in global markets, small shocks to either demand or supply in these large countries could lead to substantial external effects on other countries.
Read the full story from the OECD
< http://www.oecd.org/document/8/0,2340,en_2649_201185_35019848_1_1_1_1,00.html >
Accessed on 27 June 2005

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