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China and EU to launch talks on framework agreement. Bilaterals, 9 September 2006.
China and the European Union have agreed to launch negotiations on a framework agreement, which will encompass the full scope of their bilateral relationship. The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is set to reflect the full breadth and depth of today’s comprehensive strategic partnership between the EU and China. It will update a 1985 trade and economic cooperation agreement between China and the European Economic Community, the predecessor of the EU.
Accessed on 11 September < http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=5842 >

China and Chile agree upon tariff reduction. People's Daily Online, 10 September 2006.
China and Chile have agreed to remove tariffs in October and to advance their free trade agreement talks. Under their cargo trade agreement, Chile has promised to remove the tariff rates of 5,891 products imported from China as of 1 October 2006. In return, China will reduce the tariff rates of 2,806 products imported from Chile to zero this year and remove the tariffs of another 1,947 products next year. Most of the products are farm produce, petrochemical, electronic and machinery products. In ten years, 97 per cent of the cargo items involved in the bilateral trade will be gradually exempt from import tariffs. Since China and Chile initiated free trade talks in December 2004, both sides have gone through five rounds of negotiation and reached consensus on cargo trade. Negotiations on service trade and investment will start next month.
Accessed on 11 September
< http://english.people.com.cn/200609/10/eng20060910_301376.html >

INDIA
Brazil, India and South Africa to step up trade ties. NDTV, 14 September 2006.
The leaders of India, Brazil and South Africa have agreed to cooperate on energy and transportation and boost trade to US$ 10 billion per year as part of a deepening alliance between three of the world's leading emerging markets. The three countries emphasized cooperation on energy and transport, saying they will open shipping and air routes to increase commerce and share biofuels technology in an effort to secure more abundant and cleaner sources of energy. The South American trade group Mercosur led by Brazil has already negotiated separate bilateral trade agreements with India and with the South African Customs Union (SACU) led by South Africa. The partners also agreed to cooperate on information technology and pharmaceuticals, two areas of strength for India.
Accessed on 14 September < http://www.ndtvprofit.com/homepage/news.asp?id=267470 >

JAPAN
Japan and Philippines sign trade pact, allowing flow of Filipino nurses. Bilaterals, 10 September 2006.
Japan and the Philippines signed a free-trade pact after overcoming the thorny issue of nurses of the Philippines seeking work in Japan. The agreement with the Philippines will be the first of its kind for Japan as it includes landmark provisions on the movement of labour. Under the agreement, a limited number of Philippine nurses and caregivers will be allowed to work in Japan on the condition that they pass Japanese qualification examinations. The trade pact will also remove tariff duties on more than 90 per cent of trade in goods between the two countries apart from some Philippine agriculture exports to Japan, including tropical fruits, and some Japanese exports of industrial goods to the Philippines.
Accessed on 11 September < http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=5836 >

Japan and Chile agree on FTA framework. The Japan Times, 23 September 2006.
Japan and Chile have produced a framework free-trade accord that will abolish tariffs on 92 per cent of both countries’ exports over 10 years, settling negotiations in principle just seven months after they were launched. The two countries will now translate the accord into legal documents and they expect it to take effect early next year. Chile is the sixth country Japan has reached a basic FTA with, following Singapore, Mexico, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. Japan has FTAs with the first three and recently signed one with the Philippines.
Accessed on 16 September < http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20060923a1.html >

NEPAL
Government to form single unit to boost exports. The Himalayan Times, 6 September 2006.
In an attempt to promote exports through administrative reforms, Nepal has given green signal to integrate the Carpet and Wool Development Board (CWDB), the Trade Promotion Centre (TPC) and the Export Promotion Board (EPB) to form a single effective and efficient export promotion unit. The new unit will do all the core functions of the former three units, namely carpet export promotion and development (CWDB), keeping records of foreign trade (TPC) and export promotion of all exportable commodities (EPB).
Accessed on 6 September < http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp? >

SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka to expand Colombo port to retain Colombo’s regional hub status. Colombo Page, 6 September 2006.
Sri Lanka and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the financing of the Colombo Port Expansion Project. The MoU launches the key strategic development designed to accommodate the mega container ships of the future and retain Colombo’s regional hub status. The stage I of the port facility with one 1200 meter long terminal having the ability to berth at least three container ships is expected to be completed by 2009. This will enhance Colombo Port capacity by 2.4 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units). The Asian Development Bank will finance US$ 225 million for the breakwater construction and basic port infrastructure, which will be implemented by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority as a public project, while the container terminals are expected to be implemented jointly with the private sector.
Accessed on 11 September
< http://www.colombopage.com/archive/September6154235JV.html >

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
United States moves to strengthen focus on innovation and Southeast Asia. Office of the United States Trade Representative, 6 September 2006.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) will be reorganized to enhance the agency’s focus on innovation and to support its stepped up efforts in Asia. The realignment consists of expanding the responsibilities of the recently established Office of Intellectual Property to include innovation policy issues related to the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries. These issues have previously been handled by the Southeast Asia Office. By expanding the portfolio and leveraging the resources of the office, which will now be called the Office of Intellectual Property and Innovation, USTR recognizes the critical importance of innovation to the enhanced productivity and future growth of the United States economy. The shift of pharmaceutical policy to the new Office of Intellectual Property and Innovation will allow the Southeast Asia Office to concentrate its efforts on achieving strengthened trade and investment ties to the region.
Accessed on 1 September < http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/ >

VIET NAM
Viet Nam, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Thailand sign agreements. Viet Nam News, 5 September 2006.
Viet Nam, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Thailand reached a series of cooperative trade and investment agreements at the recent 10th Joint Commission of Cooperation which discussed ways to exploit Road No 8, which runs through provinces of the three countries. The delegates agreed to the construction of a cultural centre at the km 20 point of the road in the Borikhamsay Province of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, with financial contributions from the other provinces. The delegates also agreed to create facilitated, streamlined conditions for export and import through border gates of the three countries. Each country will hold fairs in the other two countries to promote their goods and opportunities for investment, tourism and trade.
Accessed on 11 September < http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=02ECO050906 >

AUSTRALIA
Thai tuna import tariff to double. The Nation, 13 September 2006.
Australia will increase tariffs on canned tuna and canned pineapple from Thailand after the finding that they had exceeded quotas under the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA includes special agricultural safeguard provisions according to which higher duties can be applied after a certain quota is reached. In 2005, the volume quotas are 22,434,591 kilograms for canned tuna and 6,083,197 litres for canned pineapple.
Accessed on 11 September
< http://nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/read.php?newsid=30013030 >

AZERBAIJAN
Azerbaijan and Sweden strengthen customs cooperation. Azertag, 12 September 2006.
A 15-member delegation of the Azerbaijan State Customs Committee (SCC), Presidential Administration, Cabinet of Ministers, Parliament, Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has undertaken a study visit to Sweden’s Customs Service. The purpose of the visit was to examine the experience of the Swedish Customs in implementing the European Customs Code. In addition, the visit contributed to identifying the changes required to the existing policies and procedures of the SCC together with the information technology implications for implementing the revised Customs Code for of Azerbaijan, which is currently under development. The study visit will contribute to strengthening relationships between Azerbaijan and Sweden in the customs area allowing new perspectives on future cooperation between the two national customs organizations.
Accessed on 14 September < http://www.azertag.com/en/index.shtml? >

China and South Africa enhance cooperation in customs. People’s Daily Online, 23 September 2006.
China and South Africa have signed a memorandum of cooperation in Customs. The agreement provides a basis to endorse a bilateral agreement on mutual administrative assistance on Customs matters. The two sides have also agreed on a pilot project to manage the trade between China and South Africa. This will entail the advance electronic submission of customs data and will allow for the joint detection of high risk. The bilateral customs agreement will create a stronger legal basis for customs cooperation in the administration of bilateral trade. China is one of South Africa's largest trading partners. The country was the eighth largest destination for South African exports and the second largest source of South Africans imports last year. While South Africa exports mostly raw materials such as aluminum, platinum and chrome to China, it imports processed goods such as electronics, machinery, clothing, textiles and footwear.
Accessed on 25 September
< http://english.people.com.cn/200609/23/eng20060923_305536.html >

EUROPEAN UNION
Customs cooperation: Commission and China strengthen cooperation on supply chain security. European Commission, 19 September 2006.
The European Commission and China have agreed to strengthen cooperation in order to increase security and trade facilitation throughout the supply chain. As a first step, they are going to run a pilot project with the aim of creating smart and secure trade lanes between the European Community and China. The pilot project will initially involve the European Commission, the Customs Administration of China and of the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Once successful, the cooperation could be expanded step by step to the whole of the European Community. This initiative takes place in the framework of the EU-China Agreement on Customs. Since the entry into force in April 2005 of this agreement, the EU and China have deepened their cooperation in order to step up the fight against counterfeiting and piracy, to facilitate trade and to increase security.
Accessed on 22 September
< http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do? >

INDIA
Private wheat imports now duty-free. The Economic Times, 5 September 2006.
In order to stem rising prices and augment market supplies, India has allowed duty-free wheat imports by private players until December 2006 or January 2007. The move is the latest in a number of related policies to stabilize the wheat market in India. Following a poor crop, the state-run Food Corporation of India began buying wheat in March for the first time in six years to augment stocks. In June, the Government cut the import duty on wheat to 5 per cent from 50 per cent to boost supplies in the local market.
Accessed on 4 September < http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1956828.cms >

India proposes tariff freeze for 290 items under the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. Financial Express, 16 September 2006.
In addition to the 560-strong negative list, India has proposed a tariff-freeze on another 290 items till 2012, as per its revised offer for tariff liberalization for the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). The 290 items include a clutch of polymers, specified leather and apparel products, polyester staple fibre, and textile items including yarn, woven synthetic fabric and sportswear. After 2012 these items will face a gradual tariff reduction up to 7.5 per cent by 2022.
Accessed on 18 September
< http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=140529 >

MALAYSIA
To enhance tax administration. Bernama, 1 September 2006.
The Government has proposed an independent body, the Customs Appeal Tribunal (CAT), to decide on appeals against the decisions of the Director General of Custom pertaining to matters under Customs Act 1967, Sales Tax Act 1972, Service Tax 1975 and Excise Act 1976. The tribunal is expected to be effective by March 2007. The Government has also proposed that Customs ruling be introduced to provide the business sector an element of certainty in planning their business activities. Currently, any person can apply to the Customs department in respect of the classification or valuation of goods or services in order to determine the class and duty of such goods or the tax treatment of such services. These rulings are issued on an ad hoc basis and their applications are not comprehensive which have caused inconsistencies in their application. Under the new proposal, effective of 1 January 2007, the ruling issued by Customs and agreed by the applicant shall be legally binding between both parties for a specific period of time. The application for Customs ruling can be made with respect to classification of goods, determination of taxable services and the principles of determination of value of goods and services.
Accessed on 4 September
< http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=217385 >

PHILIPPINES
Government reimposes diesel tariff. Manila Standard Today, 23 September 2006.
The Philippines has reimposed the three per cent tariff on imported diesel and ordered a freeze on all applications for a fare increase as a result of falling oil and petroleum prices. Furthermore, a ten per cent reduction on the toll of the North Luzon expressway for two years was ordered following the Philippine peso’s strength against the United States dollar. The loans for the financing of the expressway are United States dollar-based.
Accessed on 25 September
< http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news06_sept23_2006 >

SINGAPORE
Singapore Customs to make more items controlled to help stop proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Channel News Asia, 10 September 2006.
To help stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and WMD-related items such as delivery systems, Singapore Customs has expanded its strategic goods control list which now includes items like high-end computers, telecommunications systems, propulsion systems, space vehicles and related equipment, navigation and avionics and related software and technology. This new expanded list will take effect on 1 January 2008.
Accessed on 11 September
< http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/229600/1/.html >

VIET NAM
Viet Nam - United States Customs Initiative endorsed as an APEC demonstration project. APEC, 17 September 2006.
APEC Senior Officials have endorsed a project that will serve as a demonstration for other APEC Member Economies on modernizing customs procedures. Viet Nam and the United States are undertaking a Custom Demonstration Project that will include the implementation of an eManifest system based on the APEC Framework for Secure Trade. The project will be implemented at the Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Airports and is expected to be completed by November 2006. Upon implementation, the project is expected to eliminate numerous hours of processing time for the nearly 10,000 air-express packages entering Viet Nam each day. The system will allow improved inventory management and the new electronic system will create a more transparent process for Viet Nam Customs and their stakeholders. The development and installation of the eManifest system is the centerpiece of the project and an important step for increasing regional trade security. The system uses advanced electronic information to identify high-risk shipments and will enable Viet Nam Customs to provide timely clearance of express deliveries.
Accessed on 18 September
< http://www.apecsec.org.sg/apec/news___media/media_releases/ >

EUROPEAN UNION
EU proposes extending duties on Chinese and Vietnamese shoes. EUBusiness, 30 August 2006.
The European Commission has proposed to slap anti-dumping duties on Chinese and Vietnamese shoe imports, despite deep divisions among member states about the measures. Pressure is building on EU countries to overcome their differences on what action to take before temporary anti-dumping duties on Chinese and Vietnamese shoes imports expires in October. Seeking to break the deadlock, the commission renewed a proposal - already rejected in July by member states - to impose a duty of 16.5 per cent on some Chinese leather shoes and a duty of 10 per cent on Vietnamese leather shoes. Under current temporary action, Chinese-made leather shoes are subject to a 19.4 per cent import duty while Vietnamese shoes face a duty of 16.8 per cent. Member states now have a month to review their positions on the duties and take a legally binding decision. But if they do not take a decision, the temporary measures will not be replaced when they lapse on 6 October, leaving the door open for imports.
Accessed on 31 August < http://www.eubusiness.com/Trade/060830103115.2nsbwqgl >

NEW ZEALAND
EU agrees stop-gap plan for New Zealand butter row. Radio New Zealand, 22 September 2006.
The European Union has agreed on a transitional method to allow in butter imports from New Zealand which risked disruption due to a ruling by the European Court of Justice earlier this year. The court struck down an existing import quota system for New Zealand butter in July after a German trading company complained it broke EU law. After protests from New Zealand, the EU's executive Commission found a way to allow in butter already en route for Europe; but did not say how it would deal with the rest of the imports. Under an emergency system to operate from now until the end of the year; tenders will be held in October and November for the right to ship the remaining 14,300 tonnes of butter that New Zealand can send to the EU under its 2006 quota. The system requires that at least six different companies are awarded the tenders and that no company will be able to import more than 30 per cent of the total outstanding quota.
Accessed on 25 September
< http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200609220606/eu_agrees_stop-gap_plan_for_nz_butter_row >

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Republic of Korea bans fruit from California. The Korea Times, 11 September 2006.
The Republic of Korea has imposed an import ban on citrus and other fruit from California due to the discovery of a harmful insect there. The National Plant Quarantine Service stated that an area in California’s Rialto, San Bernardino County has been hit by the insect known as Bactrocera dorsalis. The ban affects citrus fruit, kiwis, grapes and other fruit grown in an 84-square-mile radius of the area where the insect was detected. The Republic of Korea now operates bans in three areas in California, including San Jose and Rancho Cucamonga. Fruit produced elsewhere in California can only enter the Republic of Korea if it bears a safety certificate showing that it was produced and packaged outside of the three designated areas.
Accessed on 18 September
< http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200609/kt2006091122384611990.htm >

Republic of Korea lifts ban on United States beef. CBS News, 7 September 2006.
The Republic of Korea has approved resuming imports of United States beef after repeated delays in implementing an earlier decision to lift a 2003 ban imposed because of mad cow fears. The Ministry of Agriculture said that 36 United States slaughterhouses designated to handle meat for export to the Republic of Korea met required safety measures, clearing the last hurdle to the resumption of imports. In January, the Republic of Korea agreed to resume American beef imports on a limited basis - boneless meat only from cattle younger than 30 months old - as it believes some material inside bones could be dangerous to consume and the younger animals are safer from mad cow disease. But the actual resumption of imports had been delayed over the implementation of measures to ensure meat safety. The main problems had been that some of the slaughterhouses designated to handle meat for export to the Republic of Korea either did not separate domestic and foreign beef, or failed to differentiate between tools used to slaughter old cows and younger animals.
Accessed on 18 September < http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/09/07/business/ >

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Russian Federation bans sale of some Ukrainian and Chinese wine. Interfax, 10 September 2006.
The Russian Federation has banned certain wine imported from Ukraine and China after the Government’s consumer rights and sanitary watchdog declared it substandard. A report stated that of 45 samples of Ukrainian wine, two failed to meet the human security criteria and 11 failed to meet taste, aroma and color requirements. Of the eight samples of Chinese wines, five failed to meet the requirements. As a result, the sale of the shipments of wine whose samples have shown it to be substandard has been prohibited and administrative sanctions have been initiated to the owners of these products.
Accessed on 11 September < http://www.interfax.com/3/191692/news.aspx >

Russian Federation to begin inspections of Ukrainian dairy. CEE Food Industry, 13 September 20006.
Effective from 15 September, Russian veterinary officials restarted inspections of Ukrainian dairy producers, raising hopes that an import ban imposed on the country earlier this year could be lifted. The Russian Federation banned Ukrainian dairy imports on 20 January this year, following complaints from its veterinarians that production facilities and farms were in breach of the Federation's food safety standards. For Ukrainian dairy producers, the Russian market offered a major source of income with euro 325 million worth of produce being bought into the country last year alone.
Accessed on 15 September
< http://www.cee-foodindustry.com/news/ng.asp?n=70540-import-ban-dairy-ukraine >

Russian Federation hits United States pork with ban. The Moscow Times, 25 September 2006.
Effective from 21 September 2006, the Russian Federation has banned pork products from a United States company for violating health standards, carrying out a threat the country had made to the United States for blocking its membership in the World Trade Organization. The Ministry of Agriculture states that pork processed at a specific facility located in Missouri, was banned for violating veterinary-sanitary standards. The Russian Federation in August threatened to tighten import barriers on United States meat unless it won United States approval to join the global trade group by October. The Russian Federation has been negotiating to join the WTO for over a decade and has reached the required bilateral agreements with all 149 members except the United States, which is seeking more concessions on agriculture.
Accessed on 25 September < http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2006/09/25/046.html >

China to launch new communications satellite. Sina, 4 September 2006.
China will launch a new satellite for television broadcasting, mobile communications and other services in late October 2006. The satellite, known as “Xinnuo 2” has been given the green light to leave the factory after passing final checks by the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense. “Xinnuo 2” which will be China’s first large-capacity communications satellite. It will provide live television broadcasting services to China, as well as Hong Kong, China; Macao, China and Taiwan Province of China.
Accessed on 6 September < http://english.sina.com/technology/1/2006/0904/88159.html >

China launches first breeding satellite. Sina, 9 September 2006.
China has launched a satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, carrying 215 kilograms of seeds of plants and fungus, the largest-ever such payload since 1987. The seed-breeding satellite, known as “Shijian 8”, has been successfully brought into the pre-set track in space by a Long March-2C rocket carrier. Once the space-bred seeds are recovered, the Ministry of Agriculture will organize research institutions to develop new seeds featuring high yield, good quality and high efficiency.
Accessed on 11 September < http://english.sina.com/technology/1/2006/0909/88635.html >

FIJI
Cabbage farmers get pest management programme. Fiji Times, 18 September 2006.
Fiji has launched an integrated pest management (IPM) programme to benefit cabbage farmers around the country. The programme will assist them to switch from conventional farming techniques to a more holistic approach to farming. IPM methods take all aspects of crop production into account, often combining traditional knowledge and methods with new technologies. The IPM programme is a five-year collaboration between the Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.
Accessed on 18 September < http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=48481 >

INDIA
India and China sign MoU on technology cooperation. Economic Times, 7 September 2006.
Taking forward bilateral cooperation, India and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help strengthen ties between the two neighbours in the field of science and technology and propel their fast-growing economies. The bilateral MoU is also part of activities marking the 'India-China Friendship Year 2006'.
Accessed on 11 September < http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1966391.cms >

India’s state-run oil company signs oil exploration agreement with Cuba. Channel News Asia, 11 September 2006.
India’s state-run oil company signed an agreement with Cuba for deep-water oil exploration in the Gulf of Mexico. Under the agreement, India's Oil and National Gas Corporation (ONGC) will explore an area of 4,300 square kilometers in Cuban waters.
Accessed on 11 September
< http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world_business/view/229679/1/.html >

INDONESIA
Indonesian Government to develop telecom network. Penn Well, 6 September 2006.
Indonesia will hold a national and international fiber optic and wireless network construction bid in an effort to speed up development of an Internet protocol-based telecommunication network. The fiber optic development project is planned to boost domestic industry of communication and technology (ICT) and reduce the high tariff of Internet.
Accessed on 18 September
< http://lw.pennnet.com/news/display_news_story.cfm? >

INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION (ITU)
Progress made in bridging the digital divide. ITU, 13 September 2006.
The International Telecommunication Union revealed that considerable progress has been made to bridge the digital divide and that teledensity targets set by the Brussels Programme of Action (BPoA) have been met by 25 of the 50 least developed countries (LDCs). According to ITU, teledensity has more than doubled in the majority of LDCs since 2000 with some of them boosting connectivity by as much as 20 times, thanks to rapid growth in the deployment of mobile technologies. The race towards universal access in LDCs has been mainly led by Small Island Developing States such as Cape Verde, Maldives and Samoa and small to average sized countries such as Gambia, Lesotho and Mauritania, some of which have achieved teledensities of up to 44 lines per 100 inhabitants surpassing many developing countries.
Accessed on 14 September < http://www.itu.int/newsroom/press_releases/2006/16.html >

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
China and the Islamic Republic of Iran agree to set up joint auto venture. Tehran Times, 5 September 2006.
Automakers from China and the Islamic Republic of Iran have agreed to set up a joint venture production plant in the east Chinese province Shandong to manufacture an Iranian-designed car. Annual production of the plant will begin with 30,000 cars, while both sides are hoping to increase production to 120,000 vehicles a year based on sales. Land for the factory has already been acquired and construction of the facility is ready to begin. Negotiations for the auto plant have been ongoing for several years. Auto production and sales in China have boomed in recent years with over 3.53 million vehicles sold in the six months to June, up 26.7 per cent year-on-year.
Accessed on 5 September < http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=9/5/2006&Cat=9&Num=16 >

Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq sign agricultural cooperation agreement. Islamic Republic News Agency, 5 September 2006.
The Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq have signed an MoU on cooperation between their agriculture sectors. Iraq expressed a desire to avail of the agricultural expertise of Iranians in training Iraqis in various agricultural and veterinary fields including raising improved qualities of wheat, barley, rice and animal feed, corn seeds and improving animal species such as cows, sheep and goats as well as production of animal vaccines and materials used for veterinary and desertification purposes. In addition, the two sides agreed to exchange expertise and personnel to undertake research on agricultural and veterinary subjects such as production of animal and herbal products and providing cattle, health and veterinary services. The two sides also plan to cooperate in a multifaceted management campaign against pests and control of agricultural pests and have agreed to sign another MoU binding themselves to cooperate in the field of plant quarantine and precautionary measures to protect cattle and to form a committee to pursue implementation of agreements embodied in documents signed by the two countries.
Accessed on 5 September
< http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-237/0609046672153609.htm >

A framework for fighting fraud and corruption. ADB, 17 September 2006.
The African Development Bank Group, the Asian Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank Group, the Inter-American Development Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group agreed on a framework for preventing and combating fraud and corruption in the activities and operations of their institutions. The following joint actions to combat fraud and corruption have been outlined: agreement on standardized definitions of fraudulent and corrupt practices; agreement on common principles and guidelines for investigations; agreement to strengthen the exchange of information; agreement on general integrity due diligence principles relating to private sector lending and investment decisions; and agreement to explore further how compliance and enforcement actions taken by one institution can be supported by the others.
Accessed on 18 September
< http://www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2006/10629-regional-anticorruption/default.asp >

FIJI
Fiji floats US$ 150 million overseas bonds. Pacific Islands Development Program/East-West Center, 14 September 2006.
For the first time ever Fiji is borrowing overseas to raise its decreasing foreign reserves. Fiji has issued bonds worth US$ 150 million on the international market.
Accessed on 18 September
< http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2006/September/09-14-05.htm >

INDIA
Pact signed with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Hindu Business Line, 13 September 2006.
India and Bosnia and Herzegovina have signed a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement (BIPPA) to promote and protect investments from either country in the territory of the other country. The agreement provides that nationalization or expropriation of investments will not be resorted to except in public interest and in accordance with law on a non-discriminatory basis and against fair and equitable compensation. It will also provide for free repatriation of funds of an investor of either country. Moreover, investments from either country in the territory of the other country will be accorded national treatment and most favoured nation status.
Accessed on 18 September
< http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/09/14/stories/2006091402480900.htm >

Government allows FDI to flow into markets. Economic Times, 1 September 2006.
India is drafting a policy to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in stock and commodity exchanges, depositories and clearing corporations. In what signals a change of stance from the previously held view of barring foreign investment in this segment of the financial sector, the Ministry of Finance is at work to finalize a set of guidelines. The Government is also looking at an appropriate governance model for stock exchanges, depositories and clearing corporations to ensure greater discipline and to bring about more transparency in the operations of these institutions.
Accessed on 11 September < http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1945525.cms >

Government mulls 100 per cent FDI in education. Times of India, 8 September 2006.
In a move that would open up doors for foreign universities waiting to set up colleges in India, the Ministry of Commerce said that it was charting out plans to allow 100 per cent foreign direct investment in the education sector and that it considered to explore the options for joint ventures in the higher education sector.
Accessed on 14 September < http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1967578.cms >

INDONESIA
Indonesia seeks to protect investors from nationalization. Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board, 31 August 2006.
Indonesia’s Parliament is deliberating a proposed law that would protect investors from the Government taking control of their assets in Indonesia if enacted. The Parliament is expected to approve the legislation and send it to the President to enact before the end of 2006.
Accessed on 4 September
< http://www.bkpm.go.id/en/news.php?mode=baca&info_id=4568 >

KAZAKHSTAN
Kazakhstan and Singapore ink agreement on avoidance of double taxation. Kazakhstan today, 21 September 2006. Kazakhstan and Singapore have singed an agreement on avoidance of double taxation with regard to income taxes. The two sides expressed the belief that cooperation in that area would promote and develop the bilateral ties and create a legal basis for the economic relationship between Kazakhstan and Singapore.
Accessed on 26 September < http://eng.gazeta.kz/art.asp?aid=80752 >

MALAYSIA
Corporate social responsibility framework launched. Business Times, 6 September 2006.
Bursa Malaysia launched a corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework on 5 September that focuses on how a corporation interacts with the environment, community, workplace and marketplace. The move is one of the exchange’s many efforts to improve the quality and attractiveness of public-listed companies (PLCs) to both local and foreign investors. Disclosing CSR activities is now a must for all PLCs. At a minimum, they are required to include a CSR statement in their annual reports but there is no restriction to the content.
Accessed on 6 September
< http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BT/Wednesday/Nation/BT584903.txt/Article/ >

TURKMENISTAN
United Arab Emirates to prepare investment projects in major sectors of Turkmenistan’s economy. Turkmenistan.ru, 5 September 2006.
The President of Turkmenistan met with a delegation of the United Arab Emirates to exchange opinions on the state of and prospects for bilateral partnership. The parties signed bilateral intergovernmental documents on investment in extraction and refining of hydrocarbon resources, oil and chemical industry, fertilizers production and the Turkmenistan industry as a whole. It was agreed that the two countries would create a working group to prepare investment projects in oil and gas and other spheres of industry in Turkmenistan.
Accessed on 6 September
< http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=3&lang_id=en&elem_id=8570&type=event&sort=date_desc >

UZBEKISTAN
Development Bank of Uzbekistan signs agreement with Malaysian Exim Bank. UzReport, 21 September 2006.
The Export-Import Bank of Malaysia (Exim Bank) signed a cooperation agreement with the Uzbekistan Fund for Reconstruction and Development (UFRD) that aims to establish a framework for a strong cooperation to support and encourage investments between Uzbekistan and Malaysia. The cooperation will involve the exchange of information and increase coordination, particularly in the fields of providing financing, export credit/investment insurance and guarantees. Other areas of cooperation include requests for information on markets, companies, banks and buyers of the two countries; identification of eligible transactions/projects which are deemed suitable for support; assistance on legal matters and in recovery of debt; and enhancement of technical skills and knowledge of staff through exchange programme and training.
Accessed on 26 September < http://finance.uzreport.com/other.cgi?lan=e&id=19035 >

VIET NAM
Prime Minister gives nod to re-registration decree. Viet Nam Net Bridge, 22 September 2006.
The Prime Minister has issued a much-awaited decree on re-registering investment certificates of foreign-invested enterprises - a procedure arising with the new Investment Law and Enterprise Law which was issued to replace 1999's Enterprise Law and took effect in July 2006. Decree No 101/2006/ND-CP is the last in a set of decrees intended to assist the implementation of the Enterprise Law. Decree 101 will be applied for all foreign-invested enterprises that were licensed under the old Law on Foreign Investment in Viet Nam. They comprise joint ventures, wholly foreign-owned companies, foreign-invested joint-stock companies, and projects under business cooperation contracts (BCC). Under the decree, joint-ventures and wholly foreign-owned companies with more than two owners have to re-register into limited liability companies. Wholly foreign-owned companies controlled by an individual organization must also re-register into single-member limited liability companies. Joint-stock companies with foreign investment capital established under Decree No38/2003/ND-CP have to re-register into joint-stock companies. Licencing offices are to examine and issue certificates within 15 days.
Accessed on 25 September < http://english.vietnamnet.vn/biz/2006/09/614775/ >

Read the whole report from BBC:
< http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5312220.stm >
Accessed on 6 September

… China, on average, builds 10.000 bridges per year?

Around 150.000 bridges have been constructed in China over the past 15 years, an average of 10.000 a year. The bridges, with a total distance of over 8.300 kilometers, include road and railway bridges, and cloverleaf intersections in big cities.

Read the whole report from the Chinese Government’s official website:
< http://english.gov.cn/2006-09/17/content_391038.htm >
Accessed on 18 September

… Medical tourism is on the rise in India?

With around one million tourists flocking to India for healthcare, a Rs 10,000 crore medical travel value expected by 2010 and a growth of 25 per cent per year, medical tourism in India is booming like never before.

Read the whole report from the Times of India:
< http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1941459.cms >
Accessed on 31 August

… the Islamic Republic of Iran’s cargo transportation and forwarding industry grew by 18.5 per cent during the first five months of the current Iranian year?

A total of 2,345,400 tons of various cargos were transported across the nation in the period. The bulk of the cargoes transported into the nation were from the United Arab Emirates, 453,200 tons; Turkmenistan, 445,600 tons; Uzbekistan, 331,400 tons; Turkey, 196,900 tons; and Azerbaijan, 166,400 tons.

Read the whole report from Mehr News Agency:
< http://www.mehrnews.ir/en/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=381161 >
Accessed on 18 September

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