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FIJI
Export credit eased. Fiji Times, 22 October 2007.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) has announced changes to its Export Finance Facility (EFF), through which it provides funds to commercial banks and the Fiji Development Bank (FDB) for lending to exporters. It said the interest rate charged to commercial banks and FDB for back-to-back financing under the EFF would now be aligned to the 182-day treasury bills market rate with a cap of two per cent. Banks can on-lend the funds to exporters with a maximum added margin of four per cent, which will enable exporters to benefit from reduced EFF rates in times of low market interest rates. Furthermore, local value added content (LVAC) of 40 per cent has been removed. Exporters with LVAC below 40 per cent can now qualify for advances under the facility. Under the pre-shipment lump sum facility, the loan eligibility amount has been increased from 20 per cent to 50 per cent and is now based on the LVAC value instead of total exports value.
Accessed on 22 October < http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=72803 >

INDIA
India and Sri Lanka in pact for tariff rate quota. The Hindu Business Line, 6 October 2007.
India and Sri Lanka have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to finalize the procedural arrangements for operationalization of tariff rate quota for import of three million pieces of apparel articles covered under the India-Sri Lanka FTA. In pursuance of the FTA that came into force on 1 March 2000 it was decided that Sri Lanka could export to India, in one calendar year, three million pieces of apparel articles covered on duty-free basis and without any restriction on entry points and sourcing of fabrics.
Accessed on 8 October < http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/01061631.htm >

Shrimp exports get WTO boost. Business Standard, 13 October 2007.
In an interim report, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled that the United States’ rules insisting that customs bond to cover the duties on exports of shrimp to the United Sates was a clear violation of the global laws on anti-dumping. Upholding the complaints filed by India and Thailand, the WTO panel of judges ruled that the customs bond requirement as applied to the imports from India and Thailand was not consistent with the anti-dumping agreement, and was forcing an additional burden on the exporters of these countries. The WTO panel also observed that zeroing, the method used for calculating the anti-dumping duty by the United States Department of Commerce, was also against international laws and resulted in artificially inflating duties on imports.
Accessed on 15 October
< http://www.business-standard.com/smartinvestor/storypage.php? >

JAPAN
Japan-Thailand free trade pact to take effect on 1 November 2007. Channel News Asia, 2 October 2007.
Japan’s free trade pact with Thailand will take effect on 1 November 2007. Under the agreement, about 97 per cent of Japanese exports to Thailand and 92 per cent of Thai exports to Japan will be tariff-free within 10 years. Japan, Thailand’s largest investor, will scrap tariffs on Thai shrimp and tropical fruit such as mangoes and durian, although it will keep protecting Japan’s politically powerful rice farmers. Thailand will cut tariffs on automobiles with engines of 3000cc or larger to 60 per cent from 80 per cent over four years and eventually scrap all tariffs on steel imports. Thailand has become a major construction hub for Japanese automakers.
Accessed on 3 October
< http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/303504/1/.html >

NAURU
Nauru and Cuba to collaborate. Pacific Magazine, 4 October 2007.
The First Session of the Cuba-Nauru inter-Government Commission has concluded in Cuba with the signing of bilateral collaboration agreements on health, education, trade and other sectors. Agreements included accords on granting scholarships and cooperating in prefabricated systems for low cost housing. Cuba has offered specialized technical services, transfer of technologies in several branches and the application of literacy methods to facilitate English-speaking people learning the Spanish language.
Accessed on 5 October
< http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/10/04/cuba-and-nauru-to-collaborate >

PAKISTAN
European Union and Pakistan to initiate joint study on trade. The Pakistan Times, 28 September 2007.
The EU and Pakistan will launch a joint study to analyze whether the EU’s trade policy in South Asia is impacting Pakistan. The Ministry of Commerce stated that from the member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), only India and Pakistan were subjected to duty on their exports in European Union. The least developed countries (LDCs) Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar and Nepal enjoy zero-tariff access to EC markets, and Sri Lanka qualifies for Generalized System of Preference (GSP) plus status. Pakistan was is now concerned about possible implications if the EU and India start trade talks. The ministry said if the study showed that market access to LDCs, Sri Lanka and India was adversely affecting Pakistan’s exports to EU, than certain steps would be taken to compensate.
Accessed on 2 October < http://www.pakistantimes.net/2007/09/28/business2.htm >

First Pakistan-EFTA meeting concludes: negotiations to continue in 2008. Bilaterals, 14 October 2007.
Pakistan and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) have entered into a market access dialogue. Trade officials from both parties have met in Geneva in their first discussions to investigate how trade and investment relations could be expanded for mutual benefice. The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue deliberations on ways and means of expanding trade and investment relations in early summer 2008. These deliberations will address all available trade policy instruments with a view to improving framework conditions and market access for goods, services and investment.
Accessed on 15 October < http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=9964 >

PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM (PIF)
EU funds Pacific islands project on facilitation of agriculture commodity trade. People’s Daily Online, 19 October 2007.
The EU and Pacific island leaders signed an agreement to support for a project on Facilitating of Agriculture Commodity Trade (FACT) in Pacific countries. According to the agreement, the four-year project worth 4.225 million euros will be implemented by the Secretariat of Pacific Community.
Accessed on 22 October < http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90778/6286116.html >

PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Papua New Guinea roads and ports to get US$ 247 million from Australia. Pacific Report, 5 October 2007.
Upgrade and maintenance of Papua New Guinea’s roads, ports and airports has taken a big step forward with the announcement of a US$ 247.5 million contribution from Australia. Under the Transport Sector Support Programme (TSSP), transport infrastructure development projects in the road, maritime and air sectors will be brought under the one umbrella to ensure efficiency and a more effective use of the funding. It will promote a sector-wide approach to planning and programme implementation, and strengthen government policies and systems while empowering the Government to take a significant step forward in the management, upgrade and maintenance of existing infrastructure. The Government will also support rural communities to access markets through the continued maintenance of 4,000 kilometers of priority national roads in the short term and ultimately the whole Papua New Guinea national road network in the medium to long term.
Accessed on 8 October < http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2007/October/10-08-01.htm >

PHILIPPINES
Philippines and India sign nine bilateral agreements. Bilaterals, 6 October 2007.
The Philippines signed nine bilateral agreements with India on 5 October, including a framework agreement for bilateral trade. The agreements cover defense, health and medicine, energy security, agriculture, tourism, and culture. Furthermore, they propose that both the countries would jointly combat global terrorism and take up joint exercise in non-combat areas. The two countries have also agreed to set up a joint monitoring group, which will closely keep a watch on the implementation aspects of the agreements signed so that further areas of joint cooperation can be identified to push and integrate trade and economic ties between India and the Philippines.
Accessed on 8 October < http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=9867 >

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Republic of Korea and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea inch toward one economic community. Korea Times, 4 October 2007.
The inter-Korean talks held in the Republic of Korea have discussed a number of economic cooperation projects and concluded with the signing of an agreement on cooperation. Creating a special peace zone in Haeju, opening a cross-border cargo railway, constructing a joint shipbuilding complex and developing the second-phase of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex are some of the highlights of an agreement signed by the President of the Republic of Korea and the leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Some other areas of cooperation encompass the opening of direct route between Seoul and Mt. Baekdu, along with joint projects in agriculture, health, medicine and environmental protection.
Accessed on 8 October
< http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2007/10/123_11339.html >

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
United States requests WTO panel in case challenging Chinese barriers to market access for products of copyright-intensive industries. USTR, 11 October 2007.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that the United States has requested the WTO to establish a dispute settlement panel, the next procedural step in its WTO case challenging China’s restrictions on the importation and distribution of products of copyright-intensive industries such as theatrical films, DVDs, music, books and journals. According to USTR, the formal consultations over the last several months have not led to a resolution of concerns. The United States is seeking to eliminate Chinese import and internal distribution barriers that significantly hamper the ability of United States publishers and producers of audio-visual products to get their products into the Chinese marketplace under normal market conditions, thereby enhancing the market for pirated products.
Accessed on 15 October
< http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2007/October/ >

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)
Members submit revised proposals on trade facilitation. Bridges Weekly Trade News Digest, 10 October 2007.
Members of the WTO have submitted revised proposals on trade facilitation. One revised submission by India would place a limit on the number of times members would be obliged to exchange information and documents about particular cross-border transactions, in response to concerns that the costs of doing so could become onerous. Japan, Mongolia and Switzerland submitted commitments proposed in two revised papers: in one, on publication and availability of trade-related information, possibilities for multiple enquiry points (without a single primary one) were expanded, along with more choice about the means of publication; the second created loopholes for “urgent circumstances and other limited exceptions” in potential obligations for members to publish trade-related laws and legislations prior to their entry into force.
Accessed on 15 October < http://www.ictsd.org/weekly/07-10-10/wtoinbrief.htm >

GUAM
Customs forms required. Rule hits packages over 16 ounces to or from Guam. Pacific Daily News, 11 October 2007.
According to new United States Postal Service regulations effective from 8 June, all packages weighing more than 16 ounces being mailed to or from Guam will require that one of two customs forms be attached. Packages without a form will still travel to Guam, but must make the long trip by boat.
Accessed on 15 October
< http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071011/NEWS01/710110304/1002 >

INDIA
India-United Kingdom customs pact to be upgraded. Economic Times, 1 October 2007.
India has sought a review of its customs agreement with the United Kingdom, asking for certain stringent provisions to be included in the treaty on par with agreements signed recently with other countries, with a view to curb money laundering. Currently, the treaty provides for sharing of information on a need-to-know basis. That is, if Customs authorities need some information, they write to their counterpart to get it which is very time consuming. With changes in the agreement, Indian Customs authorities would be able to get information on an active basis. With India trying to become a part of the anti-money laundering group, the Financial Action Task Force, it is keen on tightening the treaty as the real-time exchange of alerts could lead to effective tackling of money laundering and terrorism activities.
Accessed on 2 October
< http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Economy/ >

PAKISTAN
Institutional restructuring: new structure for customs department approved. The Daily Times, 21 October 2007.
The Board-in-Council of the Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has approved a new structure of the Department of Customs. According to the Customs General Order 15 of 2007, the new structure is based on reorganizing the department on functional lines. The country will be divided into two regions: North and South. The two regions will be headed by a chief collector. Chief collectors will be the focal persons for implementation of all reforms initiatives and programmes under the Tax Administration Reform Programme (TARP). They will also be responsible for all development and welfare schemes (other than TARP) and for coordination of capacity building programmes in the region.
Accessed on 22 October
< http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007 >

PHILIPPINES
Customs steps up campaign against smuggled meat and agricultural products. Sun Star, 6 October 2007.
The City Government of Davao has expressed support to moves of the Bureau of Customs to inspect all refrigerated container vans entering the port to prevent possible entry of smuggled meat, poultry and agricultural products. The City Council Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry said the 100 per cent inspection was necessary not only to prevent smuggling but also to protect local consumers from health hazards and local producers from unfair competition.
Accessed on 8 October
< http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2007/10/06/news/ >

Amendments to Special Economic Zone Law in Duma. Kommersant, 8 October 2007.
The State Duma has passed the second reading of amendments to laws to create special economic port zones, making them the fourth type of special economic zones, joining industrial, technical and tourism zones. The new zones are meant to stimulate development of Russian ports. It was noted in June 2007, when the amendments were introduced, that Russian ports handle only 1 per cent of containerized freight, while ports in other countries handle an average of 20 per cent of such freight. The new special economic zones can be created at seaports, river ports and international airports. The zones will be created for 49 years. The main advantage they provide is customs benefits. No duties will be collected on goods in port zones and VAT will be returned on items exported through them. The condition that a port zone be no smaller than 50 sq. km. was added to the second reading of the amendments. All territories of the zone must be contiguous and a minimum investment of 50 million euros is required for entrance to river and airports. The minimum at seaports remains 100 million euros. The minimum investment for reconstruction is 3 million euros.
Accessed on 10 October
< http://www.kommersant.com/p812452/r_529/special_economic_port_zones/ >

Government levies seasonal duties on wheat exports. RBC News, 8 October 2007.
The Russian Federation has resolved to impose seasonal export duties on wheat and barley as well as to lower import duties on milk, butter, cheese and cottage cheese in order to protect the home food market against the soaring agricultural prices globally.
Accessed on 10 October < http://www.rbcnews.com/free/20071008194511.shtml >

SINGAPORE
Tariff concessions for over 80 per cent of Singapore exports to India from 1 November 2007. Channel News Asia, 2 October 2007.
More exports from Singapore to India will benefit from tariff concessions from 1 November 2007. The Ministry of Trade and Industry expects 81 per cent of Singapore’s domestic exports to India will enjoy the tariff cuts, up from 64 per cent. The concessions come after the successful review of the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). Besides tariff cuts for exports, both sides also agreed to establish a new Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for Indian medicinal products entering Singapore which should reduce duplicate testing. Other sectors expected to come under the MRA are telecommunications, electrical and electronic equipment.
Accessed on 2 October
< http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/303296/1/.html >

VIET NAM
Import duties on completely-built cars slashed by 10 per cent. Nhan Dan, 20 October 2007.
The Ministry of Finance has decided to reduce import tariffs on automobiles by another 10 per cent. According to the decision, import tariffs on whole automobiles will be cut to 60 per cent. This is the third time in 2007 the ministry has issued decisions to slash import duties on automobiles. The ministry is also considering reducing tariffs on imports of second hand automobiles.
Accessed on 22 October < http://www.nhandan.com.vn/english/business/201007/finance_i.htm >

China threatens polluters with ban on exports. Trade Observatory, 15 October 2007.
China has raised the stakes for companies violating environmental laws with rules to block polluters from exporting their goods. According to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce and the State Environmental Protection Administration, companies found ignoring waste-discharge limits face a ban from international trade for as long as three years to discourage exporters from cutting costs at the expense of the environment. China is struggling to reduce the effect of its expanding economy on the environment and to combat charges that its exports are kept inexpensive by lax environmental and labor standards.
Accessed on 22 October < http://www.tradeobservatory.org/headlines.cfm?refid=100442 >

DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Japan extends sanctions against North Korea. Channel News Asia, 9 October 2007.
Japan has extended sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea by another six months to mid-April to keep up the pressure over the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s abductions of Japanese nationals. The sanctions will cover the period from 14 October 2007 to 13 April 2008. Japan had imposed economic sanctions in October 2006 after the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea conducted its first nuclear test. It barred all imports from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, including money-making produce such as clams, crabs and high-end matsutake mushrooms, for six months. Port calls by ships from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea were also banned. There is still strong public resentment in Japan over a lingering dispute about the extent of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s abductions of Japanese nationals in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea admitted in 2002 to the abductions and has since returned five kidnap victims and their spouses and children. But it insists the issue has now been resolved, saying the other abductees were all dead. Japan believes there are more kidnapped survivors who are kept under wraps.
Accessed on 9 October
< http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/304647/1/.html >

EUROPEAN UNION
European steelmakers preparing dumping complaint against China. AFP Google, 2 October 2007.
European steelmakers are preparing to lodge a complaint in the coming weeks against China for selling finished steel products in Europe at below cost. When a dumping complaint is filed with the European Commission, the panel then has to launch an investigation to see whether the charges stand up before taking a decision on retaliation. Imports of Chinese-made finished steel products into Europe are booming and are expected to double in 2007.
Accessed on 3 October
< http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5ilcGCdEjleJXoH4CPIHshUx86bdQ >

EU investigates shoe exports. Fibre2Fashion, 6 October 2007.
The EU has formally started an investigation on Chinese shoes export to EU via Macao, China upon the suspicion that some Chinese shoes enterprises - in order to avoid the anti-dumping measures imposed by the EU on imports of shoes from China - transport their products to Macao, China and after the processing these products are exported to the EU. The EU Government has passed a law that if Chinese shoes enterprises are found guilty of exporting via Macao, China they will be burdened with anti-dumping taxes and the current anti-dumping measures will be prolonged.
Accessed on 8 October
< http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/daily-textile-industries-news/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=42146 >

HONG KONG, CHINA
Poultry import ban lifted. News.gov.hk, 9 October 2007.
Effective from 10 October 2007, Hong Kong, China will fully resume imports of live poultry and birds and their products from Guangdong. The Government lifted the import suspension of live poultry and birds, day-old chicks, poultry eggs, chilled and frozen meat from a zone spanning the 24-kilometre radius of Xinzao, Panyu, as there had been no new case of avian influenza there. The Food and Health Bureau said officers have inspected the previously affected area and no abnormality was detected. Since the outbreak of avian influence in Guangdong, the Ministry of Agriculture has sent experts and quarantine officers to cull ducks within the affected area and no new cases have been detected in the province. Guangdong authorities have enhanced random testing of live poultry, chilled poultry meat and poultry eggs supplied to Hong Kong, China and improved inspection of registered poultry farms and processing plants.
Accessed on 10 October
< http://news.gov.hk/en/category/healthandcommunity/071009/html/071009en05004.htm >

INDIA
Government removes riders on import of genetically modified edible oil. The Truth about Trade and Technology, 2 October 2007.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has lifted the ban on import of edible oil sourced from genetically modified (GM) oilseeds as the domestic market cannot meet the full demand. For this, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has deleted a condition on import of edible oils sourced from GM oilseeds. Prior to this, an importer was supposed to furnish a certificate and declare that he or she was not importing edible oil sourced from GM oilseeds. Meanwhile, the DGFT has begun a trial run of online filing of various documents by foreign traders. It has already put the duty entitlement passbook scheme online and plans to do the same with certain other documentation to save foreign traders time.
Accessed on 3 October < http://www.truthabouttrade.org/article.asp?id=8280 >

India and Pakistan plan easy visas. Southasia Media Net, 21 October 2007.
India and Pakistan are negotiating a new business visa agreement that will help mitigate problems faced by entrepreneurs traveling between the two countries. Revealing the initiative, India’s Deputy High Commissioner said there was scope for Pakistani businesses to forge joint ventures with their Indian counterparts in the compressed natural gas sector.
Accessed on 22 October
< http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=436069 >

Greenpeace demands complete ban on import of e-waste in India. Daily India, 4 October 2007.
Environmental watchdog Greenpeace staged a demonstration in Delhi demanding complete ban on import of discarded computers. India generates about 146,000 tonnes of e-waste every year and with demand of computers growing at an alarming rate, the country’s domestic e-waste is expected to touch 1,600,000 tonnes by 2012. According to a Supreme Court order of 1997, import of hazardous waste in India for disposal is banned. However, toxic electronic waste still finds its way into the country in the garb of charity or re-useable material. The activists demanded the Ministry to put a complete ban to such imports to safeguard the environment. Greenpeace’s records show that in last six-months around 600 tonnes of e-waste has entered India. Hazardous e-waste releases harmful chemicals like lead, cadmium and mercury in the environment.
Accessed on 5 October
< http://www.dailyindia.com/show/179675.php/ >

United States announces additional sanctions against Myanmar. USInfo, 19 October 2007.
The President of the United States announced an expansion of United States sanctions against the country’s military rulers and their associates, accusing them of perpetrating “ongoing atrocities” against the pro-democracy opposition. The new measures include the designation of 11 government leaders for sanctions by the Treasury Department and 12 additional individuals and entities under an executive order signed by the President. The executive order also expands the authority of the Treasury Department to designate for sanction individuals responsible for human rights abuses as well as public corruption and those who provide material and financial backing to these individuals or to the Government of Myanmar. Furthermore, he said that the Department of Commerce was tightening its export control regulations for Myanmar. The new sanctions are in addition to measures imposed by the administration 27 September
Accessed on 23 October
< http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html? >

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Republic of Korea renews ban on United States beef. All Headline News, 5 October 2007.
The Republic of Korea has reissued its ban on United States beef, citing a disagreement on importation and health safety codes. According to Republic of Korean officials, inspectors also found a piece of cow bone in the beef; agriculture authorities have banned the importation of beef bones over fears of mad cow disease. The Republic of Korea, which used to be the third largest market for United States beef, suspended importing beef from the United States in 2003. It lifted the import ban last year but imposed it again in August this year. The repeated beef import suspension is a major trade issue between the two countries and is seen as a stumbling block to their negotiations for a comprehensive free trade agreement.
Accessed on 8 October < http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7008740429 >

THAILAND
Government to start anti-dumping investigation on Chinese imports. Fibre2Fashion, 4 October 2007.
The Thai Textile Manufacturing Association submitted a petition to the Ministry of Commerce to initiate an anti-dumping investigation against Chinese imports, mainly cotton fabric and polyester filament. Thailand has increased imports of these products from 6.9 million Baht to 183 million Baht, which accounts for 85 per cent of the domestic market share. Considering this, the Government decided to initiate anti-dumping investigation against textile products from China. If an investigation finds that the domestic industry is hampered by these allegedly dumped imports, the anti-dumping duties would be levied.
Accessed on 8 October
< http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/association-news/tgma/ >

TURKEY
Minister of State: non-tariff barriers with the EU should be removed. Today’s Zaman, 1 October 2007.
The Minister of States has expressed his regret that EU countries were implementing obstacles to Turkish exporters’ businesses by hardening visa procedures and office establishment procedures. He said he hoped that these obstacles could be removed by the EU’s central body as solving the problems with EU member countries on a one-on-one basis would prove too difficult. He has asked those exporters who could not get a visa to prepare files showing they were rejected and to include their relevant financial losses in order to sue the responsible bodies
Accessed on 2 October
< http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=123559 >

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
After long delay, United States notifies 2002-2005 agricultural subsidies to WTO. ICTSD, 10 October 2007.
The United States on 4 October announced that it has notified the WTO of its domestic support payments to farmers for the years 2002 to 2005, insisting that it had remained within the spending limits imposed by its obligations to the global trade body. Following years of criticism for the notification delay, the United States’ payment claims are now likely to be closely scrutinized by trading partners. Uncertainty about exactly how much the United States gives out in trade-distorting subsidies has been an irritant in the Doha Round negotiations on cutting farm support, as well as in WTO disputes launched by Brazil and Canada. The United States’ lead agriculture negotiator informed that payments on overall trading-distorting support amounted to US$ 16.3 billion in 2002, US$ 10.2 billion in 2003, US$ 18.1 billion in 2004 and US$ 18.9 billion in 2005. These figures are all considerably lower than the United States’ current WTO spending entitlement of US$ 48 billion for such support. They are also well within the future spending cap of US$ 22.5 billion formally tabled by the United States in the Doha Round, suggesting that this ceiling could be achieved with few changes to existing practice.
Accessed on 15 October < http://www.ictsd.org/weekly/07-10-10/story3.htm >

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION
Canada is first to notify compulsory licence to export generic drug. WTO, 4 October 2007.
The WTO received from Canada, on 4 October 2007, the first notification from any Government that it has authorized a company to make a generic version of a patented medicine for export under special WTO provisions agreed in 2003. The triple combination AIDS therapy drug can now be made and exported to Rwanda, which is unable to manufacture the medicine itself. Earlier, Rwanda informed the WTO that it intended to import 260,000 packs of the medicine over two years and that the drug was to be made in Canada. Canada’s notification completes the circle. Both notifications were required for the medicine to be exported to Rwanda under an important agreement among WTO members reached on 30 August 2003, which eases the way for countries with public health problems to import cheaper generics made under compulsory licensing elsewhere when they are unable to manufacture the medicines themselves.
Accessed on 8 October
< http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news07_e/trips_health_notif_oct07_e.htm>

CHINA
Cable linking China and United States starts construction. CRI English, 23 October 2007.
The main body of a new submarine fiber cable system, called the Trans-Pacific Express (TPE), kicked off its construction at sea in Qingdao, a coastal city in east China on 22 October 2007. The new cable, the first to directly link the United States and China by skipping over Japan, is expected to be put into use in July 2008 before the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games. It will become the submarine fiber cable with the largest capacity and the longest span for China, linking China with Taiwan Province of China, the Republic of Korea and the United States.
Accessed on 23 October < http://english.cri.cn/2946/2007/10/23/198@286580.htm >

China’s second oceanic survey satellite put to official use. SINA, 2 October 2007.
China’s State Oceanic Administration has formally taken over the control of the “Haiyang-1B” (Ocean 1B) on 30 September after the second self-designed oceanic survey satellite in China proved functioning well on its projected orbit for more than five months. The satellite can capture real-time information and data on the marine resources and environment of the country’s coastline, islands, territorial waters, continental shelves and exclusive economic zones. The data collected will be used to facilitate the country’s development and utilization of marine resources, construction of ports, monitoring and prevention of oceanic pollution, resource investigation and the development of coastal areas as well as for study of global environmental changes. Launched in April, the satellite with a designed operational life of three years, is also a crucial component of China’s three dimensional oceanic survey system.
Accessed on 3 October < http://english.sina.com/technology/1/2007/1002/127262.html >

China prepares 4G mobile data specification for ITU. Teleclick, 6 October 2007.
China is planning to submit a home-grown fourth-generation (4G) mobile data specification to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in either 2008 or 2009. The Chinese 4G technology will allow users to surf the web and transmit files much faster than current 3G standards, giving it a strong potential in the wireless multimedia sector. The search for a dominant 4G standard is set to begin next year, when ITU begins accepting proposals from countries around the world. The first 4G networks will likely see commercial deployment by around 2010.
Accessed on 8 October
< http://www.teleclick.ca/2007/10/china-prepares-4g-mobile-data-specification-for-itu/ >

INDIA
India and United States to cooperate in developing medical technology. Economic Times, 4 October 2007.
India and the United States agreed to enhance cooperation in development of low-cost diagnostic and therapeutic medical technologies. At the India-United States Summit on Translational Health Sciences, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the United States and the Department of Biotechnology of India issued a joint statement on expanding collaborative research, particularly in the medical research cluster. The focus will be on infectious diseases, trauma, maternal and child health and chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The Ministry of Science and Technology is setting up the country’s first-ever Translational Health Science and Technology Institute to facilitate development, optimization and evaluation of technologies for public health.
Accessed on 23 October
< http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/ >

Work on genetech city to kick off from December. NewIndPress.com, 7 October 2007.
Work on the genetech city, the proposed bio-technology park at Andharua will start in December if things go as per schedule. The bio-technology park will be developed in public-private partnership through a competitive bidding route and the Department of Science and Technology has invited tenders from private firms for development of the park on 54 acres provided by the State Government. While 25 acres of the genetech city will be used as bio-technology and pharmaceutical corridor, an information technology centre will be developed on another 15 acres. A bio-tech incubator centre will be developed on an area of 10 acres.
Accessed on 8 October
< http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp? >

India and Iceland sign MoU for renewable energy cooperation. Economic Times, 9 October 2007.
India has entered into an agreement with Iceland for cooperation in the development of new and renewable energy technologies. The MoU signed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy also envisages cooperation for development of systems, sub-systems, devices and components as well as monitor and evaluation of cooperation activities. Iceland and India cooperate in hydrogen and fuel cells under the forum of the International Partnership for Hydrogen Economy (IPHE). A trade delegation from Iceland will visit India in November to establish industry level contacts in renewable energy.
Accessed on 15 October
< http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News_by_Industry/ >

NEW ZEALAND
Biofuel trial flight set for 747. BBC, 28 September 2007.
A New Zealand airline plans to mount the first test flight of a commercial airliner partially powered by biofuel. The 747 flight is one part of a agreement signed by the airline, the engine producer and the aircraft manufacturer to research “greener” flying. One of the four engines will run on a mixture of kerosene and a biofuel, and is set for late 2008 or early 2009. An airline of the United Kingdom is planning to beat its competitor from New Zealand to the punch by having its own biofuel flight early 2008.
Accessed on 3 October < http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7017694.stm >

PAKISTAN
Government decides to do away with research and development support. Daily Times, 27 September 2007.
The Government has decided in principle to gradually convert research and development support into export-oriented units (EOUs) promotion scheme for increasing investment and enhancing exports. The proposed Textile Industry Development Policy 2007 outlines this option to benefit other potential new industries to grow and secure their shares in the export markets. The Ministry of Textile Industry and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) are finalizing the modalities of the EOUs promotion scheme. The authorities at FBR have already endorsed the idea and have conveyed to the textile ministry that they have no objection of converting research and development support into EOUs promotion scheme for increasing investment and enhancing exports. New sectors which have the potential to grow and can earn valuable foreign exchange for the country would be allowed the benefits of the EOU schemes. In the textile sector research and development support would be eliminated from those sectors which are contributing less and it would be shifted towards those sectors which are value-addition driven and can increase contribution in exports.
Accessed on 2 October
< http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C09%5C27%5Cstory_27-9-2007_pg5_2 >

SOLOMON ISLANDS
Rural electrification programme aims for 10 per cent coverage. Pacific Magazine, 15 October 2007.
The Solomon Island’s rural electrification programme targets that up to 10 per cent of the population in rural areas have electricity by the end of 2008. Only about 15 per cent of the estimated 567 000 people in Solomon Islands have access to electricity. These are mainly people living around the capital Honiara. In the rural areas, many families use kerosene lamps and hurricane lamps for light. It’s only those who can afford diesel generators that have better lights.
Accessed on 15 October
< http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/10/15/rural-electrification-program-aims-for-10-percent-coverage >

SOUTH ASIA SUBREGIONAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION (SASEC)
Four South Asian countries agree to ICT connectivity. ADB, 15 October 2007.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal have agreed to collaborate on a subregional information communication technology (ICT) project to improve connectivity among the four countries. The agreement by the SASEC countries was reached at ICT working group meeting to discuss the proposed SASEC Information Highway Project. The SASEC Information Highway Project consists of three key components. It will establish the SASEC regional network to integrate member countries and reduce Internet costs, particularly for the land-locked countries of Bhutan and Nepal. It will also build the SASEC village network to expand broadband wireless connectivity to rural communities and enable them to better access services such as tele-medicine, distance learning, and e-government services. In addition, it will set up the SASEC regional research and training network to facilitate the flow and integration of information, knowledge, and services among member countries through directly linking communities, businesses, and research institutes.
Accessed on 15 October
< http://www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2007/12208-southasians-communications-connectivity-/default.asp >

THAILAND
Standards set for ICT skills in ASEAN region. The Nation, 2 October 2007.
The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is developing a standard for people working in the ICT industry to create competitiveness for the country and transfer professional ICT skills among ASEAN members. The draft aims to develop Thai ICT workers and created standards and a framework on how to develop Thai expertise to improve ICT efficiency nationwide. The ministry hopes that the draft will come out as a master plan for ICT workers by February 2008. The ministry is also working with ASEAN on the ASEAN ICT Skill Standards Development project which aims to create ASEAN ICT skill standards with an initial focus on careers and recommendations to facilitate regional accreditation for ICT-skill certification. It will also reduce the difference between the ICT skills of the various ASEAN countries.
Accessed on 3 October 2007
< http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/02/technology/technology_30050928.php >

TURKMENISTAN
Turkmenistan to build gas processing facility at Yashyldepe field in 2008. Turkmenistan.ru, 11 October 2007.
Turkmenistan will commission a natural gas processing facility at Yashyldepe field in 2008. The new facility will make it possible to produce ready products - liquefied gas, gas condensate and tank gas - in the immediate place of gas extraction. The facility’s annual capacity will be 50 thousand tonnes of liquefied gas, 200 tonnes of gas condensate and 1 billion cubic meters of tank gas.
Accessed on 15 October
< http://www.turkmenistan.ru/?page_id=3&lang_id=en&elem_id=11266 >

VIET NAM
Major central coast management blueprint approved. Thanh Nien News, 12 October 2007.
The Prime Minister has approved a programme on general management of northern central and central coastal areas till 2010 and orientation till 2020. The programme is aimed at strengthening the capacity for management, protection and use of natural resources and the environment to serve sustainable development in localities in the regions. In the 2007-2010 period, 25 projects will be implemented to build legal mechanisms and policies, develop human resources, improve communal awareness, and build a database and a general information system for the targeted localities. Several pilot projects will be carried out in Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh and Thua Thien-Hue, while general management of coastal areas will be carried out in the following years.
Accessed on 15 October
< http://www.thanhniennews.com/politics/?catid=1&newsid=32465>

GUAM
Guam port privatization bill passed. Pacific Islands Report, 12 October 2007.
Guam lawmakers passed nearly two-dozen bills during a recent session, including a bill that allows the port to privatize its cargo operations. Bill 165 allows the government-run commercial port to hire a private company to manage and operate the port’s cargo-handling equipment. Supporters of the change, including port officials and the port users group, have said it will give the port access to greater resources for its cargo operations and will allow the port to focus its efforts on other aspects of it operations, including applying for more federal financial assistance. They also cited the success of similar contracts at the Guam Power Authority, which uses private managers at some power plants, and the Guam Waterworks Authority, which recently privatized the management of its wastewater operations.
Accessed on 15 October
< http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2007/October/10-12-11.htm >

HONG KONG, CHINA
Hong Kong, China aims to become Islamic finance hub. Channel News Asia, 10 October 2007.
The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, China said that the city would look to follow Malaysia and Singapore as a centre for Islamic finance. In his annual policy address, he said providing financial products that comply with Islamic law offered huge potential for development. The Monetary Authority is currently working with the financial sector to develop products that comply with Islamic finance’s strict rules, where interest payments and profits earned from alcohol, pornography, pork or gambling are all banned. Since Malaysia’s first issuance of sovereign global Islamic bonds in 2002, there has been a series of other issuances by countries such as a Bahrain, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Malaysia retains the world’s largest Islamic bond market, accounting for about US$ 47 billion or two-thirds of total Islamic bonds outstanding worldwide.
Accessed on 15 October
< http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world_business/view/304881/1/.html >

INDIA
Government ready with IT investment regions policy. Economic Times, 10 October 2007.
India has finalized its policy on information technology (IT) investment regions (ITIRs) in the country and this may trigger the next wave of IT and business-process outsourcing (BPO) growth. The new ITIR Act is expected to be passed soon. The policy resolution for ITIRs has already been sent to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for its nod. According to the policy, state Governments will identify area for setting up an ITIR and forward their application to the Department of Information Technology, the nodal body for ITIRs. After initial scrutiny, DIT will be required to place the state’s ITIR application before a High Powered Committee (HPC). The HPC will include secretaries from all major departments – IT, telecom, home affairs, commerce, revenue, human resources development, environment, labor, urban development, civil aviation, finance and will be chaired by principal secretary to the Prime Minister. In the final step, the application will be forwarded to the CCEA for approval.
Accessed on 10 October
< http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Infotech/ITeS/ >

PAKISTAN
Board of Investment restructuring plan finalized. The Daily Times, 29 September 2007.
Pakistan has finalized the restructuring plan of the Board of Investment (BOI), keeping in view the experiences of Ireland, Singapore and Thailand. The proposed organizational structure seeks 4 new posts of Director General domestic investor facilitation and implementation, Executive Director General project development, Director General marketing and Director General policy planning. According to the proposed organization structure, the Prime Minister would be the president of the board.
Accessed on 26 October
< http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C09%5C29%5Cstory_29-9-2007_pg5_11>

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Republic of Korea rethinks foreign investment law. Financial Times, 22 October 2007.
The Government is preparing to introduce a presidential decree that could place foreign investors under greater scrutiny, as it tries to broker a compromise with lawmakers wanting to protect industries such as electronics and steel from outsiders. Several lawmakers from across the political spectrum are attempting to expand the range of sectors from which foreigners are banned to include all areas deemed important to the national economy. Like other countries, the Republic of Korea already restricts investment in defence-related companies. But there are now at least four amendments to the Foreign Investment Promotion Act before the National Assembly aimed at offering greater protections to companies of the Republic of Korea. The Government is currently negotiating a compromise with the lawmakers, with a result likely by mid-November. Under the presidential decree, the Government would establish a foreign investment committee run by the Minster of Finance that would determine whether acquisitions threatened national security.
Accessed on 23 October
< http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c27347a0-80c4-11dc-9f14-0000779fd2ac.html >

SINGAPORE
Singapore-Qatar avoidance of double taxation agreement to take effect. Channel News Asia, 4 October 2007.
The “Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion” between Singapore and Qatar cam into force on 5 October 2007. The provisions of this agreement will apply to income derived on or after 1 January 2008. The Agreement was signed in November, as part of Singapore’s efforts to strengthen its relationship with Middle Eastern countries. Singapore has also concluded similar agreements with various other Middle Eastern countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait and Oman.
Accessed on 23 October
< http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/303814/1/.html >

TURKMENISTAN
Turkmenistan passes new foreign investment law. Kommersant, 15 October 2007.
Turkmenistan has passed a new edition of the law “On Foreign Investment’ that gives rise to expectations that the country may begin liberalizing economy. The new law will allow foreigners to acquire real estate and enterprises and they will also have the right to form joint enterprises and to form their own enterprises. The national currency will be redenominated as well. The law is facing some criticism, including from the Head of the Central Bank of Turkmenistan who called the changes ‘cosmetic. Problems that remain for foreign investors, he argued, are taxation and currency regulation. Furthermore, the types of enterprises that foreigners can buy have not been specified.
Accessed on 16 October < http://www.kommersant.com/p814971/economic_legislation/ >

VIET NAM
Circular ends security company tax incentives. VietNamNet Bridge, 12 October 2007.
Securities companies and investment fund management companies will not be able to enjoy the corporate income tax (CIT) incentives after the new CIT circular is ratified. The Ministry of Finance is drafting the new circular, expected to replace the two current CIT laws. The draft stipulates that securities and investment fund management companies that receive business registration certificates after 25 October 2006 (the date when Decree 108 came into effect) will not enjoy CIT incentives. Meanwhile, the legal entities that were established prior to 25 October 2006 will still receive tax incentives. Ending tax incentives for securities and fund management companies is in line with current Investment Law. Decree 108 does not list securities as a business eligible for investment incentives, therefore, securities companies cannot enjoy tax preferences. Under current regulations, securities and investment fund management companies receive tax exemptions for two years, and 50 per cent tax reduction for the two years after that.
Accessed on 15 October < http://english.vietnamnet.vn/biz/2007/10/749043/ >

Call for foreign investment focuses on infrastructure. Thann Nien News, 17 October 2007.
The Government’s latest list of projects in need of foreign investment gives priority to capital-hungry infrastructure development. The list was announced in October and introduced 163 projects calling for foreign investment, including 70 infrastructure projects. The list, which is used to officially promote investment in the country, offered other projects in the industry, agriculture and services sectors. In addition to the list, the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) is drafting new regulations to help foreign investors take advantage of Viet Nam’s membership in the WTO.
Accessed on 22 October
< http://www.thanhniennews.com/business/?catid=2&newsid=32575>

Read the full report from the BBC:
< http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7043899.stm >
Accessed on 15 October 2007

… India’s cyber crooks will soon be treated like criminals?
India’s cyber criminals are up for more serious chastisement. They will no longer be able to exploit loopholes in the Information Technology Act, which requires law enforcement agencies to book criminals under different laws. The Government will import provisions from not only the Indian Penal Code (IPC) but also from other statutes like the Indian Evidence Act (IEA) of 1872 and the Code of Criminal Procedures (CCP) of 1973 to the Information Technology Act.

Read the full report from the Economic Times:
< http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Infotech/Internet_/ >
Accessed on 16 October 2007.

Read the full report from the Pacific Magazine:
< http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/10/01/six-more-cuban-physicians-to-serve-in-kiribati >
Accessed on 3 October 2007.

… Millions of children have to work in India?
The Government of India estimates (Census 2001) that over 12 million children aged between 5 and 14 continue to work in various occupations including many hazardous occupations. This number includes children who are estimated to be engaged in domestic work and roadside eateries. NGO estimates are very different, and place the numbers of children employed in these sectors (domestic work and roadside eateries) for the country as up to 20 million. 99 per cent of child domestic workers in Delhi and 84 per cent in Kolkata are girls.

Read the full report from One World South Asia:
< http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/154069/1/1893 >
Accessed on 15 October 2007.

… No expiry date is required for canned products in Fiji?
Similar to Fiji, food regulations in both New Zealand and Australia do not require “best before” codes on products with a shelf life of more than two years. The Consumer Council of Fiji now called for stricter monitoring by regulatory bodies saying that inaction could lead to Fiji being used as a dumping ground for inferior goods.

Read the full report from the Fiji Times:
< http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=72606 >
Accessed on 22 October 2007.

… the Republic of Korea has created nearly 100 special zones in three years?
Nearly 100 special economic zones for regional development have been established over the past three years by the current Government. The special zone is a system where the central Government eliminates regulations and gives Government subsidies in order to nourish local industries of provincial Governments.

Read the full report from the Dong-A Ilbo:
< http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?bicode=020000&biid=2007092971448 >
Accessed on 2 October 2007.

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