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ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC)
Energy security and behind-the-border barriers to trade seen as priorities for 2007. APEC, 28 December 2006.
The APEC Secretariat announced that APEC's key economic and trade priorities in 2007 would be reactivating the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Development Agenda negotiations, addressing critical energy issues, progressing structural reform and behind-the border issues and promoting high-quality regional free trade agreements and trade facilitation. For the first time APEC would, following a decision at the APEC Leaders Meeting in Hanoi in November 2006, consider means to promote greater regional economic integration, including a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific as a long term prospect. APEC's work on human security issues including counter-terrorism, total supply chain security and health and emergency preparedness would remain a major focal point in 2007.
Accessed on 3 January
<http://www.apecsec.org.sg/apec/news___media/media_releases/281206>

BANGLADESH
Bangladesh to tap halal market. MWC News, 21 January 2007.
Bangladesh's sole meat processing company is to launch the country’s first meat exports, sending halal-certified products to the Middle East. The company has sent samples of meat to Dubai authorities and hope to get clearance to start exporting. Bangladesh has one of the world's biggest livestock populations with goat and cattle as basis. However, the country has never exported meat and the current plan comes only after the Ggovernment offered a 20 per cent export subsidy. Meat certified as halal means that the animal was slaughtered according to traditions set forth by the Prophet Muhammad.
Accessed on 22 January <http://mwcnews.net/content/view/11951&Itemid=1>

BRUNEI-INDONESIA-MALAYSIA PHILIPPINES EAST ASIA GROWTH AREA (BIMP-EAGA)
Four nations agree on air links and customs and immigrations quarantine security. Brunei Direct, 13 January 2007.
New initiatives in transport, energy and customs, immigrations quarantine security (CIQS) sectors highlight the agreements signed during the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia Philippines East Asia Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) summit. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on expansion of air linkages. The MoU provides for the multiple designation of airlines without restrictions on frequency and capacity and co-decriminalization with stopover rights and code sharing arrangements.
Accessed on 16 January
<http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/Archive/Jan07/130107/nite25.htm>

CHINA
Government to increase imports. China Daily, 8 January 2007.
China has pledged to reduce China’s unprecedented trade imbalance by allowing more imports into the country this year. The trade surplus hit US$ 156.5 billion in the first 11 months of 2006 and is expected to reach US$ 170 billion for the whole year. The Ministry of Commerce said it would focus on imports in strategic areas by encouraging imports of key equipment, technology and resources by adjusting tariff rates; strengthening financial support for imports with targeted loans; opening domestic markets for regional economic cooperation; and encouraging imports from the least developed countries in Africa by scrapping tariffs on goods from those countries.
Accessed on 8 January <http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-01/08/content_776549.htm>

China and EU officially launch talks on Partnership Cooperation Agreement. China View, 17 January 2007.
China and the European Union announced the official launch of talks on a Partnership Cooperation Agreement (PAC). The agreement will provide a comprehensive basis covering the whole range of the political, economic and trade relationship between China and the EU. It will cover 22 sectors, including energy, environment, trade and human rights.
Accessed on 18 January <http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-01/17/content_5619478.htm>

JAPAN
Japan and Switzerland agree to begin talks on free-trade pact. The Japan Times, 20 January 2007.
Japan and Switzerland agreed to launch free-trade agreement talks in a move that would create Japan’s first FTA with a European country. A trade pact with Switzerland would largely benefit Japan because tariffs are applied to more than 70 per cent of its exports to Switzerland. Japan has concluded FTAs with Malaysia, Mexico and Singapore and is negotiating with 11 countries and areas, most of them developing Asian nations. More recently, Japan has started to negotiate a FTA with India and has agreed to launch similar talks with Australia. Japan and Switzerland also agreed to cooperate on measures to counteract pirated products as well as cooperation on investment rules.
Accessed on 22 January <http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nb20070120a2.html>

NEPAL
Nepalese garments to continue enjoying preferential access to Europe. Nepalnews.com, 18 January 2007.
As per the request made by Government of Nepal as well as garment manufacturers, the European Commission decided to prolong the preferential access till 31 December 2008. This will allow Nepalese garment manufacturers to take advantage of lenient rules of origin to penetrate the European market. The decision will also allow them greater flexibility in choosing from where they want to obtain raw materials.
Accessed on 22 January <http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2007/jan/jan18/news11.php>

PAKISTAN
Pakistan rules out Most Favoured Nation status for India. ZeeNews, 15 January 2007.
Pakistan has ruled out extending the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status to India, saying instead that Pakistan was in favour of creating a level-playing field by removing non-tariff barriers. Furthermore, Pakistan and India are currently discussing an easing of travel restrictions between the two countries.
Accessed on 18 January
<http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=348067&sid=SAS>

Pakistan-Japan business dialogue decides to set up Joint Study Group. Associated Press of Pakistan, 23 January 2007.
A Pakistan-Japan business dialogue decided to set up a Joint Study Group to promote business cooperation paving the way for a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. The two sides held in-depth discussions to explore the ways and means to enhance economic activities between the two countries.
Accessed on 24 January
<http://www.app.com.pk/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2605&Itemid=2>

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Russian Federation and Belarus reach oil tariff agreement. Playfuls, 12 January 2007.
The Russian Federation and Belarus agreed on a new price structure for export oil tariffs after Belarus halted its vast oil supplies to Europe earlier in January. For 2007, an export tariff of US$ 53 will be paid for every tonne of the 20 million tonnes of crude oil delivered to Belarus. The agreement bridges the difference between the Russian Federation’s demands for a US$ 180 per tonne and Belarus insistence on a US$ 45 per tonne tariff. Belarus has earned money by re-exporting high quality fossil fuel to the European Union, manufactured in Belarusian refineries from cheap crude oil originating from the Russian Federation. The trade dispute between the two countries peaked when Belarus blocked oil deliveries, affecting Germany and other EU countries. The Russian Federation had cut off natural gas supplies to the Ukraine amid a pricing dispute just over a year ago, and many in the EU worry the source of a third of their gas and a quarter of their oil needs may hold those supplies hostage in order to settle political disputes. As a result, the EU pledged to draft a new energy document outlining plans to reduce reliance on the Russian Federation and other outside parties for its energy needs.
Accessed on 16 January
<http://www.playfuls.com/news_10_8765-ROUNDUP-Russia-Belarus-Reach-Oil-Tariff-Agreement.html>

Moldova approves Russian Federation’s WTO entry. Playfuls, 27 December 2006.
Moldova has become one of the last countries to approve the Russian Federation’s entry to the World Trade Organization. The Russian Federation still has to reach agreements with Costa Rica and Georgia before being able to join the WTO.
Accessed on 2 January
<http://www.playfuls.com/news_10_6554-Moldova-Approves-Russias-WTO-Entry.html>

Russian Federation and EU sign agreement on metal products trade for 2007. Itar Tass, 29 December 2006.
The Russian Federation and the European Union have signed an agreement on trade in metal products for 2007. Terms of trade will be similar to those in 2006, including the same trade quotas (2.27 million tonnes) and a status quo of the rules of distribution and licensing. In 2006, metallurgical companies in the Russian Federation have used almost 100 per cent of quotas on exports of steel of different categories to the European Union, exporting some 2.2 million tonnes of metal products, 30 per cent more than in 2005.
Accessed on 3 January
<http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=11128113&PageNum=0>

SINGAPORE
Singapore and Morocco agree to start FTA talks. Channel News Asia, 11 January 2007.
Singapore and Morocco have agreed to start talks on an FTA that covers a range of sectors, including agriculture, urban planning, tourism, housing, information and communication technologies as well as new technologies like nanotechnology. The two countries are also in the process of negotiating an Investment Guarantee Agreement which they hope to complete within the year 2007.
Accessed on 16 January
<http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/251809/1/.html>

TIMOR-LESTE
Timor-Leste and France sign Asean’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. The Manila Times, 15 January 2007.
Timor-Leste and France have signed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (Asean) Treaty of Amity and Cooperation on 13 January 2007. The Treaty aims to promote peace, amity and cooperation among the signing countries through, among other mechanisms, increasing trade and intensifying economic cooperation. Timor-Leste is hoping to join Asean – whose roughly 560 million people are more than the population of Europe – within the next few years.
Accessed on 18 January
<http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/jan/15/yehey/opinion/20070115opi8.html>

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)
Viet Nam joins WTO. WTO, 11 January 2007.
Viet Nam officially joined the WTO on 11 January 2007, taking the organization’s membership to 150.
Accessed on 18 January 2007
<http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news07_e/acc_vietnam_11jan07_e.htm>

CHINA
More resource-intensive products from China to pay export tariffs. Channel News Asia, 27 December 2006.
Effective from 1 January, China introduced export tariffs on more high-polluting, energy-consuming and resource-intensive products. The Government will also continue to impose export tariffs on coal, crude oil and stone in 2007. The high growth rate of the Chinese economy is draining up the country's limited natural resources. To preserve energy and also curb the surging trade surplus, the Government has taken a number of measures including introducing export tariffs on 110 energy-consuming products and cutting duties on 58 imported duties in November 2006.
Accessed on 28 December 2006
<http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/249348/1/.html>

INDIA
India cuts duty on edible oil from SAARC. South Asian Media, 2 January 2006.
India has cut import duty on refined edible oil to 52.5 per cent from 68.75 per cent earlier from Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Duty on edible oil imports from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal, has been cut to 52.5 per cent from 56.67 per cent earlier. Duty on crude palm oil imports from the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) member States has been reduced to 50 per cent.
Accessed on 3 January
<http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=351891&category=Frontend&Country=MAIN>

Centre to spend Rs eight billion for 13 land customs stations. IRIS, 11 January 2007.
The Minister of State for Commerce said that the Ministry of Commerce would spend Rs 8 billion for setting up 13 integrated land customs stations in locations across the country. The centre would also set up a land customs authority for managing all stations where immigration and testing facilities would be available. Out of the 13, seven would be on Indo-Bangladesh border, one on the Indo-Pak border, four on the Indo-Nepal border and one on the Indo-Myanmar border.
Accessed on 16 January
< http://www.myiris.com/newsCentre/newsPopup.php? >

Government cuts customs duties to curb inflation. India Infoline, 23 January 2007.
The Centre has cut import duty on 11 items to cut the cost of manufacturing and infrastructure projects after inflation rose to a two-year high of 6.12 per cent. The Centre has slashed import duty on a whole host of products, including cement, capital goods, steel, copper, aluminium and inorganic chemicals. The decision to cut customs duties came after the Ministry of Finance said that certain manufacturing sectors were contributing to core inflation by rising prices to benefit from the surging demand. Also, the development came just about a month before the Union Budget, which is expected to reduce import duties in line with the commitment given to ASEAN under the proposed Free Trade Agreement.
Accessed on 24 January <http://www.indiainfoline.com/news/innernews.asp?storyId=24986&lmn=1>

JAPAN
Government plans to simplify customs clearance. The Yomiuri Shimbun, 1 January 2007.
Japan plans to drastically simplify customs clearance procedures by introducing numerical targets and cutting cargo handling costs at ports in 2007 in an effort to promote trade with other Asian countries and stimulate the economy. A Government council is to revamp cargo handling at seaports and airports under the slogan “Distribution Big Bang.” Distribution Big Bang’s first programme aims to allow importers with actual trade records to complete customs applications before their freighters enter ports. Currently, customs applications are filed after cargo has been unloaded, causing a three-day wait from when the freighters arrive until cargo is officially handed over. The Government hopes to cut the waiting time to within 24 hours.
Accessed on 2 January <http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/20070101TDY01001.htm>

Tougher rules eyed for trade with Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Japan Times, 21 January 2007.
Japan is seeking harsher punishment for violators of the Customs Law to curb illegal trade with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and increase the effectiveness of economic sanctions. The Government targets a new penalty of imprisonment for up to a year for refusal to allow cargo inspections by customs officers. The current penalty is a maximum fine of 500,000 yen. Stricter controls will also be sought on exports of machinery that can be diverted to military programmes, including the development of nuclear arms and other weapons of mass destruction. Currently, exporters who make false declarations about shipments are subject to imprisonment of up to a year or a fine of up to 1 million yen. Under the proposed revisions, this would be changed to up to five years in prison or a fine of 5 million yen. The Government also wants to raise the maximum prison term to seven years from the current five for importing banned goods such as narcotics or guns. The revised legislation would be applied to all shipments in and out of Japan, but the checks would be tougher for trade involving the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Accessed on 24 January <http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20070121a1.html>

KYRGYZSTAN
The Republic of Kyrgyzstan became the 127th Contracting Party to the Harmonized System Convention. WCO, 11 January 2007.
On 4 January 2007, the Republic of Kyrgyzstan deposited with the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization its instrument of accession to the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (Harmonized System). Kyrgyzstan has been a Member of the World Customs Organization since 10 February 2000. Its principal exports are non-ferrous metals, gold, minerals, woollen goods, agricultural products and hydroelectricity. The country's principal imports are fuel, natural gas, ferrous metals, chemicals, machinery, wood, paper and construction materials. The convention will enter into force in Kyrgyzstan on 1 January 2009, unless Kyrgyzstan decides to specify an earlier date.
Accessed on 18 January <http://www.wcoomd.org/ie/En/Press/Press_HS_Kyrgistan_EN.htm>

MONGOLIA
ADB to help modernize Mongolia’s customs system. Harold Doan, 8 January 2007.
Mongolia’s customs system will be upgraded through a US$ 5 million project loan approved by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to improve efficiency, transparency and sustainability in customs services and administration. The loan will upgrade the paper-based and people-reliant system to an internet-based technology and integrate it into a national system for e-Government. It will also finance the improvement of the facilities at selected major customs houses and border posts. The project is a response to the recent accession of Mongolia to the Revised Kyoto Convention and the forthcoming enactment of a new Customs Law in Mongolia. The project will be implemented over three years by the Mongolian Customs General Administration.
Accessed on 9 January <http://www.harolddoan.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3179>

PAKISTAN
Five per cent tariff reduction under SAFTA from 31 December. The Daily Times, 30 December 2006.
Pakistan has notified a 5 per cent reduction in tariffs on the import of 4,872 items from SAARC member countries. The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has issued the notification to enforce the second tariff reduction on import of 4,872 products Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. However, this tariff reduction will be available only on 1,077 Indian export items to Pakistan. Pakistan has linked the opening and expansion of bilateral trade with India with the resolution of political issues, including the core issue of Kashmir.
Accessed on 2 January
<http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006%5C12%5C30%5Cstory_30-12-2006_pg1_6>

PHILIPPINES
Customs taps private sector to fight smuggling menace. Manila Standard, 3 January 2007.
The Bureau of Customs is tapping the private sector in its intensified campaign against smuggling and corrupt practices by creating the “Task Force Anti-Smuggling Inter-Agency Council”, a consultative body composed of members of the “Task Force Anti-Smuggling” and representatives from the private sector. The council will aim at strengthening the formulation of policies and monitoring of shipments to curb smuggling in Philippine ports.
Accessed on 3 January <http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=police1_jan3_2007>

Shippers told to submit cargo data in advance. Manila Standard, 5 January 2007
Customs officials and members of the Association of International Shipping Lines signed an agreement requiring incoming sea vessels to submit an electronic cargo manifest before arrival at any port. The move comes with the Customs Bureau’s implementation of Asycuda, a computerized customs management system, in 2007. Under the agreement, all sea vessels destined for the Philippines are required to submit their inward foreign manifest data in electronic format at least 12 hours before the arrival of the vessel at any port of entry in the Philippines. Apart from being a tool against smuggling, the new scheme will also enable the bureau to profile shipments in advance, which will lead to a faster and more efficient control by instituting pre-arrival clearance. The advance submission of electronic cargo manifests does not change the requirement of submitting hard copies of inward manifests upon arrival to the country as the paper copies serve as the reckoning point in cases where there are data discrepancies.
Accessed on 8 January <http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=politics6_jan5_2007>

VIET NAM
Viet Nam increases petroleum tariff. People’s Daily online, 10 January 2007.
Viet Nam, amid a recent decline in world oil prices, raised import tax on petroleum products to 15 per cent from 10 per cent. Effective from 10 January 2007, the new tariff was introduced after Viet Nam had lowered the import tax to 10 per cent from previous 20 per cent in December 2006.
Accessed on 16 January <http://english.people.com.cn/200701/10/eng20070110_339868.html>

WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION (WCO)
The WCO now has 171 Members. WCO, 25 January 2007.
On 16 January 2007, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic deposited with the Belgian Government its instrument of accession to the Convention establishing the Customs Cooperation Council.
Accessed on 30 January <http://www.wcoomd.org/ie/En/Press/press.html>

EU imposes dumping duties on saddles imported from China. Bike EU, 10 January 2007.
The European Commission has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on saddles originating form China. The provisional anti-dumping rate stands at 30.9 per cent for all saddles imported from China except for certain companies that have a 7.5 per cent duty rate and two companies which have no provisional dumping duty. The duties will apply for a period of six months and is directly applicable in all EU 27 member States.
Accessed on < http://www.bike-eu.com/news/article.asp?id=2219 >

EUROPEAN UNION
EU punishes Taiwan Province of China and Malaysia with polyester fiber tariff. Bloomberg, 30 December 2006.
Effective from 29 December 2006, the EU has imposed tariffs on polyester fibers from Taiwan Province of China and Malaysia to protect EU producers from cheaper imports. The duties are as high as 29.5 per cent for Taiwan Province of China and 23 per cent for Malaysia. The duties will last six months and may be prolonged for five years.
Accessed on 2 January <http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2006/12/30/2003342691>

INDIA
India Government notifies lifting of sugar export ban. The Financial Express, 5 January 2007.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade has formally notified the Government’s decision to partially lift the ban on sugar exports. The notification says that “export of sugar by existing advance license holders as on 4 July 2006 as per their obligations on that date” has been allowed. India has banned exports in June 2006 to check domestic supplies and prices and tame inflationary pressure.
Accessed on 8 January <http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=150829>

MALAYSIA
Malaysia imposes anti-dumping import duty on Indonesian paper. Tempo Interactive, 8 January 2007.
Malaysia has imposed a temporary anti-dumping import duty of between 3.4 and 13.53 per cent on Indonesian paper products made from corrugating medium paper. This decision was made as of 24 December 2006 in response to evidence that Indonesian paper producers were involved in dumping activities.
Accessed on 10 January
<http://www.tempointeractive.com/hg/ekbis/2007/01/08/brk,20070108-90799,uk.html>

MYANMAR
Myanmar takes measures to crack down on illegal food import. People’s Daily online, 27 December 2006.
Myanmar has taken measures to crack down on sale of illegally imported food items in domestic markets, designating 1 April 2007 for some of the items on sale in supermarkets to bear tax-clear stickers. The first phase will include food items such as liquor, beer, cigarette and other wine. Following, the next phase will include other beverages. Import taxes up to 200 per cent are levied on imported goods, with liquor and cigarettes taxed the highest.
Accessed on 3 January <http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200612/27/eng20061227_336211.html>

PAKISTAN
Half a million tonnes wheat export allowed. Business Recorder, 28 December 2006.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet has allowed the private sector to export 0.5 million tonnes of wheat without subsidy. The quantity will be strictly monitored by a high-level committee which comprises the Secretaries of Commerce, and Food, Agriculture and Livestock; the Revenue Division and a representative of the State Bank of Pakistan.
Accessed on 28 December 2006
<http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=511970&currPageNo=1&query=&search=&term=&supDate=>

Pakistan bans import of cattle from BSE affected countries. Zeenews, 17 January 2007.
Pakistan has banned the import of cattle from 11 BSE-affected European countries and the Alberta region of Canada. The import of meat and meat products from parts of Canada other than Alberta shall be allowed subject to the certification of additional animal quarantine requirements.
Accessed on 18 January <http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=348422&sid=SAS>

Pakistan takes disputes with EU to WTO. The News, 18 January 2007.
Pakistan has decided to file a case with the WTO Dispute Settlement Committee against the European Union’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Plus scheme and the bloc’s investigation into the dumping of bedlinen. Pakistan was removed from the GSP plus scheme as the EU places it in the most competitive countries category and the EU states charge 12 per cent regular duty on Pakistani bedlinen, besides 7.6 per cent anti-dumping duty.
Accessed on 16 January <http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=38652>

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
President amends law on anti-dumping measures in imports. Itar-Tass, 31 December 2006.
The President of the Russian Federation signed a federal law introducing amendments in the “Federal Law on Special Protective, Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Measures in the Imports”. The law is aimed at harmonizing Russian legislation with the rules and norms of the WTO. It specifies some definitions; regulates more thoroughly the procedures of conducting repeated anti-dumping and countervailing investigations; and describes the content of notifications on completing investigations, as well as notifications about introducing preliminary special duties. It also specifies the procedure of drawing conclusions on the aftermath of the impact of special protective, anti-dumping and countervailing measures on the competition on the Russian market.
Accessed on 2 January
<http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=11129606&PageNum=0>

Russian Federation lifts poultry import ban. World Poultry, 3 January 2007.
The Russian Federation has lifted its ban on poultry products from Hungary. The ban was imposed after an outbreak of avian influenza in Hungary earlier in 2006. Some parts of the ban had been lifted in certain areas since October, but the ban was only fully lifted effective from 1 January 2007. During the ban, restrictions were imposed on live poultry, poultry meat and poultry products which had not undergone thermal treatment, and hatching eggs. Restrictions also applied to poultry equipment. Similar bans were imposed by China and Japan, after the highly-pathogenic H5N1 strain of avian influenza was discovered in domestic fowl in two Hungarian counties in June of 2006.
Accessed on 8 January
< http://www.worldpoultry.net/ts_wo/worldpoultry.portal/ >

THAILAND
Exporters told to brace for tougher overseas trade measures. The Nation, 30 December 2006.
The Thai Ministry of Commerce warned manufacturers and exporters that they needed to start preparing for tougher trade measures in 2007 as key overseas markets would roll out non-tariff barriers to protect their consumers. The Department of Foreign Trade announced it would launch a feature on its website (www.dft.moc.go.th) to take exporters’ requests for help to solve problems related to the new trade measures. In 2007, stringent import restrictions such as the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH), sanitary measures for aquacultural products, and information requirements on food and product labels will be implemented on goods imported by the European Union.
Accessed on 2 January <http://nationmultimedia.com/2006/12/30/business/business_30022895.php>

UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES)
UN panel partially lifts export ban on Caspian caviar. CBC, 2 January 2007.
A United Nations panel has lifted a ban on international trade in several types of caviar from the Caspian Sea, but still hasn’t decided whether to permit exports of the highly prized beluga variety. The move means that Azerbaijan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan can legally sell limited amounts of the gourmet delicacy on the world market in 2007. In 2006, CITES banned the global trade in most Caspian caviar to help protect the endangered fish. Only the Islamic Republic of Iran was allowed to export caviar from certain fish that are more abundant in its waters.
Accessed on 3 January <http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2007/01/02/caviar-export.html>

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)
WTO rules against United States anti-dumping trade policy. LA Times, 10 January 2007.
The WTO has ruled that the United States has applied unfair anti-dumping duties on a number of goods, overturning an earlier decision that its tariff rates on some carbon steel products and ball bearings were in line with international trade rules. The decision is a victory for Japan, which challenged the United States over the way it sets dumping fees. The WTO had previously chided the United States in disputes with the EU and Canada for how it determines what corrective fees to apply, known as “zeroing.” Despite the legal setbacks, the United States stuck to its policy and appeared to have won an important test case when the WTO rejected most of Japan’s arguments in September. However, the current decision reversed all findings from the ruling, and urged the United States to bring its anti-dumping measures into line with WTO obligations.
Accessed on 16 January
<http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-wto10jan10,1,4681715.story?coll=la-headlines-business>

CHINA
China to curb overcapacity in auto sector. Channelnews Asia, 27 December 2006.
China will raise the threshold for investment in new auto projects in a bid to rein in mounting overcapacity. Auto makers that wish to add new plants must prove that they have been able to sell at least 80 per cent of their annual production capacity the previous year. The auto industry’s capacity is expected to hit 10 million vehicles in 2007 and will far exceed demand in 2010 if the current investment plans of major auto makers are carried out.
Accessed on 28 December 2006
<http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/249323/1/.html>

China to foster mineral conglomerates. China Economic Net, 27 December 2006.
China is to set up a group of large companies to better exploit mineral resources and reduce production accidents. The Government will support large mineral businesses in coalitions, and acquisitions and mergers, and the reorganization of small and medium-sized counterparts. China has tens of thousands of mineral businesses, the majority being small and medium-sized ones. Nearly 20,000 mines have been ordered to stop production for improvements and another 8,000 closed for unauthorized exploration and safety risks since 2005. Furthermore, the Government aims to reduce the number of serious mining accidents and allocate more funds to technological upgrading of mines.
Accessed on 28 December
<http://en.ce.cn/Industries/Energy&Mining/200612/27/t20061227_9901841.shtml>

Shanghai launches liquefied natural gas project with Malaysia. China Economic Net, 23 January 2007.
Shanghai has launched a major energy supply project that will transmit liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Malaysia to the east China economic hub over 25 years. Construction started on 22 January on the first phase of the Shanghai LNG project, which is expected to become operational in 2009. The annual supply will be around 1.1 million tonnes in the first three years and rise to 3 million tonnes from 2012. The first phase involves a total investment of 7 billion yuan renminbi and includes three 165,000-tonne concrete tanks and a dock that can anchor ships from 80,000 to 200,000 cubic metres. The project is the largest trade contract between China and Malaysia.
Accessed on 24 January
<http://en.ce.cn/Industries/Energy&Mining/200701/23/t20070123_10180704.shtml>

INDIA
Asia’s first online cyber law clinic launched in Gujarat. Gujarat Global, 7 January 2007.
With the launch of a online cyber law clinic (http://www.cyberlawclinic.org/) Gujarat has become a pioneer in the field of cyber law in Asia. The clinic to be run by the students of SEMCOM, an educational institution, is to provide voice to the victims of growing phenomenon of cyber crime while providing access to the information about cyber laws and measures to prevent cyber crime. Besides explaining details of the IT Act 2000, the clinic will also guide people about whom to approach for different aspects relating to issues of cyber laws.
Accessed on 16 January <http://www.gujaratglobal.com/nextSub.php?id=2180&catype=NEWS>

INDONESIA
Indonesian and Chinese firms sign bio-fuel deal. Channel News Asia, 10 January 2007.
Indonesia and a Chinese oil firm signed an agreement to develop a US$ 5.5 billion bio-fuel project on the Indonesian island of Borne where conservationists have expressed concern over the threat to one of the world's largest remaining areas of pristine rain forest. Borneo island is home to countless species of rare birds, plants and mammals, including the largest remaining wild orangutan population. The project, using crude palm oil as raw material to produce bio-diesel and sugar cane and cassava to produce bio-ethanol, will be developed in three phases over eight years.
Accessed on 10 January <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific_business/view/251526/1/.html>

Government promises help for fishing industry. The Jakarta Post, 16 January 2007.
The Government has pledged to help revive the sea fishing industry by providing more cash collateral this year to boost fishermen's access to bank loans. The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fishery said that it would disburse Rp 173 billion in cash-collateral credit to more than 5,000 traditional fishermen. The Government targets to focus on boosting the production of shrimp, tuna and seaweed. In 2006, Indonesia exported 169,581 tonnes of shrimp worth about US$ 1 billion. It is now the largest shrimp exporter to Japan and the second largest to the United States.
Accessed on 18 January
<http://www.thejakartapost.com/yesterdaydetail.asp?fileid=20070116.L02&irec=1>

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Islamic Republic of Iran and Malaysia sign gas development agreement. Channel News Asia, 7 January 2007.
The Islamic Republic of Iran and Malaysia have signed an agreement to develop the two offshore gas fields of Ferdos and Golshan in the southeast of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Golshan gas field which is located 65 kilometres from the Iranian cost holds more than 1.425 trillion cubic metres of gas in place. The Ferdos field, located 85 kilometres from the Iranian coast, has estimated gas reserves of 285 billion cubic metres.
Accessed on 8 January <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world_business/view/251139/1/.html>

MYANMAR
Myanmar and Thailand discover more gas deposits in Gulf of Martaban. Forbes, 31 December 2006.
The State-owned Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise and a Thai counterpart have discovered more offshore gas deposits in block M-9 in the southwestern Gulf of Martaban, with an estimated 2.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. With the new discovery, block M-9 is estimated to contain 8.0 trillion cubic feet of gas. Drilling began in early December in block M-9 in the Gulf of Martaban, which opens out into the Andaman Sea. Natural gas from Myanmar currently accounts for some 20 per cent of Thailand's supply.
Accessed on 8 December
<http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2006/12/31/afx3290014.html>

NEPAL
Internet tariff to be reduced by 83 per cent in Nepal. The Hindu, 12 January 2007.
The State-owned telecommunication provider of Nepal has announced that it would reduce tariff rates of internet service by as much as 83 per cent for business purposes. The price of 64 kbps-lease-line internet service will come down to 5,000 Nepalese rupees per month from the previous 18,000 rupees. While tariff rate of 128 kbps-ISDN internet service will come down to 3,000 rupees per month from 13,600 rupees earlier. Customers will be able to avail the service for 24 hours a day without any fluctuation in speed. The announcement to reduce the tariff rates came five days after the State-owned telecom started procuring bandwidth from an Indian telecom company. This is the first time that the country has used the optical fiber network, laid along east-west highway, for cross-country data transfer.
Accessed on 16 January <http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200701120341.htm>

ORGANIZATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF STRUCTURED INFORMATION STANDARDS (OASIS)
Members approve OASIS ebXML Business Process (ebBP) as OASIS standard. OASIS, 16 January 2007.
OASIS, an international standards consortium, announced that its members have approved the ebXML Business Process Specification Schema (ebXML BPSS or ebBP) version 2.0.4 as an OASIS Standard, a status that signifies the highest level of ratification. ebXML BPSS defines a business process foundation that promotes the automation and predictable exchange of business collaboration definitions using XML. The ebBP is part of the ebXML (Electronic Business using eXtensible Markup Language) suite of specifications. The original ebXML project was initiated in 1999 by OASIS and the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT), in an effort to enable enterprises of any size and in any location to conduct business over the Internet. In addition to business processes, the original framework defined four layers of substantive data specifications, including standards for core data components, collaboration protocol agreements, messaging, and registries and repositories. Five other ebXML specifications, including four OASIS Standards and one UN/CEFACT recommendation, were approved by ISO in 2004.
Accessed on 22 January <http://www.oasis-open.org/news/oasis-news-2007-01-16.php>

PAKISTAN
Pakistan plans to promote industrialization in Sindh. Khaleej Times, 31 December 2006.
The WTO has asked Pakistan to promote industrialization in Sindh province by improving, enhancing and streamlining technical and vocational training of the industrial workforce and the youth. As an important measure, the Government plans to revamp existing public and private sector training institutions so as to generate more employment. The plan is part of the federal Government's decision to enhance the training capacity to 300,000 per annum over a period of three years. It would increase the employment of school leavers.
Accessed on 3 January 2007
< http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/ >

US$ 150 billion investment planned under Vision 2030 in energy sector. Business Recorder, 31 December 2006.
Pakistan has planned an investment of US$ 150 billion under the “Vision 2030” to ensure additional power generation of 1,43310 Megawatt by the end of 2030 to meet energy requirements due to fast growing economy. While the Government will invest US$ two billion annually, the private sector is expected to invest US$ four billion per annum. Major focus will be on enhancing hydel power generation, as well as on establishing power generation units based on coal, furnace oil and gas.
Accessed on 3 January <http://www.brecorder.com/latestindex.php?latest_id=3872>

TAJIKISTAN
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan reach agreement on electricity. Asia Plus, 28 December 2006.
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have reached an agreement under which Uzbekistan will supply to Tajikistan 600 million kWh of electrical power over the period January to March 2007. In exchange for this, Tajikistan will export 900 million kWh of electricity to Uzbekistan in the Summer. Tajikistan introduces electricity rationing in the autumn-winter period following a decline in the water level in the country’s reservoirs powering the main hydroelectric power stations.
Accessed on 3 January <http://www.asiaplus.tj/en/news/31/14117.html>

New postal savings bank gets approval. CRI English, 3 January 2006.
The China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) has formally approved the launch of the postal savings bank, setting a new stage in the development of the country's postal savings services. The establishment of the bank is part of the Government's efforts to develop the rural economy as most of the postal savings outlets are in rural areas. The postal savings bank will focus on developing retail and intermediary businesses, to offer basic financial services for residents in urban and vast rural areas. The bank will set up a department specially for rural financial services, to further improve its network and services to farmers, and the agricultural sector. The bank will strengthen its co-operation with policy banks and the rural credit co-operatives to improve the coverage and quality of rural finance.
Accessed on 3 January <http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-01/03/content_773563.htm>

DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea sets up law office for foreigners' investment. Yonhap News, 12 January 2007.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has established a consultation office to provide legal services for foreign investors. The office, called Pyongyang Law Office, is to give advice with regards to the foreign investment law, the Kaesong Industrial Complex, the Mount Geumgang tourism law and the country’s legal system. The services will be provided for not only foreign investors, but also overseas Koreans, institutions, business entities and residents.
Accessed on 16 January
< http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/Engnews/20070112/630000000020070112100054E6.html >

INDIA
Freer currency controls promised in India. International Herald Tribune, 8 January 2007.
India has promised to introduce a less restrictive foreign exchange system for the country. Last year, the Tarapore committee, a panel appointed by the Indian central bank, created a plan aimed at greater capital account convertibility and said India should move towards that goal over five years in three phases, ending in the fiscal year 2010-2011. With the Indian economy growing an average of 8 per cent a year in the past three years and becoming increasingly integrated with the rest of the world, policy makers and analysts have been clamoring for a freer currency market.
Accessed on 10 January <http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/01/08/business/rupee.php>

India ups investment limit for high-tech IT projects. Business Standard, 8 January 2007.
The Ministry of Finance has decided that semiconductor fabrication plants and manufacturers of other hi-tech information technology products will have to invest a minimum of Rs 2,500 crore to avail of Government incentives. The changes are expected to be included in the new semiconductor fabrication (FAB) policy, for which the department of information technology has already moved a Cabinet note. The ministry has also supported the Cabinet note, on providing fiscal incentive equal to 25 per cent of the capital expenditure incurred during the first 10 years of a project. It has been proposed that this would be in the form of investment grant, tax benefit and interest subsidy, valued at 15 per cent of the capital expenditure.
Accessed on 9 January
<http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?>

INDONESIA
Indonesia grants tax incentives to 15 industries to attract investment. Antara, 4 January 2007.
The Government has issued a decree providing a legal basis for awarding tax incentives to 15 industries, including textile, chemical, pulp and paper board, pharmaceutical products that use rubber as raw materials, iron and steelmaking, electronics, and component products for land transportation. Tax incentives will be provided to both domestic and foreign direct investment, either for new investment or expansion of existing plants. The tax incentives will include tax allowances and lower taxes on dividend paid to foreign parties.
Accessed on 8 January <http://www.antara.co.id/en/seenws/?id=25475>

Indonesia and Qatar to set up joint investment fund. Indonesia’s Investment Developing Board, 19 January 2007.
Indonesia and Qatar are planning to set up a joint investment fund for equity sharing. The setting up of the joint investment fund is expected to net funds from the Middle Eastern countries in a bid to build infrastructure projects in Indonesia. Under an agreement, the Government of Indonesia will get a 15 per cent share, while Qatar the remaining 85 per cent.
Accessed on 22 January <http://www.bkpm.go.id/en/news.php?mode=baca&info_id=5473>

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
United Sates blacklists Iranian state bank. BBC, 9 January 2007.
The United States has blacklisted one of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s largest banks, accusing it of a key role in financing the development of weapons of mass destruction. The move freezes its assets in the United States and bars any companies or citizens of the United States from doing business with the bank. The United States argues that the Islamic Republic of Iran is working to acquire nuclear weapons, while the Islamic Republic of Iran Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes. In December 2006, the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to impose sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran over its failure to halt uranium enrichment. The sanctions ban the supply of nuclear-related technology and materials and impose an asset freeze on key individuals and companies.
Accessed on 10 January <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6246665.stm>

JAPAN
Japanese face stricter disclosure rules. International Herald Tribune, 27 December 2006.
Japanese investors will face stricter disclosure requirements that are targeted to improve transparency in financial markets shaken by trials of two investors on charges that they violated securities trading laws. Effective from 1 January 2007, securities companies, banks and institutional investors will have to report acquisitions that exceed 5 per cent of a company twice a month, compared with the previous requirement of quarterly filings. The new law on filings also increases the penalty for insider trading to a maximum prison sentence of five years or a fine of ¥5 million.
Accessed on 28 December <http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/12/27/business/invest.php>

MONGOLIA
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development adopts first strategy for Mongolia. Harold Doan, 13 January 2007.
Mongolia became a country of operations of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on 15 October 2006 to benefit from the bank’s experience and knowledge in promoting and supporting transition. In its first strategy for the country, now available on <www.ebrd.com>, the EBRD identifies the development of private businesses as its main pillar. Even before becoming a country of operations, Mongolia had worked with the EBRD on various technical cooperation projects. These have covered a wide range of sectors and activities reaching from support for legal reforms to training programmes for bankers and the provision of experts for privatization projects. The EBRD’s first investment in Mongolia was a US$ 5 million loan and a US$ 1 million trade finance limit to the country’s second largest microfinance institution.
Accessed on 16 January
<http://www.harolddoan.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3251>

PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Investment Promotion Authority warns illegal foreign firms of severe penalties. The National, 3 January 2007.
The Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) warned that foreign companies operating illegally in Papua New Guinea would face severe penalties if prosecuted by the authority and found guilty by a court. The warning came after the Supreme Court in Waigani confirmed a National Court finding that a foreign company had operated without IPA certification and carried on business that is reserved for citizens or national enterprises. Under the IPA Act of 1992, all foreign enterprises must first apply and be granted a certificate by the authority before conducting business. It outlines activities which are reserved for PNG citizens or national enterprises and states that a foreign enterprise may carry on business in a reserved activity only if the authority permits it to do so.
Accessed on 3 January <http://www.thenational.com.pg/010307/nation4.htm>

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Republic of Korea lowers bar on overseas investing. Financial Times, 2 January 2007.
The Republic of Korea has announced that it would cut many of the rules that have hindered domestic companies and funds from investing overseas and that have contributed to the won’s rise. The Ministry of Finance said the rules would be changed so that companies and investors of the Republic of Korea were not at a disadvantage when making portfolio investments or building production facilities overseas. The Republic of Korea has long encouraged companies to invest at home and has placed restrictions on capital movements to try to keep its wealth in the country but, as well as limiting corporate growth, this has led to a mismatch between supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets and has added to upward pressure on the won.
Accessed on 3 January
<http://www.ft.com/cms/s/84d6c312-9a4d-11db-bbd2-0000779e2340.html>

THAILAND
Thailand revises business rules. BBC, 9 January 2007.
The Thai Government has announced plans to tighten rules regulating foreign businesses. Changes to the Foreign Business Act would see foreign firms being prevented from controlling more than 49 per cent of the voting rights of a Thai business. The changes will take two years to implement and key sectors, such as retail and banking, will be exempt. The announcement came not long after the December stockmarket downturn that was sparked by the Government's decision to limit the amount of money that could be withdrawn by investors - a plan it then partially rescinded in an effort to bring market levels back up again.
Accessed on 10 January <http://www.channelnewsasia.com/cna/business.htm>

VIET NAM
Viet Nam central bank doubles forex daily trading band. Than Hnien News, 3 January 2007.
Effective from 2 January 2007, the Vietnamese central bank has doubled the daily trading band for the country’s currency, the dong, to 0.5 per cent. The dong has been on a managed float of 0.25 per cent a day for the last 5 years. The expansion of the trading band is part of the central bank’s policy to increase the exchange rate flexibility. The central bank is also considering the possibility of allowing negotiated foreign exchange rates between the dong and United States dollar.
Accessed on 8 January <http://www.thanhniennews.com/business/?catid=2&newsid=23861>

Read the full report from People’s Daily Online:
<http://english.people.com.cn/200701/15/eng20070115_341233.html>
Accessed on 16 January

… the Russian Federation’s farming halved since 1995?
The number of farmsteads in the Russian Federation decreased by almost 50 per cent from 1995. The share of large and medium farms that have fallen out of business amounted to 26 per cent, the share of small firms was 30 per cent and the share of sole proprietors 49 per cent.

Read the full report from Itar-Tass:
<http://www.itar-tass.com/eng/level2.html?NewsID=11182090&PageNum=0>
Accessed on 24 January

… the United States has approved food from cloned animals?
The Food and Drug Administration of the United States, in a decision that could lead to major changes in dairy and meat production, announced that milk and meat harvested from cloned animals and their offspring is safe to eat.

Read the full report from the Truth about Trade and Technology:
<http://www.truthabouttrade.org/article.asp?id=6781>
Accessed on 3 January

… Viet Nam and Hong Kong, China lead Asian consumer confidence?
Consumers in Viet Nam are the most optimistic in Asia followed by those of Hong Kong, China. A recently published survey showed that consumers were fairly optimistic across the region, although confidence was weak in the Republic of Korea and Taiwan Province of China amid fears about employment, and sentiment was subdued in Australia and Malaysia.

Read the full report from Yahoo News:
<http://sg.news.yahoo.com/070117/3/460vp.html>
Accessed on 18 January

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