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BANGLADESH
Government approves renewal of trade deal with India. The Daily Star, 16 March 2006.
The Government has approved the renewal of the bilateral trade agreement between Bangladesh and India for two years. The revised bilateral trade accord was first signed in 1980 and then renewed periodically; but it was not renewed since 2001 and trade between the countries is currently being carried out by extension of the agreement on short-term ad hoc basis.
Accessed on 16 March < http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/03/16/d60316012418.htm >

INDIA
India and Bangladesh to boost trade. BBC, 21 March 2006.
India and Bangladesh have agreed to address their trade imbalance and step up efforts in the war on illegal drugs. A joint statement said expanding trade was important for both countries. India said the neighbors had also agreed to "join hands" in fighting terrorism.
Accessed on 24 March < http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4823828.stm >

India looking into Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with Japan and the Republic of Korea. The Hindu, 1 March 2006.
India is exploring the possibility of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) with Japan and the Republic of Korea to boost trade and investment ties with these countries. Currently, India and Japan are examining the possibility of a CEPA in the context of work done by a Joint Study Group (JSG), whereas an India-Republic of Korea JSG has already recommended a CEPA covering trade in goods and services, measures for trade facilitation and promotion of investment flows among other things. A Joint Task Force had been set up to work out details for such a CEPA.
Accessed on 2 March < http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/006200603011501.htm >

Trade agreement gives tariff preference to Chile. The Financial Express, 9 March 2006.
India and Chile signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) in New Delhi on 8 March, providing tariff preferences on identified products from both countries. The Indian products to benefit from the agreement include textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, engineering and agricultural machinery. Chilean products include newsprint, cellulose, fish meal, copper, wood-boards and salmon. The agreement provides tariff preferences ranging from 10-50 per cent on 178 tariff lines to Chile and a similar range of preferences on 296 tariff lines to India. The PTA which covers about 91 per cent of goods being exported by India to Chile and about 98 per cent of Chile’s export to India, is expected to be implemented in about two months time.
Accessed on 10 March
< http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=119924 >

MYANMAR
India and Myanmar sign three agreements. MSN Money, 9 March 2006.
India and Myanmar on 9 March signed three MoUs on cooperation in the petroleum sector, in Buddhist studies as well as a framework agreement for cooperation in the field of remote sensing. India also agreed to extend nearly US$ 40 million in loans to Myanmar for various projects.
Accessed on 17 March
<http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.asp?feed=AP&Date=20060309&ID=5568574>

NEPAL
Arniko Highway: transit route for Indo-China trade. Kantipur Online, 15 March 2006.
Nepal is upgrading the Arniko highway and constructing a Container Freight Station (CFS) in the Tatopani area to develop the highway as an immediate transit route for Indo-China trade. The CFS will also have customs and quarantine offices, among others, for trade facilitation.
Accessed on 16 March < http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=68228 >

PAKISTAN
Pakistan and Russian Federation agree to boost economic relations. The Daily Times, 2 March 2006.
In a meeting held on 1 March, Pakistan and the Russian Federation have agreed to find ways to boost economic relations between the Government and private entrepreneurs of the two countries. The Russian Federation informed that a delegation of top companies would visit Pakistan at the end of March and would also hold an exhibition in Karachi to introduce products and services, which could be offered to the Government and the private sector. The Russian Federation also expressed willingness to participate in power projects in Pakistan as well as aim of the upcoming investment opportunities under the privatization programme of Pakistan.
Accessed on 2 March
< http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006/03/02/story_2-3-2006_pg5_6 >

SOUTH ASIAN FREE TRADE AREA
SAFTA fully into force as formalities get complete. The Rising Nepal, 23 March 2006.
The Secretariat of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has announced the formal enforcement of the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) Agreement with effect from 1 January 2006. SAFTA was signed at Islamabad during the 12th (SAARC) Summit on 6 January 2004. All the member States have since completed the formalities including depositing of their Instruments of Ratification with the Secretariat which formally launches SAFTA which is to be completed by 1 January 2016. The first round of customs duty reduction will take place as agreed by the member states in July/August 2006. Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives and Nepal will have to maintain the customs duty from 0-5 per cent within the next 10 years while India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will have to do the same within seven years.
Accessed on 24 March
< http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/pageloader.php?file=2006/03/23/topstories/main7 >

SINGAPORE
Singapore, Panama sign free trade agreement. Channel News Asia, 1 March 2006.
Singapore and Panama have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), paving the way for improved bilateral ties. According to the FTA, companies in both countries will have greater access to each other's markets and trade and investment links will be boosted. With nearly US$ 2 billion in trade last year, Panama is Singapore's largest trading partner in Latin America; whereas Singapore was Panama's 6th largest trading partner in 2004. Under the FTA, tariffs on 98 per cent of Singapore's domestic exports will be eliminated. The FTA will also promote investments with greater certainty, safeguards and dispute settlement. It also spells out both parties' commitment in maintaining an open and transparent system of procurement. The comprehensive agreement also covers customs procedures, trade in goods and services, and financial services.
Accessed on 2 March < http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/economicnews/view/195682/1/.html >

THAILAND
Thailand and Chile agree to conduct free-trade pact study. Chinaview, 12 March 2006.
Thailand and Chile have agreed to carry out a feasibility study this year to pave the way for the signing of a bilateral FTA. Areas of potential cooperation between the two countries include the establishment of partnerships between Thai small and medium enterprises and Chilean companies in the field of biotechnology, hotel, restaurant industries and tourism.
Accessed on 13 March < http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-03/12/content_4293193.htm >

TURKEY
Turkey, Ukraine to boost energy, trade cooperation. Channel News Asia, 2 March 2006.
The foreign ministers of Turkey and Ukraine agreed on an action plan to boost cooperation between their countries, particularly in the fields of energy and trade. Both countries lie on the route of pipelines carrying Russian natural gas, and earlier this year, Ukraine, hit by a severe winter, became the target of Russian accusations of illegally siphoning off supplies destined to European countries. In late January, Turkey complained that the amount of Russian gas coming via Ukraine decreased for several days. It was agreed that the energy ministers of both countries would meet soon to discuss in detail ways of boosting energy cooperation. Under the action plan, the two sides also agreed to step up efforts to improve investment conditions and remove outstanding legal obstacles for trade, including a possible easing of visa regimes.
Accessed on 2 March
< http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world_business/view/195772/1/.html >

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
United States of America and Malaysia announce intention to negotiate Free Trade Agreement. Office of the United States Trade Representative, 8 March 2006.
The United States intends to negotiate a FTA with Malaysia, with the goal of removing tariffs and non-tariff barriers and expanding trade between the countries. The negotiations will begin after the expiration of a 90-day consultation period with the United States Congress. The United States is Malaysia’s largest trading partner and the largest foreign investor in Malaysia. United States exports to Malaysia totaled US$10.5 billion in 2005.
Accessed on 13 March
http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/March/

CHINA
New act to make Customs more transparent. Beijing Time, 7 March 2006.
Effective from 1 March 2006, China has introduced the new Customs Statistics Act. The act provides specifications on goods to be listed in customs statistics, valuation principles as well as other technical requirements for establishing a comprehensive customs statistics. It also prescribes that customs should set up the system of regular announcement of statistics, opening customs statistics to the public; that customs statistics staff are obligated to keep official secrets and business secrets and that the clients have the right to enquire the original and relevant customs statistics information of their declaration within the retention period.
Accessed on 10 March < http://en.ce.cn/Insight/200603/07/t20060307_6288818.shtml >

China to raise export tariffs on copper products. China View, 9 March 2006.
The Ministry of Finance announced that China will raise export tariff rates on 25 categories of copper and copper-related products as of 10 April 2006. The Tariff Committee of the State Council has decided to raise the provisional export tariff on refined copper and copper alloy from 5 per cent to 10 per cent, while the tariff rate on copper products will rise from zero to 10 per cent. The move is designed to limit the export of energy-intensive and heavily-polluting commodities.
Accessed on 13 March < http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-03/09/content_4281812.htm >

INDIA
Palmoil, soyoil import tariff value increased. The Business Standard, 3 March 2006.
India has raised the import tariff value, the base price at which import duty is levied, on palmoils by US$ 11 a tonne and crude soyoil by US$ 23 a tonne. The increase may help converge prices of imported oils and domestically produced ones. At present, imported oils are selling at Rs 3-4 per 10 kg; cheaper than the locally produced oils.
Accessed on 7 March
<http://www.business-standard.com/smartinvestor/storypage.php?leftnm=lmnu6&leftindx=6&lselect=10&chklogin=N&autono=217147>

HONG KONG, CHINA
Hong Kong, China and Thailand customs decide to strengthen cooperation. China View, 1 March 2006.
Hong Kong, China and Thai customs authorities signed a document on 1 March 2006 to strengthen cooperation in fighting transnational crime. The arrangement marks the will and commitment of both administrations to fight against smuggling, drug trafficking, and to protect intellectual property rights. Hong Kong, China has so far signed similar agreements with Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, India, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Republic of Korea.
Accessed on 2 March < http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-03/01/content_4245239.htm >

MALAYSIA
Malaysia fast tracks commitment to ASEAN Common Effective Preferential Tariff Programme on automobiles. Bernama, 23 March 2006.
Malaysia brought forward its commitment to liberalize its automotive sector in line with that of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) under the National Automotive Policy (NAP). The import duties for qualifying ASEAN vehicles, namely those with at least 40 per cent local content, will be reduced to 5.0 per cent from 15 per cent previously effective from 23 March 2006.
Accessed on 24 March < http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_business.php?id=187411 >

NEPAL
Nepal urges India to withdraw newly imposed duty. Nepal News, 7 March 2006.
Nepal has requested India to withdraw the four per cent additional customs duty being enforced since 1 March on Nepali exports applicable to products on which India extracts excise duty internally. According to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the imposition of the additional duty is against the provision of the Nepal-India trade treaty. The trade treaty between the two countries provides preferential duty free market access to Nepali products to India except three sensitive products and four items with quantitative restrictions.
Accessed on < http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2006/mar/mar07/news03.php >

PAKISTAN
Pakistan and Islamic Republic of Iran finalize MoU for Customs Cooperation. Pakistanlink, 11 March 2006.
Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran have finalized a MoU on the implementation of the bilateral agreement on customs cooperation. The new protocol will enable the customs administrations of both countries to undertake regular review meetings in each other's territory. The review will also resolve day-to-day problems arising in the context of import and export of cargo and to evolve strategies for the circumvention of Customs offenses. The customs administrations have also agreed to exchange data on bilateral trade.
Accessed on 13 March < http://www.pakistanlink.com/Headlines/March06/11/06.htm >

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
New customs post to open for inter-Korea travel. Joong Ang Daily, 3 March 2006.
The Unification Ministry announced that new customs, immigration and quarantine offices, to check travelers from and between the two Koreas are to be opened on 15 March. The official opening comes nearly two months after the officials moved into the buildings, following their completion in late January. The Republic of Korea set up its first clearance office for travelers to and from the Democratic Republic of Korea in July 2000, following the first-ever inter-Korean ministerial talks, in which the sides agreed to reconnect cross-border roads and railways for the first time since the end of 1950-1953 Korean War.
Accessed on 7 March
< http://joongangdaily.joins.com/200603/02/200603022220580139900090409041.html >

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Russian Federation raises oil export duty from 1 April 2006. Top.rbc.ru, 1 March 2006.
The Russian Federation will raise the export duty for oil from US$ 160.8 to US$ 186.4 per tonne from 1 April 2006, this being the maximum export duty that has ever been levied in the Russian Federation. The export duty is US$ 137.9 per tonne for light oil products and US$ 74.3 per tonne for dark oil products.
Accessed on 2 March
< http://top.rbc.ru/english/index.shtml?/news/english/2006/03/01/01161328_bod.shtml >

SRI LANKA
Lanka to cut tariff on Indian imports from next month. The Financial Express, 27 March 2006.
Sri Lanka will relax its import tariff on a multitude of Indian goods from April, as part of a bilateral trade deal. Over 2,000 Indian goods are covered under the new tariff structure. The tariff rate for Indian finished goods will fall from 28.0 per cent to 8.40 per cent and from 2.5 per cent to 0.75 per cent for industrial raw materials and machinery. Under the Indo-Lanka free trade agreement, tariffs are to come down to not less than 70 per cent of the general customs duty rate this year. Also, Sri Lanka will relax its tariffs by 30 per cent for Pakistani goods from July. The complete phase out will be reached on goods from India by 2008 and by 2010 for goods from Pakistan.
Accessed on 27 March < http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=121734 >

VIET NAM
Law streamlines customs inspections. Viet Nam News Agency, 15 March 2006.
Goods being imported and exported in and out of Viet Nam are now being cleared more efficiently following the implementation of a new Customs Law. The new law, which streamlines goods inspection procedures, has resulted in 70 per cent of imports being waived from actual inspection, a 30 per cent rise from levels two months ago. Some 87 per cent of exports bypass inspection, up from 62 per cent previously. The new law also shortens the time needed for customs clearance for goods that are being exported or imported. It now takes between 5 and 60 minutes to complete customs procedures for most export goods - 28 per cent faster than before.
Accessed on 16 March < http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=04BUS150306 >

European Commission invites balanced proposal for relaxation of rules of origin. The Daily Star, 15 March 2006.
The European Commission has invited a balanced proposal from Bangladesh for relaxation of the EU Rules of Origin (RoO) on trade facilities. Furthermore, at a meeting held in Dhaka, the EU assured Bangladesh of providing technical and vocational training, training to shrimp farmers and shrimp testing machines as part of their assistance for building Bangladesh's trade capacity and also assured support in moving the country's cause at the next trade negotiations under the World Trade Organization.
Accessed on 15 March < http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/03/15/d60315050256.htm >

EUROPEAN UNION
Commission adopts provisional anti-dumping measures on Chinese and Vietnamese leather shoes. EU Commission Press Release, 23 March 2006.
The European Commission has adopted proposals by the European Trade Commissioner to impose a provisional anti-dumping duty on leather shoes from China and Viet Nam. The measures follow a preliminary Commission investigation that has identified clear evidence of disguised subsidies and unfair state intervention to the leather footwear sector in China and Viet Nam. The Trade Commissioner on 23 March firmly reiterated his willingness to work with the Vietnamese and Chinese Governments to address the questions of competitive distortions raised by the Commission’s investigation.
Accessed on 24 March
<http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/364&format=HTML>

INDIA
India targets tripling of handicrafts export. The Hindu, 19 March 2006.
India targets tripling Indian handicrafts export to Rs 39,000 crore by year 2010, creating 20 lakh new jobs in the process. The Government will initiate a series of long and short term measures in consultation with the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts to substantially enhance productivity and export competitiveness of Indian handicrafts. Although handicraft exports have been growing consistently at over 20 per cent over the past decade, India's share in international handicrafts is just about two per cent. Handicrafts is the second largest employment generator after agriculture.
Accessed on 20 March < http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200603191921.htm >

OECD
OECD countries agree guidelines on licensing of healthcare genetics. OECD, 1 March 2006.
As response to concerns that patenting of genetic inventions and restrictive licensing of their use is reducing access to the benefits of the technology and discouraging new research, OECD member countries have now adopted a set of guidelines for the licensing of genetic inventions used in healthcare. By setting out principles and best practices for businesses, researchers and health systems that enter into license agreements for genetic inventions, the guidelines aim to encourage broad licensing and timely dissemination of biotechnological innovation. The guidelines were developed by a broad group of experts from diverse backgrounds and were subject to wide public consultation prior to adoption. Though they are not legally binding, they represent an important political and moral commitment on the part of OECD countries. Governments have agreed to report back in four years time on progress in their diffusion and implementation.
Accessed on 2 March
< http://www.oecd.org/document/61/0,2340,en_2649_201185_36205949_1_1_1_1,00.html >
The full text of the guidelines is available at: < http://www.oecd.org/sti/biotechnology/licensing >

PAKISTAN
Focus on agriculture-based products to boost export. Pakistan Tribune, 15 March 2006.
The President of Pakistan said on 13 March that to develop Pakistan’s export potential, the Government was pursuing a five-point future strategy, with special focus on development of agriculture-based products, for boosting the country's export. The five-pronged strategy includes use of diplomacy in a more effective and efficient way and signing of free trade agreements, including with Latin American and Far Eastern countries.
Accessed on 16 March < http://www.paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=137416 >

Pakistan, United States ink declaration of principles on integrated cargo/container control programme. Pakistan Tribune, 5 March 2006.
Pakistan and the United States have signed a declaration of principles on enhancing international maritime trade security under a bilateral initiative called the Integrated Cargo/Container Control (IC3) Programme. The IC3 programme envisages joint screening of United States-bound containerized cargo from Pakistan via live video link by the Customs authorities of Pakistan and United States. The screened cargo will not be subjected to re-examination by United States Customs on arrival at United States ports.
Accessed on 7 March < http://paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=136257 >

VIET NAM
New non-tariff zone established in An Giang province. Nhan Dan, 10 March 2006.
The southwestern province of An Giang officially established a non-tariff zone (NTZ) within the Tinh Bien international border gate on 10 March in an effort to promote local production and business activities. Covering an area of 66.5 hectares, the NTZ is divided into two parts, one for goods production and the other for services, international trade and showrooms. In 2002, the Tinh Bien border gate was upgraded to an international border gate. It helps increase goods exchanges between Viet Nam and Cambodia. Along with the establishment of a NTZ, the province also introduced new incentives to encourage all economic sectors, including overseas Vietnamese and foreign investors, to invest in the non-tariff zone.
Accessed on 13 March < http://www.nhandan.com.vn/english/business/100306/investment_new.htm >

Viet Nam shrimp exporters request United States to review anti-dumping action. Thanhien News, 1 March 2006.
All Vietnamese shrimp exporters who have sent shipments to the United States since July 2004 have submitted requests to the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) to reconsider the anti-dumping tariffs against them. Viet Nam is among six countries on whom the United States slapped anti-dumping tariffs, the others being China, Brazil, Ecuador, India and Thailand. The DOC will choose three companies at random and consider their export prices for one year as compared with the prices when they first exported shrimp to the United States. Then, it will fix new tariffs for these three companies and impose the average tariff rates for the rest. High anti-dumping tariffs did not stop most of the six countries from ranking among the top 10 suppliers of shrimp to the United States market last year.
Accessed on 2 March < http://www.thanhniennews.com/business/?catid=2&newsid=13120 >

CHINA
China speeds up water-saving efforts. Gov.cn, 12 March 2006.
To cope with water shortages, China has formulated a new idea which emphasizes management and the scientific use of water resources. The draft of the 11th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development, which is scheduled to be adopted by the current session of the Tenth National People's Congress, highlighted the importance of water management. It noted that China should transfer its focus from exploration of water resources to the saving, protection and proper distribution of water. The country has launched a South-to-North Water Diversion Project, the world's largest water diversion project, to transfer water from the rainy South to the dry North via existing or new rivers, channels and reservoirs. The three thousand kilometer long route of the project will be completed or kicked off in the next five years. The State Council issued a new regulation earlier this year on the license and fees for water, which detailed the procedure and regulated the collection and distribution of fees. Chinese mega-cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin have also taken measures, including subsidizing water-saving taps or toilets, to educating and helping citizens save water.
Accessed on 13 March < http://english.gov.cn/2006-03/12/content_225470.htm >

Government to promote agricultural products sales. GOV.cn, 2 March 2006.
The Chinese Ministry of Agriculture unveiled a series of plans to promote the sale of Chinese agricultural products both at home and abroad. China plans to build more overseas sales platforms abroad to make domestic agricultural products available in the overseas market. Furthermore, an agricultural products sales-promotion mechanism has taken shape in China which includes various sales service systems. Besides the overseas sales platforms, the Government will establish an online exhibition hall in the country's major agriculture website with which to attract more than 6,000 agricultural products from about 4,000 domestic companies. In addition, the ministry will make more advertisements to promote sales of domestic agricultural products, and organize more domestic and overseas agricultural exhibitions this year.
Accessed on 2 March < http://english.gov.cn/2006-03/02/content_215600.htm >

FIJI
Helping promote renewable energy in Fiji Islands. ADB, 28 February 2006.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will help prepare a renewable power sector development project for Fiji through a US$ 650,000 technical assistance (TA) grant. The Government of Fiji envisions a resource-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable energy sector. To achieve this, the Fiji Electric Authority (FEA) has embarked on a strategy to diversify its generation sources and promote clean and renewable energy. The financing needs for FEA's plans over the next five years are estimated at US$ 300 million. The TA will help prepare a project that will expand, at the least cost, FEA's program for renewable and indigenous resources, as well as upgrade FEA's transmission and distribution networks. The TA will also assess FEA's financial performance, analyze the "climate-proofing" of the proposed project to withstand extreme climate events and assess the possibility of using the clean development mechanism for the project. The Government will contribute US$ 280,000 equivalent towards the TA's total cost of US$ 930,000. The Ministry of Works and Energy is the executing agency for the TA, which is due for completion in September 2006.
Accessed on 2 March < http://www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2006/9393-Fiji-Islands-power/default.asp >

INDIA
India and United States to sign agreement on launching satellites. The Hindu, 3 March 2006.
India and the United States have agreed to sign a Technology Safeguard Agreement as part of the measures that will facilitate India to launch United States licensed satellites and also third country satellites carrying United States controlled items. The pact will seek to safeguard the protected technologies of either country associated with such missions. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have also formulated two MoUs that define the scope of the experiments and the sharing of responsibilities and data with regard to the two instruments from NASA that are to be flown as part of Chandrayaan, India's first lunar mission scheduled to be launched next year. The radar will map the polar landscape and deposits of water in these cold traps up to a depth of a few metres. The mineralogy mapper will assess the mineral resources of the moon and characterize and map the composition of its surface at high spatial resolution.
Accessed on 7 March < http://www.hindu.com/2006/03/03/stories/2006030302001500.htm >

MYANMAR
Industrial zones getting wired for market edge. The Myanmar Times, 6-12 March 2006.
Internet access will be made available at four major Myanmar industrial zones for the first time this year. The Industrial Development Information System (IDIS) project will provide internet connections to businesses in the Mandalay industrial zone, Hlaing Thar Yar, Aye Thar Yar, Monwya zones at a relatively low cost to the users. The aim is to enhance industrial development through increasing access to market information. More than 80 per cent of factories at the Hlaing Thar Yar zone have agreed to have an IDIS connection in their workplace. Users will be able to communicate online with government ministries, including the Ministries of Industry, traders and investors from Myanmar and abroad, financial institutions and industrial zones’ management committees.
Accessed on 17 March
< http://www.myanmar.com/myanmartimes/MyanmarTimes16-307/b009.htm >

PAKISTAN
Livestock development policy approved: sector's growth to double by 2010. Business Recorder, 2 March 2006.
The Prime Minister on 1 March approved an ambitious five-year livestock development policy envisaging a more than double increase in the growth rate of the sector from its current level of three per cent per annum. According to the policy, the Government will focus on enhancing indigenous meat, milk and wool production through a number of measures to meet the 6 to 7 per cent target of overall livestock growth rate by 2010. The major thrust in the strategy is to encourage the private sector for playing a lead role in the development of the livestock while the public sector focuses on providing safe and quality products at competitive prices, covering entire value chain with focus on marketing and poverty reduction.
Accessed on 2 March
< http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=393279&currPageNo=1&query=&search=&term=&supDate= >

SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka Telecom links up with Maldives. South Asian Media, 2 March 2006.
Sri Lanka will add the Maldivian current telecommunication operator to its list of regional clients, commissioning an undersea cable by late 2006. Tenders for the 10 gigabit undersea cable project are currently being evaluated. The undersea link will help the Maldives cut its voice and data tariffs, which are currently at a regional high due to its dependence on international bandwidth through satellite based technologies. The fixed line giant plans to use international bandwidth capacity added through the fourth South East Asia - Middle East – Western Europe (SEA-ME-WE 4) undersea cable commissioned in November 2005 to become a regional telecom hub.
Accessed on 2 March
< http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=274136&category=Frontend&Country=MAIN >

VIET NAM
Viet Nam targets US$ 2 billion from exports of electronic products in 2006. Viet Nam Economy, 28 February 2006.
Viet Nam strives to earn US$ 2 billion from exporting electronic products and computer parts in 2006, US$ 500 million higher than last year. The Ministry of Trade has announced that it will work to create favorable conditions for foreign investors to increase production of electronic products and computer parts. It will also adjust material import taxes for some products proposed by foreign investors and encourage local companies to boost exports and increase investment in production projects, meeting large-scale orders.
Accessed on 1 March
< http://www.vneconomy.com.vn/eng/index.php?param=article&cateid=01&id=704bf639a722ad >

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Agreement on promoting investment in Pakistan. Bilaterals, 19 March 2006.
A joint venture agreement between the Brunei Investment Agency and the Government of Pakistan was signed on 18 March 2006 with the objective to promote investment in Pakistan. Both sides will contribute to equity, and undertake and finance projects in industrial areas.
Accessed on 22 March < http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=4173 >

INDIA
Bilateral investment protection agreement with China on way; trade set to touch US$ 50 billion by 2010. Outlook India, 16 March 2006.
India and China have reached consensus on a Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement (BIPA) and have initiated a draft. The two countries have also agreed to look into the possibility of a regional trade agreement and decided to set up a CEO's Forum as part of efforts to strengthen economic ties and enhance two-way trade to US$ 50 billion 2010. Furthermore, they have chosen to establish six task forces related to WTO, harmonization of standards, rules of origin, non-tariff barriers, agriculture and reconciliation of trade.
Accessed on 20 March < http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=370565 >

PAKISTAN
International Finance Corporation recommends corporate governance tier at bourses. Jang Group, 8 March 2006.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has suggested the introduction of a corporate governance listing tier in the stock exchanges for the effective implementation of corporate governance in Pakistan. Companies listed on that tier would commit to comply with all corporate governance codes, including enhanced provisions for majority board independence that is currently voluntary; mandatory director certification and strengthened audit committees. IFC suggested to develop a national action plan for corporate governance; in cooperation with regulators, issuers and other stake holders; which should be used to design high quality and relevant technical assistance programs in this area.
Accessed on 13 March
< http://www.jang-group.com/thenews/mar2006-daily/08-03-2006/business/b3.htm >

SINGAPORE
Financial services to be included in Consumer Protection Fair Trading Act.Channel News Asia, 6 March 2006.
The Minister of State for Trade and Industry has announced that financial services would now be included in the Consumer Protection Fair Trading Act (CPFTA), including insurance companies and banks. The ministry is currently working with the Monetary Authority of Singapore to come up with the implementation details. The CPFTA came into effect on 1 March 2004, but since financial services were not included, many consumers faced hard-sell tactics and lack of information for financial products.
Accessed on 13 March
< http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/196464/1/.html >

Singapore to target big investors to boost Islamic banking. Global Pro, 2 March 2006.
Singapore will target large funds and high net-worth individuals overseas to develop its Islamic finance industry. The Singapore Exchange which operates the city's securities and derivatives markets is also looking at Islamic equity instruments to boost the fund management industry targeting Muslim investors. Singapore is vying with neighbors Malaysia and Indonesia for business from investors and depositors in West Asia after crude oil prices rose to a record last year. The city-state has been promoting Islamic financial services in the past two years, using its position as an Asian financial centre. Islamic law, or Syariah, forbids the payment of interest and bans investment in businesses such as alcohol, tobacco and gaming. Islamic funds consisting of bank assets and money under management total about US$ 300 billion globally.
Accessed on 2 March
< http://www.globalpro.com.my/2March06-Singapore-to-target-big-investors-to-boost-Islamic-banking.htm >

VIET NAM
Viet Nam and Egypt sign double taxation avoidance agreement. Nhan Dan, 11 March 2006.
Viet Nam and Egypt have signed agreements on avoiding double taxation, fighting tax evasion and boosting co-operation in tourism. The two sides also inked two MoUs on a bilateral information-culture cooperation programme in the 2005-2010 period and a fair-exhibition cooperation programme to promote trade and investment between the two countries.
Accessed on 15 March < http://www.nhandan.com.vn/english/business/110306/business_egypt.htm >

A new economic index, that goes beyond reporting reams of hard industrial data, is emerging from annual meetings of regional legislatures that recently wrapped around the country; it's called the "happiness index".

Read the full report from the Chinese Government’s official webpage:
< http://english.gov.cn/2006-03/01/content_214184.htm >
Accessed on 1 March 2006

… climate change could worsen Asia's poverty?

The effects of climate change have the potential to exacerbate poverty in Asia. The direct and indirect effects of climate change will displace people, threaten food security in the region, increase the scarcity of freshwater and lead to loss of life and property.

Read the whole report from the ADB:
< http://www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2006/9481-regional-environment/default.asp >
Accessed on 22 March 2006

… Japan plans to crack down on copyright theft?

A bill seeking to tighten the screws on intellectual property rights violators was submitted to the parliament. Intended to be implemented next year, the bill stipulates that anyone caught copying patents or trademarks could face up to 10 years in prison and 10 million yen in fines.

Read the full report from Asia Times Online:
< http://atimes.com/atimes/Japan/HC18Dh01.html >
Accessed on 22 March 2006.

… the gray economy accounts for 27,5 per cent of the Republic of Korea?

The Republic of Korea’s underground economy accounts for 27.5 per cent of the nation's total output, well above the average of other developed economies.

Read the full report from the Korea Herald:
< http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2006/02/27/200602270024.asp >
Accessed on 28 February 2006.

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