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New signatories of the Asian Highway. UNESCAP Press Release No: G/13/2004, 6 May 2004
Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation have become the latest members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) to sign the Asian Highway Agreement, bringing the total number of signatories to 26. The Asian Highway is a United Nations-backed initiative to complete a 140,000 kilometers network of standardized roadways crossing the Asian continent and reaching to Europe. More information on the Asian Highway Network can be found at <www.unescap.org/ttdw/index.asp?MenuName=AsianHighway>
Accessed on 11 May 2004 <http://www.unescap.org/unis/press/2004/may/g13.asp>

AUSTRALIA
Budget package to boost exports. Australia Trade Commission, 12 May 2004
The Australian Government has announced an $A 6.1 million budget initiative designed to assist Australian businesses to improve market access to China, Singapore, Thailand and the United States of America. This initiative is intended to help Australian businesses secure trade opportunities arising from the successful conclusion of free trade agreements with these countries as well as from China’s accession to the World Trade Organization. The Government will allocate an additional $A 13.5 million over four years from existing resources to the initiative, bringing the total package of support to nearly $A 20 million.
Accessed on 18 May 2004 <http://www.austrade.gov.au/corporate/>

CAMBODIA
Relations with Pakistan strengthened. Cambodia Government News, 28 April 2004
Pakistan and Cambodia have agreed to promote and develop multilateral relations by enhancing the level of their bilateral cooperation in all fields, fighting terrorism, promoting and developing trade, increasing interaction among the traders and businesses by forming Pakistan- Cambodia Business Council. The government of Pakistan offered a buyer’s credit of US$ 10 million to Cambodia, which would be used to develop infrastructure and improve the irrigation system.
Accessed on 10 May 2004 <http://www.cambodia.gov.kh/unisql1/egov/english/news.view.html?doc_oid=@194|5|1>

CHINA
Trade policy dialogue with the EU established. EU Trade News, 6 May 2004
On 6 May 2004, the European Union and China set up a high level trade policy dialogue to address issues in their bilateral trade relations as well as issues related to the World Trade Organization (WTO). They also launched a forum to discuss trade in textiles as clothing, in particular in view of the disappearance of remaining WTO quotas on textiles by 2005. Additionally, both countries signed an agreement on a structured dialogue on competition. This is the first such competition dialogue initiated by China with a third country and it will help foster the interests of both European and Chinese companies when doing business in each other's territory.
Accessed on 8 May 2004 from:
<http://europa.eu.int/comm/trade/issues/bilateral/countries/china/pr060504_en.htm>
<http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=IP/04/597|0|RAPID&lg=EN;>

EUROPEAN UNION
Imports of canned GM-sweet corn authorized. EU News IP/04/663, 19 May 2004
On 19 May 2004, the European Commission authorized import of canned genetically modified-sweet maize line Bt11 under new labeling conditions. This decision is valid for 10 years. According to the new regulation, any imports of the canned vegetable will have to show clearly on the labeling that the corn has been harvested from a genetically modified plant. The authorisation covers the specific use for imports of canned or fresh sweet corn (maize). An authorization for cultivation for Bt11 maize has not yet been granted.
Accessed on 19 May 2004 <http://europa.eu.int/rapid/start/cgi/guesten.ksh?p_action.gettxt=gt&doc=IP/04/663>

Promoting gender equality in development cooperation. Journal of the European Union, 30 April 2004
On 21 April 2004, the EU adopted regulation (EC) No 806/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council on promoting gender equality in development cooperation. The purpose of this regulation is to implement measures to promote gender equality in EU development cooperation policies, strategies and interventions. To this end, the EU shall provide financial assistance and appropriate expertise aimed at promoting gender equality into all its development cooperation policies and interventions in developing countries. The regulation includes a list of activities eligible for financing.
Accessed on 5 May 2004 <http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/l_143/l_14320040430en00400045.pdf>

LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
Access to world markets essential for poor countries. UN News, 6 May 2004
From 6 to 8 May 2004, the Third Least Developed Countries Trade Ministers Conference was held in Dakar, Senegal. The Ministerial Conferences called for the specific geographic and economic concerns of poor countries to be taken into account when setting up global trade rules. At the same time, it highlighted the need of developing countries to improve their good governance records, particularly in the area of economic management. The meeting approved the "Dakar Declaration," which laid out a joint strategy to revive post-Cancun negotiations on market access and cotton subsidies, especially for least developed and African countries.
Accessed on 9 May 2004 <http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=10649&Cr=chowdhury&Cr1=>

Network between LDCs and civil society proposed. SAWTEE Trade Monitor, April 2004
Participants in the Afro-Asia Civil Society Seminar, held from 13 to 15 April 2004 in New Delhi (India), have proposed to launch a network of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to work in the areas of trade and economic development in LDCs. The network is intended to help LDCs to maintain cohesiveness in international fora, as well as increase the capacity of CSOs to deal with trade issues.
Accessed on 18 May 2004 <http://www.sawtee.org/newsletter/TDM%207.pdf

PACIFIC ISLANDS
Deadline for marine security. Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Maritime News
Pacific Island States must complete their ship and port security assessments and their security plans before the 1 July 2004 deadline. In view of the proximity of the deadline, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community has issued several information notes to assist member countries with the new measures and legal requirements, as well as to set up the physical infrastructure, organize systems and manage personnel.
Accessed on 14 May 2004 <http://www.spc.int/Maritime/maritime_security.htm>

SINGAPORE
Trade agreement signed with Jordan. Singapore Trade Ministry, 16 May 2004
On 16 May 2004, Singapore and Jordan signed the Singapore Jordan Free Trade Agreement (SJFTA) and the Singapore Jordan Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) in Jordan, at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. The SJFTA is Singapore's first FTA with a country in the Middle East and Jordan's first FTA with a country in Asia. It aims to provide an institutional platform for increasing economic engagement between Singapore and Jordan.
Accessed on 18 may 2004 <http://www.mti.gov.sg/public/FTA/frm_FTA_Default.asp?sid=166&cid=2023>

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
List of countries eligible for new assistance funds. U.S. Department of State, 6 May 2004
On 6 May 2004, the recently created Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the Government of the United States of America named 16 countries eligible to apply for development aid from an innovative new program. The MCC included the following countries -- Armenia, Benin, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Georgia, Ghana, Honduras, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Senegal, Sri Lanka and Vanuatu -- based on their governance, social investment and economic freedom. The MCC said it also approved a program to help other countries meet eligibility requirements.
Accessed on 12 May 2004 <http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/wfile>

VIET NAM
Bilateral trade agreement with Oman. Viet Nam News, 15 May 2004
On 13 May 2004, Viet Nam and Oman signed a bilateral trade agreement intended to boost trade between the two countries. Under the agreement, each country will give the other most favoured nation status, creating a framework to enhance trade ties. Viet Nam’s goods, once delivered to Oman, will gain access to a number of Middle Eastern markets through the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC). Members of the GCC are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
Accessed on 17 May 2004 <http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/2004-05/14/Stories/03.htm>

Import duties in the rice sector. Official Journal of the European Union, 12 May 2004
Effective from 13 May 2004, the EU approved commission regulation (EC) No 963/2004 fixing the import duties in the rice sector.
Accessed on 11 May 2004 from <http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/l_178/l_17820040513en00080010.pdf

Standard values for the determination of the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables Official Journal of the European Union, 15 May 2004
Effective from 15 May 2004, the EU approved commission regulation (EC) No 974/2004 establishing the standard values for the determination of the entry price of certain fruit and vegetables
Accessed on 18 May 2004 from <http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/l_180/l_18020040515en00010002.pdf

Unit values for the determination of customs value of certain perishable goods. Official Journal of the European Union, 6 May 2004
Effective from 7 May 2004, the EU approved commission regulation (EC) No 947/2004 establishing unit values for the determination of the customs value of certain perishable goods
Accessed on 11 May 2004 from <http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/l_172/l_17220040506en00030006.pdf

VIET NAM
Control of aquatic product quality for export to the EU. Investment and Trade Promotion Centre, 14 April 2004
On 4 May 2004, the European Union (EU) nominated the Viet Nam National Fisheries Assurance and Veterinary Association (NAFIQUAVED) as the authorized agency responsible for the control of aquatic product quality for export to the EU. Under the EU decision, NAFIQUAVED will also be allowed to issue a new form of hygiene certificate for shipments of aquatic products of Viet Nam’s origin for export to the EU.
Accessed on 4 May 2004 <http://itpc.hochiminhcity.gov.vn/English/business_news/>

Import licenses for certain preserved mushrooms originating in China. Official Journal of the European Union, 11 May 2004
Effective from 12 May 2004, the EU adopted Commission Regulation (EC) No 959/2004 concerning the issue of import licenses for certain preserved mushrooms originating in China. According to the new regulation, import licenses applied for pursuant to articles 4(1)(a) and 4(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 2125/95 for products originating in China on 3 and 4 May 2004 and submitted to the Commission on 6 May 2004 shall be issued for 88,29 percent and 10,68 percent of the quantity applied for, respectively.
Accessed on 13 May 2004 <http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/l_177/l_17720040512en00030003.pdf>

Import licenses for garlic for the period from 1 June to 31 August 2004. Official Journal of the European Union, 7 May 2004
Effective from 8 May 2004, the EU adopted Commission Regulation (EC) No 953/2004 concerning the issue of licenses for the import of garlic in the quarter from 1 June to 31 August 2004.
Accessed on 13 May 2004 <http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/l_174/l_17420040508en00030004.pdf>

PHILIPPINES
Zero and one percent duty on imports of machinery and accessories. Manila Bulletin Online, 7 May 2004
The Government of the Philippines has issued executive order No. 313 granting zero and one percent duty on all importation of machinery equipment, spare parts and accessories by enterprises registered with the Board of Investment, except those covered under the Motor Vehicle Development Program. The measure aims to encourage business to modernize their equipment by lowering the cost of their capitalization through the duty-free importation of machinery and accessories.
Accessed on 13 May 2004 <http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS200405078932.html >

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Antidumping duties on imports of colour televisions from China. U.S. Department of State, 14 May 2004
On 14 May 2004, the Government of the United Sates of America announced the imposition of antidumping duties on imports of colour television from China ranging up to 78.45 percent.
Accessed on 16 May 2004 <http://lists.state.gov/SCRIPTS/WA-USIAINFO>

Imports of wild shrimp from Thailand embargoed. U.S. Department of State, 14 May 2004
On 14 May 2004, the Government of the United Sates of America announced that Thailand has been removed from the list of countries eligible to export wild shrimp into the country due to concerns about conservation of endangered turtles. Uncertified countries are still eligible to export to the United States of America shrimp raised by aquaculture.
Accessed on 16 May 2004 < http://lists.state.gov/SCRIPTS/WA-USIAINFO

Import quotas for textile and apparel from Viet Nam reduced. U.S. Department of State, 13 May 2004
On 12 May 2004, the Government of the United States of America announced the reduction of quotas for textile and apparel imports from Viet Nam. The quota reductions for 2004 represent about 2.5 percent of the volume or 4.5 percent of the value of apparel and textiles covered by the quota system.
Accessed on 18 May 2004 <http://lists.state.gov/SCRIPTS/WA-USIAINFO>

INDONESIA
Promoting sustainable tourism. UNEP News Release ROAP 2004/7, 6 May 2004
On 6 May 2004, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in association with the World Wide Fund for Nature in Indonesia launched a training programme designed to assist Bali dive operators and hoteliers protect coral reefs. The training is based around five new "communication" tools, developed by UNEP and International Coral Reef Initiative to help the tourist industry explain the importance of coral reef ecosystems to their customers during their holidays.
Accessed on 9 May 2004 <http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/>

PHILIPPINES
Expansion of exports coverage of CBU vehicles. Department of Trade and Industry, 6 May 2004
The Philippines National Economic Development Authority Board has endorsed for approval of the amendments to EO 244 expanding the completely built-up (CBU) vehicles exports coverage. The measure covers regular CBU exports, developmental CBU exports, niche CBU exports and high-value, low volume CBU exports.
Accessed on 6 May 2004 <http://www.dti.gov.ph/contentment/37/971.jsp>

THAILAND
EU business information centre established. EU Delegation in Thailand, 12 May 2004
On 12 May 1004, the European Commission in Thailand opened a Business Information Centre (BIC), which will provide assistance on regulatory aspects of doing business with the European Union (EU). Located in Bangkok, the BIC will provide information on market access issues and assist local exporters with EU regulations. Enquires can be made by phone, fax, e-mail or in person. The BIC has established a website http://www.deltha.cec.eu.int/bic that provides relevant information to those needing to know the requirements their goods must meet in the European market.
Accessed on 17 May 2004 <http://www.deltha.cec.eu.int/en/news_2004/BIC%20opening_EN.htm>

UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (UNEP)
Convention against organic pollutants enters into force. UNEP New Release 2002/23, 14 May 2004
On 17 May 2004, the 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) entered into force on marking the start of an ambitious international effort to rid the world of PCBs, dioxins and furans, and nine highly dangerous pesticides. In addition to banning the use of POPs, the treaty focuses on cleaning up the growing accumulation of unwanted and obsolete stockpiles of pesticides and toxic chemicals that contain POPs. The Convention also requires the disposal of PCBs and PCB-containing wastes.
Accessed on 9 May 2004 <http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/>

BANGLADESH
Country's second longest road bridge opens to traffic. Financial Express Bangladesh, 19 May 2004
On 19 May 2004, the Government of Bangladesh inaugurated the second longest road bridge over the river Padma providing a vital transport link. The bridge, named Lalon Shah, establishes a direct link between the country's south-western and northern regions. The bridge will help Bhutan, India and Nepal gain access to the Bangladeshi sea port at Mongla. The 1.8km bridge cost nearly US$200million to build and it is seen as a major engineering achievement in South Asia.
Accessed on 20 May 2004 <http://www.financialexpress-bd.com/index3.asp?cnd=5/19/2004>

CHINA
State-owned enterprises under audit. BBC News, 4 May 2004
China's state auditor has announced that it will investigate the accounts of nine more major Chinese companies owned by the government. So far, 22 state-owned firms have been examined by the auditor, which plans to look into businesses in technology, manufacturing and petro-chemicals. The reason behind this wide-scale audit was the discovery in February 2004 of Yuan 5.4bn (US$ 652million) worth of accounting irregularities at one the major the state-owned companies.
Accessed on 13 May 2004 <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/3683545.stm>

INDIA
Amendments of rules on Special Economic Zones. Central Board of Excise and Customs, 11 May 2004
On 11 May 20044, the Government of India amended the rules and regulations governing the Special Economic Zones. Details are available at:
- Special Economic Zones Regulations (Customs Procedures), Fourth Amendment, 2004
http://www.cbec.gov.in/cae/customs/cs-act/notifications/notfns-2k4/csnt62_2k4.htm
- Special Economic Zones, Fourth Amendment, 2004
http://www.cbec.gov.in/cae/customs/cs-act/notifications/notfns-2k4/csnt61_2k4.htm
Sources were accessed on 18 May 2004

New Special Economic Zones. Central Board of Excise and Customs, 11 May 2004
On 11 May 2004, India’s Government specified new Special Economic Zones in the sates of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Details and description of the new economic zones are available at:
- Boranada Special Economic Zone at Jodhpur, in the State of Rajasthan
http://www.cbec.gov.in/cae/customs/cs-act/notifications/notfns-2k4/csnt63_2k4.htm
- Moradabad Special Economic Zone at Moradabad, in the state of Uttar Pradesh
http://www.cbec.gov.in/cae/customs/cs-act/notifications/notfns-2k4/csnt65_2k4.htm
- Manikanchan Special Economic Zone at Salt Lake, Kolkata, state of West Bengal
http://www.cbec.gov.in/cae/customs/cs-act/notifications/notfns-2k4/csnt64_2k4.htm
Sources were accessed on 18 May 2004

INDONESIA
Jakarta Stock Exchange joins Global Compact. The Global Compact, 23 April 2004
On 12 April 2004, the Jakarta Stock Exchange announced its commitment to the Global Compact and its principles. The Jakarta Stock Exchange is the second exchange to join the Global Compact in recent weeks. On 15 March 2004 following a exploratory meeting of the Global Compact and approximately 15 of the world's exchanges, the Brazilian stock exchange in Sao Paulo announced its decision to join the Compact. The Global Compact is currently in discussions with other stock exchanges on opportunities for collaboration and partnership.
Accessed on 11 May 2004 <http://www.unglobalcompact.org/irj/>

MALAYSIA
Trade and investment framework agreement with the U.S.A. U.S. Department of State, 10 May 2004
On 10 May 2004, Malaysia and the United States of America signed a trade and investment framework agreement as a first step for bilateral free trade agreement talks. The agreement authorizes the creation of a joint council where trade issues such as intellectual property rights, tourism, information and communications technology and biotechnology could be discussed. The two countries agreed to coordinate in regional and multilateral fora and to work toward the successful conclusion of the global trade talks.
Accessed on 13 May 2004 <http://lists.state.gov/SCRIPTS/WA-USIAINFO>

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)
Agreement on government procurement extended to EU new members. WTO Press/376, 4 May 2004
On 1 May 2004, the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) was extended to cover the 10 new member States of the European Union (EU), i.e., the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia. The GPA is now legally binding for those countries.
Accessed on 7 May 2004 <http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres04_e/pr376_e.htm>

The Directorate General Trade of the European Commission has been managing a budget line on Sanitary and Phytosanitary related technical assistance projects for the last two years. The budget is divided into two sections, i.e.:

1) To assist experts from Developing Countries to attend meetings of the three organisations officially recognised by the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Committee for standard-setting, i.e., Office International des Epizooties, International Plant Protection Convention and Codex Alimentarius Commission. Grants have been provided to these international bodies. The Developing Country delegates receive assistance for their travel and subsistence costs to attend meetings directly from these.

2) In consultation with the Developing Countries, to send technical experts from Member States to these countries to advise them on courses of action required to be able to achieve the relevant EU Import Sanitary requirements. Furthermore there is the possibility for experts from Developing Countries to travel to the EU for training in these specific matters.

Payments coming from this budget are limited to the cost of traveling and subsistence for missions and training costs. The other costs have to be paid by the employer of the trainee.

Read the full story from EU Directorate General Trade at
http://europa.eu.int/comm/trade/issues/sectoral/agri_fish/sps_bio/pr060504_en.htm
Accessed on 10 May 2004

…in Maldives wireless technology is bringing the internet to some of the most remote islands in the world?

Rangali island has been connected to the world via Wi-fi technology. Rangali is made up of two islands, linked together by a footbridge. Rangali already has internet access via a satellite link, bringing the web to the resort staff's desktops and a handful of PCs for the guests. Wi-fi technology will extend access to anyone on the island with a wireless card plugged into their laptop or PDA.

With the resort booking system now available via wireless, there are plans to make checking visitors in and out more efficient and reliable. Instead of guests having to wait in the reception area when they arrive, staff with PDAs could check them in as they leave the plane.

Read the full story from BBC News at
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3720915.stm
Accessed on 19 May 2004

Information is taken mainly from secondary sources and UNESCAP accepts no responsibility for its accuracy. Mention of any companies and their products does not imply endorsement by the United Nations.

The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.