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CHINA
China and United States to swap intellectual property rights data. China Daily, 5 June 2007.
Customs officials in China and the United States have decided to regularly share information about seizures of pirated goods and encourage more exchanges to better combat infringements of intellectual property rights (IPR). To help them better select targets for IPR enforcement and evaluate achievements, Chinese and United States customs officials will every six months exchange statistics concerning seizures of counterfeit and pirated goods originating in or destined for the other side. The statistics will include the number of seizures, quantity and value of goods, transportation type and the main ports of transit used. To help track down IPR violators and improve law enforcement, each side may also ask the other to provide information on up to ten specific IPR-related seizures each quarter. Measures aimed at increasing visits to each other’s ports and respective offices and encouraging exchanges of IPR enforcement experiences among customs officers are also on the cards.
Accessed on 19 June < http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-06/05/content_886988.htm >

INDIA
India and Sri Lanka negotiating CEPA. The Hindu, 31 May 2007.
India and Sri Lanka are working on upgrading their economic relations through a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that would expand the existing free trade agreement (FTA) to include trade in services and encourage investment. The CEPA would update existing agreements on investment protection, avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion. It would also seek to further prune down the negative list in FTA while relaxing rules of origin. Sri Lanka and India are currently focusing on Mutual Recognition Agreements pertaining to professional qualifications.
Accessed on 19 June < http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200705312165.htm >

Customs to be armed to take action against IPR violators. The Economic Times, 7 June 2007.
The Ministry of Finance is introducing new norms to curb IPR violation by imported goods. The new rules will enable companies to complain and stop import of goods if they find violation of patents, trademarks, copyright or even geographical indications. Such rules were not in place till now since the country’s IPR norms started evolving only after the advent of the WTO. Multinationals with big brands had to act against fakes in the Indian market only at the point of sale or production. If fake goods were being imported, there was no procedure to stall them before they entered the Indian market. The new norms will arm companies with the power to hold up fakes or items which violation IPR in any form at ports by complaining to the customs department.
Accessed on 19 June
< http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Customs_to_be_armed_to_take_action_against_IPR_violators/ >

INDONESIA
Indonesia and India agree to expand economic, energy cooperation. Antara News, 18 June 2007.
Indonesia and India have agreed to expand bilateral cooperation to cover a range of new areas, including cooperation in economic zones, alternative energy development and mutual legal assistance. The various spheres of cooperation cover politics, defense and security, economy, trade, industry, tourism and culture, transportation, energy, health and pharmacy, education and training, as well as science and technology. Relations between Indonesia and India have increased significantly, particularly since the signing of a new strategic partnership agreement between the two countries in November 2005.
Accessed on 20 June
< http://www.antara.co.id/en/arc/2007/6/18/ri-india-agree-to-expand-economic-energy-cooperation/ >

Indonesia and Kuwait sign deals on trade and economy. Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board, 31 May 2007.
Senior ministers from Indonesia and Kuwait signed five agreements on trade and economic and technical cooperation. They also signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) on a joint commission of cooperation, sports and youth affairs as well as agricultural cooperation. All of the agreements were signed after talks between President of Indonesia and the visiting Prime Minister of Kuwait. During the talk, the possibility of tax cuts for investors from Kuwait was discussed as well. The finance ministers of the two countries will soon meet to discuss financial policies, for instance a double taxation system and possible incentives for energy investors and other forms of financial cooperation.
Accessed on 1 June < http://www.bkpm.go.id/en/news.php?mode=baca&info_id=6263 >

JAPAN
Japan OKs FTAs with Thailand and Chile. Bilaterals, 14 June 2007.
Japan’s Parliament has ratified FTAs with Thailand and Chile, paving the way for the FTAs to take effect as early as this autumn. The House of Councilors approved the FTAs with Thailand and Chile at a plenary session on 13 June, nearly a month after the House of Representatives passed the trade pacts in mid-May. Japan’s FTAs with Thailand and Chile, which were both signed between late March and early April, will both eliminate tariffs on more than 90 per cent of bilateral trade in terms of value within 10 years.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=8706 >

MALAYSIA
Malaysia places 412 tariff lines under ASEAN-Republic of Korea FTA. Bernama, 5 June 2007.
Malaysia has placed 412 tariff lines under the sensitive track in the tariff liberalization programme of the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Free Trade (AKFTA), which came into effect starting from June. Of the total tariff lines, 356 were placed in the sensitive list and 56 under the highly sensitive list. The products include iron and steel, rubber products, plastic products, chemical products, automobile, textile and apparel, rubber products, diary products, machinery and mechanical appliances, and glass and glassware.
Accessed on 19 June < http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=265817 >

Malaysia and Russian Federation agree on joint commission to expedite agreements. The Star Online, 20 June 2007.
Malaysia and Russia have agreed to set up a joint commission to expedite several agreements to improve relations and economic ties between the two countries. The commission, made up of ministers from both nations, will meet annually and alternately in the two countries.
Accessed on 20 June
< http://thestaronline.com/news/story.asp?file=/2007/6/20/nation/18078793&sec=nation >

NEPAL
Nepal pushes for trade preference in China. Kantipur Online, 13 June 2007.
Nepal has asked China to be serious in providing preferential trading facility for Nepali commodities in its market. Although bilateral trade between Nepal and China is growing consistently, the overall volume of trade between the two countries is small. Nepal’s export to China is as low as 1.5 per cent of its total export and import is a mere 6.9 per cent of total imports. Being a signatory of the South Asian Free Trade area (SAFTA) and a special treaty with India, Nepal has preferential and duty free market access to South Asian and Indian market in particular. Also, commodities manufactured in Nepal enjoy generalized system of preference (GSP) facility in the United States and European markets.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=112561 >

PAKISTAN
Trade strategy drafted to facilitate industrialists. The Daily Times, 29 May 2007.
The Ministry of Commerce has drafted the National Trade Facilitation Strategy in order to meet the needs of industrialists. The strategy forsees acceleration of confirmation or accession to nine international conventions, including the ECO Decade of Transport and Communications (1998-2007) and the Customs Convention on the International Transport of Goods under cover of TIR Carnet. The strategy will also review and possibly revise four bilateral and multilateral transit transport agreements and expedite the processing of five types of transport legislations. Along with this, it will also carry out six studies to establish the performance indicators of trade facilitation during 2007-2011.
Accessed on 19 June
< http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C05%5C29%5Cstory_29-5-2007_pg5_11 >

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Unites States asks for FTA renegotiations in seven areas. Bilaterals, 18 June 2007.
The United States has officially requested additional negotiations on the already concluded free trade agreement with the Republic of Korea. It wants to renegotiate seven sectors — labor, environment, essential security, pharmaceuticals, Government procurement, harbor safety and investment. The Government of the Republic of Korea will decide whether to accept the renegotiation after examining the proposal.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=8747 >

VIET NAM
United States and Viet Nam sign trade and investment framework agreement. USTR, 21 June 2007.
The United States and Viet Nam on 21 June signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) that will create a platform on which to further expand and deepen bilateral trade and investment ties between the two countries. Under the TIFA, the United States and Viet Nam will discuss implementation of the 2001 United States–Viet Bam Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and Viet Nam’s commitments with the World Trade Organization (WTO). The two sides also will explore new initiatives to increase trade in industrial and agricultural products and services, and to encourage further investment between the two countries.
Accessed on 22 June < http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2007/June/ >

Tax rebates removed, cut to curb exports. China Daily, 20 June 2007.
The Government will eliminate or cut tax rebates for more than 2,800 export items effective from 1 July 2007 - in the boldest move yet to rein in exports since it joined the WTO in 2001. The affected items account for 37 per cent of all export products. Export tax rebates for 553 “highly energy-consuming and resource-intensive” products, such as cement, fertilizer and non-ferrous metals, will be eliminated. Rebates for another 2,268 products, described as “easy to trigger trade frictions”, will be slashed from 8-17 per cent to 5-11 per cent. They include garments, toys, steel products and motorcycles. From January to May, exports surged 27.8 per cent year-on-year to U$ 443.5 billion; and the trade surplus rocketed 83.1 per cent to US $85.7 billion.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-06/20/content_897889.htm >

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Law on Islamic Republic of Iran-Belarus customs ties enforced. Iran Mania, 4 June 2007.
The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran has put into force the law on administrative and customs cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Belarus. The law was passed by the Majlis on 25 April 2007 and aims to increase trade between the two countries.
Accessed on 19 June
< http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=52041 >

MALAYSIA
Customs Building M$ 15 million base in Tanjung Surat. Bernama, 9 June 2007.
A customs base is being built in Tanjung Surat, an island at Sungai Johor estuary. The Director of Customs said that the M$ 15 million base was expected to be completed in September and start operations next year. Over 30 personnel would be assigned to the base to carry out anti-smuggling operations using 11 patrol boats in waters southeast of the Malaysian peninsula. The base is expected to be able to prevent smuggling especially of cigarettes from Indonesia.
Accessed on 20 June
< http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/state_news/news.php?id=266613&cat=st >

NEW ZEALAND
Customs plans border-system replacement. Computer World, 11 June 2007.
New Zealand Customs is planning a major rebuild of its core CusMod system. The department received $NZ 2.74 million in the budget to upgrade its border management systems, including funding to plan for a replacement for CusMod. The upgrade is necessary to mitigate the risk that the department’s services could be compromised because of inadequate IT systems.
Accessed on 20 June
< http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/35C7B34F1F4F9521CC2572F300839A1B >

PAKISTAN
WCO and Pakistan Customs codes don’t match: IT consignments lying stuck at Karachi Port. The Daily Times, 14 June 2007.
A number of consignments including 21 containers comprising IT equipment have been stuck at the Karachi Port and the airport for customs clearance because of the disparity created between the Harmonized System Code and Pakistan Customs Tariff Code after the announcement of the federal budget. As of 1 January 2007, the World Customs Organization (WCO) introduced the WCO Harmonized System for high-tech products, a uniform coding system according to which customs department fix different import-related taxes. Every year, new technology is invented and WCO allots numbers to new items. This year, new items were listed and new numbers were allotted, but in the federal budget 2007-2008, the Government merged both the documents without realizing this fact and now the figures of customs tariff document relating to IT equipment are mismatching with the items’ description.
Accessed on 20 June
< http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C06%5C14%5Cstory_14-6-2007_pg5_11 >

One per cent import surcharge withdrawn. Business Recorder, 20 June 2007.
The Central Board of Revenue (CBR) has withdrawn one per cent special surcharge on the import of inputs and raw materials by manufacturers-cum-exporters of textile, leather products including artificial leather footwear; carpets; sports and surgical goods. The CBR has also abolished special surcharge on import of items covered under SRO 567(I)/2006. The local industry has been exempted from surcharge on import of all kinds of raw materials and inputs specified in the SRO 567(I)/2006.
Accessed on 20 June
< http://www.brecorder.com/index.php?id=579854&currPageNo=1&query=&search=&term=&supDate= >

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Tariff cuts for imported oil products to start next month. The Chosun Ilbo, 11 June 2007.
Tariff cuts for imported oil products will begin next month to minimize the effects of higher oil prices on consumers. The Ministry of Finance and Economy will lower tariffs on imported gasoline, diesel, kerosene and other oil products to three per cent from five per cent. The spike in global oil prices over the last few weeks has raised the cost burden for the Republic of Korea, the world’s fourth-largest oil importer.
Accessed on 20 June < http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200706/200706110009.html >

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Russian Federation lifts more high-tech import duties. RIA Novosti, 13 June 2007.
The Russian Federation has lifted customs duties on the import of high-tech equipment. A resolution signed by the Prime Minister reduces or abolishes customs duties on the import of certain categories of high-tech equipment for nine months. Last year, the Government lifted import duties on over 600 types of equipment without analogues in the Russia Federation. In particular, the new resolution, which comes at a time when the Russian Federation is striving to join the World Trade Organization, suspends duties on the import of pipe-rolling mills, lasers, UV or IR equipment, ozone, oxygen and aerosol therapeutic equipment and respirators.
Accessed on 20 June < http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070613/67144546.html >

SINGAPORE
Singapore Customs launches programme to strengthen supply chain safety. Channel News Asia, 25 May 2007.
Singapore Customs has launched a new programme to strengthen and safeguard the security of supply chain operations. The move is seen as boosting Singapore’s position as a trusted trade hub. The Secure Trade Partnership Programme spells out a set of guidelines and goals for the security measures of different players in the supply chain, which includes suppliers, manufacturers, transport carriers and terminal operators. It is a voluntary certification programme aimed at encouraging companies to adopt strong security practices in their trading operations. This will in turn protect the integrity of the supply chain and prevent disruptions to the smooth flow of goods. So far, eight companies have been certified under the programme.
Accessed on 28 May
< http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/278393/1/.html >

TURKMENISTAN
Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe centre organizes training for Turkmenistan’s border and customs officials. Trend News Agency, 20 June 2007.
Six members of Turkmenistan’s border and customs services have taken part in a week-long practical training on border management. The training was held at border crossing points between Germany, France and Switzerland, and included visits to a regional customs centre and a customs criminal investigation office. Participants exchanged experience on border management concepts, national and international cooperation between agencies involved in border and customs control, and prosecution of trans-boundary crimes. They also learnt about the latest techniques used to prevent and investigate drug trafficking and the illegal transfer of money across frontiers.
Accessed on 21 June < http://news.trendaz.com/cgi-bin/readnews2.pl?newsId=943892&lang=EN >

CHINA
United States firms and union file anti-dumping petition against imported China steel pipes. ABC Money, 8 June 2007.
Six United States producers of welded standard steel pipes and the United Steelworkers (USW) filed petitions with the Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission alleging imports of such pipes from China into the United States are being dumped, with subsidies for their production provided by the Chinese Government.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.abcmoney.co.uk/news/08200784648.htm >

China imposes anti-dumping duties on antibiotic from India. The Hindu, 17 June 2007.
China has imposed an anti-dumping duty of up to 37.7 per cent on sulfamethoxazole, an antibiotic from India, to offset damages caused by cheap imports to the local producers. This follows the final ruling made by China’s Ministry of Commerce which said sulfamethoxazole exports from India have inflicted losses to local manufacturers. The anti-dumping duty tax rates were increased from 10.7 per cent to 37.7 per cent and will be in effect for five years.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200706170322.htm >

EUROPEAN UNION
EU scraps subsidies on dairy exports. EUbusiness, 14 June 2007.
The EU is to end all subsidies on dairy exports, almost 40 years after they were introduced. The dairy management committee of the European Commission, which brings together experts from the EU and member states, decided to reduce to zero all refunds on exports of butter and cheese, the last to go. Dairy export subsidies have been progressively scrapped starting with skimmed milk powder in mid-2006. The export subsidies were introduced in 1968 to help EU producers sell on the global market where they were not competitive. The subsidy was based on the difference between the world market price and the higher guaranteed price in the EU. The mechanism has regularly been denounced by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the development field as a tool against the world’s poorest farmers. Fruit and vegetable subsidies are next in line for the chop.
Accessed on 21 June < http://www.eubusiness.com/news_live/1181847601.52 >

INDIA
United States wants WTO probe of Indian duties on wine and spirits. The Hindustan Times, 25 May 2007.
The United States said it would ask the World Trade Organization to investigate whether India’s import duties on United States products such as Napa Valley wine violate global commerce rules. The announcement comes a month after the WTO established a panel to examine a European complaint against wine and liquor restrictions in a number of Indian states. India’s basic import duties on wine are 100 per cent, while the tariff on spirits is 150 per cent, both within WTO limits. However, various Government surcharges take the tariffs up to levels reaching as high as 550 per cent, depending on the Indian State. The State of Tamil Nadu goes further still, shutting out foreign alcohol and allowing shops to sell only Indian-made spirits and wines.
Accessed on 19 June
< http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx? >

MYANMAR
United States Senators introduce bill to extend sanctions against Myanmar, including import ban. International Herald Tribune, 14 June 2007.
A bipartisan bill was introduced on 14 June that aims at extending sanctions against Myanmar because of the human rights record of the military Government that runs the country. The sanctions include a ban on imports from Myanmar and visa restrictions on members of the Government. Unless extended, sanctions expire on 26 July 2007.
Accessed on 20 June
< http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/06/14/america/NA-GEN-US-Myanmar-Sanctions.php >

NEPAL
New food trade directive. Kantipur, 7 June 2007.
In a bid to check the inflow of substandard foods, the Government has decided not to allow import of food items without prior disclosure of their quality and health certification. The Ministry of Agriculture has already promulgated a new directive to this regard which will, once in place, not allow importer to bring in food items into the country without approval of the food authority. For obtaining permission, the importer will need to disclose source, ingredients, manufacturing process and quality of the items beforehand which he intends to bring into the country. The importer will also need to furnish health certification and quality assurance certification of the exporter/manufacturer accredited by the concerned authority of the exporting country.
Accessed on 8 June < http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=111985 >

PACIFIC ISLANDS
Trade in some Pacific coral to be restricted. Pacific Magazine, 14 June 2007.
Trade in some coral will be severely restricted in the future to try to stop the species becoming extinct in the Mediterranean and Pacific oceans. Countries of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species voted 62 to 28 to start regulating the export of red and pink corals, harvested mainly in the Mediterranean and Western Pacific. The part ban will take effect in 18 months’ time because of concerns by southern European producers, who say they need time to adapt to new trade rules.
Accessed on 20 June
< http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/06/14/trade-in-some-pacific-coral-to-be-restricted >

PAKISTAN
Anti-dumping duty slapped on polyester fibre. The News, 7 June 2007.
The National Tariff Commission (NTC) has levied definitive anti-dumping duty on the imports of polyester staple fibre (PSF) from Indonesia, the Republic of Korea and Thailand. PSF is mainly used in the manufacturing of textile fabrics and garments and the investigation was initiated in response to an application filed with the Commission under the Pakistan Anti-Dumping Duties Ordinance, 2000.
Accessed on 19 June < http://www.thenews.com.pk/print1.asp?id=59600 >

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Return to sender(s): Republic of Korea rejects 66 tonnes of United States beef. Cattle Network, 4 June 2007.
The Republic of Korea has decided to return two shipments with a total of 66 tonnes of United States beef that violated the country’s import restrictions. The rejected beef was processed for the American market and not meant for export, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Korea. The ministry also indicated that it would ban further beef imports from a specific food processor based in Springdale, Arkansas.
Accessed on 19 June < http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=134848 >

Canada urges Republic of Korea to drop beef import ban. Cattle Network, 13 June 2007.
The Canadian Government has formally asked the Republic of Korea to scrap its ban on imports of beef from Canada. Canada has sent a formal letter asking for a lift of the ban, citing the World Organization for Animal Health’s classification of Canada as a “controlled risk” for bovine spongiform encephalopathy.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.cattlenetwork.com/content.asp?contentid=137062 >

RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Russian Federation bans rice import from India. The Dawn, 6 June 2007.
The Russian Federation on 5 June banned imports of rice and two other commodities from India after finding pests in some consignments. It said that India had sought time from the Russian Federation till November saying that the new crop would be free from the problem. The actual ban is in force from 1 May, but import was allowed on the basis of earlier issued certificates. Now a complete ban has come into force. The ban applies on rice, groundnuts and sesame seeds originating from India.
Accessed on 7 June < http://www.dawn.com/2007/06/06/ebr4.htm >

WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION
United States urges WTO to expand list of banned subsidies. Washington Post, 4 June 2007.
The United States detailed a proposal to expand the list of prohibited government subsidies under global trade rules. The proposal expands the categories of prohibited subsidies from two - export subsidies and import substitution subsidies - to seven. The five new subsidies are: Government payments to companies to cover operating losses; forgiveness of Government-held debt; lending to “uncreditworthy” companies; equity investments in “unequityworthy” companies; and other financing, like “royalty-based” financing, that is not commercially available. There are growing suspicions in the United States Congress that substantial Chinese Government subsidies have helped Chinese companies penetrate the United States market. The United States also unveiled a second proposal that responds to a series of adverse WTO rulings against a practice known as “zeroing” for calculating anti-dumping duties on foreign goods. Critics says the practice allows countries to set higher duties by ignoring certain sales when determining how far below “fair market value” imported goods are being sold.
Accessed on 19 June
< http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/04/AR2007060401369.html >

Increase in new anti-dumping investigations, continued decline in new final anti-dumping measures. WTO, 11 June 2007.
The WTO Secretariat reported that during the period of 1 July-31 December 2006, the number of initiations of new anti-dumping investigations showed a modest increase compared with the corresponding period of 2005. The number of new measures applied continued to decline. During July-December 2006, 19 Members reported initiating a total of 103 new investigations, compared with 96 initiations in the corresponding period of 2005. A total of 15 Members reported applying 66 new final anti-dumping measures during the July-December 2006 period, compared with 76 new measures reported for the period July-December 2005. China remained the most frequent subject of the new investigations. The products that were the most frequent subject of the reported new investigations were in the chemicals sector, followed by pulp and paper, and base metals.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres07_e/pr483_e.htm >

BHUTAN
Power tariff revised for three years. Kuensel online, 8 June 2007.
Effective from 1 July, electricity cost will go up by an average of 10 per cent for the next three years. The domestic power tariff has been undergoing regular revisions ever since the department of power was restructured in July 2002 into the Department of Energy (DOE), the Bhutan Electricity Authority (BEA) and the Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) in line with the Electricity Act of 2001. With the DoE looking after policy and planning, the BEA as the regulator, the BPC is a utility service company looking after transmission, distribution and supply of electricity within the country.
Accessed on 20 June
< http://www.kuenselonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8565

CHINA
China unveils climate change plan. BBC, 4 June 2007.
China has unveiled its first national plan for climate change, saying it is intent on tackling the problem but not at the expense of economic development. The 62-page report reiterated China’s aim to reduce energy use by a fifth before 2010 and increase the amount of renewable energy it produces. But it also repeated the view that responsibility for climate change rests with rich westernized countries.
Accessed on 20 June < http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6717671.stm >

China opens anti-spam website. SINA, 18 June 2007.
Spam senders will be blacklisted on an anti-spam website opened by the Internet Society of China (ISC). The comprehensive anti-spam processing platform (www.iscbl.anti-spam.cn) will post a regularly updated blacklist of spam servers, allowing telecom operators and mail service providers to access the information. Over 100,000 IP addresses have been blacklisted thanks to public reports. A “white list” of mail service providers will also be posted on the website, boosting the development of lawful mail service providers.
Accessed on 20 June < http://english.sina.com/china/1/2007/0618/115507.html >

China to improve standards for food safety. China Daily, 20 June 2007.
China will update and strengthen enforcement of its food safety standards. A statement of the National Standardization Management Commission was posted on the website of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine to this effect. China had 1,965 national food safety standards at the end of 2006, 634 of which were mandatory, but the standards are on average 12 years old. The goal is to ensure that domestic standards comply with international ones and that none of them are more than four and a half years old.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2007-06/20/content_898400.htm >

INDONESIA
Indonesian Forum for the Environment calls for forest cutting interval to save Indonesia forests. Bernama, 6 June 2007.
The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) has urged the central Government and all regional administrations in Indonesia to implement a “forest cutting interval” to protect the country from total deforestation. The forum has been proposing the measure since 2002, however, until now, only the Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) provincial administration had heeded the call and was planning to impose a ban on forest cutting later in June. The forum is hoping that NAD administration’s action would prompt all other regional Governments in the country to follow suit. Only 62 per cent of the country’s land territory is still covered by forests and the pressures of developments and economic interests are causing forest degradation to occur at an ever increasing rate.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=265954 >

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Islamic Republic of Iran to build five new refineries across Asia. Tehran Times, 12 June 2007.
The oil-rich Islamic Republic of Iran announced it would help build five new refineries across Asia with a total capacity of 1.1 million barrels per day in a bid to bolster ties in the region. Refineries will be built in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Syria. The petroleum minister also proposed the creation of an Asian energy market comprising major suppliers and consumers such as China, India, Japan and the Republic of Korea arguing that such a grouping of West Asia oil suppliers and Asian consumers could bring about mutual benefit as Asian countries could invest in upstream and downstream oil and gas projects.
Accessed on 12 June < http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=6/12/2007&Cat=9&Num=23 >

EUROPEAN UNION
Europe mulls anti-ID theft law. OUT-LAW News, 24 May 2007.
The European Commission is considering new legislation against identity theft. The proposal is contained in a policy on EU-wide plans to fight cybercrime. As an example, the Commission will consider an initiative regarding European legislation against identity theft in 2007. Legislative action could also include developing a regulation on the responsibility of different actors in the relevant sector. The main feature of this policy instrument is a proactive policy in reinforcing the structures for operational law enforcement cooperation. The Commission will launch a reflection on how this cooperation can be strengthened and improved. The policy instrument includes actions to improve exchange of information and best practices, initiatives to improve training and awareness-raising within law enforcement authorities. The Commission also wants to create new public-private projects designed to fight crime. This could also raise privacy problems because state bodies in Europe are often reluctant to share personal information with the private sector.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.out-law.com/page-8084 >

NEPAL
Government committed to extending agro-services. The Rising Nepal, 20 June 2007.
The Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives has said that the Government was committed to extending advanced technology for the development of agriculture. The ministry stressed that poverty would be alleviated if effective research could be carried out by developing farmer friendly technology. For instance, a goat development programme, that is run based on research carried out in several districts was found effective.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.gorkhapatra.org.np/content.php?nid=21359 >

PACIFIC ISLANDS
French research institutions join forces with University of the South Pacific. Pacific Magazine, 14 June 2007.
Pacific-based French scientific, higher education and research organizations have vowed to strengthen ties with their English-speaking counterparts, mainly the Fiji-based University of the South Pacific (USP). One way of strengthening ties is to set up a new French-funded scholarship which is key to get financial support from the French Government, via its Embassy in Fiji, or the region-dedicated French Pacific Fund.
Accessed on 20 June
< http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/06/14/french-research-institutions-join-forces-with-usp >

Rural Pacific islanders to benefit from World Bank electricity project. The Pacific Magazine, 15 June 2007.
The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved US$ 9.5 million provided by the Global Environment Facility to fund renewable energy electricity supplies for rural communities in Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. In the Pacific Islands, access to electricity can be as low as 7 per cent in rural areas of Papua New Guinea to a high of 65 per cent in Fiji. However, power generation has been heavily dependent on diesel and most lighting is still provided by kerosene lamps. With the cost of diesel and kerosene soaring in the past two years, many rural households have been spending 25 per cent or more of their income on fuel. Schools in Papua New Guinea have been spending around 70 per cent of their budget on diesel for electricity.
Accessed on 20 June
< http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/06/15/rural-pacific-islanders-to-benefit-from-world-bank-electricity-project >

CHINA
China starts new bankruptcy law. BBC, 1 June 2007.
China has introduced a new bankruptcy law that gives creditors precedence over workers when it comes to claiming the assets of failed companies. The law also means that, for the first time, private Chinese firms that have failed will be allowed to collapse. Previously they existed in a legal limbo - their assets could not be released and their debts could not be struck from their creditors’ books. Studies estimate that there are about 30 million Chinese people listed on the employment rolls of public companies that are no longer operational. The change is seen as another step in China’s move to a market econmy.
Accessed on 4 June < http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6710669.stm >

China’s first city-level commercial banks set to go public. SINA, 19 June 2007.
China’s first two city-level commercial banks are set to go public by issuing yuan renminbi-denominated A-shares to be listed on the domestic stock exchanges. Their initial public offering (IPO) applications are being reviewed by the China Securities Regulatory Commission. Apart from the two banks, a Beijing-based bank has also completed its application for IPO and city commercial banks in Hangzhou, Chongqing and Shanghai are following suit.
Accessed on 20 June < http://english.sina.com/business/1/2007/0619/115560.html >

EUROPEAN UNION
EU sets 10,000 euros rule on cash customs declarations. International Herald Tribune, 14 June 2007.
Starting from 15 June 2007, people leaving or entering the European Union have to declare cash totaling 10,000 euros or more under new rules aimed at cracking down on money laundering. Those found with undeclared, larger amounts - in cash of any currency, as well as securities, gems or precious metals - are subject to having their money seized. Up to now, national border authorities among the 27 EU members have been enforcing their own restrictions on the amounts they allow individuals to bring into their countries.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/06/14/travel/14customs.php >

INDIA
India economic zones get go-ahead. BBC News, 5 June 2007.
India has given final approval for 24 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to be created in the country. Big companies are among those to have their plans given the go-ahead. The Ministry of Commerce’s decision comes after a two-month freeze on approving SEZs which have attracted protests from threatened farmers and landowners. Inspired by similar zones established in China, the tax-free enclaves are seen as a way to promote trade. Proposals for another nine SEZs were approved pending scrutiny by State Government departments, while a further 13 applications were deferred.
Accessed on 6 June < http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6723827.stm >

Canada strikes trade deal with India. Bilaterals, 18 June 2007.
Canada and India have reached a trade agreement which will guarantee fair legal treatment for each other’s investors. The agreement will provide a stable environment for investors and will further stimulate trade an investment flows between the two countries. An agreement like this is generally considered a stepping stone to a full-fledged free trade deal and Canada has already signaled it would like to eventually sign one with India.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=8748 >

INDONESIA
Indonesia reviews foreign ownership. The Sunday Times, 29 May 2007.
Indonesia is reviewing policies on foreign equity ownership in some sectors to enhance transparency and legal clarity in its investment regulations. The review is being carried out following a new investment law which came into effect in April 2007 aiming to attract more foreign capital. The intention is part of implementing regulations of the new investment law.
Accessed on 19 June < http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/Business/Article.aspx?id=476298 >

JAPAN
Japan and Cambodia sign investment pact. People’s Daily online, 15 June 2007.
Japan and Cambodia have signed a bilateral investment pact to attract more capital from Japan to Cambodia. According to the pact, Japanese firms will be treated equally with local firms in terms of regulations and taxation, and the Cambodian side will make efforts to build a favorable investment environment. Japan hopes that the pact will contribute to Cambodia’s strategy to protect and promote direct investment by foreign firms as part of efforts to restore its economy.
Accessed on 18 June < http://english.people.com.cn/200706/15/eng20070615_384363.html >

MYANMAR
Myanmar banks to assist trading at Indian border. The Myanmar Times, 28 May 2007.
Trade procedures at the Tamu-Moreh border check-point between Myanmar and India are likely to soon change with the introduction of a banking system to handle payments. The opening of letters of credit to facilitate cross-border payments between traders of the two countries signals a shift from border trade to normal trade procedures, which are easier to monitor for tax purposes but also cheaper for traders as the value of goods is calculated at a different exchange rate. To facilitate the trade, a branch in Tamu of a bank of Myanmar will cooperate with an India counterpart in Moreh. Letter of Credit facilities at the two banks will allow kyats and Indian rupees to be legally converted to United States dollars, which would lead to an increase in the volume of trade as the exchange of cash would not only become legal but easier as well.
Accessed on 1 June < http://www.mmtimes.com/no368/b001.htm >

PAKISTAN
Qatar and Pakistan sign agreement for U$2 billion worth investment. Khaleej Times Online, 2 June 2007.
Qatar signed several agreements and MoUs with the Government of Pakistan for U$ 2 billion worth new investment in Pakistan. Qatar has decided to invest in various sectors, in particular power, tourism, and hotel and infrastructure projects. Qatar is further exploring new avenues for investment in Pakistan, e.g. Qatar has proposed to set up a US$ 500 million power project at Checho-ki-malian, a livestock farm on five thousand of acres at a cost of around US$ 100 million as well as two five star hotels each in Karachi and Lahore at a cost of US$ 150 million.
Accessed on 4 June
< http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/business/2007/June/ >

REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Minister calls on EU firms to consider investment in Kaesong complex. Bilaterals, 11 June 2007.
The Ministry of Commerce has called on European companies to consider investing in the inter-Korean industrial complex of Kaesong in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. In a meeting with businessmen from the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea (EUCCK), the minister said foreign companies had plenty of time to build factories at the Kaesong industrial park. Companies could submit applications to invest in the complex, located 1.5 kilometers north of the demilitarized zone that separates the two Koreas, by the end of the year. The remarks came after no foreign firm has expressed interest in the facility that the Republic of Korea wants to build up as a showcase for economic cooperation between the two Koreas. There are 21 companies employing over 11,000 workers of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at the complex.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.bilaterals.org/article.php3?id_article=8657 >

TONGA
Tonga changes income tax laws. Pacific Magazine, 18 June 2007.
Tonga’s Parliament has passed new laws relating to income tax. The act has simplified and rationalized income tax rates and personal deductions, and the treatment of wage withholding as a final tax for many employees. Provisions relating to the taxation of international transactions have been included reflecting the increased importance of international transactions in the global economy. The act simplifies the structure and drafting of the income tax law- clarifying amounts that are subject to tax or allowed as deductions and the act includes measures to prevent tax avoidance.
Accessed on 20 June
< http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2007/06/18/tonga-changes-income-tax-laws >

VIET NAM
New decree a key building block. Viet Nam Investment Review, 18 June 2007.
The Government has released Decree 78/2007/ND-CP, dated 11 May 2007, on investments under the build-operate-transfer (BOT), build-transfer-operate (BTO) and build-transfer (BT) models, replacing obsolete decrees 77/CP, 62/1998/ND-CP and 02/1999/ND-CP governing the same matter. Decree 78 follows the 2005 Investment Law, the 2005 Enterprises Law and the 2002 Construction Law. There is no substantial difference in terms of the nature of the BOT, BTO or BT contracts in comparison to the old regulations. However, the new decree sets forth a number of different provisions that apply specifically to investments under the form of the these contracts rather than other forms of investment. Investment under BOT, BTO, BT contracts can be now resumed, following almost a year in which there were no legal guidelines for the contracts after the 2005 Investment Law took effect.
Accessed on 20 June < http://www.vir.com.vn/Client/VIR/index.asp?url=content.asp&doc=13545 >

Read the full story on the Yale Global:
< http://yaleglobal.yale.edu/display.article?id=9302 >
Accessed on 20 June 2007

… Thailand wants to DNA-test Myanmar logs?
Thailand is considering to employ DNA testing to trace the origin of imported logs, to ensure they were not cut illegally in Thailand and then presented as Myanmar timber. The use of the technology marks the gearing up of the fight against deforestation, to prevent a repeat of 1997 “Salween scandal” when several thousand logs taken from Salween National Park in Thailand’s Tak province were declared as coming from Myanmar.

Read the full story on the Myanmar Times:
< http://www.mmtimes.com/no370/b003.htm >
Accessed on 19 June 2007

… the OECD adopted stronger environmental rules for export credits?
OECD countries have agreed to a recommendation that calls for stronger environment-related requirements for export deals to qualify for export credit backing from their Governments’ Export Credit Agencies (ECAs).

Read the full story on OECD:
< http://www.oecd.org/document/4/0,3343,en_2649_201185_38752004_1_1_1_1,00.html >
Accessed on 20 June 2007

… the Solomon Islands Government touts live dolphin exports?
The Solomon Islands Fisheries Minister has expressed support for the resumption of controversial live dolphin exports.

Read the full story from the Age:
<http://www.theage.com.au/news/World/Solomons-govt-touts-live-dolphin-exports/2007/06/13/1181414368310.html>
Accessed on 20 June

… Viet Nam is now the third largest investor in Lao People’s Democratic Republic?
Viet Nam is the third largest investor in the country behind Thailand and China. Since Lao People’s Democratic Republic initiated its Investment Law in 1983, Vietnamese businesses have leapt into 106 projects at a cost of US$ 516 million, mainly in the fields of mining, hydropower and energy and agriculture.

Read the full story on Viet Nam Economy:
< http://www.vneconomy.com.vn/eng/?param=article&catid=03&id=50544bc180123c >
Accessed on 19 June 2007

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