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CHINA
Agreement on air services with the United States of America signed. The Washington File, 24 July 2004
On 24 July 2004, China and the United States of America signed a landmark air services agreement. The new agreement allows five additional airlines from each country to serve the U.S.-China market over the next six years. The United States may name one additional all-cargo airline, while China may name either a passenger or cargo airline, to start service later this year.
Accessed on 27 July 2004 < http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/ >

EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
New measures proposed to improve GSP scheme. EU Trade News, 7 July 2004
On 7 July 2004, the European Commission issued a communication setting out proposed principles that will guide the EU system of trade preferences for developing countries (Generalized System of Preferences - GSP) for the next ten years. The European Commission proposes to improve the current system by simplifying it (cutting back the five separate arrangements which exist at present); focusing on the benefits for those developing countries most in need, fostering regional cooperation and strengthening the focus for additional GSP benefits on sustainable development.
Accessed on 19 July 2004 <http://europa.eu.int/comm/trade/issues/global/gsp/pr070704_en.htm>

Proposal to reform the EU sugar regime. EU Delegation in Thailand, 14 July 2004
On 14 July 2004, the EU put forward an important proposal to change its sugar regime. In the proposal, the EU offers to reduce sugar exports and export refunds, abolish intervention, reduce EU production and the internal sugar price and grant a de-coupled payment to sugar beet farmers. Concerning its commitments to ACP countries and India, the EU has proposed to provide tailor-made programmes to help them adapt to the new market conditions in order to improve the competitiveness of sugar production where viable or to support diversification. For further details on the proposal see < http://europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/capreform/index_en.htm >
Accessed on 19 July 2004 < http://www.deltha.cec.eu.int/bic/news/new_sugarregime.htm >

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO)
New treaty on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. FAO News, 29 June 2004
On 29 June 2004, the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, a legally binding global instrument encouraging sustainable agriculture, entered into force. Under the new agreement, plant breeders, farmers and public and private research institutions would access these plant genetic resources under standard conditions. A key aspect of the agreement is that, in certain cases, those who commercialize plants bred with material from the Multilateral System will be required to pay an equitable share of the monetary benefits to a trust fund, which will be used to help developing countries improve the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources. Another important element of the treaty is the establishment of the Global Crop Diversity Trust. The Trust will establish an endowment that will provide support for gene bank conservation and capacity-building for developing countries.
Accessed on 12 July 2004 < http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2004/47027/index.html >

INDONESIA
Promotion of trade with Central America. Indonesian National Agency for Export Development, 13 July 2004
On 13 July 2004, the Government of Indonesia announced that it will officially open Indonesian Trade Promotion Center in Mexico City (Mexico) by the end of 2004. This initiative is part of the government’s effort to increase trade promotion and encourage trade and investment relations with the Central American region and its surrounding.
Accessed on 12 July 2004 < http://www.nafed.go.id/news/index.php?artc=1003 >

THAILAND
Free trade deal with Australia. Asia Business Daily, 5 July 2004
On 5 July 2004, Australia and Thailand signed a free trade agreement intended to further strengthen the links between the two countries. The agreement and memoranda of understanding include areas such as environment, cultural heritage, education and training. For further details on the text of the agreement as well as on the implications for businesses, please refer to the web site of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at
< http://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/negotiations/aust-thai/ >
Accessed on 12 July 2004 < http://www.asiabusinessdaily.com/ >

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Review of the GSP scheme. U.S. Trade Representative, 30 June 2004
On 30 June 2004, the Government of the United States of America announced the outcome of the annual review of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a programme under which more than 140 beneficiary developing economies export products duty-free to the market of the United States. Under the review action, US$ 135 million in imports ranging from chemicals to manufactured goods that were found to be competitive in the market of the United States at normal tariff rates were removed from GSP eligibility. Additionally, the petitions to remove certain countries from the GSP program for not meeting several statutory criteria for GSP eligibility were also reviewed.
Accessed on 19 July 2004 < http://www.ustr.gov/releases/2004/06/04-55.pdf >

EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
Import duties in the cereals sector. Official Journal of the European Union, 16 July 2004
Effective from 16 July 2004, the EU approved commission regulation (EC) No 1309/2004 fixing the import duties in the cereals sector.
Accessed on 27 July 2004 from < http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/l_244/l_24420040716en00390041.pdf

Import duties in the rice sector. Official Journal of the European Union, 22 July 2004
Effective from 23 July 2004, the EU approved commission regulation (EC) No 1344/2004 fixing the import duties in the rice sector.
Accessed on 27 July 2004 from < http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/l_249/l_24920040723en00110013.pdf

Temporary suspension of duties on certain industrial, agricultural and fishery products. Official Journal of the European Union, 5 July 2004
Effective from 1 July 2004, the EU approved commission regulation (EC) No 1241/2004 amending Regulation (EC) No 1255/96 temporarily suspending the autonomous Common Customs Tariff duties on certain industrial, agricultural and fishery products.
Accessed on 10 July 2004 from < http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/l_238/l_23820040708en00010007.pdf

INDIA
Revocation of the suspended DEPB rates on engineering products. Indian Directorate General for Foreign Trade, 12 July 2004
On 12 July 2004, the Government of India issued Public Notice No. 71 (RE-2003)/2002-2007 revoking the suspension of Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) rates for engineering products which had been previously introduced by Public Notice No. 54 of 28 February 2004 and Public Notice No. 56 of 10 March 2004 respectively.
Accessed on 28 July 2004 < http://dgftcom.nic.in/exim/2000/pn/pn03/pn7103.htm >

PAKISTAN
List of tariff concessions for ECO and SAARC member countries. Pakistan Central Board of Revenue, 1 July 2004
On 1 July 2004, the Government of Pakistan issued Custom Notification S.R.O. (I)/2004 listing the exemption of custom duty for the import of certain products originating in member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).
Accessed on 10 July 2004 < http://www.cbr.gov.pk/newcu/sros/2004SRO010704.PDF >

SRI LANKA
Custom imports tariff guide 2004 available. Sri Lanka Customs
The Government of Sri Lanka has issued the Custom Imports Tariff Guide for the year 2004, which is now available from the website of the Sri Lanka Customs Department.
Accessed on 28 July 2004
< http://www.customs.gov.lk/Tariff_2004/SL%20Customs%20Imports%20Tariff%20Guide%202004.zip >

EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
Authorized transfers between the quantitative limits of textiles and clothing products originating in Viet Nam. Official Journal of the European Union, 12 July 2004
Effective from 13 July 2004, the European Council issued Council Regulation (EC) No 1296/2004 of 12 July 2004 authorizing transfers between the quantitative limits of textiles and clothing products originating in Viet Nam.
Accessed on 29 July 2004 < http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/l_244/l_24420040716en00100011.pdf >

Countervailing duty on imports of stainless steel wire from India. Official Journal of the European Union, 19 July 2004
Effective from 20 July 2004, the European Council issued Council Regulation (EC) No 1323/2004 of 19 July 2004 amending Regulation (EC) No 1601/1999 and imposing a definitive countervailing duty on imports of stainless steel wire with a diameter of less than 1mm originating in India.
Accessed on 19 July 2004 < http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/pri/en/oj/dat/2004/l_246/l_24620040720en00140018.pdf >

Extension of the ban on imports of chicken products from certain Asian countries. EU Business News, 26 July 2004
On 23 July 2004, the European Commission announced it decision to prolong until 15 December 2004 a ban on imports of chicken products and pet birds from several Asian countries affected by the avian flu. The countries concerned by this measure are Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos PDR, Pakistan, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Viet Nam.
Accessed on 30 July 2004 < http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040726115152.ttl8ca6k >

INDIA
New conditions for the import drugs under the advance licensing scheme. Indian Directorate General for Foreign Trade, 22 July 2004
On 22 July 2004, the Government of India issued Policy Circular No. 41 (RE-2004)/2002-2007 to introduce further conditions to the import of approved and unapproved drugs under Advance Licensing Scheme without requirement of registration procedure. The new conditions complement the existing ones imposed by Policy Circulars No. 9 of 30 June 2003, No. 15 of 17 September 2003 and No. 33 of 30 April 2004.
Accessed on 28 July 2004 < http://dgftcom.nic.in/exim/2000/cir/cir03/cir4103.htm >

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Anti-dumping measures against ironing tables and plastic bags from China, Malaysia and Thailand. The Washington File, 15 July 2004
On 15 July 2004, the Government of the United States of America announced the imposition of anti-dumping duties on ironing tables and plastic shopping bags from China. The ruling imposes anti-dumping duties on plastic bags from Thailand and Malaysia as well. In its final determination, the U.S. Government stated that the dumping margins for the plastic bags ranged up to 77.33 per cent for China, 101.74 per cent for Malaysia and 122.88 per cent for Thailand. It Additionally, it also stated that the dumping margins for ironing tables from China ranged up to 113.80 per cent.
Accessed on 19 July 2004 < http://usinfo.state.gov/ >

Anti-dumping measures against shrimps and prawns from China and Viet Nam. The Washington File, 6 July 2004
On 6 July 2004, the Government of the United States of America announced the imposition of anti-dumping measures against imports of frozen and canned warm-water shrimp and prawns from China and Viet Nam. In preliminary determinations, dumping margins were calculated ranging from 7.67 per cent to 112.81 per cent for imports from China and 12.11 per cent to 93.13 percent for imports from Vietnam. Details of the ruling including dumping margins can be viewed at < http://www.ita.doc.gov/media/FactSheet/0704/shrimp_070604.html >
Accessed on 10 July 2004 < http://lists.state.gov/SCRIPTS/WA-USIAINFO >

Tariff-rate quota allocations for raw cane sugar, refined sugar, and sugar-containing products for 2004-2005. U.S. Trade Representative, 23 July 2004
On 23 July 2004, the Government of the United States of America announced the country-by-country tariff-rate quota allocations of the raw cane sugar, refined sugar, and sugar-containing products for 2005. The in-quota quantity of the tariff-rate quota for raw cane sugar for 2005 has been established at 1,117,195 metric tons. The country-by-country allocations are available form the link provided below.
Accessed on 19 July 2004 < http://www.ustr.gov/releases/2004/07/04-63.pdf >

BANGLADESH
National biotechnology policy launched. Financial Express of Bangladesh, 6 July 2004
The government of Bangladesh has formulated the first National Biotechnology Policy of the country with a view to utilizing the latest innovations in the field. Under the new policy, the government would set up biotech incubator parks in collaboration with foreign organizations in different locations according to the availability of bio-resources. The parks will be structured on a commercial format and they will mainly focus on food and cash crop, medical biotechnology including herbal medicine and industrial product having market demand. A national authority on biotechnology will be set up to coordinate the country's public and private biotechnological initiatives.
Accessed on 19 July 2004 < http://www.financialexpress-bd.com/index3.asp?cnd=7/6/2004 >

EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
Arrangements regarding imports of 2004 shipments of restrained T&C products into the EU. European Commission, Trade Issues, 30 June 2004
On 30 June 2004, the European Commission published a notice on the arrangements regarding import into the EU of 2004 shipments of restrained textiles and clothing (T&C) products. In accordance with EU bilateral agreements with third countries, administrative arrangements notified to the World Trade Organization, and relevant EU Council Regulation, the EU has stated that whenever such agreements establish quantitative limits for the import of T&C products into the EU, the quotas are applied on the basis of shipment of the goods.
Accessed on 14 July 2004 < http://europa.eu.int/comm/trade/issues/sectoral/industry/textile/pr300604b_en.htm >

EU accedes Madrid Protocol for the protection of trademarks. WIPO Press Release, 29 June 2004
On 29 June 2004, the EU acceded to the Madrid Protocol, one of the two treaties that govern the international registration of trademarks intended to offer trademark owners greater flexibility in safeguarding their trademarks. From 1 October 2004, trademark owners from member countries of the Madrid Protocol will be able to select the EU in their application for international trademark registration. If protection is not refused by the EU’s trademark office, protection of the trademark will be effective in all 25 EU member states.
Accessed on 14 July 2004 < http://www.wipo.int/edocs/prdocs/en/2004/wipo_pr_2004_387.html >

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO)
Free, open-source software to offer information to developing countries. FAO News, 21 July 2004
On 21 July 2004, FAO announced the launching of GeoNetwork, a spatial information management system that provides access via the Internet to a wide range of geographically referenced data from a variety of sources. GeoNetwork is designed to harmonize and improve access to FAO's spatial databases to support decision-makers in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and food security and to promote multidisciplinary approaches to sustainable development by allowing FAO, other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and research institutions worldwide to share and distribute geographically referenced information more easily.
Accessed on 23 July 2004 < http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2004/48327/index.html >

GLOBAL COMPACT
Global Compact centre in Barcelona to promote corporate citizenship. Global Compact News, 23 Jul 2004
On 22 July 2004, Forum Barcelona, a public-private partnership in Spain working to promote sustainable development, cultural diversity and peace-building, announced its backing of the Global Compact initiative to promote corporate social responsibility. The Centre will work with the various Global Compact country networks around the world investigating topics such as globalization, sustainable development, cultural diversity, spirituality, freedom and peace.
Accessed on 26 July 2004 < http://www.unglobalcompact.org/ >

GLOBAL EARTH OBSERVATION SYSTEM OF SYSTEMS
New scheme to monitor data from land, air, sea and space. United Nations Wire, 26 July 2004
The Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) has announced a new collaboration scheme between 17 federal agencies of the United States of America and nearly 50 countries to monitor data from land, air and sea sites around the world as well as from space to give an updated assessment of the earth's vital signs. The aim of the project is to assist farmers plant their crops; sailors traverse the seas and health officials combat disease. At the outset, GEOSS will collect data from 10,000 manned and unmanned weather stations, 1,000 buoys and 100,000 daily observations from 7,000 ships and 3,000 aircraft. Later, information will be provided from satellites.
Accessed on 27 July 2004 < http://www.unwire.org/UNWire/20040726/449_26186.asp >

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION (ISO)
New international standard for social responsibility. ISO Press Release, 29 June 2004
On 25 June 2004, ISO announced its intention to develop an International Standard for social responsibility as a guidance document not intended for use in certification and that can be used by non-specialists. To develop the social responsibility standard, ISO will set up a new working group answering directly to ISO's Technical Management Board that oversees the activities of the organization's 186 standards-developing technical subcommittees.
Accessed on 12 July 2004 < http://www.iso.org/iso/en/commcentre/pressreleases/2004/Ref924.html >

New guarantee facility for investors. The World Bank News Release, 29 July 2004
On 29 July 2004, the World Bank approved a credit to Afghanistan for the financing of a political risk insurance program. The Afghanistan Investment Guarantee Facility (AIGF) is intended to encourage foreign investment in the country through the provision of political risk insurance with coverage capacity of up to US$60 million. The World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) will administer the facility.
Accessed on 30 July 2004 < http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/NEWS/ >

CHINA
Shenzhen Stock Exchange opens to the new SMEs Board. China Internet Information Centre, 5 July 2004
On June 23, the trading of stocks began on the Shenzhen stock market for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) Board. The board was established in May 2004 to enable private companies to raise public equity capital, allow entrepreneurs the opportunity to exit their investments and promote a more market-oriented development of the stock market.
Accessed on 15 July 2004 <http://www.china.org.cn/english/BAT/100257.htm>

EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
Further steps to open trade in services. EU Trade News, 22 July 2004
On 21 July 2004, the 4th Euromed Trade Ministers meeting in Istanbul (Turkey) took further steps to open trade in services in the region. To this effect the meeting adopted a set of guidelines detailing the main objectives and principles of the opening of trade in services for all Euromed partners. Ministers agreed to open up trade in services in a two step approach. In a first step, all Euromed partners have adopted a Framework Protocol detailing objectives and principles to be achieved in the negotiation. In a second step, Euromed partners will negotiate bilateral agreements in accordance with WTO rules.
Accessed on 27 July 2004 < http://europa.eu.int/comm/trade/issues/bilateral/regions/euromed/pr220704_en.htm >

MONGOLIA
Trade and investment agreement with the United States of America. U.S. Trade Representative, 15 July 2004
On July 15 2004, Mongolia and the United States of America concluded a bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) intended to increase and diversify trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. The TIFA creates a U.S.-Mongolia Council on Trade and Investment which will address issues that include, but are not limited to, intellectual property, labor, environmental issues, and non-tariff barriers.
Accessed on 23 July 2004 < http://www.ustr.gov/releases/2004/07/04-58.pdf >

Loan to improve road links to China and the Russian Federation. Asian Development Bank, 22 July 2004
On 22 July 2004, ADB approved a US$37.1 million loan to promote regional cooperation and sustainable economic growth in Mongolia to strengthen transport links to neighboring countries. The Regional Road Development Project is intended to develop the remaining section of Mongolia's north-south road transport corridor, covering about 428 kilometers, between Choyr and the border with China in Zamyn-Uud.
Accessed on 26 July 2004 < http://www.adb.org/Media/Articles/2004/ >

MYANMAR
Line of credit for railway projects extended. Exim Bank of India, 27 July 2004
On 27 July 2004, India and Myanmar signed an agreement by which the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) extended a line of credit of US$ 56 million to Myanmar for financing railway projects in the country. The line of credit will be used partly for financing supply of locomotives and coaches from India for the development of Yangon-Mandalay Railway Track Line in Myanmar and the balance, for supply of equipment and machine tools from India, for workshops and upgrade of railway facilities in Myanmar. Under the agreement, Exim Bank will reimburse Indian exporters 100 per cent of contract value, upon shipment of equipment and goods and provision of services by exporters. The credit period available is up to 10 years.
Accessed on 28 July 2004 < http://www.eximbankindia.com/press53.html >

ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)
Project to tackle problems with indirect taxes on internationally traded services. OECD News, 15 July 2004
On 15 July 2004, the OECD announced the launch of a project to improve the ways in which indirect taxes such as value added taxes apply to internationally traded services and intangible products and to avoid the negative impacts of double and non-taxation. In some cases, services and intangible products are sold without any payment of tax at all. In other cases, they are taxed twice. The OECD analysis shows that the complexities and differences of taxation systems are hampering the growth of trade and the ability of businesses to enter new markets.
Accessed on 28 July 2004 <http://www.oecd.org/document/22/ >

PAKISTAN
Enactment of the Finance Act 2004. Pakistan Central Board of Revenue
Effective from 1 July 2004, the Government of Pakistan has enacted the Finance Act 2004, which is available from the website of the Pakistan Central Board of Revenue.
Accessed on 28 July 2004 <http://cbr.gov.pk/budg2005/FinanceBill/Bill%202003-04.zip >

SRI LANKA
Income tax agreement with the United States of America signed. U.S. Treasury Department, 22 July 2004
On 12 July 12, Sri Lanka and the United States of America signed an income tax treaty intended to eliminate tax barriers to cross-border trade and investment between the two countries. The agreement includes provisions addressing the taxation of cross-border payments of business profits, investment income, and other types of income and gains. The agreement is intended to provide greater certainty to taxpayers with respect to the tax treatment of their cross-border activities and reduces the potential for double taxation of income from such activities. The agreement also contains administrative provisions, including mechanisms for the resolution of disputes.
Accessed on 26 July 2004 < http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/js1809.htm >

Read the full story from UNDP-Azerbaijan < http://www.un-az.org/undp/news/nicts1last2004.php >
Accessed on 15 July 2004

… India and Bangladesh consider strategic alliances in the textile sector in post-MFA scenario?
India and Bangladesh have recently discussed the desirability of forming strategic alliances in the textile sector so as to fully realise the potential in the post-MFA (Multi-Fibre Agreement) scenario. Experts from the two countries have highlighted that India has a very strong primary textile sector whereas Bangladesh has strength in the clothing and garment sector. The MFA comes to end on 1 January 2005.

Read the full story from the India’s Ministry of Commerce < http://commerce.nic.in/July04_release.htm#h10 >
Accessed on 15 July 2004

… Thailand Board of Investment has won WAIPA Award for Best Business Linkage Program?
The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) awarded the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) with the “Best Business Linkage Program Award”. Each agency surveyed was judged against four criteria: sustainability of the program; overall performance of the program; the program’s adaptability to other regions; and the program’s recorded achievements. The BOI’s business linkage program BUILD (BOI Unit for Industrial Linkage Development) ranked first in all four categories.

Read the full story from Thailand’s Board of Investment < http://www.boi.go.th/english/whatsnew/ >
Accessed on 9 July 2004

… OPIC has announced a new investment support facility for Mongolia?
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation of the United States of America has announced its plans to establish a US$50 million support facility to encourage U.S. investment in Mongolia. The facility will be available to projects that mobilize U.S. private capital and promise significant benefits to the economic and social development of Mongolia. OPIC has already supported US$10.5 million worth of projects by the U.S. private sector in investment in education, tourism and mining projects in Mongolia, and another US$16 million worth of projects are pending.

Read the full story from OPIC < http://www.opic.gov/PressReleases/2004/4-24.htm >
Accessed on 19 July 2004

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