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Bangkok, Thailand
  Trade and Investment Division (TID)  



2005 ANNUAL INDEX
e-TISNET Monthly News
(January-December)

SECTION       ISSUE ISSUE NO.

A. TRADE-RELATED INFORMATION (TR)
AFGHANISTAN
 
Afghanistan joins Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation Programme TR December 2005
 12/2005
APEC
 
APEC leaders' meeting concludes with the Busan Declaration TR December 2005
 12/2005
APEC Ministerial Meeting Joint Statement released TR December 2005
 12/2005
APEC trade ministers agree to promote trade facilitation in RTA/FTAs TR July 2005
 7/2005
APEC trade ministers endorse anti-counterfeiting and piracy initiative TR July 2005
 7/2005
ASIA-PACIFIC TRADE AGREEMENT
 
APTA agrees on lower tariff TR December 2005
 12/2005
ARMENIA
 
Normal trade relations with the U.S. granted TR February 2005
 2/2005
ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
Working together to reduce losses from natural disasters in the region TR February 2005 2/2005
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB)
Agreement for cooperation signed between ADB and OECD TR April 2005
4/2005
ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)
15th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting, Jakarta TR April 2005
4/2005
ASEAN commits to further integration TR January 2005
1/2005
ASEAN, India agree to quicken FTA talks TR November
11/2005
AUSTRALIA
Australia-China free trade agreement negotiations TR May 2005
5/2005
Australia seeks FTA with Republic of Korea TR October 2005
10/2005
FTA with the U.S. comes into force TR February 2005
2/2005
Trade talks under way between Australia and China TR June 2005
6/2005
AYEYAWADY-CHAO PHRAYA-MEKONG ECONOMIC COOPERATION STRATEGY
Second ACMECS Summit ends with agreements on expanded regional cooperation TR December 2005
12/2005
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh, China specify trade and other cooperation TR May 2005
5/2005
Chile wants to expand trade with Bangladesh TR September 2005
9/2005
BIMSTEC
BIMSTEC meet on institutional set up for accord implementation TR November 2005
1/2005
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Brunei Darussalam signs Trans-Pacific Strategic Closer Economic Partnership
trade agreement
TR September 2005

9/2005
CANADA
Ottawa to open talks with Republic of Korea TR August 2005
8/2005
CHINA
China and Gulf Cooperation Council hold negotiations for free trade and Rules of Origin TR November 2005
11/2005
China becomes world's third largest exporter TR May 2005
5/2005
China, Nigeria agree to expand economic cooperation TR May 2005
5/2005
China, Russian Federation pledge efforts to boost economic, cultural cooperation TR August 2005
8/2005
China-Russian Federation held a meeting to standardize trade order TR September 2005
9/2005
Sino-Chilean Free Trade Agreement signed TR December 2005
12/2005
Sino-Russian economic and trade ties to be boosted with increased cooperation TR October 2005
10/2005
Stabilization of export prices TR April 2005
4/2005
EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
Action plan for ACP sugar protocol countries TR February 2005
2/2005
Approach to EPAs’ broadened TR February 2005
2/2005
EU - China textile agreement TR July 2005
7/2005
EU proposes new aviation talks with Australia, Chile and India TR October 2005
10/2005
EU tables revised services offer in Doha round negotiations TR July 2005
7/2005
European Commission launches investigations in Chinese textiles imports TR June 2005
6/2005
New export help service for developing countries TR March 2005
3/2005
New GSP accelerated for tsunami affected countries TR March 2005
3/2005
Report on the operation of the CMO in bananas adopted TR March 2005
3/2005
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO)
Tariff reductions methods in agriculture discussed TR February 2005
2/2005
G-20
G-20 calls for end to unfair trade terms: joint declaration TR October 2005 10/2005
GREATER MEKONG SUBREGION (GMS)
GMS countries implement cross-border transport agreement TR August 2005 8/2005
Private sector on the agenda of 13th GMS Ministerial Meeting TR January 2005 1/2005
INDIA
Effectiveness of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between India and
MERCOSUR		 TR April 2005 4/2005
India and Indonesia seek to boost bilateral trade TR September 2005 9/2005
India for multilateral system for exchange of trade information TR December 2005 12/2005
India mulling FTA with Australia TR November 2005 11/2005
India to make revised offers to WTO on opening services sector TR July 2005 7/2005
India, Pakistan agree to improve bilateral trade TR May 2005 5/2005
India, Singapore ink pact TR August 2005 8/2005
Indian cabinet okays trade deal with Singapore to boost investment TR July 2005 7/2005
INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION
IATA e-freight to take the paper out of air cargo by 2010 TR December 2005 12/2005
IRAN (Islamic Republic of)
Iran signs first free trade agreement TR April 2005 4/2005
Islamic Republic of Iran team explores WTO negotiation expertise in China TR September 2005 9/2005
Islamic Republic of Iran, Afghanistan to hold joint trade fairs TR December 2005 12/2005
Islamic Republic of Iran, Kenya to broaden economic cooperation TR September 2005 9/2005
JAPAN
Economic framework with Canada launched TR March 2005
3/2005
Japan and Malaysia to sign free-trade agreement TR June 2005 6/2005
Japan threatens the United States of America with trade sanctions TR July 2005 7/2005
Japan-Mexico FTA comes into force TR May 2005 5/2005
LAO People's Democratic Republic
Bilateral trade agreement with the U.S. comes into force TR March 2005 3/2005
Lao People's Democratic Republic takes a step closer to WTO TR November 2005 11/2005
United States of America extends normal trade relations to Lao PDR TR January 2005 1/2005
MALAYSIA
Islamic common market a step closer TR November 2005 11/2005
MYANMAR
Islamic Republic of Iran, Myanmar stress closer investments, trade relations TR September 2005 9/2005
NEPAL
Nepal to become transit corridor for Sino-Indian trade TR December 2005 12/2005
NEW ZEALAND
Four countries agree to global trade pact TR July 2005 7/2005
New Zealand is Ready to Accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in
Southeast Asia
TR August 2005
8/2005
PAKISTAN
Pakistan and Malaysia ink early harvest agreement TR November 2005 11/2005
Pakistan planning project for better trade with Afghanistan, Central Asian Republics TR October 2005 10/2005
Pakistan pushes for FTA with Bangladesh TR October 2005 10/2005
Three more customs stations to facilitate bilateral trade with Islamic Republic of Iran,
Afghanistan
TR September 2005
9/2005
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Republic of Korea, EFTA agree to sign free trade accord TR August 2005 8/2005
Republic of Korea-ASEAN reach draft framework agreement on FTA TR June 2005 6/2005
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Russian authorities to crack down on pirated products TR October 2005 10/2005
Russian, European railways to improve international services TR October 2005 10/2005
SINGAPORE
Competition Act approved TR January 2005 1/2005
Singapore, Republic of Korea sign free trade agreement TR September 2005 9/2005
SOUTH ASIA FREE TRADE AREA
SAFTA breakthrough after rules of origin agreement TR October 2005 10/2005
SOUTH ASIAN ASSOCIATION FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION
Dhaka Declaration - Thirteenth SAARC Summit TR December 2005 12/2005
Draft of two trade accords for SAARC finalized TR November 2005 11/2005
SRI LANKA
FTA with Pakistan signed TR March 2005 3/2005
Sri Lanka Tea Board promoting untapped markets in Eastern Europe TR October 2005 10/2005
THAILAND
5th round of Thailand-United States of America trade talks ends TR November 2005 11/2005
New Zealand/ Thailand Closer Economic Partnership signed TR May 2005 5/2005
Post-FTA deficit with Australia TR April 2005 4/2005
Toward FTA with Japan: first agreement in the service sector TR April 2005 4/2005
TIMOR-LESTE
Australia and East Timor develop new ties TR August 2005 8/2005
UNCTAD
UNCTAD proposes new 'Trade Marshall Plan' for least developed countries TR July 2005 7/2005
UNITED NATIONS
Accord on vast UN-backed Asian Highway Network enters into force 4 July TR August 2005 8/2005
Kyoto Protocol comes into force TR March 2005 3/2005
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Announcement of request for bilateral textile consultations TR June 2005 6/2005
The United States of America and the Philippines meet under trade and investment
framework agreement, Philippines to lift ban on United States beef
TR September 2005
9/2005
United States of America and India establish economic focus groups to promote trade TR December 2005 12/2005
United States and Thailand concluded the fourth round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
negotiations in Great Falls, Montana
TR August 2005
8/2005
United States of America rejoins International Coffee Group TR March 2005 3/2005
VANUATU
Vanuatu ratifies pacific free trade deal TR August 2005 8/2005
VIET NAM
Amended Trade Law discussed TR January 2005 1/2005
Ho Chi Minh City Trade Centre to be built in Moscow TR August 2005 8/2005
Viet Nam concludes WTO negotiations with India TR September 2005 9/2005
Viet Nam eyes more overseas trade offices TR June 2005 6/2005
Viet Nam, Republic of Korea sign gas contract TR May 2005 5/2005
Vietnamese, Iranian businesses seek trade opportunities TR November 2005 11/2005
Vietnamese, Lao provinces to increase cooperation TR October 2005 10/2005
WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION (WCO)
New WCO framework for more secure trade TR January 2005 1/2005
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)
Accession working parties established for Iran and Sao Tome and Principe TR July 2005 7/2005
Developing countries' goods trade share surges to 50-year peak TR May 2005 5/2005
Standards and Trade Development Facility boosted TR March 2005 3/2005
WTO farm talks break down on technical issue TR May 2005 5/2005

B. CUSTOMS REGULATIONS AND CHARGES (CT)
APEC
APEC agrees trade tariff formula CT July 2005 7/2005
ASEAN
ASEAN accord on customs ICT up CT October 2005 10/2005
China, ASEAN to lower industrial duties CT August 2005 8/2005
AUSTRALIA
New customs IT cargo system fails to deliver CT November 2005 11/2005
BANGLADESH
National Board of Revenue decides to slash duty on imports CT September 2005 9/2005
BHUTAN
Bhutan/ India agreement on excise returns CT May 2005 5/2005
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Brunei Darussalam, Philippine Governments renew uniform port tariffs CT September 2005 9/2005
CHINA
Beijing and Tianjin to try inter-customs clearance CT December 2005 12/2005
Catalogue of commodities subject to import and export licensing issued CT February 2005 2/2005
China announced to raise export duties on textile and clothing CT June 2005 6/2005
China edges closer to trade war with EU, United States of America over textiles CT July 2005 7/2005
China is scheduled to implement zero tariffs on all products originating from Hong Kong,
Province of China from 1 January 2006
CT August 2005
8/2005
China offers preferential tax rate on Lao People's Democratic Republic CT August 2005 8/2005
China scraps tariffs on 15 fruits from Taiwan Province of China CT September 2005 9/2005
China, ASEAN to cut tariffs in July CT July 2005 7/2005
Duty-free China toy imports to vitalize Mexican output CT April 2005 4/2005
Hong Kong products to enter China tariff free CT November 2005 11/2005
Implementation of automatic import licensing administration on iron ore CT April 2005 4/2005
Rules on Foreign Trade Barriers Investigation CT April 2005 4/2005
EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
Additional customs duties on imports of certain products originating in the
United States of America		 CT March 2005 3/2005
Anti-Dumping duty on imports of magnesium oxide originating in China CT June 2005 6/2005
Anti-Dumping duty on stainless steel products originating in China, Indonesia,
Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam		 CT June 2005 6/2005
EU Council agreement on new controls on drugs precursors CT January 2005 1/2005
EU secures tariff agreement CT October 2005 10/2005
EU-Russia deal safeguards trade in plant products CT April 2005 4/2005
Licenses for the import of garlic CT February 2005 2/2005
New rules to monitor trade in drug precursors with third countries CT February 2005 2/2005
Release on a Commission Regulation fixing the definitive rate of refund and
the percentage of system B export licences to be issued in the fruit and
vegetables sector		 CT May 2005 5/2005
Representative prices and additional duties for the import of certain products
in the sugar sector		 CT March 2005 3/2005
Representative prices and additional import duties for molasses in the sugar sector CT February 2005 2/2005
Revision of definition of ‘originating products’ used in the scheme of
generalized preferences as applied to Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic		 CT January 2005 1/2005
Revision of definition of ‘originating products’ used in the scheme of
generalized preferences as applied to Nepal		 CT January 2005 1/2005
Strategy proposed by the Commission for simplified rules of origin CT April 2005 4/2005
Temporary tariff suspension for certain industrial, agricultural and fishery products CT February 2005 2/2005
WTO Panel upholds EU system of protection of “Geographical Indications” CT April 2005 4/2005
GEORGIA
Customs code in midst of remake CT November 2005 11/2005
Customs tax on transited cargoes to be abolished CT December 2005 12/2005
HONG KONG, CHINA
Hong Kong outward processing arrangements (OPA) textile products
excluded from mainland export duty		 CT June 2005 6/2005
INDIA
Cabinet approves accession to Kyoto convention on customs CT November 2005 11/2005
Customs clearance at doorstep for Nashik exporters CT November 2005 11/2005
Faster clearance of goods at 33 ports on cards CT October 2005 10/2005
India cuts duty on Pakistani textile CT September 2005 9/2005
India offers duty cuts for United States of America exports CT August 2005 8/2005
Kyoto Call: Customs rules to be simplified CT December 2005 12/2005
Pakistan allows duty free imports of items from India CT August 2005 8/2005
Prime Minister promises tariffs at par with ASEAN levels CT October 2005 10/2005
Tax holiday extended to export oriented units CT February 2005 2/2005
INDONESIA
Government plans to raise import tariffs on luxury cars CT August 2005 8/2005
Indonesia wants India to lower import tariffs CT September 2005 9/2005
IRAN, Islamic Republic of
Customs agreements with three countries CT January 2005 1/2005
KAZAKHSTAN
Customs officials of Kazakhstan and Russian Federation discuss joint boundary control CT November 2005 11/2005
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan establish joint customs terminal CT October 2005 10/2005
Uzbek and Kazakh leaders agree on trade facilitation CT April 2005 4/2005
MALAYSIA
Malaysia to revise car tariffs after complaints CT July 2005 7/2005
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand Customs office opened in China CT December 2005 12/2005
PAKISTAN
20 per cent duty on raw hides and skins demanded CT July 2005 7/2005
100 per cent duty exemption on 76 items from China CT July 2005 7/2005
40 per cent import duty levied on telecom equipment CT December 2005 12/2005
New customs station at Afghan border CT December 2005 12/2005
Pakistan, China to establish tax-free system CT August 2005 8/2005
Raw sugar exempted from custom duties CT February 2005 2/2005
United Arab Emirates and Pakistan discuss customs affairs draft CT October 2005 10/2005
PHILIPPINES
Customs going hi-tech CT October 2005 10/2005
Government planning to raise import duties by 1 per cent CT August 2005 8/2005
Gradual tariff reduction on cars accepted by the Philippines CT September 2005 9/2005
Philippines seeks duty-free entry of dried mango, carageenan exports to
United States of America
CT September 2005
9/2005
Philippines to slash import duties CT October 2005 10/2005
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Customs agency to enforce policies in support of inter-Korean trade CT November 2005 11/2005
Free economic zone established in Incheon Airport CT May 2005 5/2005
Republic of Korea exports customs system CT November 2005 11/2005
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Government kills certain cellulose export duties CT May 2005 5/2005
President calls for smaller import duties on unique equipment CT October 2005 10/2005
Russian Federation pledges to keep high import tariffs to protect carmakers CT August 2005 8/2005
Russian Federation suspends import duties on certain timber processing equipment CT September 2005 9/2005
Russian Federation suspends import duty on iron ore, concentrate CT May 2005 5/2005
Russia’s government cuts import duties on components for assembly of foreign cars CT April 2005 4/2005
SINGAPORE
Revision of bonded warehouse scheme CT January 2005 1/2005
Waiver of bank guarantee for oil companies CT January 2005 1/2005
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Finance Minister cuts import duties on shipping CT July 2005 7/2005
THAILAND
Customs helps ensure trade-rule compliance CT November 2005 11/2005
Customs to step fight against new range of fake goods CT December 2005 12/2005
European Union agrees to early 'GSP' benefits for shrimps CT October 2005 10/2005
Thailand and Japan cut import duties CT September 2005 9/2005
Thailand to seek tax reduction on fruits exported to China CT August 2005 8/2005
Zero per cent tax applied to 63 Vietnamese products CT November 2005 11/2005
TURKEY
United Arab Emirates and Turkey in customs cooperation talks CT October 2005 10/2005
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
United States of America allows duty-free imports of coco products CT August 2005 8/2005
United States of America panel votes to curb imports of China steel pipe CT November 2005 11/2005
United States of America scraps import duties on 8 Indonesian products CT August 2005 8/2005
VIET NAM
67 more Vietnamese commodities enjoy Malaysia's preferential tariff CT August 2005 8/2005
Computerizing customs formalities CT October 2005 10/2005
E-customs speeds up trade and reduces expense CT December 2005 12/2005
Government reduces tariffs on some Thai products CT May 2005 5/2005
Import duty rate on alcohol reduced CT March 2005 3/2005
Industry ministry’s proposals on cars import tax policy CT June 2005 6/2005
Rebate on the import tax on motorbikes from EU CT March 2005 3/2005
Viet Nam southern hub starts online customs clearance CT November 2005 11/2005
Viet Nam, Lao People's Democratic Republic ink deal on preferential trade tariff CT September 2005 9/2005
Viet Nam-China Customs agreement signed CT December 2005 12/2005
WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION (WCO)
Amendments to the harmonized system nomenclature CT March 2005 3/2005
WTO ministers reach agreement on tariffs issue CT June 2005 6/2005

C. NON-TARIFF MEASURES (NT)
ASIA
Switzerland extends import ban to shun bird flu NT September 2005 9/2005
BANGLADESH
EPB undertakes steps to resolve export barriers NT September 2005 9/2005
Non-tariff barriers hurdle for export to Malaysia NT April 2005 4/2005
CHINA
Abolition of existing quarantine provisions on exported wood packaging material NT March 2005 3/2005
Agreement on socks trade NT December 2005 12/2005
Anti-dumping duties on certain optical fibres originating in Japan, the Republic of
Korea and the United States of America		 NT February 2005 2/2005
Anti-dumping investigation against imports of polybutylene terephthalate resin (PBT)
from Japan and Taiwan, Province of China
NT July 2005
7/2005
Anti-dumping investigation against imports of wear resistant overlay from the
United States and the European Union
NT July 2005
7/2005
China eased rigid import restrictions on Thai fruits NT April 2005 4/2005
China's exports of woven cotton shirts surges in January-February 2005 NT May 2005 5/2005
Extension of anti-dumping investigation against imports of ethylene-propylene-non-
conjugated diene rubber (EPDM) from the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea and
the United States

NT September 2005

9/2005
New import rules on auto parts and accessories NT June 2005 6/2005
New regulations on the country of origin of imports and exports NT January 2005 1/2005
Private exporters receive help in Guangdong NT July 2005 7/2005
Termination of the car import quota system NT February 2005 2/2005
EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
Anti-dumping duty on ring binder mechanisms originating in China NT January 2005 1/2005
Anti-dumping duty on television camera systems originating in Japan NT February 2005 2/2005
Commission launches action plan to combat counterfeiting and piracy NT November 2005 11/2005
Countervailing duties on cotton-type bed linen originating in India NT January 2005 1/2005
Definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of bicycles originating in China and Viet Nam NT August 2005 8/2005
Definitive anti-dumping measures on imports of integrated electronic compact
fluorescent lamps originating in the Philippines, Pakistan and Viet Nam
NT July 2005
7/2005
EU agrees to admit Chinese knitwear despite quotas NT September 2005 9/2005
EU Commission says bird flu in Turkey is 'very worrying' NT November 2005 11/2005
EU extends import ban on captive birds NT December 2005 12/2005
European Commission adopts regulation to clear blocked Chinese textile imports NT October 2005 10/2005
European Commission agrees to publish guidelines governing use of textiles safeguards NT May 2005 5/2005
Imports of Chinese bras, flax yarn, T-shirts into EU hit quota ceilings NT September 2005 9/2005
Initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of certain footwear with
protective toecap originating in China and India
NT August 2005
8/2005
Initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of certain footwear with
uppers of leather originating in China and Viet Nam
NT August 2005
8/2005
Initiation of an anti-dumping proceeding concerning imports of certain plastic sacks
and bags originating in China, Malaysia and Thailand
NT August 2005
8/2005
Preferential tariff quota for imports of raw cane sugar originating in the ACP countries NT March 2005 3/2005
Provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of granular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
originating in China and the Russian Federation		 NT July 2005 7/2005
Return to quotas on Chinese textiles is last resort NT April 2005 4/2005
Special conditions for imports of fishery and aquaculture products originating in
the Russian Federation		 NT March 2005 3/2005
Special conditions for imports of fishery products from Hong Kong, China NT March 2005 3/2005
Surveillance systems of imports of certain footwear products originating in third countries NT March 2005 3/2005
Tariff quotas for jute and coconut-fibre products extended NT February 2005 2/2005
FIJI
Fiji, Vanuatu resolve to lift bans NT September 2005 9/2005
G-20
G-20 demands end to trade-distorting farm subsidies within 5 yrs NT April 2005 4/2005
HONG KONG, China
Ban on imports of Canadian beef suspended NT January 2005 1/2005
Licensing/certification requirements for textiles NT March 2005 3/2005
INDIA
Anti-dumping duties on lead acid batteries from Bangladesh, China, Japan
and the Republic of Korea		 NT February 2005 2/2005
Anti-dumping duty on acrylonitrile butadiene rubber NT July 2005 7/2005
Anti-dumping duty on thermal sensitive paper from Indonesia, Malaysia
and United Arab Emirates		 NT May 2005 5/2005
Compulsory sampling of all chili export consignments NT May 2005 5/2005
India asks EU to dismantle non-tariff barriers NT October 2005 10/2005
India raises base import price of palm, soy oils NT November 2005 11/2005
India ready to lift non-tariff barriers to promote trade with Pakistan NT October 2005 10/2005
India seeks EU exemption for 'traditional' medicines NT September 2005 9/2005
India, Bangladesh agree to ease non-tariff barriers NT September 2005 9/2005
Non-tariff barriers to come down NT December 2005 12/2005
Rescission of anti-dumping duty on imports of Hydroxyl Amine Sulphate from
the United States of America, Japan and the European Union		 NT May 2005 5/2005
Subsidy to boost pepper exports NT November 2005 11/2005
INDONESIA
Government officially extends rice import ban until December NT July 2005 7/2005
Government to import 200,000 tons of rice NT October 2005 10/2005
Indonesia imposes anti-dumping duties on paracetamol imports from China, United States NT December 2005 12/2005
Indonesia pledges to shun illegal timber for tsunami reconstruction. World Business
Council for Sustainable Development
NT August 2005
8/2005
Indonesia to impose restrictions on footwear imports NT August 2005 8/2005
JAPAN
Japan imposes curbs on shrimp from India NT May 2005 5/2005
KAZAKHSTAN
Kazakhstan Government bans fuel export NT November 2005 11/2005
MALAYSIA
Import ban on Thai mangoes NT October 2005 10/2005
Import quota of cars from ASEAN terminated NT February 2005 2/2005
PAKISTAN
Pakistan announces freight subsidy to wood furniture, marble, granite exporters NT June 2005 6/2005
Pakistan imports sugar from India NT October 2005 10/2005
Pakistan to lift ban on Indian sugar imports NT September 2005 9/2005
PHILIPPINES
Philippines grants Australia and Canada demands for rice import ban NT October 2005 10/2005
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Assembly passes bill to open up rice market NT December 2005 12/2005
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Progressive removal of ban on imports of flowers from the Netherlands NT February 2005 2/2005
Russian Federation bans poultry imports from Italy NT May 2005 5/2005
Russian Federation suspends meat import from Moldova NT May 2005 5/2005
Russian Federation to retain meat import quotas until 2009 NT November 2005 11/2005
Russian Federation, EU agree on new steel import quota NT December 2005 12/2005
Single veterinary certificate for meat imports originating in the EU NT February 2005 2/2005
SINGAPORE
Prohibition of exports to Sudan NT June 2005 6/2005
THAILAND
Exemption from anti-dumping duties loosened for five years NT April 2005 4/2005
TURKEY
Safeguard measures against textiles from China NT February 2005 2/2005
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (U.S.A.)
Anti-dumping action against furniture import form China NT January 2005 1/2005
Anti-dumping duty on imports of magnesium metal from China and
the Russian Federation		 NT March 2005 3/2005
Anti-dumping duty on imports of tissue paper from China NT March 2005 3/2005
Committee for the implementation of textile agreements extends China
safeguard decisions
NT December 2005
12/2005
Exemption of certain Chinese textiles and clothing products from
safeguard import limits		 NT February 2005 2/2005
Import duties on frozen shrimp from six countries NT February 2005 2/2005
Quota reached on fourth category of targeted Chinese apparel - import ban imposed NT August 2005 8/2005
Reviews concerning porcelain-on-steel cooking ware from China and Taiwan,
Province of China and top-of-the-stove stainless steel cooking ware from the
Republic of Korea and Taiwan, Province of China

NT July 2005

7/2005
Sunset reviews concerning ammonium nitrate from the Russian Federation NT August 2005 8/2005
United States of America bans beluga caviar to help sturgeon NT November 2005 11/2005
United States of America slaps quotas on more Chinese textiles after talks fail NT October 2005 10/2005
United States of America textile industry demands more curbs on Chinese imports NT August 2005 8/2005
United States of America to impose textiles safeguards on China NT June 2005 6/2005
United States of America to investigate 13 safeguard petitions NT November 2005 11/2005
United States of America to take extra Australia sugar NT September 2005 9/2005
THAILAND
Import curb talks held with state firms NT October 2005 10/2005
VIET NAM
EU to lift quotas on textiles from Viet Nam NT January 2005 1/2005
Food security fears trigger export ban NT November 2005 11/2005
Transfers of textile quotas to the United States of America allowed NT March 2005 3/2005
United States of America to cut anti-dumping tariff NT October 2005 10/2005
WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO)
WTO secretariat reports declines in both new anti-dumping investigations
and new final anti-dumping measures		 NT June 2005 6/2005

D. INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY-RELATED INFORMATION (IT)
AFGHANISTAN
ADB helps cellular phone services expansion in Afghanistan IT May 2005 5/2005
ADB to boost Afghanistan's civil aviation sector IT September 2005 9/2005
Internet spreading in Afghanistan IT August 2005 8/2005
APEC
APEC and software company sign Memorandum of Understanding to develop
Information Management Portal
IT December 2005
12/2005
ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC)
Release of the new APEC guidelines for secure international e-commerce transactions IT May 2005 5/2005
Small and Medium Enterprises Encouraged to form Industry Clusters IT April 2005 4/2005
ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
Asia-Pacific turns to natural gas to trim oil dependency IT November 2005 11/2005
Asia's mobile service users to exceed 901 million in 2009 IT July 2005 7/2005
First UN information technology centre approved for Asia-Pacific region IT June 2005 6/2005
UN framework strategy for the rehabilitation of fisheries and aquaculture IT March 2005 3/2005
UNESCO recognizes success of SMES in the region IT January 2005 1/2005
AUSTRALIA
Australia's uranium attracts China IT October 2005 10/2005
Index to track industry record on environment IT March 2005 3/2005
BHUTAN
Another step in the Tala tariff negotiation IT December 2005 12/2005
Plan to decrease annual import of ODS IT February 2005 2/2005
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Brunei Darussalam and Republic of Korea to enhance industrial, IT cooperation IT December 2005 12/2005
CAMBODIA
Small and medium enterprise development program IT January 2005 1/2005
Sourcing garments will continue after MFA phases out IT January 2005 1/2005
Taiwan’s Garment makers expand operations in Cambodia IT April 2005 4/2005
CHINA
Business mediation center with Italy set up IT January 2005 1/2005
China builds 200-kph railway in Fujian IT November 2005 11/2005
China seeks Canadian uranium to meet future power needs IT August 2005 8/2005
China targets waste to sustain growth pace IT September 2005 9/2005
China to build private pipeline to import oil from the Russian Federation IT October 2005 10/2005
China to further open civil aviation market IT July 2005 7/2005
China to open information industry IT June 2005 6/2005
China, Japan sign automobile technology cooperation pact IT September 2005 9/2005
China, Myanmar sign mineral exploration agreement IT September 2005 9/2005
Chinese companies build hydropower projects in Myanmar IT October 2005 10/2005
Construction of new cigarette factories banned IT February 2005 2/2005
End of government’s support for bankrupt SOEs IT April 2005 4/2005
Germany to help China build one of the world's fastest trains IT December 2005 12/2005
New measures on commercial special permission business IT February 2005 2/2005
Release of China's first "electronic signature act" - China's e-commerce industry
expected to grow at over 50 per cent every year		 IT May 2005 5/2005
Requirements on Exported Wood Packaging Material IT April 2005 4/2005
Saudi Arabia, China pledge to expand energy cooperation IT December 2005 12/2005
Tariffs on exports of textiles IT January 2005 1/2005
EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
Fiji seeks India's help to revamp sugar industry IT November 2005 11/2005
New agricultural policy in place IT February 2005 2/2005
Standard contractual clauses for data transfers approved IT February 2005 2/2005
INDIA
India can hope to acquire nuclear power reactors from international market IT August 2005 8/2005
India extends IT outsourcing boom IT July 2005 7/2005
India set to forge energy alliances across South Asia IT October 2005 10/2005
National steel policy gets Cabinet stamp IT December 2005 12/2005
Open Skies air transport agreement with the U.S IT February 2005 2/2005
SMEs financing and development project IT January 2005 1/2005
INDONESIA
Indonesia finally has industrial policy IT August 2005 8/2005
Indonesia takes energy saving measures IT August 2005 8/2005
INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO)
International labour convention for seafarers' ID documents comes into force IT March 2005 3/2005
JAPAN
Greenhouse gas reduction fund established IT January 2005 1/2005
Japan keen to boost biotechnology R&D activities with Malaysia IT August 2005 8/2005
MALAYSIA
Dutch firms keen on Malaysian agriculture, biotechnology sectors IT October 2005 10/2005
Intel to deploy WLAN in 2,000 schools by end-2006 IT April 2005 4/2005
Malaysia energy project extended to three sectors IT November 2005 11/2005
MONGOLIA
China to build Mongolia's first oil refinery IT October 2005 10/2005
MYANMAR
Myanmar to expand oil-palm cultivation IT November 2005 11/2005
Myanmar to implement strategic rubber plantation project IT November 2005 11/2005
Myanmar, Thailand sign MoU on hydel-power projects IT July 2005 7/2005
NEPAL
NT to begin wireless telephone service IT August 2005 8/2005
NEW ZEALAND
Building New Zealand's IT map IT October 2005 10/2005
PACIFIC ISLANDS
Islands should consider bio-diesel, workshop told IT September 2005 9/2005
PAKISTAN
ADB to finance hydropower project IT December 2005 12/2005
New scheme to encourage women entrepreneurs IT January 2005 1/2005
President of Pakistan opens PRs 600 million Murree gas project IT August 2005 8/2005
Six accords, two Memoranda of Understanding signed with Azerbaijan IT May 2005 5/2005
PHILIPPINES
New power scheme cuts electricity bills IT November 2005 11/2005
Philippines issues exploration permit to consortium IT September 2005 9/2005
Zero VAT to boost renewable energy IT July 2005 7/2005
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Korean builders enjoy surge in overseas orders IT May 2005 5/2005
South Korea tops in broadband use IT June 2005 6/2005
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
EU restricts greenhouse quotas exchange IT February 2005 2/2005
Russian Federation to help build Indonesia's defense industry IT December 2005 12/2005
SINGAPORE
Industrial land sales programme for the first half of 2005 IT January 2005 1/2005
Shipping industry urged to focus on security, capacity building IT December 2005 12/2005
Singapore, Thailand identify new areas of cooperation at bilateral meeting IT September 2005 9/2005
Singapore unveils strategies to double manufacturing output by 2018 IT November 2005 11/2005
SOUTH ASIA REGION
SME reconstruction fund in tsunami affected areas IT February 2005 2/2005
SRI LANKA
Thailand, Indonesia pledge support for fisheries industry IT November 2005 11/2005
THAILAND
New export destination facility IT March 2005 3/2005
Thailand, Cambodia to sign broadcasting pact IT November 2005 11/2005
UNCTAD
UNCTAD and ITU announce future collaboration in measuring the digital divide IT December 2005 12/2005
UNITED NATIONS (UN)
International Year of Microcredit IT January 2005 1/2005
UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA
AND THE PACIFIC (UNESCAP)
UNESCAP launches pro-poor bio-diversity park in Pakistan IT March 2005 3/2005
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
United States of America reaches tariff agreement on chips IT December 2005 12/2005
United States, India sign open skies aviation agreement IT May 2005 5/2005
VIET NAM
Foreign investors join in anti-counterfeit move IT May 2005 5/2005
Lao People's Democratic Republic and Viet Nam cooperate in mineral exploration IT September 2005 9/2005
Viet Nam buys more electricity from China IT June 2005 6/2005
Viet Nam makes Biotech development a priority IT April 2005 4/2005
Viet Nam, Lao People's Democratic Republic sign agriculture and forestry
cooperation pact
IT September 2005
9/2005
Viet Nam-China industrial cooperation promoted IT August 2005 8/2005
Viet Nam's garment industry faces difficulties due to quota delay IT May 2005 5/2005
Vietnamese Internet users make up 9.35 per cent of population IT September 2005 9/2005
WORLD SUMMIT ON THE INFORMATION SOCIETY (WSIS)
Digital Solidarity Fund established IT March 2005 3/2005

E. INVESTMENT-RELATED INFORMATION (IR)
ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC)
APEC approves US$5.5m for its infrastructure IR December 2005 12/2005
ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
China, Japan and Singapore popular markets for property investors IR January 2005 1/2005
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh Bank relaxes foreign exchange guidelines IR October 2005 10/2005
Foreign investors to receive uniform incentive support IR November 2005 11/2005
Laws on investment IR December 2005 12/2005
Private companies may seek foreign funds IR September 2005 9/2005
Prudential guidelines for consumer and small enterprises financing IR January 2005 1/2005
SEC may take action against rule breakers IR August 2005 8/2005
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
Brunei Darussalam, Pakistan sign double tax agreement IR September 2005 9/2005
Brunei plans to establish Islamic capital market IR December 2005 12/2005
CAMBODIA
Cambodia introduces investment incentives to Vietnamese businesspeople IR October 2005 10/2005
CHINA
Central bank governor urges banks to issue loans to small, medium-sized enterprises IR November 2005 11/2005
China eases currency rule to encourage outflows IR June 2005 6/2005
China has revalued its currency, the yuan renminbi, for the first time in a decade IR August 2005 8/2005
China lowers threshold for foreign investment in travel agencies IR June 2005 6/2005
China may cancel stock market dividend tax IR July 2005 7/2005
China to ease capital control IR August 2005 8/2005
China to gradually make currency fully convertible IR July 2005 7/2005
China to restrict foreign investment in steel sector IR August 2005 8/2005
IFC, ADB allowed to issue first yuan renminbi denominated bonds IR November 2005 11/2005
Foreign banks allowed to trade forwards IR October 2005 10/2005
Foreign investors to be allowed to buy A shares IR December 2005 12/2005
Insurance industry undergoes reform IR December 2005 12/2005
Investors focus on e-commerce sector IR September 2005 9/2005
Measures on commercial franchises IR February 2005 2/2005
New measures on qualification for custodial services for securities investment funds IR January 2005 1/2005
New measures to streamline investment procedures IR January 2005 1/2005
Opening of all Chinese cities to foreign-invested travel agencies IR April 2005 4/2005
Over 2,000 Franchise operations in China IR May 2005 5/2005
Shanghai customs introduces measures in support of modern service development
in Pudong		 IR May 2005 5/2005
Transfer of personal property aboard allowed IR January 2005 1/2005
EAST ASIA
East Asia needs US$1 trillion in roads, water, communications, and power over
next five years		 IR April 2005 4/2005
EUROPEAN UNION
EU asks India for Singapore-like tax benefits IR October 2005 10/2005
FIJI
Justice expresses concern with investment licenses IR August 2005 8/2005
INDIA
100 per cent FDI allowed in free trade areas and warehousing zones IR January 2005 1/2005
Central Excise Laws amended IR March 2005 3/2005
FDI norms to be eased in mining, trading IR December 2005 12/2005
Government revises financial guidelines for foreign armament companies IR July 2005 7/2005
Great changes in store for India's retail sector IR July 2005 7/2005
Infrastructure special purpose vehicle, agreement for road projects cleared IR November 2005 11/2005
MIGA partners with Indian export credit and finance institutions IR January 2005 1/2005
New infrastructure projects proposed to investors IR March 2005 3/2005
Poor infrastructure hits N-E trade IR June 2005 6/2005
Three Singapore banks get full India access IR July 2005 7/2005
INDONESIA
China to invest US$7.5 billion in seven projects in Indonesia IR September 2005 9/2005
New infrastructure projects proposed to investors IR March 2005 3/2005
IISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
Islamic Republic of Iran, Bahrain to sign agreement on removing double taxation IR July 2005 7/2005
JAPAN
Japan and Indonesia sign swap deal to double currency line IR October 2005 10/2005
Japan plans to invest US$1.4 billion in India IR December 2005 12/2005
Japan providing Viet Nam preferential loan of US$760 millions IR June 2005 6/2005
GREATER MEKONG SUBREGION
Cooperation Fund for GMS launched IR February 2005 2/2005
KAZAKHSTAN
Plan to promote alternative energy sources IR January 2005 1/2005
LAO PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
Lao PDR receives support for the long term IR May 2005 5/2005
Viet Nam increases investment and trade in Lao PDR IR July 2005 7/2005
MALAYSIA
Malaysia relaxes investment rules to boost capital market IR October 2005 10/2005
Malaysia relaxes short-selling bond rules IR November 2005 11/2005
PAKISTAN
Banking sector restructuring and privatization IR February 2005 2/2005
Islamic Bank provides 600 million US dollars for oil imports IR May 2005 5/2005
Japanese firms to enhance investment in Pakistan IR September 2005 9/2005
Pakistan, Brunei Darussalam to sign accord on investment IR October 2005 10/2005
SEC chief calls for adoption of International Financial Standards IR September 2005 9/2005
PHILIPPINES
BOI identifies 5 large-scale mining projects IR April 2005 4/2005
Opening up of more sectors to foreigners favored IR December 2005 12/2005
President of the Philippines orders government agencies to facilitate
investment by cutting red tape		 IR June 2005 6/2005
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
Foreign financial institutions allowed to set up financial holding firms IR September 2005 9/2005
Government to promote more foreign investment IR October 2005 10/2005
Republic of Korea seeks financial deregulation IR December 2005 12/2005
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Government to set up investment fund starting in 2006 IR May 2005 5/2005
Russian Federation accounts for 25 per cent of all EBRD investment IR July 2005 7/2005
SINGAPORE
Investment agreement with Indonesia signed IR March 2005 3/2005
Singapore and China sign agreement on establishment of Investment Committee IR June 2005 6/2005
Singapore eases home finance rules IR August 2005 8/2005
Singapore launches financial industry competency standards IR October 2005 10/2005
SOUTH-EAST ASIA
Sounds of a building boom IR June 2005 6/2005
SRI LANKA
BOI concludes successful investment mission to Japan IR November 2005 11/2005
VAT on consumer goods reduced IR January 2005 1/2005
THAILAND
ADB opens country resident mission IR February 2005 2/2005
Approval for three financial institutions to upgrade IR February 2005 2/2005
Asian Development Bank issues debut Thai Baht bonds IR June 2005 6/2005
Banks not prepared for Basel II standard IR November 2005 11/2005
Interest limits for finance credit IR July 2005 7/2005
Screening process for investment-privilege streamlined IR January 2005 1/2005
Thailand signs trade pacts with Singapore IR December 2005 12/2005
Two new commercial banks to open IR March 2005 3/2005
TURKEY
EBRD opens new TFP line in Turkmenistan IR December 2005 12/2005
UNCTAD
International investment disputes on the rise IR January 2005 1/2005
VIET NAM
Foreign investors permitted to buy state owned enterprises IR August 2005 8/2005
Foreign investors urged to raise funds in Viet Nam IR July 2005 7/2005
Foreign-invested firms to list shares on market IR September 2005 9/2005
IFC to set up credit information bureau IR November 2005 11/2005
Import tax rate on 20 commodities amended IR March 2005 3/2005
Large investment for fisheries protection and development IR May 2005 5/2005
New investment fund set up IR December 2005 12/2005
New measures on the management of SOEs IR January 2005 1/2005
Prime Minister pledges to better investment environment IR August 2005 8/2005
Remaining SOEs to join the stock market IR March 2005 3/2005
Special regulations for central economic and commercial zone IR February 2005 2/2005
Viet Nam launches first credit rating agency IR July 2005 7/2005
Viet Nam looks to shore up foreign investment rate IR April 2005 4/2005
Viet Nam to hold foreign investors' forum in November IR October 2005 10/2005
Viet Nam to tap global market with first bond issue IR November 2005 11/2005
Viet Nam wants investment in textile, leather footwear sectors IR September 2005 9/2005
Viet Nam’s draft investment law backs foreign investors IR June 2005 6/2005
Viet Nam's largest investment project abroad launched in Lao People's
Democratic Republic
IR August 2005
8/2005
WORLD BANK
Increase in funds available to poor countries IR March 2005 3/2005
World Bank to fund Viet Nam customs modernization IR December 2005 12/2005

F. DID YOU KNOW THAT...

… 12 million people are likely to be infected with HIV in Asia by 2010?
DK August 2005
8/2005
… 35 per cent of the software installed on personal computers worldwide was
pirated in 2004?		 DK July 2005 7/2005
… 63% of the Europeans are favorable to the development of globalization? DK June 2005 6/2005
… a proposal for a ‘pro-commons blanket clause’ on IP has been put forward? DK March 2005 3/2005
… a regional network to support public administration and governance in Asia and
the Pacific has been established?		 DK January 2005 1/2005
… agriculture export competition will intensify with rising share of trade by
developing countries?		 DK July 2005 7/2005
… APEC launched a SMEs action plan to help Member Economies deal with globalization? DK October 2005 10/2005
… Bangladesh considers banning plastic bags, while Australia may opt for taxes? DK October 2005 10/2005
… big polluters could be allowed to put money into research rather than cut emissions? DK February 2005 2/2005
… Cambodia was hoping for organic farms? DK April 2005 4/2005
… China accounts for 70 per cent of counterfeited goods imported into the EU? DK December 2005 12/2005
… China now has over 715 million phone users? DK November 2005 11/2005
… Chinese rural consumption level falls ten years behind urban? DK October 2005 10/2005
… DBP was launching a Reforestation Program? DK May 2005 5/2005
… EU, United States of America garment buyers swing to Bangladesh? DK November 2005 11/2005
… Fiji launches land use policy? DK September 2005 9/2005
… India has applied the highest number of safeguard measures? DK December 2005 12/2005
… India introduces energy labeling? DK September 2005 9/2005
… India's educational system is undergoing a 'quiet revolution'? DK August 2005 8/2005
… It takes 153 days to start a business in Mozambique, but only two days in Canada? DK June 2005 6/2005
… Korea donated US$ 200,000 to WTO technical assistance? DK April 2005 4/2005
… live whales are worth more than dead ones? DK July 2005 7/2005
… NGOs identify European governments whose aid commitments, trade and debt
policies are not responding to the needs of the poorest countries?		 DK March 2005 3/2005
… Online trading of palm oil cuts cut cost and processing time? DK September 2005 9/2005
… open access to law in developing countries is crucial to consolidate national institutions? DK January 2005 1/2005
… poor people can turn their own knowledge into higher incomes? DK February 2005 2/2005
… Russian Federation opposes US's intention to deploy weapons in space? DK May 2005 5/2005
… Singapore will expand online business licensing service? DK September 2005 9/2005
… Thailand and Singapore aim to double trade and investment by 2010? DK December 2005 12/2005
… Thailand's first-ever compact disc (CD) copyright law is due to be implemented? DK September 2005 9/2005
… that Asia seeks alternatives to oil power as prices soar? DK August 2005 8/2005
… the finance ministers of the G8 agreed to cancel all the debts that 18 heavily
indebted poor countries owe to the three multilateral lenders?
DK July 2005
7/2005
… the global dominance of oil production from Saudi Arabia is now being challenged
by the Russian Federation?
DK August 2005
8/2005
… the GMS region is transforming into a more integrated and competitive economic grouping? DK January 2005 1/2005
… the Millennium Project Report has been launched in Thimphu, Bhutan, on 18 March 2005? DK April 2005 4/2005
… The Philippines use a hammer to solve corruption at Customs? DK December 2005 12/2005
… the President of the Republic of Korea wants APEC to become a bloc? DK October 2005 10/2005
… the sports footwear industry is making progress in eliminating sweatshops? DK March 2005 3/2005
… the Thai government is promoting the adoption of open source software? DK March 2005 3/2005
… the U.S. would consider free-trade deals with Indonesia, the Philippines,
Malaysia, Brunei and Cambodia?		 DK April 2005 4/2005
… there is massive potential in the APEC region in natural gas market? DK January 2005 1/2005
… trade can be a powerful weapon in the war on poverty? DK February 2005 2/2005
… traders in India can now use digital signatures? DK October 2005 10/2005
… Viet Nam encourages use of on-line transactions? DK November 2005 11/2005
… Viet Nam Sugarcane and Sugar Association are trying to convince the
government not to open the market for imports? 		DK June 2005 6/2005
… Viet Nam trade sector restructures the domestic distribution channels? DK May 2005 5/2005
… working hours are declining in Asia? DK November 2005 11/2005

Last updated: 16 December 2005
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