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News Meeting planned for China trade talk 18 April 2008 The teams negotiating a Free Trade Agreement between Australia and China will hold an extra meeting before their next planned negotiating session in June to follow up the political breakthrough on trade announced last week by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, reports Rowan Callick in The Australian. Trade Minister Simon Crean said that the political will of the Chinese leadership was now clearly focused on achieving an FTA. The full article is available here here. Thaw in China Free Trade talks 11 April 2008 The Chinese and Australian governments have agreed 'to unfreeze' the stalled negotiations for a free trade agreement, reports Rowan Callick in The Australian. Kevin Rudd said that he and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao - who held discussions at the Great Hall of the People - were 'both committed to ensuring that this will be a broadly based, comprehensive and substantive free trade agreement'. The full article is available here here. Pact Gives NZ Farmers Edge 7 April 2008 The historic free trade agreement signed yesterday between New Zealand and China has been warmly welcomed across the agricultural sector, reports Owen Hembry in the New Zealand Herald. Under the agreement, Chinese tariffs on New Zealand agricultural exports will be phased out by 2019. The full article is available here. Devil in the detail of FTA 12 March 2008 New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and Trade Minister Phil Goff are expected to fly to Beijing in April for a formal signing ceremony to commemorate the forthcoming NZ-China FTA, reports Fran O'Sullivan the New Zealand Herald. According to O'Sullivan, there is no doubt that New Zealand agriculture will benefit. The full article is available here. Holiday-makers 'won't notice' DFAT cuts 15 January 2008 Rudd Government budget cuts in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will result in the loss of a Beijing-based staff member working on FTA negotiations. The Department, on which the Commonwealth Government spent $832 million last year, will have its budget cut by $57 million over the next three-and-a-half years. The full article is available here. Rudd cuts budget for China FTA talks 8 January 2008 The Rudd Government has overturned a Howard government decision to allocate $12.7 million across nine government agencies to advance China FTA negotiations. The Australian reports that this allocation will be reduced by nearly $10 million. The cost-cutting move follows the commitment of the Australian Labor Party to refocus resources on multilateral trade negotiations, shifting the emphasis away from the Howard Government's commitment to bilateral negotiations. The full article is available here. China's new team faces old problems 1 January 2008 Rowan Callick writes that the new Chinese leadership team, which emerged from the five-yearly congress of the Chinese Communist Party in October, is more technically capable than its predecessor. He notes that the most important development for Australia is the appointment of Chen Deming, who will replace Bo Xilai as Trade and Commerce Minister. Chen, who was seen as successful in his previous posting as deputy head of the National Reform and Development Commission, is expected to "bring to heel" his ministry's warring factions. More ... China FTA challenge for Rudd 2 December 2007 Rowan Callick from The Australian points to the appointment of Professor Ross Garnaut as Kevin Rudd's economic advisor and Simon Crean as the Trade Minister as signs that the new Labor government is likely to further slow down the pace of Australia-China negotiations. Garnaut is an academic well-known for his FTA scepticism, whilst Crean has previously expressed reservations about a proposed deal with China. Both men have expressed their preference for multilateral trade liberalisation. The full version of the article can be found here. Product Safety 31 August 2007 Safety concerns over Chinese exports intensified in August. Toy giant Mattel made two high-profile global recalls of Chinese made products following safety scares. Australia and New Zealand also found high levels of formaldehyde in blankets and children's clothes imported from China. China continues to defend its products. Commerce Minister Bo Xilai said that "over 99 per cent of China's export products are good and safe" and has attacked foreign media for exaggerating the risks. China has also stated that it is seeking global cooperation on food safety. Wei Chuanzhong, an official of China's General Administration for Quality Supervision, said China wanted to cooperate with other countries including the US. In response to safety concerns China has instituted a number of new measures including a new system to recall unsafe food and toys, a mark for food exports guaranteeing that quality standards have been met, new regulations, and a new government oversight panel headed by Vice Premier Wu Yi. $US1.2 billion has been allocated for food and drug safety in the current five year plan, which runs to 2010. For further detail, see this Wall Street Journal article here, and this China Daily article here. Crean confirms Labor stance on bilateral FTAs 9 August 2007 In a speech to the Australian Industrial Research Group on August 8, Opposition trade spokesman Simon Crean said that Australia's bilateral free trade agreements are not working and set out conditions by which any future agreements would be negotiated under a Labor government. Under Labor, an assessment considering regional, social, cultural and environmental impacts, in addition to economic and regulatory impacts, will be tabled to both Houses of Parliament before negotiations on any new free trade agreements can commence. Though China-Australia Free Trade Agreement negotiations are approaching their tenth round, the recently published ALP National Platform confirms that it is Labor policy that a series of issues not directly related to trade must be addressed in consideration of the FTA. These include investment in research and development and social impact on regional areas. The ALP platform also calls on a Labor government to pursue the removal of "environmentally damaging subsidies" and respect for core labour standards in its dialogue with China on trade relations. For further detail, see Chapter 3 of the ALP National Platform available here. US files subsidy case with WTO 13 July 2007 The US requested the WTO establish a dispute settlement panel over China's industry subsidies after two rounds of WTO consultations between the US and China failed to settle the dispute. China had repealed one of the subsidy programs before joint consultations in March, but the US is seeking more substantial progress. The US initiated the dispute over the prohibited subsidies by requesting WTO consultations with China in February 2007. For further details, see this China Daily article here. China moves to curb steel exports 31 May 2007 In order to reduce steel exports and China's trade surplus, the Chinese Finance Ministry has imposed export taxes of between 5 and 10 per cent on 80 types of Chinese-made steel products, including steel wire, sheet and plate. It also raised export tariffs from 10 to 15 per cent on less processed commodities such as steel billets, ingots and pig iron. As of May 20, China imposed licenses for the export of 83 steel products, including cold-rolled sheets, hot-rolled steel rolls and plates. The government also removed export rebates on most types of steel products while reducing the rebate on more value-added products to 5 per cent. To encourage imports, from June 1 China will cut import tariffs on 209 products, including some resources, components for televisions and fridges, construction materials, kitchenware and infant food. In an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, Vice-Premier Wu Yi called upon the US to ease its restrictions on exports of hi-tech products to China to help reduce the trade gap. The US will reportedly retain export controls on hi-tech exports to China for security reasons. For further detail, see this China Daily article here and this Wall Street Journal article here. Budget boosts FTA funds 8 May 2007 Despite the standstill in negotiations, the Government remains supportive of the FTA with China. It announced this month it is prepared to spend over $17 million over two years for the Free Trade Agreement Negotiations with China and Japan. As announced by Mr Downer and Mr Truss, FTAs with both countries will generate significant economic benefits for Australia across all sectors of economy. The Government is also committed to the Shanghai World Expo 2010, with $1.5 million in 2007-08 allocated to fund the preparations. For further detail, see this press release of Foreign Minister Alexander Downer. ALP sets out China FTA conditions 30 April 2007 Delegates at the ALP National Conference, held April 27-29, passed a motion outlining conditions for the negotiation of an Australia-China free trade agreement under a Rudd Labor government. The motion sought to address resistance in the union movement to the bilateral trade deal. The motion requires that a Labor Government address the impact of a free trade agreement on Australian employment and intellectual property. It also requires a dialogue with China on social issues including labour standards and human rights. All industry sectors must be included in the FTA (alluding to the exclusion of sugar in the Australia-United States FTA) and strong anti-dumping laws would need to be in place before negotiations could be concluded. The wording of the motion was negotiated by Labor trade spokesman Simon Crean and Australian Manufacturing Workers Union secretary Doug Cameron at the conference. Cameron had denounced the free trade agreement in a report issued by the AMWU the previous week. US files WTO complaint against China over IP protection 10 April 2007 US Trade Representative Susan Schwab submitted two complaints against China to the WTO, first protesting the alleged inadequacy of China's intellectual property regime, and second protesting practices in the trade of books, movies, videos and music that the United States deems in violation of WTO rules. In the first case, Schwab claims that "inadequate protection of intellectual property rights in China costs U.S. firms and workers billions of dollars each year, and in the case of many products, it also poses a serious risk of harm to consumers in China, the United States and around the world." According to Schwab, who recognises the efforts of the Chinese government to more strictly enforce IPR rules, the failure of US-China bilateral discussions to reach agreement on China's enforcement obligations precipitated the move. The second case concerns the United States' disquiet over Chinese regulations which limit the importation of books, journals, movies, videos, and music to Chinese state-owned entities. Restrictions that are applied, Schwab argues, give IPR pirates the upper hand in the Chinese market for these American products. The Chinese Government has expressed "deep regret and strong dissatisfaction" at the move. For more detail, see this press release. See also this related Age article and this New York Times article. New US duties on Chinese imports 30 March 2007 In a preliminary determination, US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez announced the imposition of countervailing duties on Chinese glossy paper imports, reversing a 23-year old policy excluding China from such measures because of its non-market economy status. Countervailing duties can be applied under WTO rules to offset the benefits of government subsidies. The decision opens the way for countervailing duties to be placed on other products, such as textiles and steel. Further details of the decision can be found on this US Department of Commerce press release and fact sheet. Australia-China FTA talks slow 15 February 2007 In an address to the Senate estimates committee, the head of China FTA taskforce, Ric Wells, admitted that negotiations have been slow, but stated that 'it's not in the interests of either side to rush'. Wells labelled services 'a very difficult aspect' of the negotiations, and conceded that at times it was difficult to know which sensitivities were genuine and which merely reflected negotiating tactics. The related article from The Age can be found here. PM pushes China over trade deal 15 January 2007 John Howard will push to speed up FTA talks with China at an annual East Asia Summit in Cebu, Phillipines. The PM is expected to have private talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. Howard has emphasised, however, that 'even without a free-trade agreement, Australia has a spectacular relationship with China'. Commenting on ongoing negotiations, Trade Minister Warren Truss stated that 'we have asked more of the Chinese than so far has been offered'. Full version of the article by Morgan Mellish can be found in the Australian Financial Review Archives here. Protectionism and pollution, China's twin pitfalls 11 January 2007 An article in the Financial Times labels protectionism and environmental degradation as primary barriers to future growth in China. The full version of the article by Maria Bartiromo is available to FT subscribers here. China FTA Analyst 27 November 2006 China's influence in the global economy continues to grow, but the perennial question is whether it will use its influence in enlightened economic self-interest or to advance political goals. The balance is tipping towards political interest, writes Alan Oxley. [More ...] BCA lists its China goals 2 November 2006 The Business Council of Australia has produced a report outlining priorities to be addressed in a free trade agreement with China. The report calls for the FTA to address comprehensively all barriers to trade in goods, services and investment, including the movement of people and intellectual property protection. It also calls for negotiators to ensure that Australian companies are able to compete genuinely and effectively in China. The related article from The Australian can be found here. A full copy of the report can be found here. Talks on Chinese free trade deal falter 4 October 2006 Chinese Trade Minister Bo Xilai has indicated that China is not inclined to put forward a formal offer to reduce its tariffs on agricultural goods at the next negotiating meeting in December. The comments came after a meeting with Australia's new Trade Minister, Warren Truss, in Sydney. Bo Xilai stated that 'negotiation is yet to get into that stage', and that the December meeting would focus on 'information exchange'. Both ministers also emphasised their respective cases against cutting tariffs in sensitive domestic industries (agriculture and services for China, manufactures for Australia). The full article from The Sydney Morning Herald can be found here. China's free trade team comes to table with no cards 8 September 2006 Concluded on the 6th of September, the latest round of FTA talks in Beijing was a disappointment. China failed to make any offers on market access for goods and, subsequently, Australia did not disclose the offers it was ready to make. Australian officials have indicated that the Chinese team did not have the level of information required for the talks to begin. Australia proposed to include market access discussions for both goods and services in the next round of negotiations (to be held in the first week in December), but China has not committed itself to the proposal. The news item by Rowan Callick from The Australian can be found here. Australia-China FTA Negotiations Reach New Level 31 August 2006 In a media release relating to FTA talks with China, Mark Vaile said that 'Australia will insist that services market access negotiations begin, at the very least, by the end of this year'. He also reiterated the Government's commitment to a comprehensive FTA, stating that 'there's little point in an agreement that doesn't achieve a real opening of China's markets'. The statements coincided with the launch of the sixth round of negotiations in Beijing, to run until September 6. A full version of the media release can be found here. China growth hurting manufacturers 25 August 2006 A study by the Australian Industry Group (AIG) has found that China's economic growth is having a negative impact on Australian manufacturers. Based on a survey of 700 manufacturers, the group estimated that the relationship with China resulted in the net financial loss of $880 million for the 2005/2006 financial period. This was primarily due to losses of sales in domestic and overseas markets by competition from China. A full version of the report, Australian Manufacturing and China: Deepening Engagement, can be found here. Federal Cabinet to discuss manufacture tariffs 9 August 2006 The Australian Financial Review has reported that the Federal Cabinet is due to meet to discuss progress on the proposed Australia-China FTA to date. More specifically, Australia's negotiating strategy will be analysed, with the primary issue being the level of tariff cuts on Chinese manufactured goods to be offered when negotiations resume in September. The development was mentioned in the AFR article titled 'LPG plan to ease petrol pressure', which can be found in the Australian Financial Review Archives here. BlueScope questions value of China FTA 14 July 2006 BlueScope Steel's Chief Executive Kirby Adams has said that the company was not convinced of the benefits of an FTA with China, stating that any agreement would need to address the imbalance on tariffs between Australia and China. Read the full story here (from The Age) here. FTA breakthrough firms with China 29 May 2006 During the latest round of negotiations (22--27 May), China has indicated its support for a comprehensive FTA covering investment, services, agriculture, and government procurement. The development came after Australia tabled the 15 chapters it sought to include in the final agreement. Whilst showing willingness to 'remove all trade barriers', China's chief negotiator Dr Zhang Xiangchen admitted that liberalisation in services (particularly China's financial and telecommunications sectors) was unlikely to be easy, and suggested the need for extensive liberalisation in movement of workers (which is a sensitive issue for Australia). The full article by Rowan Callick from The Australian can be found here. Services crucial to China FTA talks 22 April 2006 Australian companies and the federal government have re-confirmed their strong support for a full investment chapter to be included in the proposed China-Australia FTA. Whilst China has in the past expressed reservations about the inclusion of investment and service chapters, statements by senior trade officials, Business Council of Australia, Australia-China Business Council, and Australian Services Roundtable have indicated that exclusion of investment in negotiations would not be acceptable. Access to China's booming services sector is one of the primary goals of the agreement, along with liberalisation in agriculture trade. The full article can be found in the Australian Financial Review Archives. China not a threat to Australian dairying 21 April 2006 Dairy Australia has argued that the growing demand for dairy products in China means that the proposed China-Australia FTA will not damage Australia's dairy industry. China is expected to remain a net importer of milk products, despite its recent expansion in production. In 2005, Australia exported to China 28,000 tonnes of product, 6.3 times more than the 4,400 tonnes of imports from China. The full story in The Age can be found here. Canberra will not be rushed on China trade 3 April 2006 The Australian government is cautious about the latest suggestion by China's Premier Wen Jiabao that free trade negotiations should be accelerated. The statement came during the Chinese Premier's visit to Australia, from 1-4 April. In recent months, Australia has expressed a firm preference for a comprehensive agreement over a speedy one, maintaining that the negotiation will be difficult as both parties have sensitivities in different areas. See the full story in The Australian here. Iron ore to be sold in a free market environment 15 March 2006 Ian Macfarlane has responded to speculations that China may introduce price caps on its imports of Australian iron ore by stating that 'Australia's supply of iron ore and any other commodity into the Chinese market is based on commercial arrangements' ... '(and) there is no place for price caps in a commercial market'. Speaking at a national safety conference being held by the Australian Petroleum and Petroleum Exploration Association, the Minister warned that abstaining from interfering with the market was 'in China's best interests'. The full press release can be found here. A slow boat to Chinese access at FTA talks 13 March 2006 The Australian's China correspondent, Rowan Callick, reports comments made by a leading Chinese trade expert, Dr Mei Xinyu, in assessing the prospects for the Australia-China FTA. According to Dr Mei, China is set to focus only on what he terms 'especially complimentary' sectors, such as resources and manufactured goods. In service sectors, the Australian government should not seek preferential liberalisation; instead, financial institutions 'will have to rely on their own capacity to compete'. However, according to Dr Mei, China will seek preferential liberalisation in Australia's investment regime. Dr Mei said China wanted to avoid the type of anti-investment backlash that greeted China's bid for US oil producer Unocal in 2005. The full article can be found here. China, Australia hold fourth round of FTA talks 2 March 2006 The fourth round of talks on the China-Australia FTA has concluded in Canberra on 23 February. This four-day round was to mark the beginning of 'substantial' negotiations, with a primary focus on agriculture, services and foreign investment. Australia is hoping for a formal exchange of specific suggestions and demands by July. The full article can be found here. No China trade-off on farms 31 January 2006 China has warned Australia not to expect agricultural concessions during talks on a free trade agreement, saying its historically volatile farming sector was hurting badly and that Australia needed to consider China's stability, writes Rick Wallace. The article is available from The Australian archives here. Australian exports to China soar 9 January 2006 New figures show that China has become Australia's second-biggest export market and source of imports, writes Philip Hopkins. The People's Republic has replaced United States as our second-biggest buyer, but still lags well behind Japan. Hopkins' article was published in the The Age on 9 January 2006 and is available here. FTA may take time 29 November 2005 Don't expect a fast free-trade agreement with China, writes Richard Grant. While China increases trade with countries that have already signed agreements, Australia is missing opportunities. Not so for China, as it is already gaining access to Australia's minerals and energy resources. But securing real outcomes for Australia will require comprehensive negotiations. This cannot be rushed. Richard Grant is a researcher for the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee. His article, Patience vital for China FTA success, was published in the AFR on November 29. The article is available at the AFR Archives. Australia-China FTA talks conclude 11 November 2005 The third round of Australia-China FTA talks was held in Beijing from 2-4 November. The meeting concluded the initial exchange of information on the countries' trade and investment regimes. Discussion began on how particular interests could be included in the agreement. Draft text and the structure of negotiations will be discussed at the next meeting, scheduled for early 2006. An update of the Australia-China FTA negotiations is avaliable here. Negotiations may be tough 3 November 2005 While exporters are reported to be enthusiastic about a China FTA, Canberra warns that negotiations will be tough. The benefits for Australia from an FTA are estimated to be significant; however, it is expected that China will fight hard to protect its domestic producers, writes Tracy Sutherland. This is likely to be particularly true for agriculture. Tracy Sutherland's article, Chinese FTA advantages are all in the detail, was published on 3 November and is available at the AFR Archives. Australia, not enough to offer in FTA 1 October 2005 Australia's comparative openness may be a detriment in its aim to negotiate a commercially realistic FTA with China. Rowan Callick writes that Australia cannot match Beijing if it seeks to shape an agreement, concession for concession. He says that Australian negotiators are instead seeking to make the case that closer links with Australian will assist China build a more internationally competitive business sector. Rowan Callick's article Canberra's handicap: not enough barriers to lift was published in the AFR on October 1. The article is available at the AFR Archives. Business urges for a 'bold and comprehensive FTA' 15 August 2005 A position paper released by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry ahead of the second round of FTA negotiations, urges the Australian Government to push for across-the-board zero tariffs, as well as enforcement of intellectual property rights, contract compliance and non-discriminatory tax and investment regimes. Tracy Sutherland's article Business sets targets in China FTA talks was published in the AFR on 15 August 2005. The article is available in full in the AFR Archives. Wool trade to benefit from FTA 28 July 2005 The complementary nature of the Chinese and Australian wool markets would see mutual gains under an Australia-China FTA, writes Alexandra Cain. DFAT estimates the agreement could mean a 7 per cent (US$329 million) increase for Australian wool exporters. Cain's article FTA with China puts spring back into wool trade was published in the AFR on 28 July 2005. The article is available in full in the AFR Archives. China on the hunt for FTAs 7 July 2005 The Asian tigers are prowling for free-trade deals, and Australia must join the pack or risk missing the spoils, says Rowan Callick. China is negotiating with 10 countries as well as Japan, four ASEAN members and with ASEAN itself. Callick's article Deal-making puts pressure on Australia was published in the AFR on 07 July 2005. The article is available in full in the AFR Archives. Progress on initial FTA negotiations June 2005 DFAT officials reported in late June that initial negotiations for an FTA had begun well. A negotiating schedule had been agreed to, four negotiating groups had been identified and a chief negotiator had been nominated on the Chinese side. Australia's key areas for negotiations 9 June 2005 Trade Minister Mark Vaile has said that Australia's key areas in negotiating an FTA with China would be tariffs on Australian agriculture and commodity exports, quarantine restrictions, investment barriers and lax enforcement of intellectual property rights. Tracey Sutherland and Sussanah Moran's article Raw materials top Vaile's China FTA wish list was published in the AFR on 09 June 2005. The article is available in full in the AFR Archives. Customs change to allow dumping investigations 13 May 2005 The government will amend the Customs Manual to allow officials to investigate government intervention on the price of imports, regardless of a country's economic status. Current customs laws allow for investigation only when a country is deemed an Economy in Transition. The change will allow investigations into dumping from China now that Australia has granted it Market Economy Status. Fred Brenchley and Tracey Sutherland's article Win in dumping fight was published in the AFR on 13 May 2005. The article is available in full in the AFR Archives. MOU Signed; Feasibility Study Released 20 April 2005 Australia and China have signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to start formal free trade agreement negotiations. A joint feasibility study has been released which reports the agreement could be worth AU$24 billion for Australia. The feasibility study is available here. [1.3 Mb PDF] China FTA to go ahead 19 April 2005 Australia and China have signed a formal statement of intent to begin negotiations for a free trade agreement. In return for Australia granting China full market economy status, China has agreed that all sectors will be on the table. Negotiations for agriculture and behind-the-border issues are, however, expected to be difficult. The FTA provides potential gains of billions for both economies and would be the first FTA signed by China with a developed country. Lenore Taylor's and Tracy Sutherland's article PM seals go-ahead for China trade talks was published in the AFR on April 19. Article available in full in the AFR archives. Feigning Foolishness 14 April 2005 Australia should not be fooled into thinking that China is negotiating an FTA with Australia as a learning experience. China's handling in the past month of negotiations of iron ore prices demonstrates how savvy they really are. Mitch Hooke argues that they are using the iron ore negotiations to place themselves in a position of power for the coming negotiations for an FTA. His article China trade deal: a matter of stratagems was published in the AFR on April 14. Article available in full in the AFR archives. Conference reveals possible FTA problems 24 March 2005 Speakers at an FTA conference in Beijing have indicated not all in China are favorable towards an FTA with Australia. Many implied, particularly representatives of the agricultural sector, that enough had been done already in complying with WTO demands. Alan Oxley also indicated difficulties from Australia's side. He said there was a risk that political drive could impinge on a practical outcome if they took precedence in the negotiations. Colleen Ryan's article Chinese a long way from sold on FTA was published in AFR on 24 March 2005. Full article available in the AFR archives. Agriculture may be the stumbling block to an FTA 22 March 2005 Beijing has warned that Australia should be aware of the sensitive nature of agricultural issues for China in the negotiations for a free trade agreement between China and Australia. Chinese officials have said that if liberalization of agriculture isn't handled properly, it could have economic and societal ramifications. They have called on the Australian Government to give the issue careful consideration. Colleen Ryan's and Tracy Sutherland's article Beijing sends warning over farm exports was published in AFR on 22 March 2005. Full article available in the AFR archives. China FTA to be all encompassing 11 March 2005 Trade Minister Mark Vaile will recommend that Australia begin talks for an FTA with China after two days of 'no-holds-barred' talks with his Chinese counterparts in Beijing. While some technical hurdles remain, it was agreed no sectors would be excluded ahead of negotiations. Vaile and Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai will now take the study to their respective governments for approval. Colleen Ryan's and Tracy Sutherland's article China backs 'no limits' trade deal was published in AFR on 11 March 2005. Full article available in the AFR archives. NZ Government releases feasibility study The New Zealand government has released its feasibility study on an FTA with China and has already carried out one round of talks in December. Another round is planned in the next few weeks. The study is available here. [700k PDF] China Business Focus delegation visits Canberra 9 December 2004 The China Business Focus group sent a delegation to Canberra to meet with the Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile, Shadow Minister for Trade, Simon Crean and members of the China--Australian FTA negotiating team on 9 December 2004. The delegation included representatives from Bluescope Steel, Mineral's Council of Australia and Australian Wool Innovation. Focus on China trade deal David Uren, The Australian - 7 December 2004 'A new business group has been formed to press for the successful execution of a China free trade agreement. The group, China Business Focus, is chaired by the Minerals Council chief executive Mitch Hooke and managed by consultant Alan Oxley, who organised a similar business forum supporting the US FTA'.... [more] An Australia China FTA: getting the focus right Alan Oxley, ITS Global Australia will do itself no favours nor produce an agreement of any real value unless the FTA tangibly enhances the capacity of Australian business to work in China.... [more] [20k PDF] The India-China Gap Christopher Lingle, Tech Central Station Asia Pacific - 12 November 2004 Despite the record of the recent past, there is reason for hope that the economic gap between these rivals will soon.... [more] WTO to review China's trade policy every two years Xinhua, China - 27 October 2004 The World Trade Organization (WTO) said Wednesday that China's trade policy will be reviewed every two years.... [more] China--ASEAN new trade agreements: A major step to Asian integration Xinhua, China - 27 October 2004 ... The ASEAN is China's fifth biggest trading partner, and the bilateral trade volumes in the first 10 months of ... China's foreign policy with neighboring.... [more] Pitfalls on road to China Greg Sheridan, The Australian - 12 August 2004 'If re-elected, the Howard Government could deliver a free trade agreement with China by early to mid-2006. This will be a momentous business for Australia. It's a huge opportunity, but there are a few dangers as well.... [more] New media ownership rules planned The Chinese Government will allow joint venture investment in Chinese television production, with new media ownership rules to be announced by the end of November. Reports at www.ft.com. Website pages designed by Fergco Pty Ltd. |
