Liberalization of ASEAN trade, markets sought<\/p>\n
LOS ANGELES (AFP): Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said
\nyesterday she will press Southeast Asian nations to liberalize
\ntheir trade and financial markets.<\/p>\n
Speaking to the Pacific Council and Los Angeles World Affairs
\nCouncil, Albright said she will enlist the Association of
\nSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for help \"in reaching a worldwide
\nagreement this year to liberalize financial services.\"<\/p>\n
Albright, who was on her way to meet ASEAN foreign ministers
\nin Kuala Lumpur, said she will also press for \"better enforcement
\nof intellectual property rights, greater transparency in
\ngovernment procurement and higher standards against bribery and
\ncorruption.\"<\/p>\n
\"It is in our interest to encourage ASEAN to continue opening
\nup markets and liberalizing trade,\" she said in remarks prepared
\nfor delivery Wednesday evening.<\/p>\n
She said that the U.S. administration wants Congress to pass
\n\"fast-track\" legislation, as this would help \"open up critical
\nsectors of the global economy\" to US interests.<\/p>\n
The legislation would bar Congress from amending trade
\nagreements, forcing lawmakers to approve or reject agreements as
\nnegotiated.<\/p>\n
\"From a foreign policy perspective, I consider fast-track to
\nbe among our highest legislative priorities,\" said Albright.<\/p>\n
Albright is scheduled to attend meetings from July 26 to 29
\nof the ASEAN regional forum followed by a ministerial conference
\non security issues.<\/p>\n
ASEAN groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
\nSingapore, Thailand and Vietnam, and admitted Myanmar and Laos
\nWednesday.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/liberalization-of-asean-trade-markets-sought-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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