SINGAPORE: Germany supports a speedy conclusion of the proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and ASEAN.

This was in view of the non-conclusion of the Doha round of talks, which has been going on for the past 10 years.

Speaking at the 31st Singapore Lecture, the German Chancellor, Dr Angela Merkel, hoped that the EU-ASEAN FTA would spur even greater levels of cooperation between German and Singapore companies which are working closely in the areas of research and development and scientific matters.

Dr Merkel also sees opportunities for German educational institutions to work closely with the Nanyang Technological University.

And one area which is being explored is an electro-mobility centre between the research institutions of both countries.

Turning to reports that Myanmar has expressed interest to chair ASEAN, Dr Merkel said Germany is concerned about this development.

It expects a clear commitment to human rights from the ASEAN member states.

June 2^nd, 2011

Source: bilaterals.org

• US cites forced labor concerns as grounds for new tariffs
• Aquatic products face challenge of maintaining market share in US
• Viet Nam extends anti-dumping duties on some Thai sugar products to 2031
• Europe has had enough of China’s export surge
• Global rubber prices surge, raising hopes for Vietnamese exporters