China, Japan, S. Korea to lauch free trade talksMay 13, 2012 - 17:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The leaders of China, Japan and South Korea agreed Sunday, May 13 to start talks this year on a free-trade area, saying it would boost the economies of the entire region, AFP reported. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said closer regional economic integration in response to a slow global recovery and an overall rise in trade protectionism would help unlock new growth potential. "Northeast Asia is the most economically vibrant region in the world. So there is huge potential for our three countries to have closer trade and investment cooperation," Wen told reporters in Beijing. "The establishment of a free-trade area will unleash the economic vitality of our region and give a strong boost to economic integration in East Asia." China, Japan and South Korea combined have the world's largest economy, ahead of the European Union, when measured by purchasing power parity. Wen made the remarks after meeting in the Chinese capital with South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. In Sunday's meeting, the three nations also signed an investment agreement concluded earlier this year after 13 rounds of negotiations stretching over five years. "To further facilitate mutual investment, it is important to have a legal framework. It will help our businesses and mutual investment," South Korea's Lee said. A free-trade area among Northeast Asia's three major economies has been on the trilateral agenda for the past decade, beginning with an agreement among the three in late 2002 to launch a feasibility study on the issue. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Armenian, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister to meet in Almaty Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov will meet in Almaty. Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. |