MAIN HEADLINES FROM THIS ISSUE:

• EDA code of conduct on offsets Romania stays out – Norway steps in

  In a dramatic eve of deadline development the Romanian MoD delivered a letter to the European Defence Agency (EDA) asking for more time to consider its position on the Code of Conduct on Offsets…… The Norwegian government has subscribed to the Code of Conduct on Offsets under an Administrative Arrangement…..

• The EDA’s real message – “The codes of conduct on procurement and offset are ‘All or Nothing’ Ultimatums”

  Dr. Aris Georgopoulos was surprised to learn that seven subscribing Member States (sMS) were apparently having second thoughts on membership of the Code of Conduct on Offsets. Three months ago he would have predicted that all sMS would accept it. His assessment is that……

• Brazil turns the screws: Harsh F-X2 terms centre offset as a differentiator

  Brazil has shocked contenders for its fighter aircraft tender with a severe interpretation of the offset stipulations. The Air Force is insisting that …

• China’s “investment for food” initiatives may become an expensive disappointment

  China’s agricultural countertrade policy may be running into difficulties. Over the past few years, China has sealed some 30 cooperation deals with developing countries in Africa and Southeast Asia. The agreements give Chinese companies access to farmland in exchange for technology, training and money.

• Swaps having major impact on trade in asia – Indonesian telecom provider rides Chinese swap to build network

  Indonesia’s largest telecom services provider, P.T. Telekomunikasi, has said it will use a currency swap to back a technology deal with Chinese providers.