hosted by Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute, FTA Watch, and the EU-ASEAN FTA Campaign Network

Background:
The European Union has changed the method of free trade area negotiation with the countries in South East Asia. The region to region approach of negotiation between EU and ASEAN has changed to bilateral negotiation between the EU and some countries in the South East Asia. At the present time, the bilateral already started with Singapore. Malaysia and Singapore are next in line. Thailand has a high possibility to be the next country which is now preparing and fulfilling internal requirements.

The negotiation information of EU indicated that the agreement may have an major effect on economy and society in the partner countries.  Although, the agreement is done country by country, finally it will affect all the region inevitability. So, the exchange communication in knowledge between ASEAN members in any levels is very important. Apart from private and business, academic and social citizen can share the information in order to get ready and handle with the upcoming results.   
The issue of the negotiation will cover every dimension of the society. However, this seminar will emphasize the precision and importance to the most sensitive and controversial issues which are: intellectual property regime and its effect on access to medicine,  bio-diversity,  investment, and the sensitive products such as alcohol. 

Objective    
1. To exchange knowledge and information among academia and civil society network about the free trade agreement with EU
2. To find the way to  imtigate the negative effects on the  economy and society
. To create an understanding and awareness among stakeholders, mass media and citizen

Expected outcome
1. Sharing of information and knowledge regarding negotiation process and immpacts,                              
2. Strategies for working together among stakeholders within ASEAN Countries

25 November 2010
8.30 – 9.00  Registration
9.00 – 9.30  Opening and Introduction
9.30 – 11.30 IPR: an Implication on Access to medicine and bio-diversity

Speakers: Witoon Lianchamroon (BioThai), Kajal Bhardwaj Lawyer (HIV, health and human rights), India
Moderator: Kannikar Kijtiwachakul (FTA Watch)

11.30 – 12.30  Lunch
12.30 – 14.30 Investment and key sensitive areas: EU’s Strategy and Position
Speakers: Charles Santiago (ASEAN representative and member of Parliament, Malaysia), speaker from SOMO, Songkran Pakchokdee (Stop Drink Network)
Moderator: Jacques-chai Chomthongdi, Focus on the Global South

14.30 – 15.00        Break
15.00 – 16.30        Open Discussion on Alternative Bilateral and Regional Trade Relations
Moderator: Joseph Purugganan (Focus on the Global South)