EU’s commitment test in Asia

Making a stand: Felda chairman Shahrir Samad (third left) and palm oil farmers chanting slogans near the Petronas Twin Towers in protest of EU plans to ban palm oil biofuels. — AP

European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom is in Singapore this week for the annual EU-Asean Economic Ministers Dialogue.

This year’s visit was shaping up to be a celebration. By many measures, the EU’s trade policy engagement in the region looks stronger than that of the United States. The EU-Japan free trade agreement (FTA) is close to ratification, as are agreements with Singapore and Vietnam. Talks to restart the EU-Asean FTA and EU-Malaysia FTA have gained momentum.