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Peru and Hong Kong begin the first round of trade negotiations for the signing of an FTA
The first round was held online for some groups, from January 30 to Friday, February 3, while other groups will meet in person during the week of February 6 to 10, in Hong Kong.
Brussels says EU exit from Energy Charter Treaty ’unavoidable’
The European Commission has told member countries that a joint EU exit from a controversial international energy treaty appears inevitable.
Spain sticks with decision to block Berkeley’s uranium mine
Berkeley said it also believes the rejection is not legal as it infringed on its rights under an international agreement known as the Energy Charter Treaty.
AFL-CIO wants bigger say in US digital trade deals for workers
The largest US labor organization issued a set of principles that it says is needed to protect workers, the public’s privacy and governments’ ability to regulate a rapidly evolving sector as the USTR negotiates digital trade agreements.
NAFTA’s shadow of obstruction
Investor rights in the expired North American Free Trade Agreement continue to undermine democratic decision-making and climate policy in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Sunak ‘risks full-scale trade war’ with Brussels by scrapping EU laws
The UK’s plan to lower standards in areas such as environmental protection and workers’ rights could breach “level playing field” provisions that were at the heart of the post-Brexit trade and cooperation agreement, say EU politicians.
EU, Mercosur accelerate trade deal against backdrop of Sino-American tussle
For more than two decades, the European Union and Mercosur laboriously negotiated a trade deal they agreed but never signed. Now, both sides want to finalise it to create a necessary partnership amid the global dispute between the United States and China.
India, EU set up new working groups for better cooperation
India and the EU have set three working groups under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The TTC will deepen strategic engagement on trade and technology between the two partners.
Kenya eyes more regional trade after pact with two blocs kicks off in March
Kenya could soon start exporting its goods outside the East African Community (EAC) market with the implementation of a tripartite agreement that is expected to be implemented in March this year.
Azerbaijan ready to sign PTA: envoy
Azerbaijan wants to increase economic relations with Pakistan by signing a preferential trade agreement, Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov said.
Why a China-GCC free trade agreement might be a game changer
It would open up opportunities in sectors such as renewables, technology, manufacturing and tourism, analysts say.
Cambodia aims at more FTAs to boost economic growth
The government is considering the establishment of more bilateral free trade agreements to access broader markets for Cambodia-made products.
AFTINET submission to the review of ISDS in the Australia-NZ-ASEAN free trade agreement
The AFTINET submission provides evidence of the harmful use of ISDS over the last decade against public regulation on health, indigenous rights, the environment and most recently against policies to reduce carbon emissions.
CAM-UAE CEPA all set to be finalised in Dubai
The inter-ministerial negotiation teams for the Cambodia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement are expected to finalise the free trade pact during the third round of the bilateral negotiation to be held this month in Dubai
Senate to resume RCEP deliberations
Farmer groups maintain their opposition against the Regional Comprehensive Economic Cooperation (RCEP) as Senate resumes its deliberations Tuesday, Feb. 7, on the country’s participation in the mega trade deal.
FTAs cause major Indonesia’s exports to be overdrown, according to Indonesia business group’s research
The Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) revealed that Indonesia’s export growth to partner countries has actually been slower after joining the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) which began in the early 2000s.
How do UK trade agreements measure up on human rights?
There is an urgent need for coherence. The UK should set out clearly in a trade strategy how its trade policy will support human rights, labour rights and the climate, including how each trade agreement will meet the four tests laid out here.
Not just about trade
The FTA aims to increase trade in products known for their harmful impact on people and forests, which is incompatible with the transition to a just and green economy.
Mercosur states seeking ‘revised agreement’ with EU, says Cafiero
Foreign minister says ‘assymetries’ in deal must be resolved; Top EU officials pinpoint July summit in Brussels as potential completion date.
Ukraine counts on adoption of priority action plan for enhanced implementation of FTA with EU in 2023-2024 – Shmyhal
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has said that Ukraine counts on the adoption of a priority action plan for the enhanced implementation of a free trade area agreement between Ukraine and the European Union for 2023-2024.