bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

Articles by language


Climate change expert report warns that ISDS can block climate action
For the first time, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that climate action is being jeopardised by trade agreements which give global corporations the right to sue governments.
S. Korea, Australia discuss US-proposed economic framework, supply chains
Top trade officials of South Korea and Australia vowed to boost cooperation on the US-led economic initiative in the Indo-Pacific region and other trade issue.
Free trade agreement: India, EU to resume trade talks soon
India and the EU are set to soon expedite formal negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), with commerce secretary BVR Subrahmanyam visiting Brussels this week to set the stage for the talks.
Govt urged to adapt its approach to secure trade deal with India
There are calls for the government to adapt its strategy to reach a free trade deal with India - after Australia reached a deal with the nation.
Bangladesh switching to RTA for larger regional trade
Bangladesh is switching to a new set of policy guidelines titled ’Regional Trade Agreement (RTA)’ as the existing FTA regime is deemed obsolete for helping Bangladesh tackle post-graduation trade challenges.
South Korean farmers rally against free trade
Hundreds of South Korean farmers and fishers protested in the country’s financial and political center, Yeouido, demanding the government reconsider its intention to enter into yet another free trade agreement.
China to cut paper and wood tariffs from New Zealand from April 7
China will implement an upgrade to the free trade agreement between Beijing and Wellington to eliminate tariffs of 12 wood and paper products imported from New Zealand.
Israel and UAE agree on ‘milestone’ free trade deal
Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv agree free trade agreement that will see 95 percent of customs tariffs dropped.
UAE, Colombia complete phase one of economic partnership agreement
The UAE and Colombia announced that they have completed phase one of their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
The new work programme on the future of investment treaties at the OECD
The initiative is aimed at exploring “how the investment treaties of tomorrow could help address these challenges and how to deal with existing agreements in a pragmatic way.”
UNCITRAL Working Group III continues its work on ISDS reform at its 42nd session
UNCITRAL WGIII will reconvene from September 5 to 16, 2022, at its 43rd formal session.
Negotiations to begin on US Indo-Pacific trade pact, but more details needed
It remains unclear as to whether the agreement will be legally binding, whether it will contain dispute resolution mechanisms, and whether it will be an ‘all in’ agreement or allow parties to choose what they sign up to.
‘Renewable’ energy in Tunisia: an unjust transition
Following the principles set out in the ECT, the EU is seeking to deepen liberalization in order to standardize the Tunisian legislative framework through FTA negotiations.
The conflict between traditional miners in Marmato and Canadian transnational mining companies: Another ISDS dispute over natural resources in Colombia
In Marmato, the foreign investment promotion and protection system facilitated the transformation of the traditional small-scale mining regime into a transnational large-scale mining regime.
Another round of ECT negotiations
From March 1 to 4, 2022, ECT parties met for their 11th round of negotiations for a possible reform of the treaty but the meeting was overshadowed by rising energy prices and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
US court stays confirmation of $111-m award for Devas shareholder
The US District Court of Colombia has decided to grant a temporary stay over the confirmation of $111-million award won by Devas’ Mauritius shareholders against India.
Lawmakers press for ag focus in Indo-Pacific Economic Framework
Eighty-seven US Congress members have signed a letter urging the Biden administration to focus on improving agriculture trade as it builds foreign relationships under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.
UK farmers must compete with ‘cruel and unsustainable’ farming practices due to Australia trade deal
Post-Brexit agreement contains ‘no safeguards’ for environmental protections or animal welfare, campaigners warn.
Keen to have bilateral investment treaty with India, says Netherlands deputy PM
The Netherlands is keen to have a bilateral investment protection agreement with India and is fully backing the proposed India -EU free trade agreement (FTA).
India, EU plan talks on FTA
The preliminary negotiations are expected to prepare the ground for ironing out differences and even attempt to crack an early harvest deal before 2024 polls in India.