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Here’s why China’s trade deal with Mauritius matters
18-Feb-2021 How we made it in Africa
Mauritius already plays an important role as an investment entrepôt for the subcontinent. This likely makes Sino-Mauritian ties even more important for the rest of the continent to watch.
India calls for ’fresh’ trade talks with US
18-Feb-2021 Hindustan Times
India has called for a “fresh package” for trade talks with the United States and the new Biden administration that will go beyond, this time, the “nitpicking” and the constant shifting of goalposts that had bogged down the last round of discussions with the Trump administration.
Join the movement and sign the petition to #EndFossilProtection
17-Feb-2021 bilaterals.org
A petition to ensure the Energy Charter Treaty will no longer be used against EU climate and energy policies is now available for supporters on the European Parliament website.
Ukraine expects to start talks on free trade with Japan soon – ambassador
17-Feb-2021 Ukrinform
Ukraine looks forward to starting negotiations with Japan on a free trade agreement and updating the convention on the avoidance of double taxation.
Cairn Energy files case in US to push India to pay $1.2 billion award
17-Feb-2021 Mint
Cairn Energy has filed a case in a US district court to enforce a $1.2 billion arbitration award it won in a tax dispute against India, a court document showed, ratcheting up pressure on the government to pay its dues.
Commemoration of 10th anniversary of the first judgment declaring Texaco-Chevron guilty for its crime in the Ecuadorian Amazon
17-Feb-2021 UDAPT
Ten years have passed since the judgment of Lago Agrio. Until today the oil company refuses to comply with the judgement; and, in turn, has chosen to activate a whole system that guarantees corporate impunity.
Cabinet approves trade pact between India and Mauritius
17-Feb-2021 The Hindu
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved signing of a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement, a kind of a free trade pact, between India and Mauritius which is aimed at liberalising norms to boost two-way commerce.
Chinese company claims US$55m from Ghana for cancellation of traffic management contract
17-Feb-2021 Ghana Web
A Chinese-based construction company, Beijing Everyway Traffic and Lighting Tech Co Ltd is claiming USD55 million from Ghana for cancelling a contract it awarded it to develop an intelligent traffic management system for the country.
Shell files arbitration claim against Nigeria over spill dispute
17-Feb-2021 The Star
ROYAL Dutch Shell Plc launched arbitration proceedings against the Nigerian government over a long-running community dispute.
Revealed: Monsanto owner and US officials pressured Mexico to drop glyphosate ban
16-Feb-2021 The Guardian
Internal USTR communications lay out how the agrochemical industry is “pushing” for the US to fold this issue into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
EU readies reforms to energy treaty as climate criticisms mount
16-Feb-2021 Reuters
Some governments have said the bloc should consider quitting the agreement because the treaty could threaten climate goals.
Turkey seeks preferential trade deal with Ethiopia
16-Feb-2021 Anadolu
As bilateral trade between Turkey and Ethiopia is rising, Turkey indicated the need for a preferential trade agreement.
China’s labour rights issues a threat to its trade deal with EU
16-Feb-2021 Hindustan Times
In the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment is expected to face intense resistance from some European lawmakers, while international unionists, who say the pact will do nothing to stop human rights abuses or protect labour rights in China, have vowed to ramp up pressure over the deal.
AfCFTA states terms for members in other pacts
16-Feb-2021 The East African
African countries negotiating free trade agreements with parties from other parts of the world will be required to grant the same preferences or better terms to African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) member states.
Record year for arbitration cases registered with ICSID
15-Feb-2021 Out-Law
According to ICSID, there were 58 new cases registered with it last year, up from the previous record high of 56 in 2018 and the 39 recorded in 2019.
Fiji and the United States of America meet under the Trade And Investment Framework Agreement for the first time
15-Feb-2021 Fiji Sun
The inaugural Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) meeting between the United States of America (USA) and Fiji was held virtually.
Govt. to review ETCA and other trade agreements
15-Feb-2021 Daily Mirror.lk
The Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India is among the bilateral trade agreements to be reviewed by the Sri Lankan government to decide on the next step, a Minister said.
Could Biden make US-China trade better for workers?
15-Feb-2021 The Diplomat
If decoupling is not in the cards, the United States must find a way to ensure trade improves the lives of workers – on both sides of the Pacific.
Cambodia scheduled to join Asean-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement
15-Feb-2021 Khmer Times
Cambodia recently notified the Asean Secretariat it is ready to comply with AHKFTA, meaning the pact covers all Asean member countries from Feb 12.
Triggering growth: Are free trade agreements the answer?
15-Feb-2021 Financial Express
Negotiating FTAs can be a challenge as it involves an element of give and take. Since companies trade and not countries, some benefit while others lose out.