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International trade community preps for packed autumn agenda, eyeing 2018/2019 deliverables
Upcoming calendar for international trade negotiators, according to ICTSD
Dozens of grassroots groups want changes to ‘secret’ trade pact
While some states in East and Southeast Asia favor the 16-nation RCEP trade deal, many civil society groups say it lacks transparency and public participation.
China wants free-trade talks with Norway to be accelerated
Free-trade talks between China and Norway should be sped up, the Chinese government’s top diplomat told his Norwegian counterpart, as the two countries step up efforts to put a row over the Nobel Peace Prize behind them.
Singapore eyes year-end to conclude world’s biggest free-trade deal
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Southeast Asian countries were "redoubling their efforts to conclude the RCEP … by the end of the year".
Swiss foreign investor claims it suffered US$264 million in damages caused by South Korean government
This is the fourth ISDS dispute this year in which the South Korean government is embroiled.
Concerns over Việt Nam-EU FTA signing
Việt Nam still needs to ratify - or commit to ratify - three conventions among eight core conventions of the International Labour Organisation required for the approval of the EVFTA by the EU
India’s model bilateral investment treaty: Are we too risk averse?
India’s Model BIT is "pro-state with limited rights to foreign investors" according to the US thinktank Brookings
Indian farm product tariffs curbing Australian exports, says Minister
Australia exported A$1.3 billion ($964 million) of agricultural goods to China in 2015/16, according to the latest figures from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
US and Japan to duel over auto tariffs and FTA at first trade talks
Toyota supplier Denso expects $700m hit if levies are implemented.
Eritrea, Nigeria, G-Bissau yet to commit to Africa free trade deal
According to the African Union Commission chairperson, Nigeria, Eritrea and Guinea Bissau have made no commitment to the AU’s Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) signed in Kigali in March 2018.
Mexico’s historic election: A labor perspective
The recent election in Mexico is a referendum on the global reaction to the neoliberal assaults accompanying trade deals like NAFTA and TPP. Listen to this webinar with Manuel Perez-Rocha and Héctor de la Cueva
Civil coalition raises concerns over Indonesia-EU CEPA talks
Indonesian civil society coalition has voiced concerns over the ongoing talks in the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (I-EU CEPA), which entered its fifth round.
China, Palestine mull forging free-trade agreement
China has pledged to complete official discussions to reach a free-trade agreement with the state of Palestine as soon as possible, Jordan’s Assabeel newspaper reported yesterday.
A leading think tank brokered access to ministers for US donors looking to influence Brexit
Britain’s most prominent free-market think tank is offering to broker access to senior politicians for foreign donors seeking to influence the course of Brexit and a potential US-UK free trade deal, a new report reveals
NAFTA deal by August?
US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is said to believe a deal is possible before the end of August.
Korea-Turkey FTA in services and investment to go into effect Wed
A free trade agreement between South Korea and Turkey expands to the services sector and investment from Wednesday, raising more business opportunities for Korean contents and builders in the transcontinental country.
Italy threatens to bring down EU-Canada free trade deal
Citing farmers’ complaints, antiestablishment government vows to seek parliamentary veto, which would annul pact for all partners
India-ASEAN FTA should be reviewed, upgraded: Vietnam
Vietnam’s Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh said bilateral ties were on an upswing with several visits of dignitaries exchanged between the two countries recently and an expected "high-level" visit from India slated for later this year.
Malaysia calls for Sri Lanka FTA
Malaysia has expressed its strong interest in moving forward on the free trade agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka that was initially contemplated in 2013, a communiqué from Sri Lanka’s Industry and Commerce Ministry said yesterday.