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Joint letter ahead of the European Union-Israel Association Council
In a letter sent ahead of the European Union-Israel Association Council meeting, our network alongside 120 trade unions, civil society and human rights organisations called on the EU to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
American workers vs. surveillance capitalism: the future of digital trade policy
The USTR’s review of the USMCA should reveal that its digital trade chapter, built on the Obama-era neoliberal TPP rules, seeks to consolidate tech power, monopolize markets, undermine workers’ rights, and disregard AI transparency and accountability.
Zambia finalizes tariff concessions under Africa’s free trade mechanism
Zambia has officially gazetted its Provisional Schedule of Tariff Concessions under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.
India-Israel free trade deal on the cards: What it means for both nations
As both nations move towards signing the FTA, the partnership is expected to open new trade and investment opportunities, benefiting businesses and economies on both sides.
India negotiating FTA with GCC and Qatar: MEA
India is in the process of negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council and is also considering an FTA with Qatar.
Thailand seeks swift finalisation of FTA
Karachi businesses are urging a quick FTA with Thailand to boost trade, currently at $1.1B. While acknowledging the trade imbalance, both sides see potential for growth, especially in services and investment. Concerns about local industry protection and export diversification were raised, along with calls for streamlined business practices and the new Thai e-visa.
‘Intersessional sessions’ to fast-track EU-PHL FTA
The Philippines and the European Union are accelerating free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with "intersessional sessions" following productive second-round talks. The third round is set for June in Brussels. Both sides aim for a mutually beneficial agreement covering trade, investment, and sustainability.
Contours of trade pact with US in 2 weeks
The trade agreement that India and the US have agreed to negotiate during prime minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Washington will not be akin to a free trade agreement, but explore ways to boost trade on a bilateral give-and-take basis.
India, EU to hold next round of talks on proposed FTA from Mar 10
India and the European Union will hold the next round of talks on the proposed free trade agreement from March 10 to 14, a senior government official said.
South Africa said to prefer bilateral US trade deal over AGOA
South Africa is preparing to pitch a bilateral trade agreement to the US if President Donald Trump’s administration revokes the nation’s preferential access to the world’s biggest economy as relations between them sour.
Qatar ready to fast-track investment promotion, protection deal with India
Qatar said it is ready to take steps to speed up the negotiations for a new bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement with India.
UAE, Ukraine sign comprehensive economic partnership deal
The UAE and Ukraine have signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, removing customs duties on 99 percent of Emirati goods and 97 percent of Ukrainian exports to boost trade and investment.
Taiwan urges Nigeria to sign trade agreement to boost bilateral ties
The Taiwanese government has appealed to Nigeria to sign the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, which has been discussed by the two countries.
Trade deal fueling resource grab? 120+ groups from Europe and Indonesia sound the alarm
Over 120 civil society organizations and trade unions from Indonesia and Europe today call on the Indonesian government and the EU to stop the negotiations for the Indonesia-EU free trade agreement – the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The organizations warn that this agreement threatens the environment, climate, and the rights of women, Indigenous Peoples, workers, small farmers and fisherfolk.
STOP the Indonesia-EU trade deal: Joint Statement on raw materials in EU-Indonesia CEPA
CSOs in Europe and Indonesia are urging the EU and Indonesia to stop CEPA negotiations. The agreement threatens the environment, climate, and the rights of vulnerable groups, while hindering Indonesia’s ability to develop its own raw materials value chain. The groups also raise concerns about privatization of energy, investor protections, and the inclusion of elements from Indonesia’s "Omnibus Law," which weakens labor protections.
Indonesia seeks new deals as ‘shocking’ Trump roils trade
Indonesia will be more focused on negotiating Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements.
Sri Lanka to strategically expand free trade deals: President
Sri Lanka will expand free trade deal networks strategically and also simplify import duty structure for SMEs to access raw materials, President Anura Disanayake said.
Mexico repeals GMO corn ban following USMCA arbitration ruling
The Mexican government officially repealed its ban on genetically modified corn imports from the United States, following an arbitration ruling under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Good for mining but bad for democracy? Why Indigenous groups in Ecuador oppose free trade deal with Canada
Ecuador’s largest Indigenous organization is vowing to fight a now-concluded free trade agreement with Canada, warning it could encourage human rights abuses in the ecologically and culturally diverse South American country.
Need standalone bilateral investment treaties independent of FTAs: FM
India Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday emphasised the need for Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) to be negotiated as standalone agreements rather than being included as a chapter in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).