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Mexico, Panama finish free-trade talks
Mexian President Enrique Peña Nieto called the trade pact "another significant step toward Panama’s future participation in the Pacific Alliance, an inclusion which Mexico supports." The Pacific Alliance is a trade bloc that includes Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Peru.
Investor treaties in trouble
Several countries are reviewing these agreements, prompted by the number of cases brought by foreign companies who claim that changes in government policies affect their future profits.
NZ-EU free trade pact under consideration
New Zealand and the European Union are to pursue a free trade pact – but don’t expect any action until at least 2015.
GM canola letter from European Commissioner Tonio Borg
Letter from European Commissioner Tonio Borg about authorising genetically modified canola, as part of CETA negotiations
Boediono meets with Netherlands
Indonesian VP Boediono met with Dutch PM Mark Rutte on Sunday and explained that Indonesia’s decision not to extend its bilateral investment treaty with the Netherlands was common to all countries with bilateral investment agreements with Indonesia that would soon end.
Petition to President of Taiwan
An unjust and undemocratic agreement between Taiwan and China is now in progress. This agreement will significantly threaten Taiwan’s economy, political and economic autonomy, democracy and people’s right.
BD for economic partnership deal with Japan
Bangladesh on Saturday expressed its keen interest in concluding an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan.
Indonesia indicates intention to terminate all of its bilateral investment treaties?
According to the Netherlands Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia has informed the Netherlands that it has decided to terminate the Bilateral Investment Treaty between the two nations from 1 July 2015. The Embassy also states that “the Indonesian Government has mentioned it intends to terminate all of its 67 bilateral investment treaties“.
China welcomes Swiss parliament’s FTA approval
The decision by the Swiss parliament to approve the Chinese-Swiss Free Trade Agreement (FTA) last week was welcomed by China on Monday.
Civil society groups intensify opposition to EPAs
Economic Justice Network, a body comprising the Christian Council, Trade Union Congress and other civil society groups will next week petition President John Mahama to not sign the Economic Partnership Agreement.
TTIP and the big pharma wish-list
A report by the Commons Network and civil society partners shows that the pharmaceutical industry’s wish list for the TTIP is detrimental for public health, will increase the cost of medicines and undermines democratic processes
Egypt planning negotiations with Russia-led Customs Union over free trade zone
Egypt is exploring the possibility of negotiatng a free trade zone between Egypt and the countries of the Customs Union, which include Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.
Ukraine crisis gives new impetus to EU-US trade talks, US says
Russia’s annexation of Crimea underlines the need for the United States and the European Union to deepen their economic ties via an ambitious trade deal that would also allow Europe to import US gas, Washington’s top trade official said on Saturday.
Manila, Washington begin consultations on Philippines’ possible TPP entry
A Philippine government delegation recently met with a top official of the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) to explore Manila’s possible participation in a new free trade area that Washington is pushing among Asia-Pacific countries.
European Union signs landmark association agreement with Ukraine
More substantial parts of the agreement concerning free trade will only be signed after Ukraine has held new presidential elections in May, reports Reuters.
Setting politicos’ agenda
Civil society groups opposing free trade agreements and all out permission to foreign direct investments are attempting to see their stand point get reflected in the election manifestos of India’s political parties.
Thailand focuses on free trade agreements
Thai officials play down concerns that the political situation, which may not see a new government installed until at least June, will slow the formalising of a series of bilateral and multilateral FTAs.
Sri Lanka-China FTA feasibility study completed
Sri Lanka and China have completed the joint feasibility study for establishing a free trade agreement between the two countries and will push ahead with signing it before the end of the year, a statement from the Finance Ministry said on Thursday.
In trade talks, it’s countries vs. companies
A high-profile campaign by opponents to ISDS could complicate TTIP talks long after the listening period in Europe ends.
Hundreds of students occupy Taiwan’s Legislature to protest China pact
Hundreds of students remained barricaded in Taiwan’s Legislature early Wednesday in protest of the ruling party’s push for a trade pact with China, which demonstrators claim will hurt the island.