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India-EU FTA: EU seeks ambitious commitments in government procurement, India resists
New Delhi unwilling to show flexibility in elements such as non-discrimination, dispute settlement.
S. Korea, Singapore to implement digital partnership pact this weekend
South Korea and Singapore plan to officially kick off their bilateral digital partnership pact this weekend in a move to boost digital trade and industry cooperation, Seoul’s trade ministry said.
India to seek easing of EU steel quotas, tarrifs in trade talks
India will seek an easing of European Union steel import quotas and tarrifs in talks for a new trade deal as Indian steelmakers struggle to sell the alloy in one of world’s big markets, a senior government official said.
Fishermens’ protest in Pakistan Gwadar port is a bone in the throat of Beijing
The threat of a burgeoning Balochistan region insurrection by fishermen against economic genocide puts Chinese investments in Pakistan’s deepwater port of Gwadar in jeopardy. Instead of the local government, Chinese investors are now the target of this street protest.
Revisiting the BITs of Bangladesh
Bangladesh as a capital importing country must tailor the four core provisions of BITs namely – fair and equitable treatment; expropriation; non-precluded measures; and monetary transfer provisions to safeguard its regulatory power as host state.
The originality of outsiders: Innovation in the investment treaty system
Individuals who have not spent their careers within the field of investment arbitration (and are perceived as ‘outsiders’ by those within that field) have developed more disruptive reform proposals while arbitral insiders have typically proposed sustaining reforms.
US wants Bangladesh to join Indo-Pacific Strategy
The US has been persuading Bangladesh to join in the Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the “Quad”, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
"Not on the table": Piyush Goyal rules out free trade agreement with US
The Biden administration is also not in favour of a free trade agreement that businesses from either side are now talking about.
Two years after AfCFTA, intra-African trade remains low
Two years after the world’s largest free trade area became operational with much fanfare on January 1, 2021, the implementation of the single continental market has been delayed for several reasons.
Moldovan Foreign Minister says zone of free trade with CIS does not work for the country
The zone of free trade with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS, a loose association of former Soviet republics) for Moldova has not been operating since 2014.
Canada, Mexico win auto rules trade dispute with US
Canada and Mexico have won their challenge to the US interpretation of content rules for autos under the new North American trade pact, a decision that favors parts makers north and south of the US border.
RCEP unlikely to lift Cambodia-Indonesia textile trade
The trade ties between Indonesia, which became the latest member to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and Cambodia are expected to go up, but the textile sector in both countries is unlikely to benefit from the agreement, according to some experts.
Thai-Sri Lanka FTA talks to resume after 4 years
Thailand will launch the second free trade area (FTA) negotiations with Sri Lanka, in a bid to strengthen the economic partnership between the two countries, according to the Department of Trade Negotiations.
Kenya and South Africa are working to address trade barriers: where to start
Trade volumes between Kenya and South Africa have always been minimal compared to each country’s engagement with its other major trading partners. But in recent years, leaders of the two countries have been taking steps to stimulate trade.
AfCFTA: rising energy cost, forex crisis threaten local manufacturing
SAMI OLATUNJI examines how local challenges could stop Nigeria from reaping the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Without an end to conflict, the African Continental Free Trade Area is an exercise in futility
The recurrence of terrorism, intrastate conflicts, xenophobia, military coups and interstate conflicts reduces prospects for the successful implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
S. Korea seeks to sign over 10 free trade deals this year
South Korea will push to clinch free trade agreements with more than 10 nations and a trade promotion framework with over 20 nations this year in an effort to boost growth momentum and diversify its trade portfolio, the trade ministry said.
China hints free trade deal with Mercosur
China says it is ready to negotiate a free trade agreement with Mercosur or separately with any partner of the bloc.
Canada ISDS roundup
Just before Christmas, Canadian copper miner First Quantum, in an ongoing spat with the Panamanian government over royalties, launched two ISDS cases against the state.
Pakistan, Afghanistan agree on PTA
The PTA from the Pakistan side focuses on 25 items mostly fruits and vegetables while Afghanistan agrees to reduce 60 percent export tax on coal.