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EU chief warns UK must compromise to get Brexit trade deal
The UK won’t get the “highest quality access” to the European Union’s market after Brexit unless it makes major concessions, warns the president of the European Commission.
The EU plurilateral draft termination agreement for all intra-EU BITs: An end of the post-Achmea saga and the beginning of a new one
This termination agreement marks the culmination of the European Commission’s and several Member States’ efforts to abolish intra-EU investment arbitration proceedings from the European legal order.
Trade war: China’s refusal to lift grain quotas make Trump’s phase one import demands ‘more difficult’
China will not raise its quotas for the import of grains, according to vice agriculture and rural affairs minister Han Jun, raising the prospect of a stand-off with the US.
Intra-EU investment reform: What options for the Energy Charter Treaty?
The leaked treaty for the termination of intra-EU BITs can be seen as the culmination of an ongoing effort by the EU Commission to discourage investment arbitration between Member States, reflecting a tension between public international law and EU law.
Ncell backed by international tribunal in Nepal tax row
The ICSID has issued an interim order preventing Nepal’s government from collecting capital gains tax on Axiata’s acquisition of Ncell.
Boris Johnson to tell EU he wants a quick free trade deal
Johnson isn’t interested in aligning to EU rules but an agreement on this schedule may require compromises.
Japan pledges support for Thailand joining Pacific trade pact
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi promised on Tuesday to help Thailand join a trans-Pacific free trade agreement at an early date.
Sell more to China
The China Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA-II) has immediately abolished tariffs for Pakistan on 313 products, while a total of 75% of the tariff lines will be liberalised over the next decade.
Japan trade deal failed to benefit PHL machinery
The Japan Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) negatively impacted machinery and mechanical exports even as it benefited Philippine exports overall, according to a study from the Philippine Institute of Development Studies.
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership spells danger for 1.1 billion women
Australia has yet to show any serious interest in recognising the potential negative impacts of trade policies on gender or take steps to systematically assess these. A gender equitable trade policy is possible. But it would look nothing like the RCEP.
RoK seeks stronger ties with ASEAN to accelerate RCEP
The Republic of Korea (RoK) will spare no efforts to help conclude the RCEP by the end of this year by forging deeper ties with the ASEAN, as the country strives to revitalise its ailing exports
India faces a year of tough trade negotiations
After walking out of negotiations on the 16-nation RCEP free trade agreement, the government said it would renegotiate its existing FTA and redouble its efforts to conclude other trade negotiations.
Protectionism, after all: China, Korea, Japan use non-tariff barriers to impede imports
Countries like China, South Korea and Japan may boast of low tariffs but they have erected huge non-tariff barriers (NTBs), most of which are tailored to mask the ferocity of trade protectionism, in a bid to control the imports they deem undesirable.
India’s withdrawal from RCEP a breather on many fronts
India’s decision to pull out of RCEP means its policy on access to inexpensive drugs will not be under pressure.
First blow for post-Brexit Britain as Australia rejects trade deal
Australia turned down the UK’s appeal for freedom of movement between the two countries.
Japan aims to start EPA talks with UK
Tokyo wants to abolish tariffs on cars, which account for the largest amount of its exports to the UK.
China’s new policy on foreign investment and the security of intellectual property
Proper mandatory licenses will be exempt from claims for expropriation under the China BIT model.
2nd phase of CPEC starts with establishment of SEZs in various parts of country
The second phase of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative has started with the establishment of special economic zones in various parts of the country.
Trade war: China to travel to US on January 13 to sign phase one deal
China’s trade delegation tentatively plans to travel to Washington for four days from January 13 for the signing of the phase one deal.