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EU top Court misses opportunity to protect democracy in EU-Canada trade ruling
In a disappointing judgment, the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) has ruled today that the investment court system in the Canadian EU trade agreement (CETA) is compatible with EU law.
The ECJ verdict changes nothing – ISDS may not be illegal but it is immoral
The judgement is disappointing but The case against ISDS (or its rebranded version ICS) has never been primarily a legal one. It is a moral one.
Mexican Senate passes labor bill, key to approving new NAFTA
The bill enshrines the right of Mexican workers to organize and gives them more control over their contracts.
Africa Continental Free Trade Area to enter into force in July
The African Continental Free Trade Area will officially enter into force during the next Extra-Ordinary Heads of State and Government summit slated for 7th July 2019 in Niamey, Niger.
Meet the new NAFTA — same as the old NAFTA
The USMCA simply follows the failed model of prior free-trade agreements adopted over the past 25 years, which facilitate corporate offshoring to low-wage countries while undermining democratic power.
The Indonesia-Australia comprehensive economic partnership agreement: the good, the not-so-good and the in-between
Instead of categorically dismissing ISDS, the IACEPA clarifies the protection that the States are willing to grant to investors; and procedural rules that they are willing to adopt.
Pakistan for early convening of next TIFA round
Pakistan has sought an intensified engagement with the US in the economic and trade cooperation, emphasising the need for early convening of next round of Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).
Thailand forwards 100 tariff lines to include in proposed FTA
Thailand has forwarded a list of 100 products to Pakistan to include in the proposed free trade agreement (FTA) with the South East Asian country.
Singapore, China ink deals on trade, Belt and Road projects
Singapore and China signed five agreements, drawing closer in their collaboration on trade, law enforcement and projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
Belgium and Luxembourg model BIT text (2019)
European companies quick to seize opportunities of new trade deal with Canada
Canadians have complained that European barriers to trade, especially in the areas of agriculture, have impeded Canada’s ability to take advantage of the new markets.
Korea, Chile eye early start of talks on Seoul’s Pacific Alliance membership bid
The leaders of South Korea and Chile agreed to seek the early launch of negotiations on Seoul’s bid to be an associate member of the Pacific Alliance.
Axiata seeks arbitration in Nepal tax case
Axiata Group’s UK subsidiary and Nepal mobile unit filed a request for arbitration with the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes, regarding a capital gains tax bill levied by Nepali authorities.
Free trade agreement phase-II signed between Pakistan, China in Beijing
Pakistan and China on Sunday signed the second phase of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to further enhance bilateral trade between the two countries.
Vietnam expects to sign free trade pact with EU by end-June
Vietnam expects to sign a long-anticipated free trade agreement with the European Union before the end of June, the Southeast Asian country’s foreign ministry said.
Parker seeks urgency for China free trade agreement upgrade
NZ Trade Minister David Parker and China Commerce Minister Zhong Shan have directed officials to complete negotiations on the upgrade of the China free trade deal as soon as possible.
Phase 2 of the UNCITRAL ISDS review: Why “other matters” really matter
If the investment regime is to be made supportive of development and overcome its legitimacy crisis confronting, something more is required than procedural reforms to ISDS.
Make EU trade with Brazil sustainable
Brazil, home to one of the planet’s last great forests, is currently in trade negotiations with its second largest trading partner, the European Union (EU). We urge the EU to seize this critical opportunity to ensure that Brazil protects human rights and the environment.
Japan’s Aso opposes linking currency with trade in US talks
Japan’s Finance Minister Taro Aso pushed back against US efforts to link the yen with bilateral talks aimed at striking a trade deal.
Kazakhstan, other EAEU countries to reduce import duties on Iran on 502 goods
At the plenary session of the Senate of Kazakhstan, the deputies adopted a law on ratification of a temporary agreement on the formation of a free trade zone between the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Iran