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EU upgrades IPR category of PH in terms of protection, enforcement
Despite serious concerns on copyright piracy, the EU has raised the Philippines’ standing from “bad” to “better” in the area of protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.
Asean leaders deeply concerned about protectionism, say it is urgent to conclude RCEP talks
Asean leaders last week said they were "deeply concerned" over the rising tide of protectionism and anti-globalisation sentiment, and reiterated their continued support for a multilateral trading system.
BIMSTEC calls for expeditious negotiations on free trade agreement
The seven-nation bloc BIMSTEC today called for specific steps and greater political commitment to conclude negotiations expeditiously for a free trade agreement.
Deported Mexicans: From exploited and precarious workers to forced migrants of return
Forced migrants, refugees and deportees are an irrefutable and undeniable example of the world as a chronically unequal and structurally inequitable scenario. In the era of globalization, human rights are not met or respected.
Women’s aspirations & priorities within the post-Cotonou negotiations
Negotiations around post-Cotonou framework must take women’s issues into account and be intentional in allocating financial resources to the realization of women’s economic rights and empowerment.
The e-commerce agenda and the gender gap
The e-commerce agenda reinforces the role women have been apportioned in society, giving them furthermore a false ‘sensation of happiness’ in the face of increasing labor flexibilization and the transformation of production.
Drug patent extensions under CETA could cost feds $270M a year: PBO
Extended patent protections under Canada’s free trade deal with the European Union could cost the federal government some $270 million a year, according to a new report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer.
Civil society letter on the EU/Mercosur Free Trade Deal negotiations
The EU & Mercosur just resumed negotiations for a trade agreement which would have terrible impacts on forests, local communities and our climate. NGOs call on the EU Commission to prioritise sustainability & human rights over trade.
Taiwan pushing for foreign investment agreement with Canada: minister
Minister of Economic Affairs Shen Jong-chin has been pressing his Canadian counterpart on the issue of a bilateral foreign investment agreement.
UNCITRAL and the future of ISDS – fix it or nix it?
The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law has an opportunity this week to keep pace with the other developments around the world challenging ISDS by using bold and creative thinking.
The EU pursues $15b free trade talks with Australia, but there’s a catch
EU’s lead trade negotiator said the agreement would serve a “strategic” purpose by creating a “circle” of allies to remove barriers
Eight lessons on imperatives of private sector-driven AfCFTA
It appears from all indications that the African private sector is either kept at the back door or yet to be given a pride of place in the AfCFTA process.
Island will be able to do its own trade deals
Jersey will soon be able to negotiate its own trade deals after finally being given permission by the UK – three years after the request was first made.
China’s Hong Kong seeks closer ties with Indonesia, ASEAN under FTA, Belt and Road Initiative
An official delegation from China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is seeking closer ties in economic and other areas with Indonesia as well as ASEAN under the Hong Kong-ASEAN free trade agreement (FTA) and the Belt and Road Initiative.
India joining RCEP trade pact could be disastrous: NITI Aayog
Government think tank NITI Aayog, in a note on free trade agreements (FTAs) and their costs for India, has argued that the country needs to rethink joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as it will be disastrous to provide more market access to China, which is a key player in the grouping.
PDVSA ordered to pay Conoco $2 billion after Venezuela oil nationalization: arbitration
In a separate arbitration claim from the ICSID case, the International Chamber of Commerce has ordered Venezuela’s state-run oil company PDVSA to pay ConocoPhillips $2.04 billion for early dissolution of two joint ventures for producing oil.
Pacific economic ministers cautioned on NZ’s PACER-Plus view
PACER-Plus will undermine the right of governments to regulate, and see the Pacific bear the burden of binding commitments in the areas of interest to Australia and New Zealand whilst getting little legal commitments in return.
Mexico wins ‘cheese war’ over Europe in trade deal
Europe did not gain exclusive rights for Spain’s La Mancha farmers to use Manchego, which has protected geographical status in the EU.
Mexico’s senate ratifies sweeping Asia-Pacific trade deal
Mexico’s Senate voted to ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership, making it the first of 11 signatory countries to back the arduously negotiated framework that was rejected by the United States.
Bangladesh official says no rush for free trade pact with China
Bangladesh is in no rush to sign a free trade agreement with China, a senior Bangladeshi trade official said on Tuesday, though Chinese officials said it would help the poor South Asian country cut its deficit with its largest trading partner.