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S. Korea, Mongolia to hold fourth round of talks on economic partnership deal
The two nations plan to hold in-depth negotiations on 19 areas including commodities, services, investment and government procurement.
Mercosur: France seeks to rally blocking minority against trade deal
While Germany and Spain strongly endorse the Mercosur deal, France is trying to rally a blocking minority to halt the agreement. It is hopeful that Italy, Austria, Poland and the Netherlands will join Paris.
Saudi Arabia wants bilateral investment treaty with India before proceeding with an FTA: Sources
Saudi Arabia seeks a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with India before advancing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). However, differing stances may delay FTA negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
M’sia-South Korea FTA to be finalised next year
Malaysia and South Korea are set to finalize their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in 2025. Both countries are accelerating negotiations to strengthen economic ties, focusing on ESG-aligned investments, technological exchange, and emerging sectors like digital and green economy.
Civil society groups unite to monitor the 4th round of Thailand-EU FTA negotiation
Thai civil society groups, including FTA Watch and the Thai Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, have expressed serious concerns over the ongoing Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Key issues include stricter intellectual property rights, which could impact access to affordable medicines, and potential threats to food security and public health. The groups are urging the Thai government to prioritize public health and environmental concerns over corporate interests.
Korea, Malaysia discuss closer bilateral trade ties
Korea’s trade ministry said it has discussed ways to bolster trade cooperation with Malaysia by expediting ongoing negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement.
Commerce Secretary visits Norway to discuss early implementation of trade pact with EFTA bloc
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal has visited Norway to discuss the possibility of an early implementation of a free trade agreement between India and the four-nation European bloc EFTA, an official statement said.
Azerbaijan files arbitration claim against Armenia for violating Energy Charter Treaty
Azerbaijan filed a Statement of Claim with the Permanent Court of Arbitration against Armenia, as part of the international legal proceedings from February 2023, detailing Yerevan’s violations of Baku’s sovereign rights over its energy resources in the once-occupied territories.
Polish farmers block border crossing with Ukraine to protest EU-Mercosur trade deal
Farmers blocked Poland’s Medyka border crossing with Ukraine in a protest over the trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur, which they say will reduce their competitiveness, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Colombia to renegotiate arbitration issues of FTAs with the US and UE
Colombia’s President said that Colombia will try to renegotiate the Free Trade Agreements with the European Union and the United States, concerning arbitration prerogatives based on national law.
Afraid of losing the US-Canada trade pact, Mexico alters its laws and removes Chinese parts
Mexico has been taking a bashing lately for allegedly serving as a conduit for Chinese parts and products into North America.
20 years of free trade in Morocco, the dominant class cashes in
Even before the colonial era, Morocco was forced to sign several trade agreements. Formal independence has not changed the status quo, and the country’s trade remains closely linked to the former colonial powers, especially France.
Trade Gone Mad: exposing the dark side of "Free Trade"
The animation "Trade Gone Mad" sheds light on the destructive impact of corporate-driven global trade. It highlights how so-called "free trade" agreements, often negotiated behind closed doors, empower multinational corporations to prioritize profits over people and the planet.
FTA talks with India to relaunch early in 2025: UK PM tells Parliament
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK and India will resume Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations early next year. The move aims to significantly boost bilateral trade, currently valued at approximately £42 billion annually. The decision was made following a meeting between Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Brazil.
UK to assist Indonesia with registering process for CPTPP membership
The UK encourages Indonesia to follow suit, as Indonesia has already applied to join the bloc in September. During a recent meeting, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed support for Indonesia’s membership bid and offered to share the UK’s experience in the accession process. Both countries also discussed Indonesia’s candidacy for OECD membership, with the UK pledging technical support.
China will accelerate negotiations with DEPA members to strive for achievements at early date
China is actively pursuing its integration into global trade and economic frameworks. A recent ministerial meeting with DEPA members saw discussions on accelerating negotiations and exploring new avenues for digital economy cooperation. Simultaneously, China is making significant strides in its bid to join the CPTPP.
Next round of India-Asean Trade Agreement Review talks in February
India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold the next round of talks to review their free trade agreement in goods in February 2025. The review aims to enhance trade between the two regions by addressing barriers and preventing misuse of the existing agreement.
A bilateral investment treaty with a ‘bit’ of change
Despite some departures, the India-UAE bilateral investment treaty establishes a continuity of India’s investment treaty practice.
Peru reached trade agreements at APEC 2024
Peru played an active role in APEC, achieving a series of positive outcomes for the country, including the signing of bilateral trade agreements.
Mexico tweaks reform on scrapping regulatory bodies to avoid USMCA issues
The ruling majority approved the general text of the constitutional amendment to abolish seven autonomous watchdogs including the transparency institute, antitrust body and the telecoms regulator.