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COVID-19 and the risk of foreign investor challenges
11-Sep-2020 National Magazine
Tensions are likely to surface between the public-policy directions of governments managing a challenging economic climate and foreign investors’ private interests.
Sovereign rights to natural resources as a basis for denouncing international adjudication of investment disputes: A reflection on the Tanzanian approach
11-Sep-2020 Afronomics Law
Tanzania’s reforms show that the claim that African states should regard ISDS mechanism as the preferred method for resolving investment disputes is not only very contested, but that there are legitimate grounds for those contestations.
EU agrees to cut taxes on US lobsters in modest trade pact
11-Sep-2020 AP
The EU agreed to drop its 8% tariff on US lobsters while the US agreed to cut in half tariffs on EU imports, including some prepared meals, crystal glassware and cigarette lighters.
Mukhisa says planned Kenya-US trade deal unfavourable
11-Sep-2020 The Star
The Donald Trump’s administration is seeking abolition of import duty on agricultural exports to Kenya.
British farmers will be trampled in the rush for free trade deals
11-Sep-2020 The Guardian
Farmers were once part of the Tories’ national identity, but this government’s Brexit strategy will ruin many
Japan, Britain reach post-Brexit trade deal in 3 months
11-Sep-2020 Kyodo
Japan and Britain agreed in principle on a post-Brexit free trade deal after three months of talks, ensuring the continuity of close business relations following the end of London’s transition period for exiting the EU.
Azmin: Malaysia to address sensitive issues before deciding on CPTPP ratification
11-Sep-2020 The Edge Markets
Malaysia’s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) is engaging with stakeholders to get feedback on sensitive issues such as government procurement before deciding on the ratification of the CPTPP.
The red carpet investments in the middle of a pandemic result in crisis of people’s sovereignty
11-Sep-2020 Indonesia for Global Justice
Indonesian CSOs assesses the national economic recovery strategy by strengthening policies economic liberalization focusing only on investment and exports will only be increasingly open space for corporate monopoly on economic resources.
Between free trade and local markets: Thailand’s attempt to enter CPTPP negotiations meets opposition again
11-Sep-2020 GRAIN
In this time of Covid-19, free trade negotiations have not subsided, and are even increasing. In Thailand the government is trying again to join the CPTPP.
Economic diplomacy: Borders, barriers and obstacles
11-Sep-2020 The Interpreter
The big reshoring question is still about how much foreign investment will shift from China due to a combination of rising production costs and more fractious diplomatic relationships.
Pelosi says UK can forget US trade deal if Irish pact broken
10-Sep-2020 Bloomberg
If the UK undermines the Good Friday accord, there will be absolutely no chance of a US-UK trade agreement passing the Congress, Pelosi, the nation’s top elected Democrat, said.
Mercosur agreement a “direct contradiction” to European Green Deal
10-Sep-2020 Green News
The proposed EU-Mercosur trade agreement is a “direct contradiction” to the goals of the European Green Deal, according to a new study.
Poll: Vast majority of Europeans opposed to EU-Mercosur trade deal
10-Sep-2020 Sum Of Us
Consumer group SumOfUs urges the EU to call off its free trade agreement with Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay in the face of Amazon rainforest fires.
UK starts talks with all TPP members to discuss joining pact
10-Sep-2020 Nikkei Asian Review
London is trying to strengthen trade ties with Asia after Brexit.
Algeria backtracks on its free trade deal with the EU
10-Sep-2020 The North Africa Post
Algeria has asked the EU to put on hold a free trade agreement that was due to be signed this year as it drags its feet on customs reforms, an EU official said.
EU nations breaking rules in bilateral trade deals with China
10-Sep-2020 Euractiv
Fifteen EU member states have breached bloc-wide rules in agreeing bilateral commercial deals with China as part of Beijing’s ambitious belt and road initiative.
Fracking company sues Slovenia over ‘unreasonable’ environmental protections
10-Sep-2020 Climate Home News
A British oil and gas company is using a controversial energy treaty to sue Slovenia, after being required to carry out an environmental impact assessment
Ukraine hopes to start talks on revision of Association Agreement with EU in 2021
10-Sep-2020 Ukrinform
Ukraine hopes to reach an agreement to start negotiations on the revision of the Association Agreement with the European Union in 2021.
Australian mining firm launches arbitration proceedings against Poland
10-Sep-2020 First News
Australian mining firm Prairie Mining has launched international arbitration proceedings against Poland, claiming damages for the alleged hindering of the development of its two coal mines located in the country.
Confirmation of RCEP signature within the year ASEAN + 3 Foreign Ministers’ meeting
10-Sep-2020 Nikkei
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Mogi from Japan confirmed that they will continue to cooperate towards the signing of the East Asian Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) within the year.