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ASEAN

China and Asean updating free trade deal
15-Jul-2025 Bangkok Post
‘Version 3.0’ covers new areas such as digital economy and green initiatives.
Canada hopes to seal Asean trade deal soon
11-Jul-2025 Bangkok Post
Canada’s top diplomat says she aims to finalise a free trade agreement with Southeast Asian nations “as soon as possible,” as the country looks to expand economic ties in the face of tariffs from President Donald Trump.
India may consider terminating Asean pact as FTA review drags
7-Jul-2025 Hindustan Times
The India-ASEAN FTA, has been criticized for its weak "rules of origin" provisions, which have facilitated massive dumping of Chinese goods through some ASEAN countries, negatively impacting Indian industries.
India-ASEAN FTA review to be completed as soon as possible: MEA
30-Jun-2025 The Hindu Business Line
India aims to complete the review of its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with ASEAN, known as the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), as quickly as possible while continuing engagement with ASEAN on the matter.
India seeks fairer ASEAN FTA terms amid trade deficit, flags asymmetry in tariff openings
24-Jun-2025 CNBC TV18
With nine rounds of renegotiation already having taken place for the ASEAN FTA review, sources pointed out that all offensive and defensive interests of the industry are being taken into account for FTAs with complementary economies.
Anwar: Asean, GCC set to launch FTA talks, aiming for stronger trade ties
28-May-2025 Malay Mail
Prime Minister and Asean 2025 Chair, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, announced today that the 10-member bloc plans to launch free trade agreement negotiations with the oil-rich Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
China, ASEAN conclude negotiations for CAFTA 3.0 in ‘a landmark achievement’: MOFCOM
21-May-2025 Global Times
Chinese and ASEAN economic and trade ministers announced the full conclusion of negotiations for version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area.
Trump blinked in trade war with China. Can South-east Asia get a break, too?
14-May-2025 The Straits Times
US President Donald Trump significantly reduced tariffs on Chinese goods signaling a shift toward renewed trade negotiations with China. While some ASEAN nations are engaging in negotiations and considering concessions, uncertainty remains over the US’s long-term trade strategy and its pressure to limit economic ties with China.
Indonesia committed to promoting ATIGA Upgrade
14-May-2025 Vietnam Plus
Indonesia’s Deputy Trade Minister highlighted the new chapters on environment, circular economy, and MSMEs on the ATIGA Upgrade. Negotiations are nearly complete and aim to finish by September for signing at the 47th ASEAN Summit.
US declines to engage with ASEAN as a group on tariffs
9-May-2025 The Sun
The United States has chosen to avoid tariff negotiations with ASEAN as a unified group, preferring instead to engage in bilateral talks with individual member countries, according to Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
Upgraded Asean, Australia and New Zealand FTA enters into force
22-Apr-2025 Business Times
The upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) came into force on April 21, creating a trade area of over 703 million people with a combined GDP of more than US$5.6 trillion.
Xi makes a case for free trade as he tours Southeast Asia
16-Apr-2025 ABC
China’s Xi is making the case for free trade as he tours Southeast Asia this week, presenting China as a source of “stability and certainty.”
France reaffirms backing EU-PH FTA
15-Apr-2025 The Manila Times
Visiting French Minister Laurent Saint-Martin reaffirmed France’s support for the EU-Philippines free trade agreement amid global trade tensions, emphasizing cooperation and economic growth. During his visit, several agreements were signed to strengthen partnerships highlighting the Philippines’ growing importance in the Indo-Pacific region and France’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties.
Pact expected to help double trade with European Union
20-Mar-2025 Bangkok Post
The upcoming Thailand-EU free trade agreement (FTA), expected to be signed this year, aims to double Thailand’s trade with the European Union. Following the suspension of negotiations after the 2014 coup, the EU resumed talks after Thailand enacted a new constitution and held elections.
Pace of India-Asean trade agreement review talks slow; next round in April
24-Feb-2025 Business Standard
The next round of negotiations for reviewing the India-Asean free trade agreement in goods is expected in April, though the pace of talks is slow, an official said.
Malaysia’s digital push: FTA reform to drive regional growth
30-Jan-2025 OpenGov
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim outlined Malaysia’s focus on integrating digitalisation into the country’s Free Trade Agreements.
ASEAN and Canada accelerate FTA talks, aim to conclude by late 2025
20-Jan-2025 The Nation Thailand
The 11th round of ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) negotiations took place in Bangkok from January 15-17. Discussions focused on various sectors, including sanitary measures, trade barriers, services, investment, and intellectual property.
India, Asean trade agreement review faces delays
8-Jan-2025 Mint
The planned makeover of India’s 14-year-old goods trade pact with Asean may take longer than expected as members of New Delhi’s fourth largest trading partner press to negotiate tariffs individually.
NZ ratifies upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand free trade agreement
18-Dec-2024 Devdiscourse
New Zealand has ratified the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area agreement, further solidifying economic ties with Southeast Asia and creating new opportunities for exporters.
Next round of India-Asean Trade Agreement Review talks in February
25-Nov-2024 News18
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.