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ASEAN

At RCEP meet, India seeks 10% advantage over China in tariff removal
22-Oct-2019 Hindustan Times
India has bargained a nearly 10% advantage over China in tariff elimination during the ongoing RCEP discussions in a move aimed to placate the domestic industry and pave the way for New Delhi to conclude negotiations.
India wants data localisation in RCEP for security interests
12-Oct-2019 The Economic Times
India has proposed locating computing facilities inside the country if it is meant to protect its essential security interests and national interests at the the ongoing negotiations of the proposed RCEP trade agreement.
Trade spat will not affect RCEP: Asean
7-Oct-2019 Bangkok Post
The secretary-general of Asean, expressed his confidence that the long-awaited RCEP will be completed in principle before Thailand’s chairmanship ends at the end of this year.
India’s trade with its FTA partners: experiences, challenges and way forward
7-Oct-2019 The Economic Times
India has viewed FTAs as an important tool to enhance its trade and investment, and signed a number of trade agreements with various countries or groups. And India’s experience intrade with its major FTA partners has not been very encouraging.
People’s resistance to RCEP intensifies, amplifying #NotoRCEP call!
23-Sep-2019 ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN People’s Forum 2019
As governments scramble to save RCEP, peoples from Southeast Asia have consolidated their strong opposition to this ambitious and unjust trade and investment agreement.
Indonesia, South Korea link up amid ‘turbulent’ economic pressures
23-Sep-2019 The Jakarta Post
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s aggressive efforts to lure more foreign direct investment (FDI) ahead has been warmly met by South Korea.
RCEP: Asia races against clock to save trade deal of the decade
18-Sep-2019 Nikkei Asian Review
While there are clearly roadblocks to an agreement, there are also tailwinds — tailwinds that might never be stronger than they are right now.
Wary of China in RCEP, India looks for bilateral deals amid mounting trade deficit
16-Sep-2019 Business Today
India’s indecisive stance on the RCEP and agreement to review the FTA with the ASEAN indicates it has been evaluating options outside the larger regional group as well.
India, ASEAN agree to review free trade pact in goods
11-Sep-2019 The Hindu
India and 10-member bloc of South-East Asian nations have agreed to review their free trade agreement, signed in 2009, to make it more business-friendly and boost economic ties.
RCEP meet: ASEAN members, partners reaffirm their resolve to conclude free trade deal talks
9-Sep-2019 Business Today
The 16 negotiating partners have agreed that they should not lose the long-term vision of deepening and expanding the value chains in the RCEP.
ASEAN countries want free trade agreements to develop Russian trade
6-Sep-2019 ASEAN Briefing
Numerous ASEAN member states called for improvements in the region’s free trade status with Russia at this week’s Far East Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
Is Southeast Asia winning the US-China trade war? not so fast
6-Sep-2019 The Diplomat
If the U.S.-China trade war continues or worsens ASEAN countries will also experience a bumpy ride.
S. Korea, Malaysia to hold 3rd round of FTA talks this week
3-Sep-2019 Korea Herald
South Korea will hold a third round of free trade talks with Malaysia this week with the aim of striking a trade deal before November, Seoul’s trade ministry said Tuesday.
W. Myanmar locals worried BRI projects threaten their livelihoods
28-Aug-2019 The Irrawaddy
If China wants to fish in Myanmar’s troubled waters, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)-linked Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Rakhine State is a good place to cast a line.
Korea-Asean special summit to focus on expanding trade
19-Aug-2019 Korea Joongang Daily
Korea government called for the expansion of trade with Asean states, especially in light of the global rise of protectionist policies and trade wars, not to mention Korea’s recent tensions with Japan.
BT Buzz: Why India should not ignore RCEP free trade mega deal
18-Aug-2019 Business Today
Are mega free trade agreements (FTAs) beneficial for Indian economy? Majority of Indian industry may say no, but a research policy paper attempts to offer a slightly contrarian view
Ministry announces changes in rules of origin in ASEAN-China FTA
17-Aug-2019 Vietnam Plus
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced amendments to the rules of origin under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).
The grand illusion of ‘free trade area’
17-Aug-2019 The Tribune
What’s worrisome for India is the economic growth rate owing to the overall core sector slump and adverse bilateral trade balance with countries under the RCEP.
EU-Vietnam trade deal shows EU will bend human rights standards if the price is right
17-Aug-2019 ASEAN Today
The new EU-Vietnam free trade agreement (FTA) shows the EU will look past human rights violations to push a trade agenda. But as FTAs with ASEAN states don’t offer the EU the same economic benefits, it’s unlikely the bloc will pen more in the near future.
EU seems to have forgiven Thai military ruler
8-Aug-2019 Asia Times
EU is gaining a reputation in Southeast Asia for being hypocritical. Clearly, now, pragmatism is coming before principles, and values are to be provisional to trade policy.