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The folly of the Africa’s Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA)
25-Jun-2017 SOL
The roadmap of the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) was adopted by the African Union in 2012 and the decision to launch the negotiations in June 2015 at the 25th Summit of the African Union, with the aim of implementing it by the end of 2017.
Europe and Japan near trade deal as U.S. takes protectionist path
24-Jun-2017 New York Times
The partial draft of the deal was obtained by Greenpeace. The environmental groups worry that the deal falls short on a number of issues, including curbing the illegal timber trade and tackling overfishing.
EFTA and MERCOSUR hold first round of negotiations
23-Jun-2017 EFTA
After four days of discussions, the 1st Round of Negotiations between the MERCOSUR and the EFTA States on a Free Trade Agreement was successfully concluded.
EU’s agri-food market revels at prospect of Japanese trade deal
23-Jun-2017 Politico
Farmers in the EU are watching eagerly as European and Japanese experts meet in Tokyo for their 19th round of trade talks.
Russia offers support for FTA with EEU
23-Jun-2017 The Nation
Russia has offered its support for Pakistan’s entry into a free trade agreement with Eurasian Economic Union, of which Russia is a leading member.
Costa Rica seeks FTA with Japan
23-Jun-2017 Japan News
Costa Rica is aiming to reach a free trade agreement and an investment pact with Japan as part of the Central American country’s strategy to diversify its economy based on business-friendly but environmentally conscious development platforms.
The 835 reasons not to sign trade and investment agreements
23-Jun-2017 TNI
A democratic decision to regulate a privatised essential service or to return it to public control could potentially trigger international investment arbitration if a country is bound by an international investment treaty.
Cameroon: Economic partnership agreement with EU reduces customs revenue
23-Jun-2017 Cameroon Concord
Though government overlooks at the 600 million lose, economists say it is not healthy for the country’s economy which is dangling at the moment and hope to emerge by 2035.
Chevron Corp. wins court battle against Ecuadorian villagers
23-Jun-2017 Newburgh Gazette
Chevron is victorious after the Supreme Court declined to hear a case made against the company by a NY lawyer representing Ecuadorian villagers.
Indonesia ready to clarify palm oil ban issue: Minister Hartarto
23-Jun-2017 Antara News
The Indonesian government is ready to provide an explanation regarding palm oil ban to the European Union parliament.
U.S. seeks concessions from Japan in beef trade
23-Jun-2017 Japan News
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer urged Japan to make unilateral concessions to the United States in such areas as beef trade.
Japan may set tariff-free quota for EU beef under EPA
22-Jun-2017 Japan Times
Japan is considering setting a tariff-free import quota for beef from European Union member states, as requested by the EU in the two sides’ negotiations on an economic partnership agreement for free trade.
PACER Plus countries prepare for trade deal ratification
22-Jun-2017 ICTSD
With the signing process now concluded, PACER Plus will take effect 60 days after eight negotiating parties complete their domestic processes and have notified the depositary accordingly.
Why workers should reject RCEP
22-Jun-2017 TNI
What is the RCEP and why should workers reject it?
EU wants gender chapter included in Chile trade deal update
22-Jun-2017 EurActiv
EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström wants to include a chapter on gender equality in an update to the bloc’s trade deal with Chile, which is due to be negotiated soon.
Phase 2 of IIA reform: Modernizing the existing stock of old-generation treaties
21-Jun-2017 UNCTAD
International investment agreement (IIA) reform has made significant progress.
Kenya to review trade agreements to boost exports
21-Jun-2017 Xinhua
Kenya is currently reviewing all its bilateral trade agreements it has signed with other countries with a view to enhancing exports, officials said.
US and UK to start trade talks next month to ensure deal soon after Brexit
21-Jun-2017 The Telegraph
Trade talks with the US will kick off next month as British officials start to scope out plans for a deal, with the aim of setting up a free trade agreement as soon as possible after Brexit.
India-EU free trade agreement: State of play and way forward
21-Jun-2017 Lexology
Recent events including the ongoing Brexit negotiations and the termination of investment treaties might however have a direct impact on the trade deal and one can expect negotiations to resume in the near future.
Japan eyes opening procurement bidding, lowering tariffs as EU trade pact bargaining chip
21-Jun-2017 Japan News
Tokyo is considering opening up bidding for local university and hospital projects to European companies.