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ASEAN, Canada a step closer to concluding trade deal by 2025
3-Oct-2023 Jakarta Globe
Indonesia hosted the fifth trade negotiating committee for the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement talks.
Government revisits trade clause that allowed Clive Palmer lawsuits
2-Oct-2023 The Saturday Paper
Clive Palmer’s move to sue the government in a secretive international tribunal highlights the need to amend Australia’s trade policy to prevent claims that could hamper emissions reduction efforts.
On track for sustainable trade?
2-Oct-2023 AK Wien
The EU-New Zealand trade agreement from a sustainability perspective.
India, Philippines go slow on BIT push
2-Oct-2023 Live Mint
A push by India and the Philippines to renegotiate their investment agreement is moving slowly. The agreement, which was signed in 2000 and came into force in 2001, expired in 2011. New Delhi has called for the agreement to be terminated and replaced by a new Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).
Free trade agreements with the EU, UAE and Sri Lanka expected next year
2-Oct-2023 Thai PBS World
Thailand is expected to finalise free trade agreements (FTAs) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the second and third quarters of next year.
Vietnam promotes negotiations of FTA with MERCOSUR
2-Oct-2023 Vietnam Net
Vietnam is taking measures to promote the negotiations of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), which is expected to be a driving force for Vietnam to tap the Latin American market.
Bangladesh and India discuss preparations to start talks for free trade agreement
2-Oct-2023 The Business Standard News
Bangladesh and India have discussed preparations to start talks for a free trade agreement between the two countries to promote economic ties.
Malaysia considers Sri Lanka’s request to discuss FTA
2-Oct-2023 Colombo Gazette
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has responded positively to Sri Lanka’s request to commence negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement closer to approval
2-Oct-2023 European Commission
The EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) has today taken a step towards approval, with the Commission sending to the Council proposals for its signature and conclusion.
Climate justice in trade: Environment, rights and the palm oil dispute between Indonesia and the European Union
29-Sep-2023 IIED
Novel clauses would fall short of confronting the more fundamental questions raised by trade agreements that promote large-scale monoculture at the expense of nature and local farming systems.
Thailand’s new PM seeks FTA expansion to lure major foreign investors
29-Sep-2023 Yahoo
Thailand’s new prime minister is committed to transforming the country into a major foreign investment destination, including pursuing more free trade deals and expanding manufacturing of both electric and traditional autos.
Gulf Cooperation Council, Pakistan sign Free Trade Agreement
29-Sep-2023 Asharq Al-Awsat
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Pakistan initialized a free trade agreement, The agreement was signed by GCC Secretary-General Jasem al-Budaiwi and Pakistani trade minister Gohar Ejaz.
South Africa to motivate for AGOA renewal for Africa’s development
28-Sep-2023 Engineering News
South Africa will motivate for the extension and renewal of the US preferential trade framework the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for itself and other African countries.
US confirms SA will host AGOA summit despite Russian rift
28-Sep-2023 News24
Despite US threats that it should be moved to another country, South Africa will continue to host a summit between the US and beneficiaries of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in November.
No ’copy-paste’: AGOA must change, says US trade chief
28-Sep-2023 News24
The top US trade official said renewing the nation’s preferential access programme for African products without changes counters the Biden administration’s objectives in global commerce.
Tanzania, Canada firm in ‘conditional’ deal over $96m gold suit
28-Sep-2023 The East African
Canadian firm Winshear Gold Corp has announced the suspension of its multimillion-dollar arbitration proceedings against Tanzania over a mining license dispute dating back to 2018, saying it had reached a “conditional settlement agreement” with Dodoma.
Rishi Sunak to sign UK-India trade deal without binding worker or environment pledges
28-Sep-2023 Politico
Angry firms and trade unions fear being undercut and say they were shut out of Britain’s biggest trade talks.
Panthera to step up action against India after local court rejects claim
28-Sep-2023 Proactive
A writ will be pursued by Panthera for alleged breaches by India of the Bilateral Investment Treaty with Australia, the company said in a statement.
Mercosur and EU to resume negotiations in October
28-Sep-2023 The Brazilian Report
Negotiators from the European Union and Mercosur will convene in Brasília on October 3 and 4 in the hopes of making possible the ratification of a free-trade agreement between the two blocs.
A system of secret arbitration tribunals is undercutting climate action worldwide
28-Sep-2023 DeSmog
A UN expert calls for ending confidential arbitration agreements in development and trade treaties, which are forcing nations to roll back climate, enviro, human rights protections while owing fossil fuel companies billions in damages.