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Cabinet approves ratification of Sri Lanka- Thailand FTA
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the President in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policy to ratify the Sri Lanka-Thailand Free Trade Agreement.
Decision on restarting Malaysia-EU FTA talks imminent, says ambassador
Outgoing European Union (EU) Ambassador to Malaysia Michalis Rokas says he is confident that the decision to restart negotiations on the stalled Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA) is imminent. Having started the stock-taking exercise last year, the decision to restart talks on MEUFTA may take, at the maximum, a couple of months.
Maldives oppposition warns FTA with China imperils economic sovereignty
If tariffs are eliminated for Chinese goods, Maldives will be forced to import exclusively from China as goods from other countries would not be able to compete against cheaper Chinese goods.
Indonesia, EU reconcile forest data ahead of new rules on deforestation-free trade
The Indonesian government and its European Union counterparts are ironing out differences in their forest and commodity supply chain data ahead of a looming deadline that could shut Indonesian commodities out of the EU market.
​Indonesia, Japan intensify billateral trade
Indonesia’s Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan and Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa signed the Protocol of Amendments to the Indonesia-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (IJEPA) in Jakarta on August 8.
The India-UK FTA: Finally coming to fruition?
Following the recent general elections in India and the United Kingdom (UK), the prospect of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) looks closer than ever. Even though the narrative is tempting—recent elections, particularly the change in government in the UK, as the ultimate catalyst for its conclusion—reality is a shade more nuanced.
Kenya, US in rush to conclude free trade pact as Biden leaves
The outgoing Biden administration and the Ruto government are scrambling to conclude the much-delayed free trade agreement first inked during the Donald Trump era
‘Political instability threatens AfCFTA implementation’
Political Instability and policy inconsistencies, among others, constitute barriers that threaten the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area Trade in Services Protocol.
‘Expropriation threat’: Tanzania hit by $1.2 billion damages claim in bitter gas field dispute
Toronto-listed Orca Energy has hit Tanzania’s government with a US$1.2 billion claim
Nepal-Bangladesh bilateral trade headed for uncertainty
Analysts have warned that the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh may disrupt Nepal’s trade, including the signing of the first agreement to export electricity to the energy-hungry nation.
India urges regional bloc that includes Bangladesh to fast-track trade talks
India’s commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal suggested that the seven-nation group work on a preferential trade agreement before eventually signing a free trade agreement.
Europe and Asia: which countries Ukraine plans to conclude and update FTAs with this year
Ukraine is preparing to approve and update several free trade agreements (FTAs) with several European and Asian countries in the near future.
Mozambique: Cabinet approves resolution on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement
Mozambique’s government approved on Tuesday the resolution on Mozambique’s Tariff Offer for the Implementation of the Agreement creating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
State lawmakers urge US exit from toxic ISDS mechanisms in trade deals
"Outdated trade rules like ISDS can pose a real threat to states’ sustainable energy initiatives and the good-paying jobs they create," said one lawmaker from Maine
Sri Lanka plans to sign trade deal with Indonesia in March 2025
Sri Lanka’s cabinet has approved the signing of a trade agreement with Indonesia in March (next year), a government official said on Tuesday, as the island seeks to revive its crisis-hit economy, following a severe foreign exchange crunch in 2022.
Bangladesh crisis: How trade with India could face major disruptions
The current crisis in Bangladesh threatens to disrupt this partnership, potentially impacting trade flows and halting discussions on a free trade agreement. India closely monitors the situation as instability has already led to internet disruptions and logistical issues, which could affect critical exports and infrastructure projects essential for regional connectivity.
Maldives and China to commence FTA in September
Maldives on Tuesday said it has begun efforts to establish a Chinese bank in the country and announced that the implementation of the FTA between the archipelago nation and China is set to commence in September.
Hong Kong has ASEAN backing to join RCEP trade pact: John Lee
Southeast Asian countries support Hong Kong’s bid for "early accession" to the Pacific mega-trade deal they lead with China, the city’s Chief Executive John Lee said.
Vietnam, UAE to ink Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) recently met with the Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to reach a general consensus on the final contents of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations between the two countries.
Next round of India-Asean trade agreement review talks in Nov
India and Asean will meet from November 19 to 22, 2024, for the next phase of negotiations on their free trade agreement. The third round was completed in August 2023 in Jakarta. The review seeks to alleviate barriers and promote mutually beneficial trade.