bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

All articles

Fight over Venezuelan oil highlights shadowy international legal system
14-Jan-2026 Inside Climate News
Trump said the socialist government “stole” from American oil companies. Those firms have been seeking billions in compensation through a controversial arbitration system.
Canada, UAE talks on free trade deal to start next month, Canadian trade minister says
14-Jan-2026 Reuters
Negotiations between Canada and the United Arab Emirates over a comprehensive economic partnership agreement are set to start next month, Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu told Reuters.
India eyes defence exports, tech transfer via Russia-led EAEU FTA
13-Jan-2026 Money Control
In 2023–24, India’s arms and ammunition shipments to Russia accounted for only a small share of its global defence sales and an even smaller portion of overall exports to Russia, underscoring the limited scale of trade in this segment.
Germany’s Merz floats possibility of EU-India trade deal by end of January
13-Jan-2026 Reuters
German Chancellor floated the possibility that the European Union and India could sign a landmark free trade agreement by the end of January, a move that could reshape global trade ties as protectionism rises and US-India talks remain stalled.
Taiwan says reached ’general consensus’ with US on trade deal
13-Jan-2026 The Star
Taiwan has reached a "general consensus" with the United States on a trade deal, the democratic island’s negotiators said Tuesday (Jan 13), after months of talks.
Philippines signs free trade deal with UAE
13-Jan-2026 Rappler
The Philippines has signed a free trade agreement with United Arab Emirates (UAE), its first with a Middle Eastern country.
Investor-state arbitration: Swiss investor files ICSID claim against Kenya
12-Jan-2026 LinkedIn
Travizory Border Security SA, a Swiss-based border security technology company, filed a treaty-based claim against the Republic of Kenya at the ICSID. The dispute relates to a border-crossing management agreement and is purportedly covered by BIT Switzerland - Kenya 2006 and ICSID Convention - Arbitration Rules.
Cameroon-Morocco agreement targets new investment flows as IPA signs promotion pact in Rabat
12-Jan-2026 Business in Cameroon
Cameroon’s Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) signed an investment promotion agreement with Morocco to expand cross-border projects and strengthen economic cooperation. The deal, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, sets out a framework for closer collaboration, as Cameroon intensifies efforts to draw regional investors into its economy.
UAE-based mining firm drags Guinea to World Bank tribunal over $28.9bn bauxite permit dispute
12-Jan-2026 Business insider Africa
Axis International Ltd has filed a $28.9 billion arbitration claim against Guinea at a World Bank tribunal after the West African country revoked its permit to operate a bauxite mine earlier this year, the United Arab Emirates-based company said.
US passes AGOA extension bill, but South Africa still on edge
12-Jan-2026 The Star
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is set to be extended by a further three years.The committee, which described the trade initiative as “the cornerstone of economic relations between the US and Sub-Saharan African nations", did not mention any exclusion of South Africa in its statement.
India, US actively engaged on trade deal; next call on Jan 13: Sergio Gor
12-Jan-2026 Business Standard
India and the United States continue to remain “actively” engaged on the proposed trade deal and the “next call” will take place as early as Tuesday, US ambassador to India Sergio Gor said.
Zelenskyy, Trump to discuss free trade agreement
12-Jan-2026 Interfax
A free trade agreement with the United States will attract investment to Ukraine and will be an additional guarantee of economic security, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.
European farmers protest EU-Mercosur trade deal
12-Jan-2026 Taipei Times
Many European farmers fear their livelihoods would be undercut by a flow of cheaper goods from Latin American countries if the deal passes
Von der Leyen to sign Mercosur deal Saturday in Paraguay
12-Jan-2026 Politico
The EU and Mercosur will sign their long-awaited trade agreement on Saturday, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen traveling to Paraguay on Jan. 17 for the signing ceremony.
Wingtech pursues international arbitration against Dutch state over Nexperia seizure
12-Jan-2026 Reuters
China’s Wingtech is seeking international arbitration in pursuit of up to $8 billion in damages following the Netherlands’ seizure of chipmaker Nexperia.
Thank you Donald Trump, again. India now has reason to shed fear of trade deals and risky reform
12-Jan-2026 The Print
Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies inadvertently forced India to undertake long-overdue economic reforms, reviving labor laws, dismantling protective non-tariff barriers, and securing key trade deals. While acknowledging the threat to low-wage jobs, it urges India to remain pragmatic—allowing limited U.S. corn imports, for example—without bowing to pressure, using the crisis as a rare chance to transform its economy.
Pakistan and Indonesia strengthen trade ties through new agreement
12-Jan-2026 Daily Times
Pakistan and Indonesia have agreed to deepen their economic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Indonesia–Pakistan Joint Trade Committee, aiming to enhance dialogue and facilitate bilateral cooperation.
India, Chile in final stages of social security pact; CEPA talks at advanced stage
12-Jan-2026 Tribune India
India and Chile are in the final stages of negotiating a social security agreement aimed at facilitating investments and the movement of professionals between the two countries.
Council rejects bid to stop provisional Mercosur deal
9-Jan-2026 Euractiv
The Council presidency has killed a last-ditch effort from countries opposing the trade deal with Mercosur to prevent the agreement from kicking in provisionally before the entire ratification process is completed in Brussels.
EU countries green light EU-Mercosur agreement: farmers ignored, democracy sidelined
9-Jan-2026 European Coordination Via Campesina
The European Coordination Via Campesina strongly condemns the decision by a majority of EU Member States to clear the way for the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, despite widespread opposition from farmers across Europe and South America.