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Cabinet to mull joining Pacific trade pact
27-Apr-2020 Bangkok Post
The Commerce Ministry is pushing for cabinet approval for Thailand’s bid to join the (CPTPP) amid fierce opposition from civil groups which have argued the move will have an adverse impact on food security and access to medicines.
Why China – not the US – remains key to Asia’s trade and economic recovery after Covid-19
27-Apr-2020 South China Morning Post
China’s economy is expected to grow this year, it is capable of generating the jobs and trade needed for recovery, and looks ready to lead. In contrast, the US economy is shrinking and champions of free trade and investment are lacking.
Thailand loses US free trade benefits worth billions of baht
27-Apr-2020 The Thaiger
Thailand loses duty free access for 42.2 billion baht in exports to the US market from today, unless the kingdom committed to labour rights reforms.
Mexico eyes agreement to end virus-induced disruptions to US-Mexico supply chains
24-Apr-2020 Reuters
Lopez Obrador said the government was reviewing the matter in the context of the entry into force of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a trade deal due to replace the 1994 NAFTA.
Eni and Naturgy’s Damietta gas plant deal with Egypt falls through
24-Apr-2020 Nasdaq
In the meantime, Naturgy said it would go back to pursuing a legal claim to $2 billion in compensation its joint venture with ENI was awarded in the case by the World Bank’s ICSID in 2018.
Sadc takes over Tripartite economic group leadership
24-Apr-2020 Chronicle
Under market integration, 22 countries out of 28 have now signed the TFTA Agreement, while eight have signed and ratified.
S. Korea to deepen economic ties with developing economies amid pandemic
24-Apr-2020 Yonhap News Agency
South Korea said will expand economic ties with developing nations to overcome the looming protectionism around the globe amid the new coronavirus pandemic.
Ecuador will approve the trade agreement with EFTA
23-Apr-2020 Fresh Plaza
The plenary session of the Assembly will process the agreement between Ecuador and the European Free Trade Association, after having the Constitutional Court approved it.
Business leaders, others seek delay in AfCFTA’s implementation
23-Apr-2020 This Day
Some members of the organised private sector and experts in international trade in Nigeria have called for the postponement of the take-off of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement
Corporations prepare to sue over action to save lives as pandemic reveals trade flaws
23-Apr-2020 The Conversation
Global companies are positioning themselves to use little-known rules in trade agreements to claim millions of dollars in compensation for restrictions imposed during the pandemic.
India plans to resume trade dialogue with China once Covid situation stabilises: Envoy Misri
23-Apr-2020 The Print
India plans to resume discussion on “outstanding trade issues” with China, including those related to the RCEP, once the Covid-19 situation stabilises.
US pressures Mexico to reopen plants amid worker walkouts
22-Apr-2020 AP
The US pressed Mexico to reopen border assembly plants that are key to the US supply chain, as part of the North American free trade zone.
Belarusian parliament to ratify EAEU–Serbia FTA during spring session
22-Apr-2020 Kazinform
The House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus will consider ratifying the agreement on a free trade zone between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Serbia.
Belarusian dairy companies certified for export to Vietnam
22-Apr-2020 Belta
This will allow more efficient use of opportunities granted by the Vietnam-EAEU free trade agreement and increase export of Belarusian milk and dairy products to Vietnam.
USTR warned to rush USMCA implementation
22-Apr-2020 Politico
A private sector advisory panel established by Congress urged the Trump administration not to bring the USMCA into force before Jan. 1.
US and Brazil seek to conclude trade agreement in 2020
22-Apr-2020 Just Style
The US and Brazil are hoping to conclude an agreement on trade rules and transparency this year, including trade facilitation and good regulatory practices.
Stop all trade and investment treaty negotiations during COVID-19 crisis and focus on access to medical supplies and saving lives
22-Apr-2020 Friends of the Earth International
An open letter to Trade Ministries and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
CPEC projects to be completed within timeframe: Ambassador
21-Apr-2020 Daily Times
Pakistan Ambassador to China has said that a number of mechanisms have been established to complete all projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) within the prescribed timeframe in order to achieve the desired goals.
E-Commerce protocol incorporated into AfCFTA phase III
21-Apr-2020 Ghana Web
The acceptance of the e-commerce protocol came about during the 33rd AU Ordinary Session recently held in Ethiopia.
US factories in Mexico are still open. As the coronavirus spreads, workers are dying
21-Apr-2020 Los Angeles Times
Maquiladoras which avoid most tariffs because their finished products are for export only, have boomed since the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement.