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How consultative has India’s RCEP strategy really been?
19-Aug-2019 The Wire
There is little doubt that the smaller stakeholders and businesses within India’s informal economy have the most to lose, and yet their voices are not being heard.
Korea-Asean special summit to focus on expanding trade
19-Aug-2019 Korea Joongang Daily
Korea government called for the expansion of trade with Asean states, especially in light of the global rise of protectionist policies and trade wars, not to mention Korea’s recent tensions with Japan.
Canada should engage with Taiwan and others given our China troubles
19-Aug-2019 The Globe and Mail
Given the difficult situation between Canada and China, commentators have suggested ways Canada could push back. Among them is a reassessment of our relations with Taiwan.
Britain should break with Europe on palm oil
19-Aug-2019 Bloomberg
Malaysia’s prime minister says the UK can expect better trade terms with Southeast Asia if it asserts its independence post-Brexit.
India’s time to trade freely: A ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ is on its way, but is India ready?
18-Aug-2019 Daily O
Though RCEP aims to enhance economic cooperation between India and China — and in turn benefit consumers — there are ample chances of negative impact on India domestic industry through the removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers
China could play mediator role to help resolve Japan-South Korea trade friction
18-Aug-2019 Global Times
Tensions between Japan and South Korea have been escalating since July 1. Japan has since placed restrictions on three chemicals critical to South Korea’s tech industry. Uncertainty exists within ongoing negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
US businesses urge Thailand to join CPTPP
18-Aug-2019 Bangkok Post
The US-Asean Business Council is is calling for the Thai government to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Japan leaves billions on table as paperwork clogs free trade deals
18-Aug-2019 Nikkei Asian Review
Only half of eligible companies enjoying fruits of 17 trade agreements.
BT Buzz: Why India should not ignore RCEP free trade mega deal
18-Aug-2019 Business Today
Are mega free trade agreements (FTAs) beneficial for Indian economy? Majority of Indian industry may say no, but a research policy paper attempts to offer a slightly contrarian view
EU vs. Indonesia: Is it really a trade war?
17-Aug-2019 DW
The European Union has slapped countervailing tariffs on imports of subsidized biodiesel from Indonesia. The southeast Asian country has threatened to retaliate but experts say counter tariffs could be self-destructive.
EU-AU free trade deal: EU shares list of items to protect under geographical indications
17-Aug-2019 Food Ingredient First
Australia is seeking an ambitious and comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) to drive Australian exports and economic growth.
Ministry announces changes in rules of origin in ASEAN-China FTA
17-Aug-2019 Vietnam Plus
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced amendments to the rules of origin under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).
Australia should join DEPA negotiations
17-Aug-2019 East Asia Forum
New Zealand and Singapore announced negotiations on a Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) that would establish new trade rules and best practices for the digital era. Australia should join and actively participate in these negotiations.
The grand illusion of ‘free trade area’
17-Aug-2019 The Tribune
What’s worrisome for India is the economic growth rate owing to the overall core sector slump and adverse bilateral trade balance with countries under the RCEP.
Enhanced market access to US just pie in the sky
17-Aug-2019 The Express Tribune
Enhanced access for products of Pakistan’s export interest, particularly textile and clothing, to the United States market has been a long-standing demand of both the government and private sector.
EU-Vietnam trade deal shows EU will bend human rights standards if the price is right
17-Aug-2019 ASEAN Today
The new EU-Vietnam free trade agreement (FTA) shows the EU will look past human rights violations to push a trade agenda. But as FTAs with ASEAN states don’t offer the EU the same economic benefits, it’s unlikely the bloc will pen more in the near future.
Aussie farmers dig in to save common food names
16-Aug-2019 Mirage News
Farmers are fighting back calling the EU’s demands on geographical indicators ‘bad policy’.
African states launch the operational phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, creating one of the largest common markets in the world
16-Aug-2019 Mondaq
The AfCFTA entered into force on May 30, 2019 for all States that have ratified the Agreement. Trading under the agreement will begin on July 1, 2020.
TCC moves US court for enforcement of $6bn award in Reko Diq case
16-Aug-2019 Express Tribune
Tethyan Copper Company (TCC) has approached a court in the United States for enforcement of US$6 billion penalty imposed on Pakistan
European beef farmers struggle amid new US-EU beef trade deal
16-Aug-2019 Xinhua
Yielding to aggressive US policy, the European Union signed a deal with the United States which allows US farmers to sell more beef to Europe and will lead to a meat surplus in the European market.