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Belt and road initiative: Ominously, Chinese investment in South Asia target control of natural resources
12-Feb-2018 Financial Express
Economic corridors have hardly been as controversial as China’s Belt and Road initiative (BRI). It could have avoided controversies if it had proceeded in a consultative fashion like multi-country cross-border corridors.
China agrees to accommodate Pakistan’s concerns on FTA
9-Feb-2018 Pakistan Observer
The demands included those from exporters to provide tariff concessions equivalent to the ASEAN countries.
SL-S’pore FTA sparks investment interest among NZ firms
9-Feb-2018 Mirror Business
The recently signed Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement has been able to create a lot of enthusiasm among New Zealand companies operating in Singapore.
Grain exports surging because of free trade deals
9-Feb-2018 The Farmer’s Exchange
Free trade agreement FTA partners purchased half of all exports of feed grains in all forms in 2016-17, according to the US Department of Agriculture trade data and analysis by the US Grains Council.
Mise à niveau : Un rempart contre la disparition des entreprises locales
9-Feb-2018 Chateau News
Depuis la ratification par le Cameroun, le 22 juillet 2014 de l’accord de partenariat économique avec l’Union Européenne les petites et moyennes entreprises camerounaises sont menacées par le spectre de déflagration.
Indonesia strives for completion of RCEP negotiations
9-Feb-2018 Vietnam Plus
Indonesia is committed to accelerating negotiations of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the Jakarta Post quoted Indonesian Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita as saying.
What now for economic integration in the Asia-Pacific?
9-Feb-2018 The Diplomat
Progress made in TPP negotiations spurred on RCEP talks, which in turn further stimulated TPP efforts. It is thought that the recent consensus on TPP-11 has increased momentum for RCEP countries to reach a deal as well.
Kerala fears zero tariff under RCEP may hit domestic dairy industry
9-Feb-2018 The Hindu BusinessLine
Kerala has raised concern over the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement between 16 Asian-Pacific countries on the ground that it would impact the country’s dairy sector.
Mexico to make regional content proposal for autos in NAFTA talks
8-Feb-2018 Reuters
Mexico will make a proposal for regional content requirements for autos at the next round of talks to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a senior Mexican official said.
Pacific Alliance, associate members advance trade talks, eye new economic opportunities
8-Feb-2018 ICTSD
The talks brought together officials from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Singapore with the Pacific Alliance coalition made up of four Latin American countries – Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru.
Pakistan-Indonesia: Review process for PTA finalized
8-Feb-2018 Express Tribune
Both countries agreed to expand the PTA and opt for a Free Trade Agreement.
‘99,000t deal is on the table’ – parliamentary source
8-Feb-2018 AgriLand
The EU has conceded to increase its beef import quota offer by almost 30,000t in a bid to reach agreement on the much-anticipated Mercosur trade deal, a parliamentary source has claimed.
Global mining firms sue Kenya for Sh334bn compensation
8-Feb-2018 Business Daily
Global mining firms want Kenya compelled to pay Sh334 billion as compensation for cancelling their licences.
Theresa May stokes fears NHS ’for sale’ in post-Brexit US trade deal after refusing to rule it out of Trump talks
8-Feb-2018 The Independent
No-one knows what US will set as ’their requirements for that free trade agreement’, Prime Minister tells MPs.
Mexico aims for EU free-trade deal by end of February
8-Feb-2018 Reuters
The EU and Mexico intend to update a trade deal agreed 21 years ago that largely covers industrial goods. They want to add farm products, more services, investment and government procurement.
Beijing plans new mechanism for Belt and Road arbitration
8-Feb-2018 Asia Times
In a proactive move, China has plans under way to provide its own arbitration in any future commercial issues or disputes between the Belt and Road countries. The 68 countries and regions included in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) not only vary in economic strength but also require a stable trade environment with adequate legal safeguards.
Trade deals a major boost for the country, says Mustapa
8-Feb-2018 The Malay Mail Online
Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said, "Malaysia has been an open economy dependent on trade and we have been one of the biggest supporters of free trade."
The rise of China and the fall of the ‘Free Trade’ myth
8-Feb-2018 The New York Times Magazine
China’s economic success lays bare an uncomfortable historical truth: No one who preaches ‘free trade’ really practices it.
EU-Chile trade talks: Commission releases its proposals and reports about progress
7-Feb-2018 European Commission
The negotiating teams covered a broad range of issues such as the facilitation of customs procedures, trade in services, investment, competition, rules of origin, and intellectual property.
EU-Chile FTA: EU proposals (Jan 2018)
7-Feb-2018 European Commission
As released by the European Commission