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Thai CSOs warn the senate’s subcommittee about the ongoing FTA negotiation with the EU on TRIPs-plus provisions harmful to access to medicines
10-Jan-2025 Access to Medicines
FTA Watch representatives warned that stricter IP rules in a potential EU FTA could impact access to medicines, increase healthcare costs, and harm Thailand’s domestic pharmaceutical industry. They also highlighted concerns about EU demands regarding government procurement, plant variety protection (UPOV 1991), and import of remanufactured goods.
Eswatini AGOA trade benefits renewed for 2025
9-Jan-2025 VOA
The southern African nation of Eswatini has secured continued eligibility for benefits under the US African Growth and Opportunity Act for the 39 companies currently trading under AGOA.
Govt. not against free trade agreements: Chaturanga Abeysinghe
9-Jan-2025 Daily Mirror
The Sri Lankan government will negotiate with the Indian government on how to rectify the concerns raised against the Economic and Technology Co-operation Agreement while reviewing the Singapore Free Trade Agreement.
Tunisia to face sand mining claim
9-Jan-2025 CDR
Minerali Industriali is taking action under the Italy-Tunisia bilateral investment treaty for alleged mistreatment related to its sand mining and processing business.
S. Korea, Pakistan agree to launch economic partnership negotiations
9-Jan-2025 Korea Herald
South Korea and Pakistan have agreed to begin negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to increase bilateral trade. The EPA, announced during a meeting between trade ministers in Seoul, aims to create a beneficial trade network, focusing on areas like digital technology, IT, and the automobile sector.
Thailand-Pakistan trade talks revived after decade
8-Jan-2025 Pattaya Mail
Key priorities include resuming negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement and strengthening collaboration in industries such as food, textiles, gems and jewelry, fisheries, and tourism.
India, Asean trade agreement review faces delays
8-Jan-2025 Mint
The planned makeover of India’s 14-year-old goods trade pact with Asean may take longer than expected as members of New Delhi’s fourth largest trading partner press to negotiate tariffs individually.
Tractors head towards Paris in protest against the EU-Mercosur deal
7-Jan-2025 Euronews
One of France’s largest farmers’ unions is seeking guarantees from the prime minister’s office that it will defend a form of agriculture focused on protecting small farmers, who say are being crushed by free trade.
Indonesia-EU trade pact deadline pushed to first half of 2025
7-Jan-2025 Jakarta Globe
Indonesia has delayed the completion of its trade agreement with the European Union (EU), now aiming to conclude negotiations by mid-2025. While 85% of the agreement is reportedly finalized, disagreements on export/import restrictions and investment conditions remain. The EU’s concerns about Indonesian palm oil production, particularly related to deforestation, have also been a point of contention.
The EU’s lust for Indonesia’s nickel supply
7-Jan-2025 EU Observer
The EU desires open access to Indonesian nickel, crucial for its green transition, yet criticizes extractive practices in the Global South. Indonesia, however, seeks to develop its own processing industries and restrict raw material exports.
BOC, Tariff Commission list articles under PH-Korea free trade agreement
7-Jan-2025 PortCalls
The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Tariff Commission (TC) have subsequently released implementing guidelines and updated their online tariff finder to reflect the new tariff schedules. Executive Order No. 80 formalizes the Philippines’ tariff commitments under the FTA, subjecting listed goods from South Korea to the specified import duties upon entry.
India-EFTA trade pact likely to be implemented before end of 2025: Goyal
7-Jan-2025 Daily Pioneer
India’s free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), signed in March 2024, is progressing towards implementation by the end of 2025. India will reduce tariffs on select EFTA goods like Swiss watches and chocolates.
Colombia is defending its sovereignty from the power of global corporations
6-Jan-2025 Al Jazeera
Trade deals can allow international corporations to trample over the rights of governments in the Global South. That is the message from the Colombian government, which describes the effect of such deals as a “bloodbath” for their national sovereignty.
Thailand targets more free trade deals this year
3-Jan-2025 Bangkok Post
The scheduled signing of the Thailand-Efta FTA this month represents Thailand’s first pact with European nations. The government is also working to finish negotiations with key partners such as the EU, South Korea, Asean-Canada and Bhutan, aiming to conclude deals this year.
Nations are exiting a secretive system that protects corporations. One country’s story shows how hard that can be
3-Jan-2025 Inside Climate News
Bolivia was the first nation to begin leaving a legal system that allows foreign companies to sue governments behind closed doors. Now, other countries are following.
Emmerson secures litigation funding for Morocco claim
3-Jan-2025 CDR
The company has secured up to USD 11 million in funding against the North African state.
Upgraded China-S’pore free trade pact takes effect, will enhance market access for businesses
2-Jan-2025 The Straits Times
China and Singapore have upgraded a 15-year-old free trade deal to further open up their markets to investors and services suppliers on both sides, and expand cooperation in telecoms services.
Pakistan set to ink economic partnership deal with Korea
2-Jan-2025 The Express Tribune
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan is set to embark on an official visit to South Korea to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement, marking a significant step towards enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.
1st round of PH-Chile FTA talks set for March
2-Jan-2025 Inquirer.net
The first round of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the Philippines and Chile has been set for March 2025.
China-Maldives free trade agreement to take effect
2-Jan-2025 China Daily
The China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement is set to take effect on Jan 1, 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement