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Is Canada prepared to ignore alarming human rights violations to advance a controversial free trade agreement with Ecuador?
The Canadian government must not remain indifferent to the bloodshed and the incontrovertible reality of a grave human rights crisis in Ecuador.
Resource disputes between investors and states hit 10-year high
Disagreements between governments and investors over resources are at a 10-year high, law firm DLA Piper said, driven by resource nationalism and growing competition between the US and China for critical minerals.
Asean set to sign digital economy agreement in 2026 to boost cross-border trade, services
Touted as the first major regionwide digital economy agreement in the world, talks on Defa officially began in September 2023, covering areas such as digital trade, cross-border e-commerce, cyber security, digital identity, digital payments and cross-border data flows.
Climate and Environmental Governance: International investment rules can undermine environmental and climate protection
The investor-state dispute settlement system, with its roots in colonialism and extractivism, is not fit for purpose in the 21st century because it prioritises the interests of foreign investors over the rights of states, human rights and the environment.
Uruguay signs investment protection deal with Saudi Arabia
Uruguay’s Chancellor Mario Lubetkin has signed an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with Saudi Arabia during an official visit to Riyadh.
Era of free trade and investment is over, Canada’s PM tells Apec summit
Mark Carney warns Asia-Pacific leaders global economy undergoing profound change, as China’s president mounts defence of free trade.
Panama wins canal expansion arbitration against Spanish company
Panama’s government won a lawsuit against Spanish company Sacyr, officials said, after the firm claimed it was owed around $2.3 billion for its work expanding the Panama Canal.
Malaysia, New Zealand aim to finalise free trade agreement review by year end, says Anwar
Malaysia and New Zealand are aiming to complete the review of the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (MNZFTA) by the end of the year, as confirmed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit.
Pakistan, Iran move closer to inking Free Trade Agreement
Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic ties through a high-level meeting. The discussion focused on advancing bilateral trade, investment, and regional connectivity.
Namibia eyes new trade pact with US after AGOA ended
The government has engaged with the United States to explore the possibility of a new trade agreement following the expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on 30 September 2025.
Luanda summit rallies renewed investor support for African infrastructure
This high-level gathering convened heads of state, ministers, global investors, heads of multilateral development banks, and private sector leaders from Africa and beyond to deliberate on strategies to address one of the continent’s most pressing challenges: transforming Africa’s infrastructure ambitions into bankable, investment-ready projects.
Egypt manages to reach African consensus on the rules of origin pending in AfCFTA agreement
Adoption of eight annexes to the Intellectual Property Protocol in preparation for their submission to the upcoming African Union Summit.
Singapore, Chile and New Zealand launch negotiations for new green trade pact
Singapore, Chile and New Zealand have launched negotiations for a green trade pact which could include cooperation in areas like sustainable aviation fuel, carbon credits and renewable energy certificates.
UK, Switzerland advance enhanced FTA talks
An enhanced FTA with Switzerland will deliver long-term certainty for UK services firms, by locking in access to the Swiss market, guaranteeing the free flow of data and cementing business travel arrangements.
Romania withdraws from the Energy Charter Treaty
The Government has approved a draft law approving Romania’s withdrawal from the Energy Charter Treaty.
Trump’s secret trade deals with Malaysia and Cambodia revealed: Imperialist bullying on behalf of Big Tech, other corporate interests
An early review of the texts reveals new handouts to Big Tech and other corporate interests, with little to nothing that will help working people in the US.
S Alam files international arbitration claims over asset freeze: FT report
Mohammed Saiful Alam, founder and chairman of the controversial business conglomerate S Alam Group, has filed an international arbitration claim alleging that Dhaka’s asset recovery drive has cost his family’s business "hundreds of millions" of dollar.
Canada nears free trade pact with ASEAN, says Prime Minister Carney
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country is working to finalize a new free trade agreement with the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Trump announces trade breakthrough with South Korea
US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung finalized details of their fraught trade deal at a summit in South Korea.