bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

All articles

Geopolitics, the UK and investor-state arbitration: a ‘new normal’ in an uncertain world?
13-May-2026 Financier Worldwide
Governments need to be able to regulate to meet their domestic policy goals or internationally recognised sustainable development goals. That necessarily means that sometimes hard decisions will need to be taken which will affect foreign investments on their soil.
GCC, UK near free trade deal after ‘significant progress’ in talks
13-May-2026 Arab News
The Gulf Cooperation Council and the UK are aiming to conclude negotiations on a free trade agreement in the “near future” after commerce ministers from both sides made “significant progress” in talks aimed at deepening trade and investment ties.
Canada eyes free trade pacts with Philippines, Asean this year
13-May-2026 The Edge Malaysia
Canada expects to conclude free trade agreements with the Philippines and the wider Southeast Asian bloc this year, as Ottawa seeks to boost business ties with the region and grow its non-US trade.
India-Oman free trade agreement set for June 1 rollout, says Piyush Goyal
13-May-2026 Sarkaritel
The India–Oman free trade agreement is set to take effect on June 1, 2026, granting duty-free access to nearly 98% of Indian exports while lowering tariffs on Omani petrochemicals and minerals. Simultaneously, India is negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Chile to expand trade into digital services and investment.
Taiwan seeks negotiations to update 1993 bilateral investment agreement with Malaysia
13-May-2026 The Edge Malaysia
Taiwan is urging Malaysia to update their 31-year-old Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIA) to better reflect the modern global landscape and supply chain shifts. To attract high-end technology and foster a comprehensive industrial ecosystem, Taiwan is calling for higher-level government engagement to address comprehensive issues like labor and technology transfer.
India, Peru likely to hold talks on free trade pact in June, diplomat says
12-May-2026 Reuters
India and Peru will probably hold the next round of talks on a proposed free ​trade pact next month, a senior Peruvian diplomat told ‌Reuters, adding that a deal could be signed by the end of the year.
Poland takes Mercosur deal to top EU court over farmer fears
12-May-2026 TVP World
Poland has submitted a complaint against the recently signed trade deal between the EU and South American trading bloc Mercosur to the EU’s top court.
EU-Indonesia trade deal tuna fillets raises concerns with Europêche
12-May-2026 The Fishing Daily
Representatives of Europêche reiterate their deep concerns regarding the proposed free trade agreement between the European Union and Indonesia, the world’s leading tuna producer.
Chinese owner of Nexperia demands $8 billion from Netherlands over government takeover
12-May-2026 NL Times
Wingtech, the Chinese parent of the Nijmegen chipmaker Nexperia, said it will commence international arbitration proceedings against the Netherlands under the Netherlands-China investment treaty.
EU ministers endorse key new trade deals with Mexico
12-May-2026 The Brussels Times
EU governments have endorsed two agreements with Mexico that would update the bloc’s relationship with the country and set new terms for trade once they are formally signed and approved.
ICSID registers Lansdowne Oil & Gas Ireland arbitration request
12-May-2026 Morning Star
Lansdowne Oil & Gas PLC said the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes has registered the company’s request for arbitration against Ireland, in a dispute over the Barryroe oil and gas field.
PH set to sign four trade pacts in 2026, says DTI chief
12-May-2026 Insider Philippines
The Philippine government is poised to sign at least four trade agreements before the end of the year, Trade Secretary Christina Roque said.
Review of trade in goods pact with ASEAN priority for India: MEA
12-May-2026 Business Standard
India is fast-tracking the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to address a significant trade deficit and secure better market access for its pharmaceutical and agricultural exports.
A Trump-Xi deal could revive US energy exports to China
12-May-2026 Reuters
As President Donald Trump prepares for a high-stakes summit with President Xi Jinping, officials signal a potential deal to revive US energy exports currently stifled by trade war tariffs. While US oil and LNG shipments to China have plummeted due to retaliatory duties, Chinese buyers continue to rely heavily on American ethane and propane to sustain their plastics industry.
Thailand rushes US trade deal ahead of possible Section 301 review
12-May-2026 Khaosod English
Thailand is accelerating negotiations on the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the United States in a bid to reduce tariff risks ahead of a Section 301 review.
Bangladesh moves to sign FTA with S Korea
11-May-2026 The Financial Express
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said Bangladesh is moving forward with discussions to sign a Free Trade Agreement with South Korea to boost exports and strengthen bilateral trade ties.
EU pushes for investment pacts in landmark India free trade deal
11-May-2026 Asianet News
The EU’s Ambassador to India, Herve Delphin, has called for an investment liberalisation chapter in the new EU-India FTA and the finalisation of a separate investment protection pact, terming them "unfinished business" for the landmark deal.
Prominent Canadians urge halt to Canada–Ecuador free trade deal, cite dangerous risks to rights and the environment
11-May-2026 Mining Watch
Prominent voices from across Canada—including human rights, Indigenous, labour, and environment leaders—are calling on the federal government to halt a proposed free trade agreement with Ecuador.
India, Chile trade ministers may discuss FTA progress next week: Official
11-May-2026 Money Control
India and Chile implemented a preferential trade agreement in 2006 and are now negotiating to widen its scope for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.
Trade minister to visit Mexico next week to expand outreach for FTA negotiations
11-May-2026 Yonhap
Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo he will visit Mexico next week as part of a concerted effort to broaden outreach for the resumption of free trade agreement negotiations between South Korea and Mexico.