bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

All articles

EU, UK so far fail to bridge gaps to secure trade deal
4-Nov-2020 Reuters
The European Union and Britain have so far failed to reach agreement on three most persistent sticking points in talks.
Russia ratifies Serbia’s free trade deal with EAEU
4-Nov-2020 SeeNews
The upper house of the Russian Parliament, said it has ratified the free trade agreement signed by Serbia with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Iran-EAEU FTA taskforce holds online meeting
4-Nov-2020 Tehran Times
Converting the current temporary agreement into a permanent one requires the development of the current infrastructure.
Japan’s cabinet approves new economic pact with UK
4-Nov-2020 NHK World Japan
The Japanese government has finalized a bill on Wednesday for a new economic partnership agreement with the United Kingdom. The government aims to seek swift Diet approval so that the deal will take effect on January 1, 2021.
China’s Xi says country will speed up trade talks with EU, Japan and South Korea
4-Nov-2020 CNBC
In a major speech on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping talked up his country’s plans for playing a greater role in global trade, without mentioning ongoing tensions with the US.
Indonesian trade minister discussed the RCEP draft at the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ meeting
4-Nov-2020 Radar Bangsa
Minister of Trade Agus Suparmanto attended a virtual ’special caucus’ meeting of 10 ASEAN Economic Ministers discussed status of the RCEP draft and consolidated ASEAN countries’ position in preparation for the signing of RCEP agreement in this year.
Australia calls for China to ’play by the rules’ after reports of multibillion-dollar trade bans
4-Nov-2020 The Guardian
The Morrison government has called on China to come clean on whether a range of Australian export sectors worth billions of dollars a year will face new curbs from Friday amid increasing tensions between the two countries.
Pakistan, Bosnia sign trade agreements and more
4-Nov-2020 International The News
Pakistan and Bosnia on Wednesday agreed to strengthen the ties and improve trade between the two countries.
Why is Europe quiet about Thailand’s protests?
4-Nov-2020 Asia Times
Sources say that Brussels is keeping its powder dry in case the situation deteriorates further in Thailand. Yet it doesn’t want to annoy Bangkok pre-emptively lest it weakens relations.
Kenya, UK agree terms of post-Brexit trade pact
4-Nov-2020 Business Daily
Kenya, UK have concluded an economic partnership agreement under the stalled EU-EAC EPA’s text which Kenya ratified in October 2016.
Searching for value in the Japan–UK trade agreement
4-Nov-2020 East Asia Forum
The UK has taken the first step in its post-Brexit FTA agenda by signing the Japan–UK CEPA on 23 October. Although the UK government called the deal a ‘historic free trade agreement’, its main value appears to be political — especially for UK domestic politics.
Growing trade, investment flows now hallmark of BRI
3-Nov-2020 China Daily
China’s efforts to sign FTAs, double taxation agreements, multilateral/bilateral investment agreements, and information technology agreements, effectively facilitate trade and investment activities with BRI-related economies.
Trump or Biden, trade deals still threaten Britain’s NHS
3-Nov-2020 Open Democracy
Whether a UK deal with an ’America First’ president, or Biden’s more traditional global trade stance, battles ahead are likely if Britain is to protect its NHS and avoid higher drug prices.
Pakistan seeks to reform int’l investment regime
3-Nov-2020 The Express Tribune
Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved the formation of a working group of experts for reforming Pakistan’s international investment regime.
Labour rights key to resuming EU-Thailand trade talks
3-Nov-2020 Just-Style
With a possible resumption of talks on the EU-Thailand free trade agreement on the cards, the European Union is being urged to require labour reform as a precondition to negotiations.
UK and US confident trade talks are ’on track’ - UK trade ministry
3-Nov-2020 Reuters
Britain and the United states are confident that ongoing trade talks are heading towards a comprehensive agreement, the British trade ministry said.
Colombia approves trade agreement with the United Kingdom
2-Nov-2020 Fresh Plaza
The Colombian House of Representatives approved the Trade Agreement between Colombia and the United Kingdom, which was signed in May 2019 before the UK left the European Union.
Is the Pacific’s new trade deal an early Xmas gift or a double edged sword?
2-Nov-2020 RNZ
There are mixed reactions in the Pacific to a new free trade deal which comes into force in December.
Labour urges UK trade secretary to end delays over Kenya and Ghana deals
2-Nov-2020 The Guardian
Liz Truss urged to sign off deals quickly to spare African states high tariffs once Brexit transition period ends.
Update: Kenya - US free trade agreement
2-Nov-2020 AmCham Kenya
The talks have moved into the second round. Kenya has prepared text for 13 chapters.