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Asia


US and Thailand hold Trade and Investment Framework Agreement joint council meeting
The United States and Thailand met under the US-Thailand Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).
Position paper on indigenous peoples’ rights and protections
Ngā Toki Whakarururanga brings a Te Tiriti o Waitangi perspective to the trade policy space, which requires the Government of New Zealand to uphold and actively protect Māori rights to exercise authority over our lands, waters, resources and all taonga. That includes for IPEF.
Unravel neoliberal trade: a failed solution to food sovereignty
APWLD produces the briefing paper to unpack the understanding of CSOs and movements on how neoliberal trade and investment agreements, and how the current system are undermining food sovereignty and women’s human rights while cementing corporate power.
How the US can enforce an “unenforceable” IPEF
The proposition that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity will not be enforceable is an illusion.
The US Congress’s role in the IPEF and the possibility of a US “certification” requirement before the IPEF enters into force
Pillar 1 of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity is entitled “Trade” and is expected to have binding and enforceable trade-related commitments.
Nothing to lose but your supply chains: IPEF and the resilience agenda
Trade justice activists slammed the lack of transparency in the IPEF negotiation process. Social movements have showing resistance to demand prioritising labour, climate justice, and human rights over corporate profits in Indo-Pacific trade talks.
How a dispute over whaling could spur Japan’s exit from US Indo-Pacific trade pact: ‘Kishida has zero leeway’
Washington is pressuring Tokyo to accept a passage that’s critical of whaling in the charter for the new Indo-Pacific Economic Framework trade deal.
Raimondo: Three IPEF pillars by November
US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said she is looking to finalize the three pillars of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework under her charge by November.
New round of US-led IPEF talks kicks off in Korea
A new round of official negotiations for the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) has begun in Korea’s southeastern port city of Busan.
Tech giants play too big a role in US Indo-Pacific trade talks, critics say
Technology giants are drawing protests as they aggressively try to shape a new US trade deal with Australia, South Korea and other members of the Indo-Pacific region that account for 40% of global economic output.
Civil society calls for release of IPEF pillar 2 agreement and current texts
Civil society organizations, legislative bodies, and the people of potential IPEF countries must immediately be given ongoing access to the negotiating texts to enable them to help formulate positions and comment on draft proposals throughout the course of the remaining negotiations.
Indonesia tries to find balance between US-China with IPEF
Indonesia might be trying to strike a balance with both the rivaling US and China by joining the Washington-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), according to research institution ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.
Lula says Mercosur eyeing fresh trade deals, increased regional commerce
Brazilian President wants the Mercosur trade bloc to advance in talks for deals with Canada, South Korea and Singapore, while aiming to increase commerce with other countries in Latin America and Asia.
Decoding the IPEF
IPEF is designed by the US for its own prosperity, with developing countries unlikely to gain anything significant from it. Even if the IPEF does not eventually include dispute settlement provisions, and despite some of the provisions appearing to be only statements of intent and more in the nature of cooperation
New economic framework IPEF an empty US pledge: Financial Times
Without substantial new access to the US market or other trade privileges on offer, there’s little incentive for partner countries to make big commitments themselves.
US seeks to wrap up IPEF this year, with sustainability in ag chapter
The US aims to wrap up negotiations on the 14-nation Indo-Pacific Economic Framework this year, but not before key provisions on sustainability are added to the agriculture chapter of the deal, Chief US Agriculture Negotiator Doug McKalip said.
14 IPEF nations forge stronger supply chains to reduce reliance on China
In an evident attempt to decrease their dependency on China and prepare for potential future supply chain challenges, 14 nations involved in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework have reached an agreement.
CSO letter to the Commerce Minister on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and India joining the trade pillar
On behalf of the Forum for Trade Justice, a CSO letter has been sent to the Indian Commerce Minister. The letter highlights the perils of participating in the IPEF and urges the Commerce Minister to withdraw from the IPEF processes.
Empty promises and prospects: The US-led economic agreement is a liability for Fiji
This weekend in Detroit, Trade Ministers from eleven countries will be meeting for the latest round of negotiations on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, a secretive geopolitical and economic agreement aimed to curtail China.
Civil rights groups warn trade talks may hurt efforts to counter discriminatory algorithms
A coalition of civil rights and consumer protection groups warned in a letter to President Biden that ongoing trade talks risk eroding efforts to mitigate algorithmic discrimination.