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Veolia loses ISDS case against Egypt – after six years and millions in costs
4-Jun-2018 AFTINET
Veolia has finally lost its claim against Egypt over a waste management contract dispute in which they claimed compensation for an increase in the minimum wage under a new labour law.
Sri Lanka FTAs: stupidity or treachery?
16-May-2018
The President of Sri Lanka expressed that his government will safeguard the local industrialists. In several occasions, he has mentioned that the government does not want to go for trade agreements that are deleterious to the country’s economy. However, in January this year, the president was seated in the high chair clapping when the bilateral trade agreement with Singapore is signed, which liberalized the country’s service sector effectively for the first time.
Govt. responds to Sri Lanka-Singapore FTA detractors
14-May-2018 Daily Mirror
In response to concerns raised by some professional associations last week concerning the Sri Lanka-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (SLSFTA), the Development Strategies and International Trade Ministry in a detailed response said the movement of natural persons from Singapore has not been opened except for intra-corporate transferees in senior management and business visitors linked to investments.
Korea, China to expand FTA to service and investment
20-Mar-2018 The Korea Times
With Korea and China set to start negotiations to expand the scope of their bilateral trade agreement to services and investment this week, experts say it could be a meaningful opening of the door to China’s $1 trillion services market.
Slovakia payment to Dutch company overturned
7-Mar-2018 The Slovak Spectator
Slovakia will no longer have to compensate Achmea B.V., the shareholder of Union ZP health insurer, for €22 million in damage.
Study “ASSESS TiSA”
27-Feb-2018 AK Europa
The study clearly shows that the official impact assessments of the European Commission are fundamentally based on a biased understanding of regulation.
The battle over TiSA: when everything is a service, a Trade in Services Agreement affects everyone
26-Feb-2018 IUF
A new report reveals the scope of the corporate power grab through a close examination of TiSA’s potential impact on workers across the IUF sectors and TiSA’s broader implications for the labour movement, society and democratic governance.
EU moves to remove barriers to data flows in trade deals
13-Feb-2018 Reuters
The European Union will seek to break down barriers to the flow of data between businesses in future trade deals, as it tries to promote a more digital economy while also protecting privacy.
Second round of Korea- US FTA talks
7-Feb-2018 KBS World Radio
After the grueling negotiations, South Korean Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong said that the two sides engaged in intense discussions and there is still a long way to go. Here is Professor Chung In-gyo from the International Trade Department at Inha University to examine the latest FTA talks between South Korea and the US.
RCEP talks: India ‘unhappy’ with revised service offers, too
6-Feb-2018 The Hindu BusinessLine
India will register its unhappiness with the “inadequate’’ fresh offers in services made by partner countries negotiating the mega regional comprehensive economic partnership (RCEP) as members converge in Indonesia this week for a crucial round of talks.
RCEP talks in Indonesia focus on concessions, crafting of sensitive list
5-Feb-2018 Business Mirror
As the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) made significant headway in January, negotiating countries in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are pressured to conclude the trade deal, and they try to make progress in the ongoing talks in Indonesia.
Mode 4 not opened in FTA Singapore rejects SL request
31-Jan-2018 Ceylon Today
The Singapore government has rejected a request from the Sri Lankan government for the movement of natural person (mode 4) be completely opened under the Free Trade Agreement.
Canadian NAFTA auto rules of origin idea ‘opposite’ of US goals: Lighthizer
30-Jan-2018 iPolitics
While “significant” challenges remain, all three ministers said some progress has been made this round.
Serious malpractices in the negotiation process of the free trade agreements
23-Jan-2018 Professional National Front
Professional National Front, an alliance of the professional associations and trade unions have observed serious violations of the law, best practices and hence the good governance in the negotiation process of the free trade Agreement. They took steps to inform all ministers of the cabinet including the president, in writing but their plea has not been heard.
India pushes for concluding balanced RCEP deal that includes services pact
23-Jan-2018 Livemint
India’s Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said RCEP negotiations may be taking longer than expected because of the economic diversity among member countries.
Don’t sign FTA with Singapore: Professionals tell Govt.
23-Jan-2018 Daily Mirror
Ahead of the Sri Lankan government’s move to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Singapore, a collective of professional movements have expressed grave concerns and stated that there were serious violations of the law, best practices and good governance in the negotiation process of the agreement.
EU-MERCOSUR FTA: Services and establishment draft chapter (Nov 2017)
19-Jan-2018
Suez accepts 25% haircut from Argentina to end dispute
12-Jan-2018 Bloomberg
French co. agreed to $275 million to settle 12-year dispute. Engie is the biggest shareholder in water, sewer company.
Awasi Negosiasi Putaran Ke-Empat Indonesia-EU CEPA!
10-Jan-2018 Indonesia for Global Justice
IEU-CEPA bertujuan mempercepat liberalisasi dan akses pasar untuk perdagangan barang, jasa dan investasi antar kedua pihak dengan mengadopsi standar internasional yang relevan terhadap perdagangan barang, jasa dan investasi; serta mengeliminir dan atau menghapus kendala atau hambatan yang merugikan kedua pihak.
RCEP: India in a Catch-22
10-Jan-2018 Deccan Herald
India’s position in the RCEP is the most protectionist among all the member nations. India has been resisting demands from Korea & Japan on intellectual property clauses, and other nations on opening up markets.