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EU moves to remove barriers to data flows in trade deals
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Suez accepts 25% haircut from Argentina to end dispute
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!
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
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.
Indian resistance could spell trouble for RCEP
India has been resisting pressure from other RCEP member nations to open up 90% of its traded goods to competition. This is due to the reason that the member nations are not ready to improve market access in services, one of India’s core strengths.
S. Korea to hold hearing on follow-up FTA talks with China
In December 2017, the trade and industry ministers of South Korea agreed to expedite negotiations to expand the two countries’ two-year-old free trade agreement to include the service and investment sectors.
India-UK trade meet to focus on visa restrictions, trade barriers
While the UK can engage in free trade agreement (FTA) talks with other countries including India only after the process of full disengagement from the EU is complete, talks are already happening unofficially on the potential of such a pact.
RCEP: India hardens stand ahead of summit with ASEAN
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has taken a strong stand that the country should restrain itself from concluding free trade agreement from which it would not gain in the medium term.
AK EUROPA: Even economically, TiSA does not deliver what it promises
Even though the official negotiations on the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) are currently on hold, the questionable foundations of the economic impact assessments on TiSA have increasingly become the focus of attention.
Data is the new oil, so big tech is pushing for a digital free trade deal
Decades ago it was pharmaceuticals, oil and food. Now tech giants want data to be the next frontier in the free trade agenda.
Turkey, South Korea look to capitalize on free trade agreement, boost service trade
Turkish and South Korean announced the completion of the approval processes for the Free Trade Agreement. The approval processes of the Service Trade Agreement will also be completed soon, they also stated.