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From the movements

Free trade agreements pushing UPOV as of 2025

GRAIN has updated its dataset on free trade agreements that push harsh new standards for intellectual property rights over biodiversity, going beyond the international standards set by the World Trade Organisation.
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Latest news

Indonesia hopes ASEAN-Canada FTA negotiations conclude in 2026

Indonesia’s Trade Minister Budi Santoso announced at the 47th ASEAN Summit that the bloc hopes to seal an ASEAN‑Canada free‑trade pact by 2026. While the promised “market‑access boost, innovation surge and stronger supply‑chain links” sound attractive, the timeline is overly optimistic given the complex, multi‑year negotiations typical of such agreements.

Philippines, EU make ‘remarkable progress’ in free trade talks

The Philippines and the EU have made "remarkable progress" in their fourth round of FTA negotiations, covering key areas like goods, services, investment, digital trade, and sustainability. Both sides aim to stabilize the draft text by the end of 2025, with the goal of concluding a modern agreement by 2027.

South Africa urged to advance FTA talks between Vietnam and SACU

During the reception, the Deputy Prime Minister suggested South Africa support and closely work with Vietnam in promoting negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), contributing to realizing the goal of raising bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion.
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