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Tractors head towards Paris in protest against the EU-Mercosur deal
7-Jan-2025 Euronews
One of France’s largest farmers’ unions is seeking guarantees from the prime minister’s office that it will defend a form of agriculture focused on protecting small farmers, who say are being crushed by free trade.
Indonesia-EU trade pact deadline pushed to first half of 2025
7-Jan-2025 Jakarta Globe
Indonesia has delayed the completion of its trade agreement with the European Union (EU), now aiming to conclude negotiations by mid-2025. While 85% of the agreement is reportedly finalized, disagreements on export/import restrictions and investment conditions remain. The EU’s concerns about Indonesian palm oil production, particularly related to deforestation, have also been a point of contention.
The EU’s lust for Indonesia’s nickel supply
7-Jan-2025 EU Observer
The EU desires open access to Indonesian nickel, crucial for its green transition, yet criticizes extractive practices in the Global South. Indonesia, however, seeks to develop its own processing industries and restrict raw material exports.
BOC, Tariff Commission list articles under PH-Korea free trade agreement
7-Jan-2025 PortCalls
The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Tariff Commission (TC) have subsequently released implementing guidelines and updated their online tariff finder to reflect the new tariff schedules. Executive Order No. 80 formalizes the Philippines’ tariff commitments under the FTA, subjecting listed goods from South Korea to the specified import duties upon entry.
India-EFTA trade pact likely to be implemented before end of 2025: Goyal
7-Jan-2025 Daily Pioneer
India’s free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), signed in March 2024, is progressing towards implementation by the end of 2025. India will reduce tariffs on select EFTA goods like Swiss watches and chocolates.
Colombia is defending its sovereignty from the power of global corporations
6-Jan-2025 Al Jazeera
Trade deals can allow international corporations to trample over the rights of governments in the Global South. That is the message from the Colombian government, which describes the effect of such deals as a “bloodbath” for their national sovereignty.
Thailand targets more free trade deals this year
3-Jan-2025 Bangkok Post
The scheduled signing of the Thailand-Efta FTA this month represents Thailand’s first pact with European nations. The government is also working to finish negotiations with key partners such as the EU, South Korea, Asean-Canada and Bhutan, aiming to conclude deals this year.
Nations are exiting a secretive system that protects corporations. One country’s story shows how hard that can be
3-Jan-2025 Inside Climate News
Bolivia was the first nation to begin leaving a legal system that allows foreign companies to sue governments behind closed doors. Now, other countries are following.
Emmerson secures litigation funding for Morocco claim
3-Jan-2025 CDR
The company has secured up to USD 11 million in funding against the North African state.
Upgraded China-S’pore free trade pact takes effect, will enhance market access for businesses
2-Jan-2025 The Straits Times
China and Singapore have upgraded a 15-year-old free trade deal to further open up their markets to investors and services suppliers on both sides, and expand cooperation in telecoms services.
Pakistan set to ink economic partnership deal with Korea
2-Jan-2025 The Express Tribune
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan is set to embark on an official visit to South Korea to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement, marking a significant step towards enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.
1st round of PH-Chile FTA talks set for March
2-Jan-2025 Inquirer.net
The first round of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the Philippines and Chile has been set for March 2025.
China-Maldives free trade agreement to take effect
2-Jan-2025 China Daily
The China-Maldives Free Trade Agreement is set to take effect on Jan 1, 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement
UAE to pursue CEPA deals in 2025 as it boosts foreign trade goals
2-Jan-2025 Arabian Business
UAE will look to add more countries to its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements scheme in 2025.
S. Korea, Bahrain sign bilateral investment protection treaty
2-Jan-2025 Yonhap
South Korea and Bahrain have signed a bilateral investment treaty on cementing the legal grounds for mutual investment and economic cooperation, Seoul’s foreign ministry said.
Brazil to work toward Mercosur-UAE deal in coming months, Lula tells UAE president
2-Jan-2025 Reuters
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told his Emirati counterpart that Brazil will work to seal a deal between South American trade bloc Mercosur and the United Arab Emirates in coming months.
Lithuania is against EU-Mercosur trade deal, says minister
2-Jan-2025 LRT
Lithuania should not back the ratification of the free trade agreement between the European Union and the South American Mercosur bloc, Agriculture Minister Ignas Hofmanas has said.
Pakistan, Kenya agree to promote free trade amid Islamabad’s push for economic growth
2-Jan-2025 Arab News
Pakistan and Kenya have agreed on a free trade agreement and mutual cooperation to enhance business and investment opportunities.
S Alam threatens int’l legal action against Bangladesh interim govt
2-Jan-2025 Dhaka Tribune
Mohammed Saiful Alam, founding chairman and managing director of the Bangladeshi industrial conglomerate S Alam Group, has initiated legal proceedings as a Singaporean citizen to seek compensation for alleged financial losses.
Zenith Energy wins key decision in ICSID arbitration
2-Jan-2025 Investing.com
In a significant legal development, Zenith Energy Ltd. announced that the ICSID has rejected a request for bifurcation by the Republic of Tunisia in an ongoing arbitration case.