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The Hague court confirms ruling: Russia must compensate Ukraine’s Naftogaz for assets seized in Crimea
A court in the Netherlands has rejected Russia’s cassation appeal against the Hague Arbitration Court’s decision, which ordered compensation for Naftogaz Group, Ukraine’s largest national oil and gas company, for the misappropriated assets in Russian-occupied Crimea.
Free trade & investment deals hit model BIT hurdle
From Saudi Arabia to the UK and the European Union to Sri Lanka, India’s model bilateral investment treaty (BIT) and the finance ministry’ steadfast refusal to tweak it is posing problems.
Britain joins trans-Pacific pact in biggest post-Brexit trade deal
Britain officially became the 12th member of a trans-Pacific trade pact which includes Japan, Australia and Canada as it seeks to deepen ties in the region and build its global trade links after leaving the European Union.
Japan, GCC strengthen economic ties with 1st round of FTA talks
Japan and the GCC are strengthening their economic ties with the successful completion of the first round of Free Trade Agreement negotiations. This milestone signifies a significant step towards deeper economic collaboration, covering key areas such as trade in goods and services, customs procedures, and digital trade. The two regions are aiming to increase trade volumes and foster closer economic integration, with a focus on clean energy, healthcare, and digital innovation.
Thailand, South Korea teams to negotiate trade deal, says Pichai
Thailand and South Korea are set to negotiate a new free trade agreement (FTA) to further boost bilateral trade, services, and investment. The proposed Thailand-South Korea Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) aims to expand market access for goods, services, and investment, building on existing agreements like the ASEAN-South Korea FTA and RCEP.
Key insights into the final EU-Mercosur agreement
A preliminary analysis of these new texts indicates that the clauses added at the EU’s request are in no way sufficient to effectively prevent the anticipated health and environmental impacts arising from the implementation of the trade agreement.
The EU-Mercosur deal: The 5 things the EU Commission doesn’t want you to know
This explainer cuts through the political rhetoric and takes a look at what the EU Commission doesn’t want you to know about the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement.
Sarama Resources submits request for arbitration against Burkina Faso
Formal commencement of international arbitration proceedings for significant damages claim.
How predatory energy developers harassed Hondurans
Honduras’s coup-era government opened the floodgates for predatory energy projects. Now that Hondurans are fighting back, the companies are trying to take them to arbitration.
European Union and Switzerland "very close" to new trade deal, official says
The European Union and Switzerland are "very close" to finalising a new agreement to overhaul their trade relationship, a senior EU official said.
“Shocking and sad”: how corporations use investment agreements to block decarbonisation in the Global South
Experts talk about investor-state dispute settlements, which allow fossil fuel companies to bring multi-billion dollar lawsuits against countries that pass green policies.
EU-Mercosur FTA text (Dec 2024)
Saudi Arabia participates in 1st round of GCC-Japan FTA talks
Deputy Governor of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade is leading Saudi Arabia’s delegation participating in the first round of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between GCC countries and Japan, in Riyadh from 10 to 12 December.
India-UK free trade pact talks to resume by Jan-end, Indian government source says
India and Britain are set to restart discussion regarding a free trade agreement by the end of January 2025.
Bangladesh-Singapore bilateral talks focus on trade and investment
During the meeting, Siddiqi expressed gratitude for Singapore’s continued support for Bangladesh and its collaboration with the interim government, particularly on the free trade agreement negotiations that commenced last month.
Civil society organisations push for transformative global investment rules
The Entebbe Declaration calls for justice and sustainability in global investment governance.
UAE finalises economic partnership deal with Eurasian bloc, including Russia
The UAE finalized an economic agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union aimed at increasing non-oil bilateral trade through the reduction of tariffs and elimination of trade barriers.
Korea, China discuss closer bilateral economic ties building on FTA
Korea and China are working to strengthen their economic partnership. The two countries met to review their existing free trade agreement and discuss expanding it to include services and investment. The goal is to further boost bilateral trade and create a more favorable business environment for both countries.
Japan trade agreement overdue for review, trade department says
Japan is aiming to upgrade their existing trade agreement to include provisions on digital trade, sustainable development, and supply chain resilience. The Philippines seeks to bolster its exports, particularly in electronics and semiconductors, and attract more Japanese investment. Both countries are also exploring opportunities in agriculture and food security.
Here’s what’s new in the EU-Mercosur trade deal
Key elements include a “rebalancing mechanism” to be deployed in disputes where policy impinges on trade, along with a provision that would allow the trade deal to be suspended if one party is found to have violated the Paris climate accord.