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China to apply tariff rates agreed in FTA early harvest arrangement on certain imports from Honduras
On Sept. 1, 2024, China will apply tariff rates agreed in an early harvest arrangement for the bilateral free trade agreement signed with Honduras.
Indonesia pushes for concluding negotiations on IEU-CEPA in September
Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan is pushing for the completion of negotiations on the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) in September 2024.
UK to join Trans-Pacific trade agreement by December 15
The British government says its agreement to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership will enter into force by December 15 after it received the final ratification required.
Smurfit Westrock awarded $469m against Venezuela by arbitration tribunal
Global paper producer Smurfit Westrock has been awarded a $469m arbitration ruling against Venezuela by the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, the company and the tribunal said.
The for-profit city that might come crashing down
The dream of Próspera, founded by a US corporation off the coast of Honduras, was to escape government control. The Honduran government wants it gone but Próspera filed an astronomical $10.775 billion lawsuit against the state.
Criticism of the mandate for a new free trade agreement with China is being voiced
The Swiss National Council committee welcomes the Federal Council’s approach to the negotiating mandate for a new free trade agreement with China. Binding regulations on the protection of human rights should not be part of the negotiations
Vietnam strives to enact FTA with Israel from Oct
The Vietnamese Ministry of Finance is drafting a government decree on tax for the implementation of the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement in 2024-2027, aiming to start the decree from October 15.
In India’s FTA talks with EU, sustainability a key issue
The EU’s deforestation rules and carbon tax on imports are seen as non-tariff barriers that could hinder the negotiations. India, while committed to environmental protection, opposes these measures as they are perceived as protectionist and could negatively impact Indian exports. The EU’s stance on CBAM and EUDR, which they claim are not protectionist and are essential for their climate agenda.
PHL-Canada FTA goals include expanded chip, garment access
The Philippines is seeking to negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA) with Canada, focusing on liberalized trade in semiconductors, electronics, garments, and farm products. The country aims to optimize market access for these products and strengthen the competitiveness of its agricultural exports. The Philippines is also pursuing FTAs with the UAE, EU, and Chile, as well as seeking to join the CPTPP and negotiate other regional trade agreements.
India-Oman free trade pact talks at advanced stage
The Indian Ambassador to Oman, H E Amit Narang, announced that negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman are progressing well. Both countries aim to finalize this agreement soon, which would significantly boost bilateral trade and investment.
Government lays groundwork for Philippines-UAE FTA
The Tariff Commission is set to conduct a public consultation this week for the planned free trade agreement between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Malaysia works On FTA with GCC countries - Minister
Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and industry Tengku Zarful Abdul Aziz said on Friday that his country is holding talks on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Earth Thrive: Has Rio Tinto initiated arbitration over the Jadar project?
Rio Tinto has officially notified the Serbian government about initiating arbitration proceedings concerning the halted Jadar project, under the bilateral investment treaty between the UK and Serbia.
PM urges early conclusion of Vietnam-UAE CEPA negotiations
Vietnamese Prime Minister called for the early conclusion of negotiations on the Vietnam-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement at a reception in Hanoi on August 26 for UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade.
Spain suffers energy award setback in US
Three energy companies took a step closer to enforcing their respective Energy Charter Treaty-related arbitral awards in a US appellate court, but the saga is far from over.
Next round of India-Australia comprehensive trade pact talks in November
Senior officials of India and Australia are expected to hold their next round of talks for a compressive free trade agreement in November, the commerce ministry said.
In India’s FTA talks with EU, sustainability a key issue
The next round of talks between the two sides is scheduled for September 23-27. This will be the ninth round since talks were relaunched in 2022.
RSF and 59 other organisations call on EU to suspend Association Agreement with Israel
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and 59 other organisations are calling on the European Union to suspend its Association Agreement with Israel in response to the unprecedented number of journalists killed.
Peru ratifies protocol for UK’s accession to CPTPP
Peru has ratified the accession protocol of the United Kingdom to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the former’s ministry of foreign affairs recently announced.
Japanese firms keen on AfCFTA success
JAPANESE private companies are closely monitoring the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with a senior official revealing this week that the success of the bloc is crucial to their interests.