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Russia offers talks on free trade zone creation to Algeria — Minister
Russia has offered talks on the creation of a free trade zone to Algeria, Russia’s Economic Development Minister Maksim Reshetnikov said.
Kenya, US talks shift to agriculture
Kenya and the United States are set to begin talks on contentious clauses in a proposed bilateral trade deal amid fears the agreement could flood the market with cheap agricultural imports from America.
Guyana seeks clarity from EU before signing Samoa Agreement
While the Samoa Agreement comes into force at the start of 2024, Guyana has not yet signed on.
EU announces new ‘interpretation’ of Canada trade deal in bid to ensure ratification
The European Commission and Canada have agreed on the “interpretation” of parts of their trade agreement that relate to investor protection from environmental regulation, in a push by Brussels to persuade member states to ratify the bilateral multibillion-euro deal.
NAFTA’s promises elusive: impact on US-Mexico trade, immigration, manufacturing
Three decades have passed since NAFTA was implemented, leaving unfulfilled promises of mutual prosperity. This article examines the realities of US-Mexico trade, illegal immigration, and the loss of manufacturing jobs, and calls for a reevaluation of the agreement’s impact.
PACER Plus review
The Fijian Government, with Australian and New Zealand officials, will be reviewing the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus) which was not ratified by the previous administration.
Parliamentary Panel calls for FTA recalibration to optimise trade balances
A parliamentary panel urges the Indian government to reassess existing FTAs amid negotiations with the UK and the EU to address trade imbalances. The panel recommends the establishment of FTA facilitation centers for exporters to enhance accessibility and transparency.
China shows flexibility on Sri Lanka FTA after temporary halt: Chief Negotiator
China shows flexibility in resuming Free Trade Agreement talks with Sri Lanka after a brief halt, addressing disagreements on tariff lists and reciprocity. Sri Lanka, caught in a geopolitical tug-of-war between China and India, seeks foreign inflows amidst an economic crisis. The talks were briefly paused due to disagreements over tariff lines and liberalization.
India, Peru to begin sixth round of FTA talks today
India and Peru are entering the sixth round of talks for a bilateral Free Trade Agreement, with a key challenge being tariff concessions on gold. Concerns arise over a potential surge in gold imports, similar to the India-UAE Free Trade Agreement, as gold comprises 80% of India’s imports from Peru, valued at $1.8 billion in 2022-23.
Sri Lanka to join Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership – President
President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced Sri Lanka’s upcoming participation in the RCEP, highlighting the benefits of connecting with the European Union’s trade system.
UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Cambodia enters into force
The agreement will do so through the removal or reduction of tariffs on more than 92% of product lines, eliminating unnecessary barriers to trade, and improving market access for service exports
EU: conditions to complete Mercosur trade deal not met yet
The Commission assessment is that the conditions for the conclusion of the Mercosur agreement are not met but negotiations on the deal are continuing.
Switzerland and Norway could invest $100 billion in India
Ties are getting stronger between India and some European economies in the form of a new free trade agreement and enormous investment plans.
India-Peru trade talks to resume next week
India hopes to conclude the FTA at the earliest as the South American country has the large deposits of lithium.
Ecuador’s parliament ratifies free trade agreement with China
The National Assembly of Ecuador, the country’s unicameral legislature, ratified a free trade agreement with China.
China, Honduras sign FTA early harvest arrangement
The two sides agreed to commence respective domestic procedures to bring the early harvest arrangement into force.
Nepal, Australia sign Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
The Nepal-Australia Trade and Investment Framework was signed during Foreign Minister NP Saud’s ongoing visit to Australia.
Neocolonial ISDS, abused, biased, costly, and grossly unfair
Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions in international trade and investment agreements – long abused by opportunists with means – are slowly being rejected by cautious governments.
"We call upon Members of European Parliament to vote against the EU-Kenya EPA"
In an open letter signed by over thirty organisations from Kenya and the EU, civil society groups call on MEPs to vote against the agreement.
China – Sri Lanka FTA talks stall following disagreements
Talks between China and Sri Lanka on a Free Trade Agreement have stalled following disagreements on certain issues, including on the level of liberalization.