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Bahrain FTA in the works
3-Feb-2025 Bangkok Post
Thailand and Bahrain are discussing a free trade agreement (FTA) to boost trade and investment. The FTA talks, along with Thailand’s potential role as a food security hub for the Middle East, were discussed between the countries’ commerce ministers. Bahrain is Thailand’s 9th largest trading partner in the Middle East, with key Thai exports including automobiles, gems, and machinery.
My Say: China’s CPTPP accession: Hidden hands blocking the Red Dragon?
3-Feb-2025 The Edge Malaysia
China’s bid to join the CPTPP faces obstacles, primarily due to geopolitical considerations rather than purely economic ones. While China’s economic clout makes its inclusion seem logical, some CPTPP members, influenced by the US, appear to be blocking China’s entry to limit its influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
India reportedly unsettled over China-Maldives FTA
3-Feb-2025 The Edition
India worries about China-Maldives FTA potential impact on Maldives’ financial stability and has hinted that this could influence India’s future financial aid policy towards the island nation. This comes despite recent financial assistance from India to the Maldives.
Mini deal, macro focus: PM Modi to talk trade in US
31-Jan-2025 The Economic Times
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to Washington DC will prioritize talks on a limited trade deal with the US, focusing on tariff concessions and investment agreements.
They should have listened to us about free trade
31-Jan-2025 rabble.ca
Almost 40 years ago, the Left was warning about the consequences of tying Canada economically to the US. The election of Donald Trump is showing just how accurate those warnings were.
EU and UK clash in first post-Brexit legal battle over North Sea fishing ban
30-Jan-2025 RFI
The hearing will delve into whether Britain’s fishing ban violates the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the European Union.
Uruguay faces five international lawsuits
30-Jan-2025 Prensa Latina
Uruguay is currently facing five international lawsuits, according to the future Pro-secretary of the Presidency, Jorge Lopez, of the Frente Amplio government that will take office on March 1.
Malaysia’s digital push: FTA reform to drive regional growth
30-Jan-2025 OpenGov
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim outlined Malaysia’s focus on integrating digitalisation into the country’s Free Trade Agreements.
‘PNG, Japan must anchor trade relationship through agreement’
30-Jan-2025 Post-Courier
Japan is our very long and most enduring partner and we need to anchor our relationship through an EPA, said PNG’s Minister for International Trade and Investment .
King witnesses signing of Joint Declaration on EU-Jordan Strategic, Comprehensive Partnership
30-Jan-2025 The Jordan Times
The comprehensive strategic partnership builds on the EU-Jordan Association Agreement signed in 1997 and entered into force in 2002.
Sri Lanka will review existing trade agreement before signing new ones: President
30-Jan-2025 Economy Next
Sri Lanka will review its existing free trade agreements, including the one with India, before pursuing new agreements. President Dissanayake emphasized the need to evaluate the benefits and shortcomings of past agreements to inform future trade policy.
EU wants to speed up free trade deal with PH
30-Jan-2025 Bilyonaryo
The EU is pushing for a fast-tracked free trade agreement with the Philippines, citing interest from European investors. Negotiations, which resumed in March 2024, are expected to continue, with the EU open to finalizing parts of the agreement even if some areas remain unresolved.
Malaysia to enhance trade with BRICS, FTA partners in 2025
30-Jan-2025 Xinhua English News
Malaysia has announced its 2025 trade targets, prioritizing partnerships with the BRICS group, leveraging existing Free Trade Agreements, and focusing on emerging markets. As the 2025 ASEAN chair, Malaysia will also emphasize regional integration, digital transformation, and sustainable growth in its trade strategy.
FTA with US more likely under Trump regime: Philippines
30-Jan-2025 Fibre2Fashion
The Philippines is optimistic about starting free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with the US under a potential second Trump administration, citing past support from Trump appointees. This contrasts with the Biden administration’s cautious approach. The Philippines is also prioritizing its ongoing FTA negotiations with the EU.
Thailand, Israel consider free trade negotiations
30-Jan-2025 Bangkok Post
Thailand and Israel are exploring a free trade agreement (FTA) to boost trade and investment. Discussions have begun, focusing on potential collaboration in technology, agriculture, and food security, with Israel also seeking Thai skilled labor. Israel views Thailand as a key partner and potential Southeast Asian hub.
Nigerian businesses yet to benefit from AGOA, says MAN
29-Jan-2025 The Guardian (Nigeria)
The Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria said Nigerian companies have not benefited much from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) since it came into effect.
Algeria to review association agreement with the European Union
29-Jan-2025 Atalayar
Algeria has decided to respond to the increase in criticism of its policies from European countries with the striking decision to review the Association Agreement with the European Union once again.
EU considering new trade regime with Ukraine, media reports
29-Jan-2025 The Kyiv Independent
The European Union does not plan to extend the preferential trade agreement framework in its current form past its June 5 expiration date and is considering a new set of rules instead.
EU-Mexico conclusion of a new trade agreement: the EU Commission adds more fuel to farmers’ anger
29-Jan-2025 European Coordination Via Campesina
ECVC condemns the decision of the leaders of the European Commission and Mexico to conclude the EU-Mexico trade agreement negotiations, just one and a half months after the EU-Mercosur deal negotiations were finalised.
India reviews support to Maldives as Male’s China FTA comes into force
28-Jan-2025 The Economic Times
India is reconsidering its financial aid to the Maldives after the island nation implemented a free trade agreement with China, leading to potential revenue losses.