bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

Articles by language


New Pacific trade pact goes against the protectionist tide
But 14-nation deal may be largely symbolic without Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
Beyond investment protection: group warns of intensified corporate attacks vs people’s rights as ASEAN leaders meet in PH
The People Over Profit network together with local civil society organizations in the Philippines warn of intensifying corporate attacks on people’s rights and join calls for an independent, sovereign and peaceful Southeast Asian region.
RCEP talks: India under pressure to offer deeper tariff cuts
Going forward has become extremely difficult for India as most RCEP members want zero duties on almost all products
New Asia-Pacific trade agreement lacks protections for one-sixth of world’s forests
RCEP should make sure it promotes and protects the legal trade of forest products.
China could work on RCEP deal without India
China could set a goal of reaching an RCEP deal without India.
Japan pitches idea of five-nation TPP: sources
An idea has emerged that the Trans-Pacific Partnership can take effect among at least five nations including Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
Auditing Commission to release report as Ecuador moves to terminate investment agreements
Ecuador’s review of its investment agreements may be unique in terms of scope, depth and citizen participation, however it is a part of an international trend towards increased scepticism towards the international arbitration system.
RCEP week of action in Manila: May 4-11, 2017
Week of action and resistance
Europe pushes Asia trade talks with eye on ultimate prize China
The flurry has seen the bloc starting or accelerating talks with countries as far afield as New Zealand and Japan. In Asia, though, China remains the outlier for the EU on a long-stalled investment pact, the precursor to an eventual trade deal.
All roads lead to TPP for Japanese lawmakers
The idea of a U.S.-Japan bilateral trade deal isn’t getting much enthusiasm from senior Japanese lawmakers, unless it leads back to what Tokyo views as the more realistic and most beneficial result: the TPP.
Asia Pacific CSOs get ready for No RCEP week of action with release of video
Civil society groups say no to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Need time to consider Turkey’s call for FTA, says New Delhi
India is open to considering Turkey’s proposal to negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement in goods, services and investments despite the politically volatile situation in Ankara, but needs time to weigh the potential gains for its industry.
Canada seeks to expand trade with MERCOSUR
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’’s Government is debating the most essential issues for a free trade agreement with the Southern Common Market.
European Free Trade Association reports on trade talks
The European Free Trade Association, which comprises Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, has published its 56th Annual Report, which includes details of the bloc’s free trade agenda.
Canada to see some ’modest’ gains from trade deal with Europe: budget watchdog
’CETA will lead to some gains for Canada, but they will be modest,’ report concludes.
Uganda: Japan pushes for trade agreement with Uganda
Japan is pushing for a bilateral agreement with Uganda in a bid to expand and strengthen trade and investment between the two countries.
RCEP: Corporations could sue governments
ISDS is increasingly being used by global corporations to challenge health, environment and other public interest laws.
High Court the final authority? Think again
US mining company Nucoil is using a free trade agreement to put pressure on the Australian government to pay compensation over cancelled licences.
Trump’s poisoned TTIP chalice
The prospect of reopening trade talks with the US puts the European Union in an invidious position.
Interview with Elizabeth Swager and Julia DeGraw
Elizabeth Swager is a National Organizing Director at Citizens Trade Campaign and Julia DeGraw is the Senior Northwest Organizer at Food & Water Watch.