19-Feb-2025
The Express Tribune
Karachi businesses are urging a quick FTA with Thailand to boost trade, currently at $1.1B. While acknowledging the trade imbalance, both sides see potential for growth, especially in services and investment. Concerns about local industry protection and export diversification were raised, along with calls for streamlined business practices and the new Thai e-visa.
19-Feb-2025
Business Mirror
The Philippines and the European Union are accelerating free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with "intersessional sessions" following productive second-round talks. The third round is set for June in Brussels. Both sides aim for a mutually beneficial agreement covering trade, investment, and sustainability.
18-Feb-2025
Financial Express
The trade agreement that India and the US have agreed to negotiate during prime minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Washington will not be akin to a free trade agreement, but explore ways to boost trade on a bilateral give-and-take basis.
18-Feb-2025
Business Standard
India and the European Union will hold the next round of talks on the proposed free trade agreement from March 10 to 14, a senior government official said.
18-Feb-2025
Business Standard
Qatar said it is ready to take steps to speed up the negotiations for a new bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement with India.
18-Feb-2025
European Trade Justice Coalition
Over 120 civil society organizations and trade unions from Indonesia and Europe today call on the Indonesian government and the EU to stop the negotiations for the Indonesia-EU free trade agreement – the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The organizations warn that this agreement threatens the environment, climate, and the rights of women, Indigenous Peoples, workers, small farmers and fisherfolk.
18-Feb-2025
European Trade Justice Coalition
CSOs in Europe and Indonesia are urging the EU and Indonesia to stop CEPA negotiations. The agreement threatens the environment, climate, and the rights of vulnerable groups, while hindering Indonesia’s ability to develop its own raw materials value chain. The groups also raise concerns about privatization of energy, investor protections, and the inclusion of elements from Indonesia’s "Omnibus Law," which weakens labor protections.
17-Feb-2025
The Hindu Business Line
India Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday emphasised the need for Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) to be negotiated as standalone agreements rather than being included as a chapter in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
17-Feb-2025
Times of Israel
Israel and India are accelerating efforts to finalize a free trade agreement, potentially by year’s end. This comes as the US is promoting a trade corridor linking India, the Middle East, Europe, and the US, with Israel playing a key role.
17-Feb-2025
Tribune India
India and the US aim to finalize the first part of a bilateral trade agreement by Fall 2025. This agreement is part of a larger "Mission 500" goal to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. The initial phase will focus on reducing trade barriers and increasing market access for goods and services.
