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PH and UAE set to embark on a comprehensive economic partnership
On December 2, 2023, The Philippine’s DTI Secretary signed the Terms of Reference for negotiations on a CEPA with the UAE, marking the first step towards a proposed bilateral free trade agreement. The TOR provides guidelines for the negotiations and outlines the scope and coverage of the CEPA.
Pakistan moves closer to signing landmark trade agreement with GCC
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have reached a consensus on the investment modalities, paving the path for the ratification of a much-awaited free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council.
S. Korea, Britain to launch talks for FTA upgrade next month
South Korea and Britain will begin negotiations for upgrading the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) next month in response to changing global business circumstances.
Can existing international agreements on ‘investment facilitation’ advance sustainable development, climate action, and human rights?
Terminating investment treaties and withdrawing advance consent to ISDS would allow governments to clear the path from problematic treaties centered on investment protection and ISDS, which in practice benefit unsustainable investment.
Looking for lithium in the Andes — Peru is key to India’s Latin America push
India has been pursuing a trade agreement with Peru since 2017. The two countries held the 6th round of negotiations last month and talks are scheduled to be held again in December.
Sri Lanka eyeing investment only deal with India, RCEP hits roadblock: President
Sri Lanka has started discussions on separate agreements on investment and trade with India and an attempt to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership has been hit by a lack of rules to admit new members.
India and EFTA states conclude 20th round of trade talks
India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States, comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, recently completed the 20th round of negotiations for a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
Vietnam wants to sign foreign trade deal with Türkiye, says prime minister
Vietnam’s prime minister said that they are willing to sign a foreign trade agreement with Türkiye as relations between the two countries are at their peak.
Ministry reports difficulties in next-generation FTA implementation
Foreign invested enterprises make up the majority of Vietnam’s export turnover of high-revenue products. Meanwhile, Vietnamese enterprises still mostly do outsourcing, and export raw materials or half-finished products.
When investors subvert states
The ongoing lawsuit brought against Honduras by an American company underscores the unjust and undemocratic nature of the investor-state dispute settlement system.
EU, South America near deal on elusive Mercosur trade pact
The European Union and South America’s biggest economies are closer than ever to concluding a major trade agreement more than two decades in the making, with leaders from both regions optimistic they can strike the elusive deal next week.
Dispute settlement mechanisms: BoI asked to show ‘flexibility’
These directions were issued after threadbare discussion with Saudi Arabia and Qatar which are insisting on the option of international arbitration in a template of Bilateral Investment Treaty.
Mercosur and UAE to begin trade negotiations in the first half of next year
Brazil currently the chair of Mercosur has opened a consultation period until December 18 on a possible trade agreement between the South American block and the United Arab Emirates.
Who knew Queensland’s richest man is a foreign investor?
Clive Palmer’s controversial legal strategies challenge Australia’s trade agreements and environmental laws, and have profound implications for global climate action.
Investor-state dispute settlements: a hidden handbrake on climate action
To achieve the Paris Agreement’s climate goals, states must move away from fossil fuels. But investor–state dispute settlement (ISDS) — a system that enables companies to take states to international arbitration — can increase the cost of this transition.
Spain and Brazil leaders to discuss EU-Mercosur deal at COP - sources
Spanish Prime Minister and Brazilian President will meet at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai to discuss the conclusion of negotiations on a long-awaited trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur.
UNCITRAL and ISDS reform: Lifelong learning
Our frequent inability to answer even basic questions about the full universe is a salutary reminder that we know less than is ideal about investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS).
Somalia embraces the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), validates its national strategy
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Somalia embraces AFCFTA in a meeting convened in collaboration with the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), of its African Continental Free Trade Area national implementation strategy.
30 countries to begin trading under AfCFTA next year - Senior Advisor
Thirty countries in Africa will begin trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) next year as part of measures to implement the Af­CFTA agreement, senior advisor to the Secretary-General of the AfCFTA, Peter Joy Serwornoo, has stated.