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UAE-Phl FTA to be signed next month
27-May-2025 Daily Tribune
The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are expected to sign their first-ever Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in June, marking a historic milestone in their bilateral relations.
Indonesia, Ethiopia eye stronger economic, BRICS cooperation
26-May-2025 Antara
Foreign Affairs Minister Sugiono and Ethiopian Ambassador to Indonesia, Fekadu Beyene Aleka, discussed intensifying cooperation between the two countries and the BRICS group of developing world economies.
Trump agrees to extend EU trade talks after 50% tariff threat
26-May-2025 BBC
US President Donald Trump has agreed to extend a deadline to negotiate tariffs with the European Union by more than a month.
India likely to allow government contracts to foreign firms including US amid trade talks
26-May-2025 The Times of India
India is preparing to open a significant portion of its protected government procurement market to foreign companies, including firms from the United States, two government sources said, marking a notable policy shift that could extend to other trading partners.
Piyush Goyal meets EU counterpart for second time in a month on FTA talks
26-May-2025 The Economic Times
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has met European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic in Brussels, their second meeting within a month, to discuss the proposed free trade agreement.
Arbitration body raises amount awarded to Enagas to $302 million in process against Peru
26-May-2025 Reuters
Spanish gas grid operator Enagas said the World Bank’s ICSID raised the amount the company is entitled to be paid in an arbitration process over a pipeline it built in the country.
Guatemala found liable for not protecting hydroelectric project from violent protests
26-May-2025 Herbert Smith Freehills
Earlier this year, a split ICSID Tribunal found Guatemala liable to pay USD 68.5 million in damages plus interest to Panamanian company Energia y Renovación Holding.
Gender equality key feature in FTAs
26-May-2025 Hindustan Times
India’s free trade agreements (FTAs) with the United Kingdom and the European Union include specific provisions aimed at promoting women’s economic empowerment and gender equality, unlocking around $500 billion in trade opportunities by 2030.
PHL-Canada to conduct exploratory talks for a bilateral FTA in June
26-May-2025 Business World Online
The Philippines and Canada are set to begin exploratory talks for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) in early June, focusing on key sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and agricultural products like bananas, pineapples, and coconut.
China woos Sri Lanka with FTA and business deals
26-May-2025 The Economic Times
China and Sri Lanka are discussing a free trade agreement. A Chinese delegation will attend a trade and investment forum in Colombo. They will explore strengthening economic cooperation. Memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed.
Vietnam, US conclude second round of talks on reciprocal trade deal
26-May-2025 Vietnam Plus
Vietnam and the United States made progress during the second round of reciprocal trade agreement negotiations held in Washington D.C., focusing on harmonizing interests and addressing key economic and trade issues.
China, Pakistan, Afghanistan agree to expand CPEC during trilateral talks
26-May-2025 Hindustan Times
China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have agreed to expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan, deepening cooperation on trade, infrastructure, and development as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Indonesia, Chile mutually support regional trade bloc accession
26-May-2025 Antara News
Indonesia and Chile are mutually supporting each other’s accession to major regional trade agreements, with Indonesia backing Chile’s bid for RCEP membership and Chile supporting Indonesia’s entry into the CPTPP.
First tranche of India-US bilateral trade deal likely before July: Sources
26-May-2025 MSN
India and the United States are set to sign the first tranche of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) before July, with ongoing negotiations led by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal focusing on goods and services trade, including labour-intensive exports.
India to seek lithium and copper under new trade tie from Chile to power clean energy and industrial growth
26-May-2025 The Economic Times
India is seeking to secure a stable supply of critical minerals like lithium and copper through expanded trade ties with Chile to support its clean energy goals and industrial growth. Chile, a leading global producer of these minerals, is a strategic partner in India’s efforts to boost its electric vehicle ecosystem and energy infrastructure.
Negotiations on extent of ’Omanisation’ the last hurdle before India, Oman FTA: Govt sources
23-May-2025 CNBC TV18
India and Oman are close to finalising a Free Trade Agreement, with India seeking protections for its workers amid Oman’s shifting "Omanisation" policy.
Recent fossil fuel arbitration claims based on the ECT: the urgency of neutralizing the sunset clause
23-May-2025 Veblen
The Energy Charter Treaty (“ECT”), the most widely used investment treaty, has become highly controversial for enabling investors to challenge national policies aimed at achieving climate goals through its ISDS mechanism, leading to a phenomenon known as “regulatory chill.
Kenyans worry a US duty-free trade deal might end and expose them to Trump’s tariffs
22-May-2025 AP News
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — It’s crunch time for the maker of Levi’s and Wrangler jeans in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. Hundreds of sewing machines whir in a crowded, air-conditioned factory. On another floor, workers pack clothes destined for the U.S. market.
EU seeks to inject new momentum into US trade talks
22-May-2025 Bloomberg
The EU has shared a revised trade proposal with Donald Trump’s administration, which takes US interests on issues including labor rights, environmental standards and economic security into account.
India, EU looking for early harvest trade agreement by July: Official
22-May-2025 The Economic Times
Negotiations for a proposed trade pact between India and the 27-nation European Union are progressing at a faster pace and both the sides are looking at concluding the talks for an early harvest trade agreement by July this year.