bilaterals.org logo
bilaterals.org logo

Articles by language


Why Uruguay Is India’s secret weapon for conquering South America’s markets
India is increasingly focusing on Uruguay as a key partner in South America. Ongoing negotiations for a new Bilateral Investment Treaty further underscore Uruguay’s potential as a key partner in India’s South American strategy.
Oman-India working on Free Trade Agreement
The leaders expressed satisfaction at the pace of ongoing negotiations for signing an India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Malaysia, New Zealand to conduct scoping exercise prior to FTA
Malaysia and New Zealand Prime Ministers tasked officials to conduct a scoping exercise before launching a review of the Malaysia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.
Japan’s continuing zeal for free trade agreements
Japan is actively pursuing new free trade agreements to enhance its economic security and resilience against a hostile global trade environment, having already established major FTAs covering 80 per cent of its trade.
Discussions on draft provisions on damages in the investor-state dispute settlement system in UNCITRAL Working Group III
This paper summarizes the discussions within the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law Working Group III on the reform of investor-state dispute settlement regarding the two draft provisions on damages.
US escalates efforts to halt Ottawa’s digital services tax
The Office of the United States Trade Representative has requested dispute settlement consultations with Ottawa under the Canada-US-Mexico trade agreement.
Hong Kong expands transshipment scope, reinforces status as key global trade hub
Such arrangements strengthen the logistics and transportation sectors, further reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international logistics hub.
Parliament greenlights ‘Thailand-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement’
The Thailand-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) aims to strengthen relations between Thailand and the EU in various areas, including trade, investment, and social matters. While the agreement presents opportunities for enhanced cooperation, it is essential to critically examine its potential implications and challenges.
Maldives-Turkey Free Trade Agreement formulated
The Maldives has finalized a formulation of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Turkey. The FTA, which aims to increase trade between the two countries, is expected to be signed and implemented soon. Overall, the Maldives is actively pursuing free trade agreements with both Turkey and China to boost its economy and trade relations.
An EU trade policy fit for the future
It is time to move on from a worn-out, broken model of trade policy and create a new approach to trade that is fit for the future.
Indonesia eyes export growth with RoK via IK-CEPA
The Indonesian Government is aiming to expand exports to the Republic of Korea (RoK) through the Indonesia-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IK-CEPA), which has been in effect for the past year.
China to apply tariff rates agreed in FTA early harvest arrangement on certain imports from Honduras
On Sept. 1, 2024, China will apply tariff rates agreed in an early harvest arrangement for the bilateral free trade agreement signed with Honduras.
Indonesia pushes for concluding negotiations on IEU-CEPA in September
Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan is pushing for the completion of negotiations on the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEU-CEPA) in September 2024.
UK to join Trans-Pacific trade agreement by December 15
The British government says its agreement to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership will enter into force by December 15 after it received the final ratification required.
Smurfit Westrock awarded $469m against Venezuela by arbitration tribunal
Global paper producer Smurfit Westrock has been awarded a $469m arbitration ruling against Venezuela by the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, the company and the tribunal said.
The for-profit city that might come crashing down
The dream of Próspera, founded by a US corporation off the coast of Honduras, was to escape government control. The Honduran government wants it gone but Próspera filed an astronomical $10.775 billion lawsuit against the state.
Criticism of the mandate for a new free trade agreement with China is being voiced
The Swiss National Council committee welcomes the Federal Council’s approach to the negotiating mandate for a new free trade agreement with China. Binding regulations on the protection of human rights should not be part of the negotiations
Vietnam strives to enact FTA with Israel from Oct
The Vietnamese Ministry of Finance is drafting a government decree on tax for the implementation of the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement in 2024-2027, aiming to start the decree from October 15.
In India’s FTA talks with EU, sustainability a key issue
The EU’s deforestation rules and carbon tax on imports are seen as non-tariff barriers that could hinder the negotiations. India, while committed to environmental protection, opposes these measures as they are perceived as protectionist and could negatively impact Indian exports. The EU’s stance on CBAM and EUDR, which they claim are not protectionist and are essential for their climate agenda.
PHL-Canada FTA goals include expanded chip, garment access
The Philippines is seeking to negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA) with Canada, focusing on liberalized trade in semiconductors, electronics, garments, and farm products. The country aims to optimize market access for these products and strengthen the competitiveness of its agricultural exports. The Philippines is also pursuing FTAs with the UAE, EU, and Chile, as well as seeking to join the CPTPP and negotiate other regional trade agreements.