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China says it won’t seek reciprocity with South Africa on zero-tariff policy
China will not seek reciprocity in its latest trade agreement with South Africa, its ambassador said, as Beijing prepares to roll out an expanded zero-tariff policy for African nations from May 1.
Orca’s ICSID case and special dividend put Tanzania’s gas sector in focus
Orca announced three arbitrations at the CSID: one under the Mauritius–Tanzania Bilateral Investment Treaty, and two under the PSA and GA. The claims-valued at roughly US$1.2 billion-allege Tanzania failed to extend the development licence, prolonged the “Protected Gas” regime beyond its contractual term.
Ghana to sign mega trade deal with China as full details emerge
Ghana is nearing a landmark trade agreement with China that could reshape bilateral commerce. The proposed deal would grant zero-tariff access for key Ghanaian exports such as cocoa and cashew. The agreement is expected to be formally signed in the coming weeks.
2025 in review: ISDS reforms in review
2025 advanced the Working Group’s investor-State dispute settlement (“ISDS”) reform agenda mainly by reviewing draft provisions.
Vinci Airports to operate Santiago SCL until 2038 following settlement with Chilean government
Following a favorable arbitration ruling, Nuevo Pudahuel has secured a 36-month extension to its contract at Santiago Airport, ending a multi-million-dollar dispute with Chile.
EU-Mercosur: provisional application, undemocratic precedent
Over 170 civil society groups, farmers groups, environmental organisations urge the EU to respect democratic processes and refrain from applying the agreement before the European Parliament has exercised its right to vote on the deal.
Putin ratifies investment protection pact with Myanmar junta
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed off on a bilateral agreement with Myanmar’s junta to promote and protect bilateral investments, further deepening ties between the two regimes across the military, economic and political fronts.
Uruguay and Argentina ratify the EU-Mercosur deal, leaving entry into force to Brussels
Uruguay and Argentina ratified the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, becoming the first founding members of the South American bloc to complete parliamentary approval.
Vietnam, EFTA step up free trade agreement negotiations
The EFTA side highly appreciated Vietnam’s efforts and its market access proposals, while reaffirming the bloc’s traditional strengths in promoting private investment and technology transfer.
New analysis of US-Indonesia trade deal in light of repealed tariffs
This so-called ‘deal’ is a one-sided neocolonial trap that locks Indonesia into binding, economy-wide concessions to benefit large U.S. corporate interests.
Honduran and international allies issue statement denouncing Honduras’ return to ICSID
Honduran and international civil society organizations that defend individual and collective human rights reject the new Honduran government’s decision to rejoin the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
Lukoil unit threatens legal action against Bulgaria over special administration
Swiss-based Litasco, the international supply and trading arm of Russia’s Lukoil, may initiate arbitration proceedings against Bulgaria after the country transferred the management of Lukoil’s local subsidiaries to a special administrator.
India, Israel launch first round of FTA talks
India and Israel began the first round of negotiations for a proposed Free Trade Agreement in the national capital, with discussions scheduled from February 23 to 26, 2026.
Oil majors running Kazakh Kashagan field file arbitration over $4.6 billion fine
Shell, TotalEnergies, Eni, Exxon and other shareholders in Kazakhstan’s Kashagan oilfield have filed an arbitration claim against a 2023 environmental fine worth around $4.6 billion
Farmers mobilize nationwide against India-US trade pact
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) announced a nationwide protest on Tuesday against the proposed India-US trade agreement and various policies.
Bangladesh, UAE eye faster CEPA deal, deeper trade ties
Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates discussed ways to accelerate negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure and Public Private Partnership projects.
India, Gulf Cooperation Council launch FTA talks
The negotiations for the proposed free trade agreement between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council were formally launched here with the signing of a joint statement.
Bangladesh, EU explore possibility of signing FTA
The issue was highlighted during a discussion between Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and a delegation of EU ambassadors.
EU freezes US trade deal over tariffs uncertainty
It comes after Trump imposed a new blanket 15% duty in response to a ruling in the US Supreme Court last week that struck down many of his previous worldwide tariffs.
Rethinking the Bangladesh-US trade deal following the legal blow
The Bangladesh-US reciprocal trade agreement bundles trade access with tight US control over Bangladesh’s economic sovereignty, enforcing security alignment and restricting Bangladesh’s dealings with other countries.