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Free Trade Agreements are Failed Trade Agreements. An alternative is now urgent and necessary
La Via Campesina’s Statement and Open call for Endorsement
Swiss trade deal: Is India changing its tune on pharma patents?
Intellectual property protection for the Swiss pharmaceutical industry has been a key sticking point in negotiations on a free trade agreement with India. Now there seems to be a breakthrough in talks after 16 years. What’s changed?
UAE, Peru announce free trade talks
The UAE and Peru have announced that they will start talks for a free trade agreement later this year.
How people power forced the UK to leave the Energy Charter Treaty
On 22 February 2024 the UK announced it will leave the climate-wrecking Energy Charter Treaty.
EU-Mercosur deal breaches climate laws - new legal analysis
A new legal analysis shows that the EU-Mercosur would not comply with existing EU and international law, because it is expected to lead to an overall rise in greenhouse gas emissions and increased deforestation.
India will not rush into signing FTA deals: Piyush Goyal
India is engaged in free trade negotiations with several countries and blocs, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, Oman, Sri Lanka and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) partner countries.
Environmental equity in the Indonesia-EU CEPA
The EU and Indonesia have differing approaches to incorporating sustainable development principles into trade agreements. While the EU focuses on maintaining high environmental and labor standards, it prefers to keep these standards separate from broader trade and economic considerations. In contrast, Indonesia advocates for a more balanced approach that integrates economic growth, social development, and environmental protection.
US-led Indo-Pacific deal on supply chain resilience takes effect
The IPEF supply chain agreement has recently come into effect, aiming to enhance economic collaboration among member countries. The agreement focuses on strengthening supply chain resilience, identifying key sectors, and establishing an emergency communications channel to address disruptions.
Billion-dollar exposure: Investor-state dispute settlement in Mozambique’s fossil fuel sector
Mozambique faces a substantial economic risk due to its exposure to investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) claims by foreign investors in its coal, oil, and gas sectors. The investment protections in the country’s international investment agreements and contracts, combined with ISDS, expose Mozambique to multi-billion-dollar financial liabilities.
ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement negotiations held
The third meeting of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) was held in New Delhi, with delegates from ASEAN countries participating. The meeting outlined focus areas for further negotiations, updated the work programme for the review and provided guidance to the sub-committees.
India-Oman FTA may be reality soon; legal vetting of deal’s text underway
India is keen to finalise the trade pact before the model code of conduct (MCC) kicks-in ahead of its general elections, making the timing of the finalisation of the proposed deal crucial
ISDS regime could choke climate action in emerging economies, experts say
The investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) system could be putting climate action at risk in emerging and developing economies as investors in fossil fuel projects angle for compensation, experts say.
First Quantum Seeks $20 Billion From Panama in Free Trade Case
First Quantum Minerals Ltd. is seeking $20 billion from Panama in a free trade arbitration case after the Central American nation shut down the company’s flagship copper mine late last year.
Can Africa’s new free trade treaty boost business on the continent?
African leaders will this weekend gather in Addis Ababa for the annual summit of the African Union (AU) to discuss key business issues, including plans to make Africa a global economic powerhouse.
Battle for biodiversity: AfCFTA’s Intellectual Property Protocol unveiled
The African Union is finalizing the draft protocol on intellectual property rights to the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
UK Lawmakers Slam ‘Lack of Clarity’ on Major Trade Deal Benefits
British lawmakers said the benefits of the UK’s accession to a major trans-Pacific trading bloc are unclear
India on verge of inking FTA with EU as 7th round of talks underway
India-EU FTA seventh round talks is expected to focus on services and investments, building on earlier talks that covered goods and public procurement
Algerian president counters Morocco’s Sahel offer with free trade zones
In a move seen as a response to Morocco’s initiative facilitating Atlantic access for Sahel states, Algerian President announced plans for free trade zones with both Niger and Mali. This announcement comes amidst Algeria’s efforts to maintain its influence in the region.
Spain and Ireland call for ’urgent review’ of EU-Israel agreement over war in Gaza
Prime ministers Pedro Sánchez and Leo Varadkar have asked the European Commission to "undertake an urgent review" of the EU-Israel agreement in light of the war in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian crisis.