The EU and Singapore signed a bilateral digital partnership in Brussels which could pave the way towards binding rules covering diverse aspects of digital trade.
Asia
EU, Thailand revive FTA preparation process
The European Commission announced late on Wednesday (25 January) that it would be launching consultations with Thailand with the aim of restarting trade talks.
Week in Brussels: Business on due diligence, EU reopens Cambodia rice case
While everyone was away in Davos this week, business tried to seize the momentum on the coming EU sustainability corporate due diligence regulation and the European Commission acted to avoid having to repay Cambodian exporters duties paid as part a safeguard that was slapped down by the ECJ. By Rob …
EU to focus on ‘de-risking’ China trade links in 2023
Three years into a pandemic and almost one year into a war in Ukraine have probably durably changed the European Union’s outlook on China. Its policy approach to Beijing this year is to reflect this change.
ASIA TRADE: What’s in store for Asia-Pacific trade agreements in 2023
Much of Asia is preparing to usher in the year of the rabbit this coming weekend. Expect much movement on the trade agreement front as the region returns to a post-pandemic normality.
Commission reports slow but steady progress on EU Indonesia FTA
The EU and Indonesia achieved some wins during their latest trade negotiations in the week of 12 December. But further discussions will be necessary on several chapters, whilst others, such as trade and sustainable development, are still at an early stage.
Week in Brussels: Swedish EU presidency, India FTA, Singapore digital deal, Chile FTA text, Russia sanctions
Below, a few key developments in EU trade this week as we await the outcome of a jumbo-trilogue on the EU’s climate package that will decide on the final shape of the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism. By Rob Francis and Iana Dreyer.
EU-ASEAN summit puts stuttering FTA agenda back on radar screen
The first EU ASEAN summit, gathering heads of state and government from the ten South East Asian Nations and the twenty seven EU member states plus the head of the Council and the European Commission was mainly a very symbol-laden act that cements recent efforts at greater political rapprochement between …
Rodolfo: No reason why EU shouldn’t do an FTA with Philippines
There is no reason why the EU and the Philippines should not conclude a free trade agreement, says Manilla’s vice-minister in charge of industry, development and trade policy Ceferino Rodolfo.
China seeks tech-and-trade conversation with continuously divided EU
Nobody will have missed the news of European Council president Charles Michel’s solo trip to China on Thursday. The trip revealed the EU’s entrenched internal rifts over China. It can be read as the post-pandemic restart of a very difficult domestic European conversation about China.
