Costa Rica has successfully acceded to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), joining the existing members Singapore, Chile, and New Zealand. This marks a significant expansion of the agreement, which covers digital trade rules, cross-border data flows, and digital economy cooperation. The accession adds a Latin American economy to the Asia-Pacific-led digital trade framework.
Topic Archives:Fta
Trade Minister Pushes for Continuation of Indonesia-Sri Lanka PTA Negotiations
Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso is urging progress on the Indonesia-Sri Lanka Preferential Trade Agreement (ISL-PTA), specifically calling for a third round of negotiations. The initiative aims to open Sri Lankan markets to Indonesian exports and expand Indonesia’s presence in South Asian markets.
Indonesia Strengthens Trade Ties with UK, Accelerates I-UK CEPA Exploration and Strategic Commodity Cooperation
Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade is advancing trade relations with the UK through acceleration of Indonesia-UK CEPA exploratory talks, Indonesia’s CPTPP accession process, and cooperation on strategic commodities. The Director General of Foreign Trade affirmed these steps in London. Multiple named agreements and accession processes are under active pursuit.
India and MERCOSUR Sign First Additional Protocol to Facilitate Electronic Certificates of Origin
India and MERCOSUR signed the First Additional Protocol to their Preferential Trade Agreement to enable electronic certificates of origin, streamlining trade documentation between the parties. This marks a formal amendment to the existing PTA framework. The move aims to reduce paperwork and facilitate faster customs clearance for preferential trade.
Launch of Negotiations for the Expansion of the India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement
India and Mercosur have formally launched negotiations to expand their existing Preferential Trade Agreement. This marks a substantive step toward broadening the scope of tariff concessions and trade coverage between India and the South American bloc. No further details on specific product coverage or timelines are provided in the snippet.
Commission presents landmark India trade deal to Council for signature
The European Commission has submitted proposals to the Council for signature and conclusion of the EU-India Free Trade Agreement, seeking formal authorisation to proceed. This marks a significant milestone in EU-India trade relations. The FTA would be a major bilateral agreement between two of the world’s largest economies.
EU Welcomes Cambodia to WTO MPIA Appeal Arrangement
Cambodia has joined the Multi-party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA), a WTO dispute settlement mechanism used as an alternative to the non-functional Appellate Body. The EU welcomed Cambodia’s accession to the arrangement, which supports rules-based multilateral trade dispute resolution.
ASEAN backs Hong Kong joining RCEP
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn reiterated the bloc’s support for Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) at the 11th Belt & Road Summit in Hong Kong. The statement underscores ongoing efforts by Hong Kong to join the major Asia-Pacific free trade agreement.
Thai Deputy PM and Commerce Minister discusses trade with USTR Greer in Washington D.C., reaching substantive conclusions
Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister met with USTR Jamieson Greer and Deputy USTR Rick Switzer on September 1, 2026 in Washington D.C. The talks were described as productive, with both sides reaching substantive agreed conclusions ahead of an anticipated Section 301/trade investigation announcement. The US side expressed satisfaction with Thailand’s intentions and the […]
DGFT Introduces Open API Facility for Certificate of Origin on the Trade Connect e-Platform
India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has launched an Open API facility for Certificate of Origin issuance on the Trade Connect e-Platform, streamlining the digital process for exporters. This enables automated, system-to-system integration for CoO applications, reducing manual intervention in customs and preferential trade documentation.