ASEAN has concluded negotiations for the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a landmark plurilateral deal covering digital trade among member states. The agreement represents a significant policy outcome for the region’s digital economy governance. The Philippine DTI announced the conclusion via its official news channel.
Topic Archives:Fta
Philippines and New Zealand Sign Landmark Economic Deal Covering Trade and Green Energy
The Philippines and New Zealand finalized a bilateral economic agreement aimed at boosting trade and cooperation in green energy. The deal represents a named, signed outcome from bilateral negotiations between the two countries. Specific provisions appear to cover trade facilitation and sustainability-linked energy sectors.
Electronic Filing and Issuance of Preferential Certificate of Origin under India-Oman CEPA effective June 1, 2026
India’s DGFT announces mandatory electronic filing and issuance of preferential Certificates of Origin under the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, effective June 1, 2026. This procedural change governs how exporters claim preferential tariff treatment under the CEPA. The move digitizes the CoO process for trade between India and Oman.
Extension of TRQ Authorization Validity for Gold Imports under India-UAE CEPA to June 30, 2026
India’s DGFT has extended the validity of Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) authorizations for gold imports (HS 7108) under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) issued in FY 2025-26 until June 30, 2026. The extension applies to existing TRQ holders under the preferential trade arrangement. This is a specific administrative measure affecting market access for […]
Policy Support and Relaxation Measures for the Gem & Jewellery Sector under Chapter 4 of FTP-2023
India’s DGFT has issued a public notice announcing policy support and relaxation measures for the Gem & Jewellery sector under Chapter 4 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023. The measures apply specific trade facilitation provisions to this export-oriented sector. Details cover procedural or regulatory relaxations under the FTP framework.
Amendment to TRQ Application Deadline for India-Mauritius CECPA and India-Nepal Treaty for FY 2026-27
India’s DGFT has amended the last date for submission of Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) applications under the India-Mauritius CECPA and India-Nepal Treaty, as notified under Appendix-2A of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 for FY 2026-27. The notice adjusts administrative deadlines for preferential quota access under these bilateral trade agreements.
Amendment of Appendix 2B: List of Agencies Authorised to Issue Certificate of Origin (Preferential) under India’s Foreign Trade Policy 2023
India’s DGFT has amended Appendix 2B of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, updating the list of agencies authorised to issue preferential Certificates of Origin. This change affects which bodies can certify goods for preferential tariff treatment under India’s FTAs.
Amendment to List of Agencies Authorised to Issue Preferential Certificate of Origin under India’s Foreign Trade Policy 2023
India’s DGFT has amended Appendix 2B of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, which governs the list of agencies authorized to issue Preferential Certificates of Origin. This change affects which bodies can certify goods for preferential tariff treatment under India’s trade agreements. The amendment has direct implications for exporters seeking preferential market access under FTAs.
Singapore calls for greater collaboration at APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting 2026
At the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting 2026, Singapore called for Asia-Pacific collaboration to keep supply chains open, strengthen the WTO, and advance digital trade. The statement covers three substantive policy areas: supply chain resilience, multilateral trading system support, and digital trade facilitation. No further details are available from the snippet.
Singapore and ASEAN Member States Conclude Negotiations on Landmark ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA)
Singapore and ASEAN member states have concluded negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), a landmark regional agreement covering digital trade. The agreement represents a significant plurilateral outcome for the bloc’s digital economy integration. Specific provisions likely cover cross-border data flows, digital trade facilitation, and related digital economy measures.