The UK government has published guidance on obligations under trade sanctions that prohibit the provision of construction services related to Russia, as part of the Russia Regulations. The guidance outlines compliance requirements for the services sector under these export/trade restrictions.
Topic Archives:Services
Guidance: Providing professional and business services to a person connected with Russia
UK government guidance on services sanctions under The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, covering restrictions on providing professional and business services to persons connected with Russia. This relates to active trade/services restrictions imposed as part of the UK’s Russia sanctions regime.
Thailand Supports Upgrade Study of ASEAN-Japan CEP (AJCEP) to Modernize Trade Agreement
ASEAN and Japan held discussions on upgrading the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP), targeting a formal upgrade negotiation launch by 2027. The upgrade aims to cover digital economy, green economy, supply chain resilience, services trade, movement of natural persons, IP, and MSME facilitation. Thailand’s Department of Trade Negotiations participated and supports close continued consultations.
Timor-Leste begins accession talks for WTO Government Procurement Agreement
The WTO Committee on Government Procurement welcomed Timor-Leste’s submission of required documents to begin accession negotiations to the GPA 2012. The Committee also reviewed regulatory developments, heard updates on other members’ accession processes, and held a first-ever private sector dialogue on the GPA.
17th Round of Korea-China FTA Services and Investment Follow-up Negotiations Held
The 17th round of follow-up negotiations under the Korea-China FTA covering services and investment was held. These negotiations continue efforts to expand commitments beyond the framework agreement signed in 2015. No specific outcomes are detailed in the snippet.
WTO Services Council and Financial Services Committee discuss remittances, digital payments, and supplier recognition
The WTO Council for Trade in Services and Committee on Trade in Financial Services met October 7-9, 2026, discussing transparency of measures on recognition of foreign service suppliers’ qualifications, digital payment facilitation, and reducing remittance costs. Members also addressed ways to reinvigorate the Council’s work and support least-developed countries in services trade.
Joint Statement of the 16th Meeting of the India–UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO)
India and the UK held their 16th JETCO meeting, a bilateral trade dialogue forum. The joint statement covers outcomes of discussions on trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. No snippet content is available, but JETCO meetings typically produce named policy outcomes on FTA progress, market access, and sectoral trade issues.
Joint Statement at the Second EU-China Trade and Investment Consultations
EU Commissioner Šefčovič and Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held the second EU-China Trade and Investment Consultations (TIC) in Beijing on 8-9 October 2026. The joint statement reflects substantive bilateral trade and investment dialogue between the EU and China. Specific policy outcomes would be detailed in the full statement text.
WTO raises merchandise trade forecast for 2026, lowers services outlook amid AI boom and Middle East disruption
WTO economists have revised the 2026 global trade forecast upward for merchandise trade, citing AI investment and supply chain adaptation, while lowering the outlook for services trade due to Middle East conflict impacts. The gains are described as uneven across regions and sectors. This is an official WTO statistical/forecast release.
Thailand Leads ASEAN in Signing Upgraded ASEAN–Hong Kong Investment Agreement
Thailand’s Deputy PM and Commerce Minister led the 10th ASEAN–Hong Kong Economic Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, where ASEAN and Hong Kong signed an upgraded investment agreement. Thailand served as ASEAN coordinator and co-chair for negotiations with Hong Kong, advancing concrete trade and investment cooperation outcomes.