At the ASEAN Economic Ministers meetings with dialogue partners, ASEAN and the EU agreed to develop digital trade principles to promote open, transparent, and fair markets. ASEAN and the UK endorsed a new joint declaration on digital transition and green economy, while ASEAN-Russia discussions advanced cooperation across 11 trade and investment sectors, and ASEAN-Switzerland agreed […]
Topic Archives:Services
Joint Statement on Philippines-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee
The Philippines and UK held a Joint Economic and Trade Committee meeting, producing a joint statement with named policy outcomes on bilateral trade relations. The snippet is truncated but the JETC format typically yields specific commitments on market access, trade facilitation, or FTA-related discussions.
Thailand participates in 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting; signs ASEAN-Hong Kong Investment Agreement and concludes DEFA negotiations
Thailand’s Deputy PM and Commerce Minister attended the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting in Manila on 19-20 September 2026, where ASEAN signed an investment agreement with Hong Kong. Thailand, as chair of the DEFA negotiating committee, helped conclude negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), while also advancing trade negotiations with 14 dialogue […]
First Protocol to Amend ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Investment Agreement Signed
The ASEAN Secretary-General attended the signing of the First Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Investment Agreement (AHKIA). The protocol aims to enhance economic relations and improve transparency and predictability in investment arrangements between ASEAN and Hong Kong, China.
Hong Kong and ASEAN Sign Protocol Amending Investment Agreement
Hong Kong signed the First Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Hong Kong Investment Agreement in Manila, securing non-discriminatory treatment for Hong Kong firms across all 10 ASEAN member states. ASEAN is Hong Kong’s third-largest outward direct investment destination. The protocol represents a formal amendment to the bilateral investment framework.
Opinion of 9 Ministries on Promoting High-Quality Development of Aviation Bonded Maintenance
Nine Chinese ministries jointly issued guidance to promote high-quality development of aviation bonded maintenance (MRO) industries. The policy addresses customs bonded zone procedures, import/export management of aircraft parts, and related regulatory frameworks. This involves specific customs and market access measures for the aviation services sector.
MOFCOM Order No. 3 of 2026: Decision on Countermeasures Against U.S. Compliance Testing Companies
China’s Ministry of Commerce issued Order No. 3 of 2026 imposing countermeasures against U.S. compliance testing companies. The decision targets specific American firms in the testing, inspection, and certification sector. This represents a formal retaliatory trade measure under China’s countermeasures framework.
Canada and UAE Conclude CEPA Negotiations
Canada and the UAE have concluded negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), announced jointly by Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani Al Zeyoudi in Toronto. The agreement marks a significant bilateral trade milestone between the two countries.
UK Goods and Services Schedules at the WTO
The UK has submitted its schedule of commitments under GATT and GATS to the WTO. These schedules define the UK’s bound tariff rates and services market access commitments as a WTO member.
Ambassador Greer Issues Statement on EU Creating Uncertainty in Transatlantic Trade Relationship
USTR Ambassador Greer criticized the EU’s nearly $1 billion fine on Google as part of an aggressive pattern targeting U.S. technology firms, framing it as creating uncertainty in the Turnberry Agreement governing transatlantic trade. The statement signals U.S. concern that EU digital enforcement actions are undermining the bilateral trade framework. This touches on digital trade […]