The WTO Council for Trade in Services met June 2-4 to discuss future work areas including e-commerce services, green services economy, and LDC participation in services trade. Members agreed to hold a dedicated workshop on recognition of foreign professionals’ qualifications. Discussions also covered facilitating greater LDC integration into global services trade.
Topic Archives:Services
ASEAN Concludes Historic Negotiations for the Digital Economy Framework Agreement
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.
India and Oman Sign Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
India and Oman have concluded a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), establishing a new bilateral trade gateway. The agreement covers trade in goods and services with preferential arrangements between the two countries. This marks a significant bilateral trade policy development for India in the Gulf region.
Action Plan for Standardization of Trade in Services (2026–2030)
China’s Ministry of Commerce and State Administration for Market Regulation jointly issued an action plan to advance standardization in trade in services for 2026–2030. The plan outlines specific measures to develop service trade standards, improve regulatory frameworks, and enhance international alignment of standards. This is aimed at facilitating market access and competitiveness in services sectors.
MOFCOM Order No. 1 of 2026: Decision to Cancel Counter-Measures Against Two EU Financial Institutions
China’s Ministry of Commerce issued Order No. 1 of 2026 lifting counter-measures previously imposed on two EU financial institutions. This reversal of retaliatory trade/financial restrictions signals a shift in China-EU bilateral relations. The specific institutions and original measures are referenced in the order.
EU–Canada CETA Joint Committee Fifth Meeting Joint Statement
The EU and Canada held the fifth meeting of the CETA Joint Committee, issuing a joint statement on implementation and advancement of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The meeting addresses ongoing CETA implementation across trade in goods, services, investment, and related disciplines.
2026 Sixth Taiwan-U.S. Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue Concludes with Seven Key Agreements
Taiwan and the U.S. held their 6th Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue (EPPD) on January 27, 2026, the first in-person meeting since the dialogue launched in 2020. The two sides signed a Joint Statement and reached seven key agreements covering areas of bilateral economic cooperation. Specific policy outcomes were recorded across multiple trade and economic domains.