Author Archive

Key Highlights: European Commission concludes no extension of prior grain ban. Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary decide on specific regulations pertaining to Ukrainian grain. Ukraine remains a pivotal player in global grain markets despite logistic challenges post-Russian conflict.   Following a decision by the European Commission not to extend its earlier ban on Ukrainian grain imports, […]

Global Trade, News

September 16, 2023

Trade Realignment Could Elevate Costs, Risks, and Geopolitical Tensions, Says WTO Annual Report   As geopolitical pressures reshape international alliances, the World Trade Organization (WTO) warns that countries are increasingly favoring trade with allied nations over more efficient exporters. This shift is raising concerns about the future of a global economy founded on open and […]

Monetary Policy, News

September 16, 2023

Geneva — The European Central Bank (ECB) has surprised markets by announcing its 10th consecutive interest rate increase, signaling its commitment to addressing persistently high inflation and its concerns about a potential economic slowdown. While some analysts expected a pause in the rate-hiking campaign, the ECB’s decision underscores the central bank’s determination to combat inflationary pressures. […]

International Trade, News, Southeast Asia

September 15, 2023

Cambodian Trade Experiences a 14.5% Decline Compared to Last Year Despite Minor Gains in Exports   The International Trade Council reports that Cambodia’s total trade volume for the first eight months of 2023 stands at nearly $32 billion, showing a 14.5% drop compared to the same timeframe last year. This decline comes despite a modest […]

United Kingdom and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) representatives convened at a top ministerial meeting in Salalah, Oman, to discuss bolstering their trade relationship and paving the way for a comprehensive free trade agreement. This development has the potential to offer British firms expanded access to burgeoning Gulf markets, while also opening doors for GCC nations […]

Foreign Direct Investment, News

September 14, 2023

London, United Kingdom – September 14, 2023 – Today marks the official release of the much-anticipated book, “Going Abroad: Foreign Direct Investment for Businesses Looking to Expand Internationally.” Authored by James S. York, the CEO of the International Centre for Trade Transparency, the book serves as an essential guide for businesses planning to engage in foreign […]

Europe, International Trade, News

September 14, 2023

Geneva — In a resolute display of unity, France and Germany have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering cooperation on industrial transformation and defending the European Union (EU) against unlawful trade practices. In response to the EU Commission’s announcement of an investigation into Chinese state support for electric vehicles (EVs), the Economy Ministers of both countries, Robert […]

International Trade, News, United Kingdom

September 14, 2023

Geneva — In a compelling address at the WTO Public Forum, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown called for a transformative era of international cooperation and renewed commitment to multilateralism. The event, attended by a diverse audience, including WTO ambassadors, Swiss authorities, leaders of intergovernmental organizations, representatives of non-governmental organizations, business leaders, and academics, was launched […]

Europe, International Trade, News

September 14, 2023

In an effort to safeguard their markets, Hungary, in cooperation with neighboring countries Romania, Slovakia, and Bulgaria, has signaled its intent to impose a national ban on Ukrainian grain imports should the European Union (EU) fail to extend the existing ban set to expire on September 15, as announced by Hungary’s Farm Minister.   The […]

International Trade, News, Turkey

September 14, 2023

Istanbul, Turkey, is currently the epicenter of strategic discussions and economic collaboration as it hosts the 12th meeting of the Ministers in Charge of Economy and Trade of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). This significant gathering brings together leaders, policymakers, experts, and officials from Turkic nations to deliberate on crucial economic matters.   The […]

News, Trade Relations, Turkey, United Kingdom

September 14, 2023

The International Trade Council applauds the deepening partnership between Türkiye and the United Kingdom, as underscored by British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly during his recent visit to Ankara. The Council acknowledges the pivotal role that this strengthening alliance plays in fostering international cooperation and enhancing global security.   In a meeting with Foreign Minister Hakan […]

Africa, News, Trade Relations

September 14, 2023

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has taken a significant step to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) by permitting the establishment of offshore accounts. This new directive aims to facilitate easier fund deposits from both equity and loan financing for approved projects and attract foreign currency into the Ethiopian economy. Scope of the New Directive […]

Middle East, News, Trade Relations

September 13, 2023

Riyadh — Saudi research and development firm, Forming Future Co., has embarked on a strategic partnership with two subsidiaries of Oman’s ITHCA Group to promote the utilization of 3D printing technology within the real estate sector.   The collaborative agreements involve InnoTech and Codeline, both entities operating under the umbrella of ITHCA Group, previously known as […]

Europe, News, Thailand, Trade Relations

September 13, 2023

Negotiations for a free-trade agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the European Union (EU), commonly referred to as the Thai-EU FTA, are set to commence next week with the aim of finalizing the agreement within a two-year timeframe. The Department of Trade Negotiations, operating under the Thai Commerce Ministry, will oversee these negotiations.   Auramon Supthaweethum, […]

Bahrain, News, Trade Agreements

September 13, 2023

The International Trade Council is pleased to announce the signing of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) between the United States and Bahrain, ushering in a new era of cooperation and partnership across various domains, including defense, security, science, technology, trade, and investment.   The historic agreement was formalized during a ceremony at […]