🎄 Season's Greetings from the International Trade Council! 🎄

Please note that our offices will be closed from 20th December 2024 and will reopen on 6th January 2025.

We wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year! Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to assisting you in 2025.

Warm regards,
The International Trade Council Team

Archive for the ‘International Trade’ Category

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Malaysia and Singapore have officially come together to embark on the joint development of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) situated in the southern Malaysian state of Johor. This strategic partnership, announced on Thursday, is geared towards fostering increased investments and facilitating the seamless movement of goods and people between these two […]

Brazil, International Trade, Japan, News

January 10, 2024

In a recent development, Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva engaged in discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, exploring the prospects of a trade agreement between Japan and the South American bloc Mercosur, as reported by the Brazilian government.   During a phone conversation, Lula and Kishida delved into the reinforcement of trade […]

International Trade, News, Vietnam

January 10, 2024

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is gearing up to implement major initiatives aimed at boosting exports to the European and American markets in the upcoming year, as announced by Ta Hoang Linh, Director of the European-American Market Department under the MoIT.   To maximize advantages and address challenges in both exports and imports, […]

The United Kingdom and India remain committed to pursuing a comprehensive and ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA), as confirmed by an official statement. The two nations are gearing up for the 14th round of negotiations, scheduled to commence this week, with a focus on intricate matters concerning goods, services, and investment.   Several critical topics […]

International Trade, News

January 3, 2024

In a remarkable turnaround, China’s service sector experienced its fastest growth in five months, indicating a robust rise in new business and injecting a renewed sense of optimism into the industry, according to the latest Caixin/S&P Global services purchasing managers’ index (PMI) released on Thursday.   Contrary to an official survey that suggested a contraction […]

China, International Trade, News

January 1, 2024

In a significant step towards deepening economic collaboration, Nicaragua and China officially initiated trading under a new free trade agreement on Monday. This landmark agreement grants the Central American nation the opportunity to export approximately 71% of its products to the largest Asian market without facing tariffs.   State media reports reveal that the exported […]

International Trade, News, South Korea

December 31, 2023

In December, South Korea witnessed a third consecutive month of export growth, albeit at a slower pace, according to recent data. While global semiconductor sales remained robust, weakened demand for Korean products in China tempered overall export expansion.   The data revealed a 5.1% increase in exports, totaling $57.66 billion in December. This marked a […]

Europe, International Trade, News

December 30, 2023

In a significant development, citizens of Romania and Bulgaria are set to enjoy hassle-free air and sea travel within the European Union and select neighboring countries starting March 31, 2024. The Council of EU governments announced on Saturday that individuals from these EU member states will no longer require a passport to travel to most […]

Europe, International Trade, News

December 20, 2023

European Union finance ministers have unanimously approved alterations to the EU’s fiscal regulations, introducing customized strategies for debt reduction and encouraging investments. These amendments hold substantial significance, and here’s an exploration of their importance.   Fostering Fiscal Responsibility: In a region where the euro serves as the common currency and the European Central Bank oversees […]

International Trade, News, United States

December 18, 2023

Gina M. Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, held a significant meeting with Brazil’s Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services, Geraldo Alckmin, during her inaugural official visit to Brazil. This meeting serves to further bolster the bilateral and commercial relations between the United States and Brazil.   Building upon the meetings between […]

International Trade, News

December 18, 2023

Informal discussions aimed at reforming the WTO’s dispute settlement rules are approaching a conclusion, with members being informed that the “finish line is within reach.” These talks were the focus of the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) meeting held on December 18th.   Marco Molina, Deputy Permanent Representative of Guatemala to the WTO, reported on […]

International Trade, News

December 18, 2023

The 2023 edition of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Young Professionals Programme (YPP) reached its inspiring conclusion, as WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala extended her heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the 17 talented individuals who participated in this year’s cohort. The farewell ceremony, a celebratory event held to mark the official closure of the program, […]

International Trade, Japan, News

December 17, 2023

Leaders from Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gathered in Tokyo for a special summit on Sunday, marking the 50th anniversary of official Japan-ASEAN ties. The summit adopted a joint vision highlighting security and economic cooperation while upholding the rule of law, especially in the context of rising tensions in regional waters […]

  In a significant diplomatic move, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced his upcoming visit to Sydney on Wednesday to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. This visit underscores the commitment of both nations to enhancing their security and economic cooperation.   Luxon, who took office as prime minister earlier this month, […]

International Trade, Japan, Malaysia, News

December 16, 2023

In a significant move aimed at enhancing regional security and cooperation, Japan and Malaysia have officially sealed a security assistance deal, underlining their commitment to bolstering maritime security in the face of evolving challenges, including regional dynamics related to China.   On Saturday, the foreign ministers of Japan and Malaysia signed the agreement, which includes […]

Australia, International Trade, News

December 16, 2023

Australia’s government expressed confidence on Sunday that the punitive tariffs imposed by China on Australian wine in 2021 would be removed early next year, providing a significant boost to Australian winemakers.   Trade Minister Don Farrell conveyed his optimism in an interview with Sky News television, stating, “I would be very confident that early in […]