The informal sector remains one of the most persistent—and elusive—features of many economies. Policymakers and analysts routinely debate its size, its contribution to livelihoods, and the best path to formalization. Yet the tools for measurement are often limited, particularly in contexts where economic activity escapes official registration. The International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) framework, typically […]
The International Trade Council acknowledges the recent announcement that Tà¼rkiye received foreign direct investments (FDI) totaling $4.8 billion (TL 125.9 billion) in the first half of 2023, as reported by Engin Aksoy, Chairperson of Tà¼rkiye’s International Investors Association (YASED). Of this FDI inflow, $2.5 billion was attributed to mergers, acquisitions, or direct capital […]
The International Trade Council takes note of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address at the G20 Trade and Investment ministerial meeting, where he underscored India’s transition from “red tape” to a more favorable investment climate, emphasizing a shift towards liberalized Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows over the past nine years. During the virtual address to the […]
The International Trade Council is pleased to highlight the significant strides in Foreign Direct Investment in Tourism (FDIT) in Mexico, which reached an impressive milestone of US$1.4 billion during the first half of 2023. This noteworthy achievement constitutes approximately 4.9% of the total National Foreign Direct Investment, as revealed by the Ministry of Tourism. […]
Recent transactions have highlighted India’s exploration of the Rupee as an instrument for international trade. Notably, India has initiated trade with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using the Rupee for oil purchases. In a key transaction, Indian Oil Corp procured one million barrels of oil from the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company using Indian […]
The International Trade Council is observing a notable trend in foreign investment within the U.S. manufacturing sector, raising questions about potential impacts stemming from economic policies, including those of the Biden administration. Recent data highlights an increase in construction spending for manufacturing facilities in the United States, with real manufacturing construction witnessing a doubling since […]
The International Trade Council welcomes China’s resolute drive to fortify its foreign investment landscape and foster increased global investment inflow. In a landmark directive issued by the State Council on Sunday, China underscores its dedication to enhancing the climate for foreign investment, amplifying its appeal as a prime investment destination. The comprehensive set of 24 […]
The 2022 enforcement data for the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) offered, if nothing else, a stark reminder that regulatory vigilance in timber supply chains is no longer theoretical. For wood product distributors and importers, the penalties imposed during the 2020–2022 period painted a picture that was, depending on one’s perspective, either overdue or somewhat harsh. […]
KUALA LUMPUR — Following the conclusion of the second National Investment Council Meeting (NICM), the government has emphasized the pivotal role of Domestic Direct Investment (DDI) as a primary benchmark in determining the overall national investment strategy. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the potential of strategic DDI to lure more Foreign Direct […]
Melbourne, August 22, 2023  – The International Trade Council is pleased to acknowledge the successful implementation of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This milestone was celebrated today during the Australian British Chamber of Commerce business lunch in Melbourne. The recent activation of this gold-standard trade agreement marks a significant shift in the economic […]
SEMARANG — In a significant move to fortify intellectual property (IP) collaboration, the ASEAN Member States and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on August 20, 2023. The signing, which took place during the 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (AEM), was executed by Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of […]
The European Union’s (EU) new rules aimed at curbing deforestation have raised concerns over their potential “catastrophic” impact on global trade if not implemented with consideration for small producers and developing nations, according to the head of the International Trade Centre (ITC). Pamela Coke-Hamilton, the Executive Director of the ITC, a collaborative agency of […]
United Kingdom Considers Establishing Joint Trade and Economic Committee with the Philippines The International Trade Council reports that the United Kingdom (UK) and the Philippines are in discussions regarding the potential formation of a Joint Trade and Economic Committee (JETCO). The aim of the JETCO would be to strengthen economic connections between the two nations. […]
NAIROBI – During the recent United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) presidential dialogue in Nairobi, Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized the need for reforms in the international financial system. Such reforms, he highlighted, would strengthen investor trust in the African continent. President Ruto advocated for improved risk assessments for Africa, emphasizing that a […]
The International Trade Council is taking note of the recent development concerning a ban issued by President Joe Biden in August, restricting new US investments in China’s high-tech sectors, specifically targeting artificial intelligence (AI), advanced semiconductors, and quantum information technologies. This policy encompasses various forms of investment, such as indirect investments, private equity, venture capital, […]
The International Trade Council acknowledges the recent data shared by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The figures presented indicate that the United States’ trade deficit in goods and services stood at $65.5 billion in June, marking a decrease of $2.8 billion from the revised $68.3 billion reported in May. […]