
EIAS Meeting with Philippines Secretary of Trade H.E. Mr Alfredo Pascual
On 28 October 2022 EIAS had the honour to host a meeting with the Secretary (Minister) of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines H.E. Mr Alfredo Pascual.
On 28 October 2022 EIAS had the honour to host a meeting with the Secretary (Minister) of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines H.E. Mr Alfredo Pascual.
On 22 June 2022, European Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis presented the Commission’s new approach to Free Trade Agreements (FTA). As one of its main features, the plan seeks to strengthen the binding nature of Sustainable Development provisions and rules within EU FTAs. This is particularly relevant in view of the EU’s FTAs and trade negotiations with ASEAN and its members.
As part of its flagship Green Deal, the European Parliament approved a proposal for a draft regulation on 13 September 2022 which mandates operators to prove that wood, coffee, cocoa, palm oil, cattle, soy, and its derivatives are ‘deforestation-free’ before they enter the EU market. Producing developing countries in Asia and beyond have strongly opposed the EU’s unilateral objectives due to its potential socio-economic consequences. The rather quick passing of the regulation and limited time for consideration of its impact on third countries may actually cause harm to already vulnerable communities.
EU-ASEAN diplomatic relations at 45, where are we at?
Thailand could be a leader in ASEAN in terms of « Green Transition ». If Bangkok successfully transitions towards a greener economy and comply with the EU Green Deal’s legislation, the EU and Thailand could resume the signing of the 2013 EU-Thailand Partnership Cooperation Agreement and negotiations around a Free-Trade Agreement.
The 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) took place on 25-26 November 2021 via videoconference under the theme “strengthening multilateralism for shared growth”. ASEM has major untapped potential but remains a valuable platform for dialogue and the exchange of information for its members.
2021 marks the tenth anniversary of the entry into force of the free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union