ASEAN


Japan signals readiness to review trade pact
The Philippines and Japan are set to review the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) this year, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
Korea, ASEAN to kick off negotiations for improving bilateral FTA
Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to commence official talks for upgrading their free trade agreement (FTA), as part of the ongoing effort to expand bilateral ties in emerging areas, such as digital economy and critical minerals.
ASEAN wraps up talks on digital economy deal, targets Nov. signing
Negotiations for the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, the region’s first comprehensive digital economy pact, have concluded, paving the way for its signing in November this year.
Korea and ASEAN to strengthen supply chain cooperation... FTA digital rules to be revised
South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-Koo and the ASEAN Committee agreed to broaden economic cooperation beyond conventional manufacturing into a wider array of sectors. Additionally, they committed to upgrading the 2007 Korea-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by integrating digital trade rules, targeting tangible results by 2027.
Canada eyes free trade pacts with Philippines, Asean this year
Canada expects to conclude free trade agreements with the Philippines and the wider Southeast Asian bloc this year, as Ottawa seeks to boost business ties with the region and grow its non-US trade.
Review of trade in goods pact with ASEAN priority for India: MEA
India is fast-tracking the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to address a significant trade deficit and secure better market access for its pharmaceutical and agricultural exports.
Unpacking the ASEAN–Canada FTA negotiation
The ASEAN-Canada FTA is one of the agreements currently being negotiated that includes an investment protection chapter with an ISDS mechanism. This briefing note summarizes the October 2025 webinar, “Unpacking the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (external link) ”, which examined the impact of ISDS and highlighted Canadian mining practices through emblematic ISDS cases.
Canada looking to wrap a trio of trade deals this year: minister
Canada’s international trade minister says the government is looking to sign three major trade deals before the end of the year — with Mercosur, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and India.
S. Korea, ASEAN hold inaugural joint committee meeting to discuss upgrading bilateral FTA
South Korea and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held the inaugural meeting of a joint committee designed to discuss improvements to their bilateral free trade agreement.
Bangladesh seeks to build on existing ties, eyes trade deal
The new government in Bangladesh is seeking to deepen its engagement with Thailand and Asean, which may include the signing of a free trade agreement and the establishment of direct maritime connectivity.