Asia & Pacific


Bilateral deal-making involving governments of Asia and the Pacific region.


Indo-Pacific Economic Framework seeks to protect US, not Malaysian, interests
The Consumers' Association of Penang is extremely concerned over the announcement by Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry that Malaysia will join a new economic agreement led by the United States.
The what, where, how and why of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework
Unlike traditional FTAs, the IPEF employs a menu-based approach in which countries would launch separate negotiations under the four pillars of the initiative.
Fiji to join Biden’s economic framework aimed at countering China
Fiji will become the 14th country and first Pacific island nation to join the US' economic framework, the White House announced, delivering a boost to Washington’s efforts to counter growing Chinese influence in the Asia Pacific.
Farmers for Free Trade asks value of IPEF without tariff reduction
The IPEF will see commitments with partners that facilitate agricultural trade through science-based decision making and the adoption of sound, transparent regulatory practices, says USTR.
Statement: International Civil Society reactions to announcement of IPEF member Countries
Academics and representatives of CSOs in IPEF member countries, reflect a shared demand for any Indo-Pacific discussions to advance a genuine alternative to the failed 20th century free trade model, which has undermined governments’ ability to regulate Big Tech and other large corporations.
Cambodia, Myanmar expedite trade deals
Cambodia and Myanmar are in the process of expediting negotiations on two important draft agreements in a bid to swiftly increase trade cooperation with each other, citing low bilateral trade volume.
US-led Asia trade pact eyes clean energy, supply chains
US President Joe Biden has announced a new economic framework deal for Asia-Pacific designed to boost investment in clean energy infrastructure, drive decarbonisation efforts and strengthen regional supply chains.
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework is not an FTA: 5 things to know
Tailored pact seeks to counter China's clout while protecting US workers.
The US kicks off neocolonialism via Indo-Pacific Economic Framework
The IPEF represents continuity between the colonialist past and neocolonialist present in the Indo-Pacific region.
US picks negotiators for Biden’s Indo-Pacific Economic Framework
Sharon Yuan, a veteran of the Treasury Department who worked on the abandoned Trans-Pacific Partnership, has been hired to oversee staff work on the main points of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.

Referenced sites

ABAC

APEC Business Advisory Council is pushing for an FTA among APEC members

ASEAN Briefing

ASEAN Briefing is a platform dedicated to the various and increasing number of trade treaties and agreements throughout the ASEAN region, produced by tax and...

Asia Regional Integration Center

Database of bilateral and plurilateral FTAs with at least one of Asian Development Bank’s 48 regional members as signatory.

Australia-ASEAN-New Zealand FTA

An Australian government webpage on the Australia-ASEAN-New Zealand FTA negotiations, agreed to end 2004 and begun early 2005.

Macau-China FTA

Official website on the Macau-China Closer Economic Partnership Agreement

PANG

The Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) plays the role of the Pacific regional “peoples’ watchdog on trade issues”.