Adam Alqali is a development journalist based in Kano, Nigeria with over 5 years’ experience in investigative, fact checking, research and development reporting. He currently reports for amongst others, africacheck.org, Newsdiary online, National Review as well as African Newspage. 
He has ...

Malawi’s President Chakwera keynotes APSS Series 2

19 Oct 2021  |  www.africannewspage.net  |  English  |  African Continental Free Trade Agreement

President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi, also the chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), delivered a keynote address at the Africa Private Sector Summit (APSS) Series 2, emphasizing the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) for regional economic growth. He highlighted Malawi's pioneering role in inter-regional trade under AfCFTA and called for policy changes to facilitate free movement across African borders. The summit, hosted by various African economic and academic organizations, focused on fostering strategic alliances to overcome trade barriers and promote economic integration. Key challenges discussed included infrastructure deficits, misinformation about AfCFTA, and the need for academic involvement in trade integration efforts.

Tags:

African Continental Free Trade Agreement Regional Economic Commissions Economic Development

Balanced

Factuality Scale

I am a journalist and correspondent with experience covering news in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. I offer writing, video recording, and fixer services for international media seeking reliable and real-time information from the region.

I have worked as a correspondent for various media ...

Has Central America taken advantage of the Free Trade Agreement with the US?

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Free Trade Agreement

Seventeen years after the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Central America and the United States (DR-CAFTA), trade dynamics have shifted. Initially, Central America exported more to the US than it imported, but since 2014, the trend has reversed. By 2022, Central American exports to the US doubled from 2006 levels, while imports grew even more significantly. El Salvador showed the least growth in exports, while Nicaragua experienced the highest percentage increase. The year 2022 marked the largest trade deficit for Central America with the US, highlighting a significant increase in imports over exports. DR-CAFTA aims to maintain a tariff-free trade zone and was the first such agreement the US signed with developing countries.

Tags:

US Trade Relations Free Trade Agreement Central American Economy

Informative

Factuality Scale

Paul Cochrane is a freelance journalist based in Udine, Italy. He lived in Beirut, Lebanon from 2002 to 2019, and in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa from 2019 until 2024.

He has written for over 80 publications worldwide, covering financial crime, business, higher education and skills developments, ...

One month until ‘Brexit’: Is the UK looking to seal a Gulf free trade deal?

01 Dec 2020  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Free Trade Agreement

The British government is seeking to secure a free trade agreement (FTA) with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as it prepares to exit the European Union. Despite the potential benefits, such as increased trade and investment, the FTA faces significant challenges, including internal GCC divisions and a history of unratified agreements. Human rights issues and petroleum tariffs are additional obstacles. The UK aims to enhance its trade in goods and services, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, and renewable energy. The arms trade remains a contentious point, with potential implications from US policies under the Biden administration.

Tags:

Free Trade Agreement Brexit UK-GCC Relations

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

John Dennehy is a journalist based in Viantiane, Vientiane Prefecture, Laos.

UK minister Kemi Badenoch hopes for GCC free trade deal soon

26 May 2023  |  The National  |  English  |  Free Trade Agreement

The UK is aiming to finalize a significant free trade agreement with the GCC soon, according to Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch. During her tour of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, Badenoch emphasized the benefits of a GCC-wide deal over individual agreements. She highlighted the UK's focus on services, food and drink, cars, and clothes in the trade talks. Trade between the UK and GCC reached a record high in 2022, and a new deal could boost this further. Badenoch's visit underscores the importance of personal relationships in advancing trade negotiations and cooperation in areas like energy and technology.

Tags:

Free Trade Agreement UK-GCC Relations Brexit

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Right

Political View

Nhat Dang Du is a journalist based in Hanoi, Vietnam.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Stresses Urgency in Reducing Trade Deficit with Vietnam

10 Nov 2019  |  tuoitrenews.vn  |  English  |  U.S.-Vietnam Trade Relations

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, during an official visit to Vietnam, emphasized the urgency of addressing the U.S. trade deficit with Vietnam in an interview with Tuoi Tre News. The bilateral trade stands at about $50 billion annually, with the U.S. facing a $40 billion deficit. Ross highlighted the need for Vietnam to reduce this imbalance, mentioning agriculture and energy sectors as potential areas for deficit reduction. Although defense purchases, such as those from Lockheed Martin, could help narrow the gap, no defense deals were discussed during this visit due to scheduling issues. The visit included witnessing the signing of five business agreements and aimed to lay the groundwork for a potential U.S.-Vietnam free trade agreement. U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper is also expected to visit Vietnam to discuss regional security and the defense relationship.

Tags:

Free Trade Agreement Trade Deficit U.S.-Vietnam Trade Relations Defense Sector Purchases

Devianti Faridz is a Freelance Broadcast Journalist in Jakarta.

She had worked as a News Correspondent at a Singapore based regional broadcaster, Channel NewsAsia.

Prior to that, she served as Producer for several English news programs, as well as a Bahasa Indonesia tourism program on Metro ...

Indonesia destroys $1.3M of illegal imports, cracks down on underground economy

02 Oct 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement

Indonesia's Trade Ministry destroyed $1.3 million worth of illegal imports, including electronics and alcoholic beverages, as part of a crackdown on the underground economy. The initiative aims to address issues stemming from the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement, which left Indonesia unprepared for competitive foreign products. The Anti-Illegal Imports Task Force has been active in seizing goods and investigating illegal import schemes. The crackdown is expected to continue under President-elect Prabowo Subianto. Economic experts highlight the significant revenue loss and impact on local industries due to unregistered imports, with plans to impose higher tariffs on certain products under consideration.

Tags:

ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement Illegal Imports Underground Economy

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Greg Flakus is a journalist based in Houston, United States of America. He retired from a long career at the Voice of America (VOA) in 2017 and has since made short films and shot video for clients. He also continues to write and do voiceover work.

Commerce Thrives on US-Mexico Border

26 Jul 2016  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Trade Deals

The article discusses the political rhetoric surrounding the U.S.-Mexico border, focusing on Donald Trump's proposal to build a wall and end certain trade deals. It contrasts this with the economic benefits of cross-border commerce, particularly in Nogales, Arizona, where trade supports jobs and attracts Mexican shoppers. Mike Varney, President and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes the importance of international trade to Arizona's economy. The article also touches on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its mixed effects on jobs and wages. It addresses the backlash against illegal immigration in Arizona and the need for a balance between border security and commerce. The article suggests that the issues at the border are complex and require careful consideration beyond heated political debates.

Tags:

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Trade Deals U.S.-Mexico Border Wall Cross-border Commerce Illegal Immigration Drug Trafficking Immigration Backlash

My name is Edgar Maciel and I'm 30 years old. I have my major in Journalism at Pontifice University Catolic of Rio Grande do Sul. My mother tongue is Portuguese and I also speak Spanish and English fluently. I started my career in radio. I worked at Rádio Gaúcha and, recently, at Rádio CBN, the ...

Mercosur and the European Union could sign a free trade agreement during the G20 meeting in November

30 Sept 2024  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Free Trade Agreement

Mercosur and the European Union are considering signing a free trade agreement during the upcoming G20 meeting in November, highlighting ongoing negotiations and potential economic collaboration between the two regions.

Tags:

Free Trade Agreement G20 Summit

Informative

Factuality Scale

Andrew Maramwidze is a Freelance journalist based in Gaborone, Botswana, a diamond rich country in Southern Africa. Have worked with several editors across the globe on various projects.

AfCFTA a priority as Stanbic Botswana rolls out new digital trade tech

22 Jul 2022  |  itweb.africa  |  English  |  Digital Trade

Stanbic Bank Botswana has introduced TradeClub, a digital platform to facilitate global market access, and the Africa China Trade Solution (ACTS) to enhance trade between Africa and China. These initiatives aim to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) to provide Small, Micro, and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) with new market opportunities. The platforms offer resources, pre-vetted connections, and support for import processes, backed by Standard Bank Group and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC).

Tags:

Africa-China Trade African Continental Free Trade Agreement Digital Trade

Informative

Factuality Scale

Abhinandan Mishra is a print journalist based in Delhi, India who has an experience of more than 12 years. He specialises in investigative issues, matter relating to terrorism, intelligence. He has covered three general elections and multiple assembly elections across the country. He is also a ...

Much progress in FTA talks as Rajnath Singh tours UK

06 Oct 2023  |  TheDailyGuardian  |  English  |  Free Trade Agreement

Significant progress has been made in the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks between India and the United Kingdom, with a conclusion expected soon. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to the UK, the first by an Indian Defence Minister in 22 years, included meetings with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Foreign Minister Lord David Cameron. The 14th round of discussions, likely the final one, is ongoing in Delhi. Both nations aim to finalize the FTA before their upcoming general elections, focusing on goods, services, investment, and duty cuts on electric vehicles, whiskey, and professional movement. The FTA would mark India's first with a G-7 member, potentially boosting trade significantly.

Tags:

Free Trade Agreement International Relations Economics

Informative

Factuality Scale

Emmanuel Paul is a tech journalist, script writer, podcast host, and narrator for one of Africa's largest digital media publications. With 6 years experience in freelance writing and professional journalism, he has deep understanding of the business, political, and technology sector in Africa.

Africa Ushers in a New Economic Era with the AfCFTA Agreement

01 Jan 2021  |  Techpoint Africa  |  English  |  African Continental Free Trade Area

The article discusses the commencement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, which aims to create a single market for goods and services across 55 African Union member states. Initially set for July 2020, its implementation was delayed due to the pandemic and is now expected to begin in January 2021. The AfCFTA is anticipated to boost intra-African trade, increase production of African goods, and potentially lift millions out of poverty. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, policy harmonization, and territorialism among member states may hinder its effectiveness. The agreement is seen as a long-term vision, with the need for improved governance and infrastructure being critical for its success. Opportunities for startups, particularly in fintech and logistics, are highlighted, with technology playing a key role in the agreement's implementation.

Tags:

Intra-African Trade Trade Agreements African Continental Free Trade Area Economic Development Infrastructure in Africa Startups and Innovation in Africa

Louisa Reynolds is a freelance journalist and translator based in Guatemala. Although Guatemala is the main focus of her work, she has done reporting trips to Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Honduras, Panama and Belize.
She has done live interviews for CNN, Radio France International, Monocle News Daily,...

Yasmine is a bilingual, award-winning print, photo and television journalist with more than eight years’ experience with leading international news organisations. She is currently based in Tunis, where she writes analysis, news and features for international media, along with television and radio ...

Sunday Morning for Sunday 12 April 2015

12 Apr 2015  |  www.rnz.co.nz  |  English  |  Free Trade Agreement

Radio New Zealand's Sunday Morning program on April 12, 2015, covered a range of topics including the aftermath of the Islamist militant attack in Tunisia, New Zealand's free trade agreement with South Korea, urban planning and its impact on social well-being, a review of the week in broadcasting, the 'Home of the Year' architectural prize, the ethics of surveillance, and a live performance by musician Paul Kelly. The program featured interviews with experts and stakeholders across these diverse subjects.

Tags:

Free Trade Agreement Current Affairs Urban Planning Broadcasting Architecture Surveillance Music

Balanced

Factuality Scale

I'm a journalist. editor and marketing communications professional based in Bengaluru, India. Over the past quarter century, I've written extensively on diverse subjects ranging from air shows to defence expos, parenting to politics, rock stars to religion, and reviewed cars, books and gadgets. But ...

India uneasy, regional free trade pact delayed

15 Nov 2018  |  www.newindianexpress.com  |  English  |  Free Trade Agreement

Plans to finalize the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have been delayed to next year due to reservations from India, Australia, and Indonesia, who are concerned about the impact on their domestic industries. India insists that the FTA should include the free flow of services. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with US Vice President Michael Pence to discuss bilateral issues, including terrorism, with Modi emphasizing that global terror attacks trace back to Pakistan. The leaders also discussed cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and opportunities for US defense investments in India.

Tags:

Free Trade Agreement Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership East Asia Summit Bilateral Relations Terrorism

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Right

Political View

Sophia Waterfield is a journalist based in York, United Kingdom.

Australia free trade deal could boost digital commerce

30 May 2023  |  techmonitor.ai  |  English  |  Free Trade Agreement

The UK has finalized a free trade agreement (FTA) with Australia, which will facilitate the free flow of data, support small to medium businesses, and protect UK investors. The agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade by 53% in the long term and aligns with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's goals of fostering innovation and economic growth. The FTA emphasizes services, which constitute a significant portion of the UK's economy, and includes provisions for easier work and residency conditions for professionals in both countries. Additionally, the agreement ensures protections for digital trade and intellectual property, and enhances cybersecurity collaboration. UK investors will benefit from protections against nationality-based discrimination and the free movement of capital. The deal is seen as a strategic move to adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape, with positive implications for businesses like SoftIron, which anticipates increased opportunities for knowledge and skill sharing between the UK and Australia.

Tags:

Free Trade Agreement Digital Commerce UK-Australia Relations

Informative

Factuality Scale