Ursula von der Leyen’s Post

Our export-oriented industry needs more EU Free Trade Agreements that are not only agreed but also enter into force. The best example of this is the Mercosur agreement, which has been finalized since 2019 but is still being blocked by additional negotiations on a declaration on sustainable development. Small and medium-sized industrial companies could benefit immensely from this Free Trade Agreement. #trade #FreeTradeAgreements #EU #VDMA

#ICYMI The resumption of FTA negotiations, notably between the EU and the Philippines, alongside recommenced talks for an EU-Thailand FTA, signals a renewed commitment to deepening economic ties between the EU and ASEAN. In a recent statement, Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council, shared an optimistic outlook for the free trade agreement negotiations between the Philippines and the European Union. Under the current Marcos administration, he notes a high chance of success for the deal, citing fewer policy concerns and a stable political environment. This could open up new avenues for economic growth and collaboration between the EU and the Philippines. Click the link here to know more on the interview: https://lnkd.in/gFMBUNPZ #EUASEAN #TradeAgreement

🌍 Preferential Trade updates: Key changes in global trade agreements 🤝 Recent developments include the U.S. and Chile enhancing their Free Trade Agreement, Belarus and China signing a new FTA, and the EU-Angola Sustainable Investment Facilitation Agreement entering into force. Fiji is also progressing with the EU-Pacific interim Economic Partnership Agreement, and Indonesia moves closer to finalizing the IEU-CEPA. More important updates are covered in this month’s full report: https://lnkd.in/dDGdKiJW 🔗 #preferentialtrade #trade #customs

The government is putting economic growth at the heart of everything it does to improve the livelihoods of hardworking British people.  This means pursuing the high-quality trade deals the UK needs to give businesses access to international markets, boost jobs and deliver growth. Find out more about the steps the UK government is taking to deliver on trade negotiations 👇

As an international organisation, Association of International Accountants (AIA) welcomes the UK Government's commitment to deliver trade negotiations with international partners. Also good to hear that the Government's trade strategy is being aligned with it's net zero ambitions. TheCityUK The Commonwealth EFAA for SMEs - European Federation of Accountants and Auditors for SMEs Access Accountancy Yorkshire Asian Business Association NPH Ethnic Minority Business and Policy Forum @ #SUSTAINABILITY #GROWTH #COMPETITIVENESS

🌍 Exciting news for UK-Israel trade relations! The UK Government has announced the resumption of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Israel, alongside other key economies. This move is part of the UK’s broader strategy to drive economic growth and expand access to international markets. 🔄 By the resumption of these negotiations, the UK aims to secure high-quality trade deals that will boost jobs, support businesses, and enhance our economic ties with some of the world's most dynamic economies. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to putting economic prosperity at the forefront of its agenda. 💼 Looking forward to an ambitious deal which delivers for the UK and Israel! Department for Business and Trade | James C.  #FreeTradeAgreement #prosperity #economicgrowth #FTA #UKIsrael #trade

The value of #EU #trade covered by the vast #network of 42 agreements with 74 partners in place in 2023 was more than €2.3 trillion, having risen by over 30% over the past five years, according to the Annual Report on the implementation and enforcement of EU trade policy published today. EU exports to #preferential trade partners are increasing more steadily than our overall exports – our preferential agreements with South Korea with Canada, for example, each deliver an average export growth of 7% annually – and have made the EU more resilient in the face of global challenges by providing safer, more diverse sources of supply for our imports and markets for our exports. The European Commission has also removed 140 #barriers to EU exports in more than 40 countries over the past five years. The removal of barriers between 2018-2022 unlocked an additional €6.2 billion of EU exports in 2023 alone.

[Exclusive Opportunity for EU-ABC Members] Join us for an insightful briefing session with Christophe Kiener, Head of Unit for South, Southeast Asia, and Australasia from DG TRADE, who will provide valuable insights into the current state of play in the various ongoing and proposed trade negotiations between the European Union and ASEAN Member States. This briefing session, that will take place under Chatham House Rules, will enable members to get a first hand update by the EU’s lead negotiator with the region (and the EU’s Senior Economic Official to ASEAN) on: - Current State of Play on the EU-Indonesia CEPA Negotiations - Outcome of the 2nd round of negotiations on the EU-Thailand FTA - Current state of affairs on the preparations for the recommencement of FTA negotiations with the Philippines and Malaysia - And, the current position on GSP/GSP+ and EBA policies with other ASEAN Member States. Register today: https://lnkd.in/gdrw529Q *Kindly note that this is an EU-ABC members-only event. Non-members will be denied access to the event. 

This confirms the importance of the Indo-Pacific region for the EU's trade agenda, paving the way for deeper trade ties with the Philippines, a key partner for the EU in the Indo-Pacific, and further strengthening the EU’s strategic engagement with this fast-growing region.

Services negotiations in the World Trade Organization (WTO) are conducted under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). These negotiations aim to liberalize international trade in services, covering sectors such as finance, telecommunications, transport, and professional services. The goal is to create a more open and predictable environment for the trade of services while respecting countries' right to regulate their own markets. Negotiations in this area involve member countries making commitments to provide market access and national treatment to foreign service providers. They must also address issues like transparency, regulatory barriers, and mutual recognition of qualifications. However, achieving consensus is challenging due to varying levels of development and priorities among members, leading to slower progress compared to goods negotiations. Special attention is given to developing countries, allowing them flexibility in implementing liberalization commitments to safeguard their economic interests.