Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
If a future government wanted to block fast-tracked projects, it could trigger investor-state dispute settlement clauses built into existing trade agreements, with billions potentially at stake.
Palmer sued Western Australia’s government in the High Court and lost. But an obscure clause in a little-known trade agreement is giving him a second chance
Citrus, table grapes and a range of deciduous fruits dominate South Africa’s agricultural exports.
Getty Images
For the EU, the recent trade deal with New Zealand is about a lot more than money. Climate change and expanding its role and influence well beyond European borders are major motivations.
Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
Government modelling projects a mere 0.3% increase on current GDP when the NZ-UK free trade agreement comes into full force. Does that justify the concessions the deal makes?
Peter Martin, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
Australia’s usual approach to big international negotiations is to hold out, before reluctantly making “concessions”. It’s the wrong approach for trade, and the wrong approach for climate change.
Prime Minister Morrison and Trade Minister Birmingham sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement in November 2020, Canberra.
Lukas Coch/AAP
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement prevents signatories from tightening regulations, except in specified sectors — and aged care hasn’t been named as one of those exceptions.
Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
More countries, including a post-Brexit UK, are looking at joining the CPTPP free trade agreement. But the secrecy around negotiations makes serious analysis virtually impossible.
Foreign companies can get rights Australian companies can’t, so long as they are actually foreign.
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in August 2018.
Photo by Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images
Kenya must pay more attention to the role of this agreement as an investment attraction vehicle and not just a simple tariff centred ‘traditional’ pact.
Viewed against the odds of success in getting 55 countries to foster meaningful regional integration, Africa has made commendable progress in crafting its own creative approach.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing his country from the TPP within days of reaching office.
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters