Category: Free Trade

The New Generation of FTAs: Why Services Are Replacing Tariffs as the Main Trade Issue

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The New Generation of FTAs: Why Services Are Replacing Tariffs as the Main Trade Issue

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) have traditionally been associated with tariff liberalisation and improved market access for goods. For several decades, trade negotiations largely focused on reducing customs duties, eliminating quantitative restrictions and facilitating merchandise trade. The success of an agreement was often measured by the extent to which it lowered tariffs and expanded opportunities for…

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FEATURED, Free Trade, Opinion, SMEs, TOP STORIES

India–Oman CEPA: Transforming Centuries of Trust into the Next Generation of Economic Partnership

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India–Oman CEPA: Transforming Centuries of Trust into the Next Generation of Economic Partnership

The signing and impending implementation of the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) comes at a time when international trade relationships are being reassessed. Businesses are diversifying supply chains, countries are seeking dependable economic partners, and enterprises are exploring markets where long-term cooperation and investment opportunities can be developed. The India–Oman CEPA should therefore not…

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Business, FEATURED, Free Trade, India, News, Opinion, SMEs, TOP STORIES

Why Free Trade Agreements Should Address Labor Market Disparities

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Why Free Trade Agreements Should Address Labor Market Disparities

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) fuel economic growth by cutting tariffs and opening markets, yet they miss a critical inefficiency: labor market disparities tied to racial or ethnic factors that sap productivity and growth. Trade isn’t just goods—it’s the workers powering innovation and supply chains. When hiring biases and wage gaps limit talent based on demographics, economies lose billions—up to 4% of GDP in advanced nations, per the IMF. FTAs, designed to maximize prosperity, can’t ignore this drag. Adjusting them to address these gaps could unlock significant gains in efficiency and output.

FEATURED, Free Trade, Human Capital, Opinion

UK-India Free Trade Agreement: A Vital Imperative for Britain’s Economic Future

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UK-India Free Trade Agreement: A Vital Imperative for Britain’s Economic Future

The United Kingdom and India are on the verge of finalizing a long-negotiated Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a deal that could redefine their economic partnership. While both nations stand to gain, Britain—more than India—is in urgent need of this agreement. In a post-Brexit landscape marked by sluggish growth and deteriorating trade ties with the European…

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FEATURED, Free Trade, Opinion, TOP STORIES, Trade

Game-Changing Partnership to Supercharge SME Growth between Meydan Freezone of UAE and Aramex

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Game-Changing Partnership to Supercharge SME Growth between Meydan Freezone of UAE and Aramex

In the dynamic landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the economic ecosystem is evolving at an unprecedented pace, one partnership stands out as a transformative force for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The groundbreaking collaboration between Meydan Free Zone and Aramex,, is set to redefine the relevance and impact of freezones for SMEs…

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Business, Free Trade, Free Zone, News, SMEs

1st Ministerial meeting of India- EU Trade and Technology Council to take place in Brussels on 16th May 2023

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1st Ministerial meeting of India- EU Trade and Technology Council to take place in Brussels on 16th May 2023

Shri Piyush Goyal to co-chair the India-EU TTC Ministerial meeting The first Ministerial meeting of India- European Union Trade and Technology Council (TTC) is taking place in Brussels, Belgium on 16th May 2023. Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Textiles, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal is one of the co-chairs along…

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Free Trade

India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed

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India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed

Enhancing people to people contact leading to generation of additional businesses, significant increase in exports and employment for more than one million The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Minster of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Minister of Textiles, Government of India, Shri Piyush Goyal, and Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Government of…

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Free Trade