ASEAN
Vietnam and EU sign ‘milestone’ free trade agreement
The European Union and Vietnam on Sunday (30 June) signed a long-awaited free trade deal that will slash duties on almost all goods, an agreement that pushes back against a rising tide of global protectionism and hailed as a "milestone" by Brussels.
EU trade pact with Vietnam close to finish line
As Brussels relies on bilateral talks to increase trade relations with the ASEAN group, it is getting closer to concluding two free trade agreements with Vietnam. But the European Parliament could yet prove to be a significant obstacle. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Malaysian minister: ‘Palm oil is a deal-breaker for EU-ASEAN trade relations’
Teresa Kok, Malaysia's Minister of Primary Industries, visited Brussels and other European capitals this week in a last-ditch effort to kill new EU rules that will ban the use of palm oil in biofuels – a measure European adopted because of concerns about deforestation.
EU-Vietnam deal seen as ‘stepping stone’ for agreement with ASEAN, says Commission
The EU's Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström said on Wednesday (17 October) that the "ambitious" trade deal made with Vietnam could “pave the way” for an agreement with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), despite scepticism on the other side.
ASEAN, EU close ranks in face of trade war threat
Southeast Asia and Europe stressed the importance of pushing back against protectionism and the threat of global trade wars on Friday (3 August), as their ministers work towards the eventual goal of a region-to-region free trade pact.OpinionPromoted content
ASEAN can show the way for Europe on Trade
From Kuala Lumpur, the global trading system currently resembles a high-stakes poker game played by giants – China, the US and the EU. ASEAN as a region feels almost like an outlier, writes Dato’ Lee Yeow Chor.
EU launches project against counterfeiting in Southeast Asia
The European Union has put forward a project to strengthen intellectual and industrial property rights in all ASEAN countries. EURACTIV’s partner Euroefe reports.
ASEAN countries unconvinced by EU trade pact
South East Asian countries are dragging their feet on a free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU, with officials saying that the countries still need to be convinced of the benefits of the region-to-region deal.
A very happy birthday to the European Union
There will be a sombre atmosphere when EU leaders gather in Rome later today (24 March). Just a few days after the summit, the UK will trigger Article 50. But now the bloc is tasked with rekindling public support for integration, so let’s toast its future, writes Fraser Cameron.
EU-ASEAN trade talks show signs of life
The European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said today (10 March) the two blocs would try to revive plans for a trade deal, as European countries look to tap the region's strong growth.
Asia wants a stronger global role for Europe
Given the unpredictability surrounding the future of US foreign policy, many Asian countries are beating a path to Brussels to shore up their relations with the EU, which remains the strongest supporter of the multilateral system, writes Fraser Cameron.
Asian economies stress focus is on EU-27, not UK, after Brexit
Leading Asian economies stressed on Wednesday (8 February) their attention would continue to be focused on the EU-27 post-Brexit, ahead of any possibilities for the UK opened up by Brexit.
Migrants petition Thai seafood giant, as EU yellow card remains
More than 2,000 migrant workers at a major Thai seafood exporter called on Monday (30 January) for higher wages and better working conditions, a rare stand in a country where foreigners are banned from forming trade unions.
Activist: Cambodia needs international respectability
Cambodian human rights activist Naly Pilorge is in Brussels to plead with MEPs and the Commission not to take Phnom Penh's claims to democracy seriously, following an unexpectedly damning resolution by lawmakers earlier this year.
Thai exiled activist: Royal succession is an abyss for human rights
The EU suspended Free Trade Agreement talks with Thailand after its military coup. Now into its third year under dictatorship following the coup d'état on May 22, 2014, things are likely to get worse before they get better, writes Jaran Ditapichai.
Court may help EU sidestep lone wolf resistance to trade deals
A court ruling early next year may help the European Union out of the kind of embarrassing situation it finds itself in now, with a regional assembly in Belgium locking a major trade agreement between Canada and the 28 sovereign states of the EU.
ASEAN’s first priority is EU, not Brexit Britain, diplomats say
EXCLUSIVE/ EU and Asian diplomats have poured cold water on the idea that developing economies of the ASEAN bloc are queuing up to do trade deals with a post-EU UK – a major policy plank of the British Brexit ministers.
Malmström backs EU whistleblower over Thai labour rights
EU Trade Commission Cecilie Malmström on Thursday (6 October) strongly backed the British labour rights activist who helped expose labour abuses in Thailand, for which he received a three-year suspended jail sentence.
EU activist gets 3-year Thai jail sentence for exposing labour abuses
A British lawyer who helped expose labour abuses in Thailand’s fruit factories has been handed a three-year suspended jail sentence.
EU concern as Cambodia PM vows to ‘eliminate’ opponents who protest
Cambodia's strongman premier vowed Monday (19 September) to "eliminate" his opponents if they push ahead with plans for nationwide protests against an ongoing government crackdown that has sparked international alarm.
‘Forget Commonwealth, target US & China’, economist warns Brexit trade team
Theresa May’s new Brexit team of trade ministers should ignore the former Commonwealth and concentrate on the US and China, according to a new report from a former Bank of England economist.
UN condemns ‘mounting’ Thai junta rights restrictions
The United Nations condemned "mounting" rights restrictions in junta-ruled Thailand on Friday (19 August), calling on the kingdom's generals to quickly return power following the passing of a new military-crafted constitution.
Thai junta finance minister brushes off foreign investment plunge
Thailand's finance minister on Thursday (18 August) brushed off concerns about plunging foreign investment under junta rule, saying "there is light ahead" now that voters have approved a military-crafted constitution.