UK: Negotiations for Free Trade Agreement with India
Following the conclusion of a fifth round of talks between India and the UK on a free trade agreement (FTA), a factsheet was issued by the UK’s Department of International Trade on 19 August 2022. The fifth round of negotiations involved
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WTO: Latest Issue of World Tariff Profiles
On 29 July 2022 the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued the latest edition of its annual publication World Tariff Profiles. The publication sets out global tariff and non-tariff information on more than 170 countries and is issued in
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UK: Small Business Attitudes to the Single Trade Window
On 21 July 2022 the UK government published research on the attitude of small business to the proposed single trade window (STW). The UK government is developing a single trade window to streamline the interaction of traders with border agencies.
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UK: Consultation on Single Trade Window
On 21 July 2022 the UK government published a consultation document inviting comments on the design of a single trade window (STW) that would be an important part of the UK’s border strategy. The UK government is aiming to revise its customs
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UK: Summary of Responses to Consultation on Customs Improvements
On 25 July 2022 the UK published a summary of responses to the call for evidence on improvements to the UK customs regime. Comments were invited earlier in 2022 on how the customs system is functioning, especially in relation to the customs
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IMF Report Looks at the US Economic Situation
On 12 July 2022 the IMF published a report following consultations with the US under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The US has recovered quickly from the economic shock caused by the pandemic although the recovery of demand,
See MoreBRICS Summit Declaration Notes Progress on Tax and Customs Cooperation
Following the virtual BRICS summit held on 23 June 2022, the Beijing Declaration emphasised the need to cooperate to promote economic recovery. The BRICS group of emerging powers – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – has
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WTO: Role of Trade in Achieving SDGs
On 8 June 2022 the World Trade Organisation (WTO) submitted a report to the UN’s High-level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development. The WTO contribution to the 2022 UN High-Level Political Forum considers the role of trade in
See MoreWTO: International Trade Cooperation to Strengthen Preparation for Future Pandemics
On 3 June 2022 the World Bank and the WTO launched a document entitled: Trade Therapy: Deepening Cooperation to Strengthen Pandemic Defenses. The publication notes that trade has an important role to play in the response to health crises such as
See MoreWTO: Trade Policy Review of New Zealand
On 1 and 3 June 2022 the WTO is carrying out a trade policy review of New Zealand. A report has been issued by the WTO Secretariat as a basis for the review. The report notes that New Zealand considers trade as very important for its prosperity.
See MoreWTO: Subsidies, Trade and International Cooperation
On 22 April 2022 a joint report issued was issued by the WTO with the IMF, OECD and World Bank, examining the need for international cooperation in combating harmful trade subsidies. The drive by the G20 to strengthen the multilateral trading
See MoreWTO: Trade Review of UAE
From 22 to 24 March 2022 the World Trade Organisation (WTO) conducted a review of the trade policies and practices of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As a basis for the review, a report was prepared by the WTO Secretariat. The UAE’s economy
See MoreWTO: Work Plan for New Trade and Environmental Sustainability Talks
At a meeting on 7 February 2022, World Trade Organisation (WTO) members reviewed a proposed 2022 work plan for the new initiative on trade and environmental sustainability. The draft work plan includes the proposed work areas for the formal
See MoreOECD: Taxation of Development Projects
On 11 February 2022 a blog by the Director of the OECD Centre for Policy Administration and the Director of the OECD Development Cooperation Directorate looked at the taxation of projects financed by foreign aid. Developing countries have
See MoreEU: Auditors Review Energy Taxation and Carbon Pricing
A review published on 31 January 2022 by the European Court of Auditors entitled Energy Taxation, Carbon Pricing and Energy Subsidies notes that the EU countries tax and subsidise energy sources in a manner that contradicts their climate goals; and
See MoreWTO: Director General Outlines Initiatives for Responsible and Sustainable Trade
On 28 January 2022 the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) gave a keynote speech at a conference on more responsible and sustainable trade, held in France which currently has the presidency of the European Union. The speech
See MoreOECD: Tax Treatment of Overseas Development Assistance
On 20 January 2022 the OECD announced the launch of a digital hub to bring increased transparency to the taxation of development aid. The Tax Treatment of Official Development Assistance Hub sets out the approaches taken by participating donor
See MoreWTO: Five Aims for the WTO Member Countries in 2022
A blog post on 10 January 2022 from the WTO Deputy Director General Ms Gonzalez looked at five important tasks for the WTO in 2022. Response to the pandemic The WTO members need to deliver a trade and health response to the pandemic, in view
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