ISDS Case Map
Pakistan
Pakistan has raised serious concerns over high tariffs imposed by Japan and calls for entering into a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement to ensure fair competition and balanced tariffs.
This paper analyses the broad asset based definition of investment in the BITs signed by four South Asian countries, namely Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka.
The Pakistani government has agreed to a key International Monetary Fund (IMF) demand to reduce effective average import tariffs by one-third over the next five years, aiming to lower the average tariff to 7.1%.
Indonesia and Pakistan plan to strengthen ties through new agreements and a potential FTA, focusing on trade in key sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, and EVs. Indonesia, a major nickel producer, aims to expand its EV supply chain, while both countries seek joint ventures in lithium batteries and palm oil production. The collaboration aims to address the current trade imbalance and leverage Indonesia's strong economic growth.
Thailand Ambassador Rongvudhi Virabutr urged the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to foster and push the government to finalise the FTA as soon as possible.
Karachi businesses are urging a quick FTA with Thailand to boost trade, currently at $1.1B. While acknowledging the trade imbalance, both sides see potential for growth, especially in services and investment. Concerns about local industry protection and export diversification were raised, along with calls for streamlined business practices and the new Thai e-visa.
Lawmakers criticize poor trade negotiations, call for review of barter trade with Iran.
South Korea and Pakistan have agreed to begin negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) to increase bilateral trade. The EPA, announced during a meeting between trade ministers in Seoul, aims to create a beneficial trade network, focusing on areas like digital technology, IT, and the automobile sector.
Key priorities include resuming negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement and strengthening collaboration in industries such as food, textiles, gems and jewelry, fisheries, and tourism.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan is set to embark on an official visit to South Korea to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement, marking a significant step towards enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.
