The Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network reports questions are being asked about a new trade deal Australia just signed that does not include commitments to labour rights or environmental protections.
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
As the 19th round of trade negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) took place in Hyderabad, India from 17-28 July, trade unions and civil society groups in the country have joined forces to voice concerns over the trade deal, and called for more transparency.
RCEP is a proposed mega regional free trade agreement (FTA) being negotiated by 16 countries, including ASEAN members and its six FTA partners — namely India, China, Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand.