News & Politics
-
India’s Landmark Maritime Overhaul: Understanding the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
India has entered a new era of maritime governance with the enactment of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, which received the assent of the President on 18 August 2025. This legislation marks a turning point for the country’s shipping and trade sectors, as it replaces the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958, a law that had… Read more
-
France Becomes First European Union Country to Fully Embrace Digital Trade Instruments
Paris, August 14, 2025 – France has taken a historic leap into the digital age of global trade. With the publication of Decree No. 2025-811 in the Journal Officiel, the country has fully transposed the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR) into its national legal framework. The reform, long awaited by the trade… Read more
-
EU Businesses Scramble to Recalibrate Supply Chains Amid Global Trade Turmoil
Brussels, June 27, 2025 – Faced with rising global trade tensions and escalating geopolitical uncertainty, European Union businesses are scrambling to adapt their supply chains, according to a new report from the European Investment Bank (EIB) released today. The report, “Shock Waves from Turbulent Times: How EU Businesses Recalibrate Supply Chains,” reveals that EU companies… Read more
-
The UK’s Trade Strategy 2025: A Blueprint for Resilient Growth in a Changing World
In June 2025, the UK government unveiled its new Trade Strategy, a comprehensive plan to steer the nation through an increasingly turbulent global trading environment. In an era defined by geopolitical realignments, rising protectionism, and rapid technological change, this strategy marks a decisive shift toward a more agile, resilient, and pragmatic approach to international trade.… Read more
-
T20 South Africa’s High-Level Recommendations to the G20: A Blueprint for Global Transformation
The T20 South Africa, acting as the official think tank engagement group of the G20, has released its High-Level Recommendations Communiqué ahead of the G20 Summit hosted by South Africa. This comprehensive document outlines critical policy directions aimed at tackling pressing global challenges, with a strong emphasis on amplifying the voices of Africa and the… Read more
-
Europe’s Single Market Strategy: Building a Simple, Seamless, and Strong Economic Home in an Uncertain World
In a time of growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and global competition, the European Single Market remains one of the EU’s greatest achievements and most powerful tools for ensuring prosperity, stability, and resilience. With an impressive €18 trillion GDP, representing nearly 18% of the global economy, the Single Market serves as the backbone of Europe’s… Read more
-
Dutch Government Introduces MLETR-Lite Digital Trade Bill to Recognise Electronic Bills of Lading
In a significant move towards the digitalisation of trade, the Dutch government has introduced a draft bill in the lower house of parliament to grant electronic bills of lading (eBLs) the same legal status as their paper counterparts. This initiative positions the Netherlands as the fourth European country—following France, Germany, and the UK—to formally recognise… Read more
-
APEC Trade Ministers Conclude 2025 Meeting with Key Commitments
The 2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting concluded in Jeju, Republic of Korea, on May 16, 2025, with a joint statement outlining significant decisions aimed at fostering regional economic resilience and cooperation. Key Decisions: These decisions reflect APEC’s commitment to addressing contemporary trade issues, fostering new ideas, facilitating economic growth, and building momentum toward… Read more
-
Leading the Development of International Rules for the Digital Economy
On April 27, the National Internet Information Office released the “China Network Rule of Law Development Report (2024)”, the first comprehensive annual report on network rule of law at the national department level. This report serves as a continuation of the “30 Years of China’s Network Rule of Law” report and marks the beginning of… Read more
-
Next Steps in Hong Kong’s Digital Economy and Trade Development Strategy (2025 Update)
Based on the opening remarks by the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development at the Legislative Council Finance Committee special meeting on April 11, 2025, Hong Kong is implementing a multifaceted strategy to enhance its digital economy and international trade position. Key initiatives include: 1. Strengthening Hong Kong as an International Trade Hub 2. Promoting… Read more