James Crisp reported on January 15 that the European Union won’t decide whether to include the investor- state-dispute-settlement (ISDS) clause in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) until the “final phase of the negotiations” with the US.
The New York Times reported on January 8 that a broad coalition of Democratic lawmakers and activists from organized labor, environmental, religious and civil rights groups is stepping up efforts to stop congress from granting "Fast Track" passage of the TPP, forbidding amendments and allowing only a yes or no vote.
A study by health experts published in late December 2014 examines the potential costs for Australia of a proposal in the leaked intellectual property chapter of the Trans-Pacific Trade deal which would delay the availability of cheaper generic medicines and would cost taxpayers over $205 million in one year,
Protestors urged Congress not to grant fast-track authority for the TPP, They want Congress to debate the full text of the agreement, and not to support fast-track, which would mean only a yes or no vote
When Corporations Sue Governments December 3, 2014
Manuel Pérez-Rocha wrtiing in the New York Times argues for exclusion of foreign investor rights to sue governments in the Trans-Pacific (TPP) and the Transatlantic (TTIP) trade deals, citing examples of growing opposition from Latin America, Europe and the Asia Pacific
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released a report assessing economic growth from the TPP if all tariff barriers were removed. It found that,while there would be increases in agricultural trade between some countries, the overall effect on economic growth would be zero for a number of countries, including Australia.
Greg Jericho writing in the Guardian on November 20 debunks the uncritical media reports of government claims of US $18 billion added to Australia's GDP by the China FTA.
Sydney Morning Herald and Melbourne Age quote AFTINET on investor rights to sue governments in China FTA, November 19, 2014 and link to Dr Kyla TienHaara's article in the Drum
AFTINET contributed to the Brisbane Community Action Network G20 People's Summit on November 13 and People's March on November 15. Dr Patricia Ranald provided a comprehensive presentation on the Trans-Pacific Partnership at a forum on the 13th, and the Stop TPP banner was in the 4,000-strong People's March in the heat of Saturday the 15th.
The International Trade Union Confederation ( ITUC) represents 176 million workers in 161 countries and territories and has 324 national affiliates. Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary, said on November 11, 2014 “This secretive trade deal is good for some multinational corporations, but deeply damaging to ordinary people and the very role of governments.