The UK is a member of the CPTPP although not located in Asia-Pacific

China became a member of CPTPP in 2021 because it fulfilled the requirements e.g. on labour protection

Provisions on labour and environment protection are included both in the CPTPP and RCEP

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is the world’s largest FTA

The CPTPP is a “megadeal” FTA originally signed by 15 Asia-Pacific countries

 FTAs may serve as an institutional push for partner countries to support responsible business

Trade policy and sustainable development is a timely topic because FTAs are becoming less comprehensive

The EU’s ‘new generation’ FTAs with Asian countries include sustainable development issues which refer to the protection of corporations

Trade liberalization has only positive effects on sustainable development

China and the EU have had trade disputes