Free Bilateral Trade Agreement Template
Bilateral Trade Agreement
I. PREAMBLE
This Bilateral Trade Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into this 12th day of March, 2053, by and between United States of Avalon and Republic of Pacifica (collectively referred to as the "Parties" and individually as a "Party").
Recognizing the mutual benefits of enhancing trade relations and fostering economic cooperation, the Parties agree to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
II. DEFINITIONS
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Goods: All tangible products traded between the Parties.
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Services: Any activities performed for economic benefit, excluding goods.
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Tariffs: Duties imposed on imported goods.
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Non-Tariff Barriers: Measures other than tariffs that restrict trade, such as quotas or regulations.
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Dispute Resolution Mechanism: A process to resolve disagreements arising under this Agreement.
III. OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this Agreement include:
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Promoting fair and free trade between the Parties.
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Enhancing economic growth and job creation.
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Eliminating trade barriers to the mutual benefit of the Parties.
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Establishing a framework for resolving trade disputes.
IV. TRADE IN GOODS
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Tariff Reductions: The Parties agree to reduce or eliminate tariffs on goods listed in Annex 1.
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Rules of Origin: The criteria for determining the origin of goods are outlined in Annex 2.
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Customs Procedures: The Parties shall simplify and harmonize customs procedures to facilitate trade.
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Non-Tariff Barriers: Both Parties agree to avoid non-tariff barriers unless justified under international law.
V. TRADE IN SERVICES
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Market Access: The Parties shall grant each other market access for services sectors specified in Annex 3.
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National Treatment: Each Party shall treat service providers from the other Party no less favorably than its domestic providers.
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Mutual Recognition: The Parties shall recognize each other’s qualifications, licenses, and certifications as outlined in Annex 4.
VI. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
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Protection Standards: The Parties agree to adhere to international intellectual property standards.
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Enforcement: Each Party shall provide effective enforcement mechanisms for intellectual property rights.
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Cooperation: The Parties shall cooperate in preventing the trade of counterfeit and pirated goods.
VII. INVESTMENT
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Fair Treatment: Investors from each Party shall receive fair and equitable treatment in the other Party’s territory.
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Expropriation: Neither Party shall nationalize or expropriate investments without prompt and adequate compensation.
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Dispute Settlement: Investment disputes shall be resolved under the rules specified in Annex 5.
VIII. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
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Consultations: Parties shall first attempt to resolve disputes through consultations.
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Arbitration: If consultations fail, disputes shall be submitted to arbitration under the terms in Annex 6.
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Binding Decision: The arbitration decision shall be final and binding.
IX. ENVIRONMENTAL AND LABOR STANDARDS
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Sustainable Practices: The Parties commit to promoting sustainable environmental and labor practices.
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Non-Derogation: Neither Party shall waive or lower its environmental or labor standards to gain a trade advantage.
X. TECHNICAL COOPERATION
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Capacity Building: The Parties agree to provide technical assistance and capacity-building programs.
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Information Sharing: Both Parties will share information to enhance trade cooperation.
XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
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Entry into Force: This Agreement shall enter into force on June 1, 2053, following the completion of all necessary legal procedures by each Party.
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Duration: The Agreement shall remain in force for 10 years, unless terminated earlier by mutual consent.
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Amendments: This Agreement may be amended by mutual written consent of the Parties.
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Termination: Either Party may terminate this Agreement by providing 6 months’ written notice to the other Party.
XII. SIGNATURES
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, duly authorized representatives of the Parties, have signed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
Alexandra Greenfield
Secretary of Commerce
United States of Avalon
Dr. Michael Tanaka
Minister of Trade
Republic of Pacifica
[YOUR COMPANY NAME]
Facilitating Party