Fashion
Ursula von der Leyen calls India–EU FTA the ‘mother of all deals’
“And right after Davos, the next weekend, I will travel to India. There is still work to do, but we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement,” she said, adding that “some call it the mother of all deals.”
EU-India talks are reaching a momentous phase, indicated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen while addressing the World Economic Forum.
“And right after Davos, the next weekend, I will travel to India….we are on the cusp of a historic trade agreement,” she said, adding that “some call it the mother of all deals.”
The FTA talks began in 2007, were abandoned in 2013 and restarted in 2022.
As the EU is committed to de-risking its economy and diversifying supply chains by deepening ties with the world’s major growth centres, she saw the planned India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) as part of Europe’s broader strategy to champion “fair trade over tariffs, partnership over isolation, sustainability over exploitation”.
The FTA would create a combined market of around two billion people and account for nearly a quarter of global gross domestic product (GDP), giving European companies a crucial first-mover advantage in one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, she said.
“Europe wants to do business with the growth centres of today and the economic powerhouses of this century, from Latin America to the Indo-Pacific and far beyond,” she said.
A recent statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs said European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and von der Leyen will be on a state visit to India from January 25 to 27. The two will be the chief guests at India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations. The European leaders will also co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit with Prime Minister Modi on January 27.
Negotiations for the planned FTA first began in 2007, and abandoned in 2013. Talks were re-launched in July 2022.
Fibre2Fashion (DS)
In the course of a meeting with Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Ambassador DesRoches expressed appreciation for the long-standing diplomatic ties, highlighting the steady progress in bilateral relations, particularly in trade and Canadian investment in Cambodia.
The envoy underscored his country’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s successful hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit. He stressed Canada’s commitment to further strengthening and expanding cooperation between the two countries, especially in trade and economic relations, while also reaffirming support for Cambodia’s development priorities.
Cambodian PM Hun Manet and Canadian ambassador to the country Christian DesRoches recently discussed strengthening economic ties, while advancing preparations for the 20th Francophonie Summit scheduled for November.
The envoy stressed Canada’s commitment to further strengthening and expanding bilateral cooperation, especially in trade and economic ties, and reaffirmed support for development priorities.
He thanked Cambodia for its support in promoting Canada’s economic cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and advancing negotiations for the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), expected to be concluded and signed soon, according to Cambodian media reports.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
CBP is developing the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) functionality within the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to streamline the submission and processing of valid refund requests for duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), as authorised by court order or applicable law.
US Customs and Border Protection will launch on April 20 an electronic system that importers can use to claim tariff refunds authorised by court order or applicable law.
Phase 1 will be limited to certain unliquidated entries and certain entries within 80 days of liquidation.
Refunds will be issued within 60-90 days of the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries declaration getting accepted.
Phase 1 will be limited to certain unliquidated entries and certain entries within 80 days of liquidation.
CAPE is designed to consolidate refunds of IEEPA duties including interest rather than processing refunds on an entry-by-entry basis.
CBP plans to implement CAPE through a phased development approach, adding more functionality in subsequent phases for more complicated scenarios, it said in a release.
Valid IEEPA refunds will generally be issued within 60-90 days following acceptance of the CAPE declaration, unless a compliance concern requires further CBP review.
However, certain scenarios, such as entries that are extended, suspended or under review, and warehouse entries, will maintain their liquidation status with validated refunds issued at liquidation.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Named in honor of Gap Inc. co-founder Doris Fisher, the program reflects her legacy of creativity, curiosity, and belief in people. It also builds on Gap Inc.’s commitment to helping bridge the opportunity gap by creating stronger connections between education and careers in the fashion industry.
Gap Inc., led by Richard Dickson, has launched The Doris Fisher Creators Program with the Fashion Institute of Technology to mentor students in fashion careers.
Starting Fall 2026, the programme will offer structured mentorship, industry exposure, and networking for select students, honouring Doris Fisher and strengthening pathways from education to careers.
“Gap Inc. is a house of iconic American brands guided by our purpose — to bridge gaps to create a better world. That includes bridging the opportunity gap. FIT embodies that same spirit, bringing education and industry together to unlock talent and expand what’s possible. We’re committed to opening doors, investing in emerging creatives, and building meaningful pathways into this industry for the next generation,” said Dickson.
The Doris Fisher Creators Program will connect FIT students with Gap Inc. leaders and creatives through a structured mentorship experience designed to provide exposure to the business of fashion, industry insights, and meaningful professional connection.
The program will launch in Fall 2026 and run through the academic year, and the inaugural cohort will include students from select disciplines, including Fashion Design, Graphic Design (Apparel), and Fabric Styling.
“Supporting emerging talent is a core expression of Gap Inc.’s purpose in action. Through initiatives such as The Doris Fisher Creators Program — alongside This Way ONward, the Rotational Management Program, and our broader internship and mentorship efforts — the company continues to bridge the opportunity gap for young people looking to start meaningful careers in fashion and retail,” added Amy Thompson, Chief People Officer at Gap Inc.
“We are incredibly proud to be the first public college to partner with Gap Inc. on this groundbreaking mentorship program. This remarkable opportunity with one of the world’s most iconic brands will support 30 talented FIT students over the next year, placing them at the intersection of innovation and impact,” said Jason S. Schupbach, president of FIT.
A benefit for the FIT Foundation, this year’s FIT Annual Gala honored Gap Inc. President & CEO Richard Dickson and was attended by distinguished guests and alumni including Ciara, Aloe Blacc, Zac Posen, Bob Fisher and others.
The FIT Foundation provided scholarships totaling more than $3 million in 2025.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
Life sciences lab real estate is clawing back from disaster. Here’s what that means for investors
US-Iran talks could be held as early as Friday, says Trump
Men’s college basketball buzz: State of blue blood rebuilds
-
Fashion6 days agoFrance’s LVMH Q1 revenue falls 6%, shows resilience amid Iran war
-
Entertainment1 week agoIs Claude down? Here’s why users are seeing errors
-
Sports1 week agoPSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi win toss, opt to field first against Quetta Gladiators
-
Tech1 week agoThe Deepfake Nudes Crisis in Schools Is Much Worse Than You Thought
-
Tech1 week agoHuman-machine teaming dives underwater
-
Tech1 week agoBremont Is Sending a Watch to the Moon’s Surface
-
Business1 week agoBP sees ‘exceptional’ oil trading result as Iran war sends crude costs soaring
-
Fashion1 week agoWhat no one is saying about the 2026 apparel slowdown