China’s Xi promises US$50 billion for Africa over next three years
China, the world's number two economy, is Africa's largest trading partner
Business
Asia shares edge up and dollar down; oil gains
Asian shares crept cautiously higher on Monday, while the dollar and bond yields were on the wane ahead of inflation...
Economy
Data, rail, electricity key focus as G20 eyes EU-Middle East-India trade plan
Major G20 partners are set to unveil ambitious plans on Saturday to enhance trade among India, the Middle East, and...
- Washington, Saudi Arabia, the EU, the United Arab Emirates and others will sign the deal on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi
- Washington actively prods Riyadh - a major oil producer and security partner - to normalize ties with Israel after decades of conflict and closed borders
Geostrategy
With no deal in place with Ukraine, Russia starts grain supply initiative
Moscow, Russia - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin has confirmed the commencement of the implementation of the Russian grain...
- The initiative was initially proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who pledged to provide one million metric tons of grain at a preferential price
- Vershinin stated that practical steps are now being taken, including communication with the involved parties to establish a trilateral agreement
Geostrategy
‘Qatar leads the charge in food security initiatives’
Several ministers of agriculture and food security from UN's Food and Agriculture Organization member states at the event discussed key...
- Qatar plays a major role in advancing food security at local, regional, and global scales, says Qatar’s Municipality Minister
- The country's key initiatives include dairy cow importation, poultry self-sufficiency, and innovative greenhouse techniques
Geostrategy
West blocked Russian assets worth $280bn, says US treasury
Washington, US - The REPO (Russian Elites, Proxies and Oligarchs) task force, set up to search and freeze Russia-related assets, estimates the...
- “The total value of assets is estimated at around $280 billion, the majority of which is held in the European Union,” the US Department of the Treasury said.
- Reportedly, the task force has completed its “initial effort to map and account for Russian sovereign assets that are immobilized and held in REPO member jurisdictions".
Economy
Iran receives US$6.7bn foreign investment in May 2023 EXPO, says official
TEHRAN, IRAN - Foreign companies and governments committed some US$6.7 billion worth of investments during an exhibition that was held...
- The Iranian diplomat said that his country has an ambitious vision to diversify its economy away from crude oil revenues.
- He said that this includes expanding the transportation infrastructure in Iran to significantly increase its cargo transit revenues.
Economy
Global rice prices hit 15-year high after India curbs: FAO
Rice is a major world food staple and prices on international markets have soared in the wake of the Covid...
- The consumer affairs and food ministry said at the time that the move would "ensure adequate availability" and "allay the rise in prices in the domestic market".
- The ban was expected to hit African nations, Turkey, Syria and Pakistan, all of which were already struggling with high inflation, data analytics firm Gro Intelligence said.
Business
RAKEZ, Indian Economic Trade Organization ink MoU to boost business ties
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE - Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) and the Indian Economic Trade Organization (IETO) have signed...
- The collaboration focuses on initiating trade missions and investment forums to help Indian businesses understand what RAKEZ offers.
- The agreement promises customized business services for Indian companies that are tailored to their aspiration of expanding into the MENA region.
Economy
UAE vows full backing for GCC economic integration by 2025
Dubai, UAE - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the economic integration of the Gulf...
- The UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister Bin Touq called for developing the mechanisms of economic integration within the GCC
- The UAE urged finalization of the customs union, the establishment of a common GCC market, and the utilization of AI to bolster developmental endeavors
US interest rates in ‘good place,’ for now: Fed officials
The comments from three regional Fed presidents with a vote on setting interest rates will likely solidify expectations that the...
- Analysts have raised the chances of the Fed successfully cutting inflation while avoiding recession, which is also known as a "soft landing"
- Earlier this week, the Fed said robust tourism spending was helping to keep the wheels of the world's largest economy turning
Economy
Gig economy accounts for up to 12% of the global labor market: WB
Washington, US – The ‘gig economy’ accounts for up to 12 percent of the global labor market—much higher than previously...
- While developed countries currently dominate the demand for gig workers, the demand in developing countries is growing at a much faster rate
- Almost 60 percent of firms surveyed in poorer countries reported increased outsourcing to gig workers. In wealthier countries, less than half said the same
China’s Xi promises US$50 billion for Africa over next three years
China, the world's number two economy, is Africa's largest trading partner
Business
Company News
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Saudi National Bank launches US dollar-denominated sukuk
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - Saudi National Bank (SNB) commenced the US dollar-denominated senior unsecured sukuk issuance through a special-purpose vehicle.The sukuk are offered to qualified investors...
Business
China’s Guangdong province now boasts of 75,000 high-tech companies
Shenzen, China--The total number of high-tech enterprises in south China's Guangdong Province has exceeded 75,000, local authorities have said.By the...
Economy
Strategic initiatives help UAE lead digital economy
“This economy merges national skills and technological solutions, creating an advanced model that contributes to achieving the goals of the...
Economy
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Business
Construction in China-Saudi Arabia ethylene project begins
FUZHOU, CHINA - Construction of the main complex of a joint-investment ethylene project, which involves petrochemicals giant Saudi Basic Industries...
- The project is being built in the Gulei petrochemicals base in Zhangzhou city, in eastern China’s Fujian Province.
- The project entails a total investment of $6.3 billion from SABIC and Fujian Energy Petrochemical Group Co. Ltd.
Business
Iran-EU trade surpasses US$5bn in 2023, says Eurostat
TEHRAN, IRAN - The Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat) reported that Iran and the 27 European Union member...
- Trade between Iran and member states of the EU recorded a decrease of 9 percent from January to December 2023.
- During that period, the exchange of products between Iran and the EU member states was valued at US$5 billion.
Business
SCC committee discusses issues related to Sharjah’s economy and tourism
SHARJAH, UAE - The Financial, Economic and Industrial Affairs Committee of Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) held a meeting to discuss...
- The committee addressed the outcomes of its recent visit to Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
- The committee was briefed about the authority’s efforts to stimulate tourism by conducting events throughout the year.