WTO convenes ministers in UAE with slim hopes for breakthrough

UAE allocates $5m to WTO’s Women Exporters In Digital Economy Fund

• The alloocation was announced by the UAE minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Chair of the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference 2024, which begins in Dubai today
• The new fund aims to unlock the power of the digital economy, helping women exporters overcome financing hurdles and capture untapped opportunities

WTO launches US$50m fund for women entrepreneurs in developing countries

• The director general of WTO said the "ground-breaking initiative... embodies our collective commitment to empower women".
• The fund will help businesses run by women in developing countries to adopt digital technologies and increase their online presence.

Binaa Al Bahrain aims to create expansive mixed-use projects

• Binaa Al Bahrain aims to contribute to Bahrain’s long-term development through its iconic projects.
• The JV aspires to create job opportunities for Bahrainis in the real estate, hospitality and healthcare.

Hawkish economic approach on China has bipartisan support in US, say analysts

• Despite differences between Democrats and Republicans, analysts expect Washington's approach to Beijing will only become tougher.
• Biden has largely maintained Trump-era tariffs, rolled out export control restrictions to curtail China's ability to buy and make certain high-end chips.

Saudi Arabia announces major gas discovery in Jafurah

• The Saudi energy minister said that reserves at Jafurah had reached 229trn cubic feet of gas and 75bn barrels of condensates
• The Jafurah gas field, in Saudi Arabia's eastern province, is the largest liquid-rich shale gas play in the Middle East

Sudan economy falls victim to war between rival generals

• The finance ministry of Sudan recently raised the exchange rate for imports and exports from 650 Sudanese pounds to 950
• The World Bank in September said widespread destruction has set the country's development back by several decades

Bahrain to support ‘Arab tourism’ in order to boost cultural integration

• The minister told media the exercise would advance the contribution of the tourism sector to Arab countries’ national development
• She said the kingdom will strengthen its position as an ideal destination for sustainable tourism in light of the diversity of its tourism services

‘Innovative startups key to national prosperity’

• Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi emphasizes the role of modern technology startups in national economic growth and global competitiveness.
• Entrepreneurship is seen as a crucial part of Ras Al Khaimah's economic strategy and a means to secure its position as a leading business hub.

UAE to provide US$10m grant to support WTO initiatives, says foreign minister

• Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed expressed pride that the UAE is hosting the WTO’s MC13, the organization’s highest decision-making body, from February 26-29.
• He welcomed all leaders and representatives of the 166 member states to Abu Dhabi for crucial negotiations on key trade issues and discussions.