WTO pushes for reform, warns multilateralism ‘under attack’
Speaking on the first day of MC13, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted a need to "reform the multilateral trading system" and boost international cooperation. "Looking around, uncertainty and instability are everywhere," the WTO chief said, adding that the world is in an "even tougher place today" compared to two years...
Iran announces discovery of large lithium deposit
TEHRAN, IRAN - Iran has announced the discovery of a large deposit of lithium, a key component of batteries for electric vehicles and electronic devices, state media reported Saturday."For the first time in Iran, a lithium reserve has been discovered in Hamedan", in the west of the country, state television quoted...
Women DJs electrify Egypt music scene
In Egypt, the music industry remains male-dominated, while the country's cultural establishment marginalizes and even bans electronic music artists.EU uncovers US$2.3-billion cross-border tax fraud
The EU announced the discovery of a sophisticated US$2.3-billion VAT tax fraud that triggered raids in 14 countries, including France, Germany, Greece and Spain. Over 600 people participated in the scheme, "believed to be the biggest VAT carousel fraud ever investigated in the EU," according to the European Public Prosecutor's...
Saudi digital payments go up, represent 94% of all trades
The study highlighted how the government sector in the kingdom has almost completely converted to electronic payment methods for all outward payments to individuals, business establishments or other government agencies.Electronic payments overtake cash in Saudi Arabia in 2021
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) said a study revealed that electronic payments increased from 44 percent in 2019 to 62 percent of all payments by volume in 2021.Jordan’s online payment system records transactions worth $13.4bn
Online bill payments through National Electronic Payment System in Jordan surged 27 percent in 2021 to JD 9.5 billion ($13.4bn). It involved 34 million transactions, with 51 percent increase year-on-year, said Governor of Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Adel Sharkas. He noted mobile phone payments soared 107 percent in volume...
Over 50,000 joined consult ahead of new constitution in Tunisia
The consultation will last until March 20 with topics including politics, economics, finance, social, health, education, and cultural affairs.
Dubai introduces ‘electronic notary public’ after amending the law
Dubai has introduced an automated system that performs the duties of the notary public without human interference and does away with the need for the presence of a person at the office of the notary public. The 'electronic notary public' comes into being after an amendment to Dubai's Notary Public...
‘Havana’ syndrome imperils US diplomats
The mysterious affliction has brought severe headaches, nausea and possible brain damage to US diplomats has many officials convinced they are under sustained attack using electronic weapons. US embassy in Hanoi reported a possible case involving “acoustic incidents” there, forcing VP Harris to delay Vietnam trip for several hours.
85 percent of Dubai documents electronically archived in 2021
DGW says electronic archiving part of its efforts to develop a centralized digital archive compliant with international standards
