Author: Editorial Desk

Guangzhou, China’s vibrant trade hub, remarked a new chapter in Sino-Italian relation with a notable event in Rome, showcasing deep cultural and economic bonds between these nations. For over two thousand years, Guangzhou has served as China’s gateway to international trade. Sun Yong, publicity director from Guangzhou’s Nansha District, reflected on the city’s historical significance as a bustling port on the Maritime Silk Road, welcoming merchant vessels worldwide, including Italy. Signifying enduring ties, Sun Yong highlighted the construction of the world’s largest luxury ro-ro passenger ship, MOBY, operating in the Italian Mediterranean, by Guangzhou Shipyard International in Nansha. Michele De…

The European Union has reached an agreement to halt plastic waste export practices, to non-OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries, commencing from mid-2026. This decision emerged as global leaders convened in Nairobi, Kenya, to draft a treaty on plastic pollution. Danish MEP Pernille Weiss, representing the EPP group, stressed the EU’s commitment to responsible waste management. She highlighted the plan to stop exporting plastic waste to less affluent nations, emphasizing the need for environmental and health protection. Pending approval from the European Council and Parliament, the new rules will enforce strict controls on plastic waste exports to wealthier…

Indonesia’s Trade Minister, Zulkifli Hasan, took a pivotal stance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting in San Francisco, advocating for crucial reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO). His address centered on rejuvenating the WTO’s appellate body and dispute resolution processes, aligning with objectives for the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference set for June 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland. Minister Hasan emphasized the need for a fairer, more inclusive multilateral trading system, pointing to WTO reforms as key to this transformation. He articulated the importance of restoring the appellate body’s function and enhancing dispute resolution efficacy. Hasan also shed light…

To diversify its pulse import sources, India has recently approached Brazil to discuss potential import agreements for pigeon peas and black gram pulses. This step follows successful negotiations with Mozambique, Malawi, and Myanmar, enhancing India’s pulse import network. Brazilian agriculture officials, on a recent visit, discussed the proposal with Indian counterparts. The plan involves Brazil cultivating specific pulse varieties primarily for export to India. An Indian official highlighted the unique opportunity presented by Brazil’s minimal domestic consumption and favorable climate for these pulses. This new venture with Brazil is part of India’s larger strategy to diversify its pulse import sources.…

Mary Ng, Canada’s Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, recently highlighted at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting that Canada’s priority is the Nijjar case, ( the investigation into Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing) . This stance significantly influences trade discussions with India. The demise of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, occurred on June 18 in Surrey, British Columbia. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised suspicions in September about potential Indian agents’ involvement in this case. This has led to a noticeable impact on India-Canada diplomatic ties. The Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) talks between Canada…

Recent talks between Afghanistan and Iran have led to a substantial improvement in their energy and economic ties, marking a new era of collaboration. These developments follow a series of high-level discussions focusing on enhancing partnerships across various sectors, including energy, trade, and transportation. Abdul Latif Mansour, Afghanistan’s energy minister, met with Arash Kordi, head of Iran’s Power Transmission, Generation, and Distribution Company (Tavanir), on November 12. Mansour proposed reduced rates for Iranian electricity exports to Afghanistan and emphasized the need to eliminate supply interruptions. This proposal is crucial for ensuring a stable energy supply in Afghanistan. During the meeting,…

Japan and China are setting a new course in their diplomatic and economic relationship with an agreement to conduct regular trade talks. This move, highlighted in reports from Japanese media, suggests a shift towards more cooperative interactions following a period of heightened tensions. These discussions, planned at the director-general and section chief level responsible for export controls, emerged from a recent meeting between Japanese Trade Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao. This significant development occurred on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, signaling a potential easing of strained ties. Nishimura stressed…

Iraq’s latest economic strategy unfolds a visionary plan by establishing a free zone for trading imported goods using the Iraqi dinar. This ambitious project aims to reshape the nation’s economic framework, offering consumers competitive prices and strengthening the local currency’s position. The Free Zone Concept The National Iraqi News Agency reports the proposed free zone as a key to economic transformation. It’s designed to import goods and materials, offering these to the private sector priced in Iraqi dinars. This strategy represents not only an economic shift but also a step towards national economic independence. Strategy Against Currency Fluctuations Prime Minister…

DP World Australia, one of the nation’s largest port operators, is charting its path to recovery following a substantial cyber attack last week. The company is initiating a phased resumption of activities across its facilities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Fremantle. Despite the gradual return to normalcy, significant delays loom for key exports. Immediate Impact of the Cyber Attack The cyber intrusion, detected last Friday, led to an immediate shutdown of several DP World Australia’s port operations. Essential cargo and containers were left stranded on docks as the company faced the necessity of disconnecting its internet to contain the breach.…

With the anticipated graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status slated for November 24, 2026, Bangladesh confronts a pivotal shift in its apparel industry. The challenge ahead is streamlining production margin costs to stay competitive on the global stage. The change is particularly impactful for the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, traditionally buoyed by trade benefits and governmental support. Dr. MA Razzaque, chairman of Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID), stressed the urgency for these adaptations at a recent seminar. His presentation, ‘Can Bangladesh Absorb LDC Graduation-Induced Tariff Hikes? Evidence Using Product-specific Price Elasticity of Demand and Markups for Apparel…