Author: Editorial Desk

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is actively pursuing an enhanced relationship with India, Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn conveyed to Indian journalists. This desire for closer ties stems from recognizing the vast trade and investment possibilities between ASEAN countries and the South Asian giant. Dr. Kao highlighted the potential benefits of this relationship, stressing, “We want a stronger relationship with India. Look at the positive side (of the relationship),” Dr Kao said. The review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AITIGA), signed in 2009 and enacted in January 2010, stands as a key focus. Indian Prime Minister Narendra…

Leaders from North America’s aluminum industry, convening at a pivotal summit in Mexico City, have aligned their efforts to confront current trade challenges. The Aluminum Association (USA), Instituto Mexicano del Aluminio (Mexico), and the Aluminium Association of Canada have jointly addressed trade officials from their respective countries. This summit articulates a clear, shared objective which is to enhance import monitoring processes while maintaining the integrity of tariff-free trade within the continent. This collaboration is rooted in a longstanding tradition of robust trade between these nations. Canada and Mexico are not just the United States’ leading aluminum trade partners, they are…

Canada has embarked on a critical mission to safeguard global biodiversity, unveiling robust trade measures targeting elephant and rhinoceros preservation. This initiative is a response to the urgent call for action against the rapid decline of these species due to poaching and illegal trade. Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault announced the stringent regulations, representing a significant shift in Canada’s wildlife protection strategy. These rules aim to drastically reduce the movement of elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn across the nation’s borders. The import and export of raw elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn face a comprehensive ban, with few exceptions…

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region stands on the verge of transforming into a global hub for green steel and iron production. As detailed in a report from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), leverages MENA’s rich solar energy resources for producing green hydrogen essential for direct reduced iron (DRI)-based steelmaking. This positions MENA as a prime supplier to significant steel markets, notably India and Europe, both keen on eco-friendly steel alternatives. IEEFA’s lead steel analyst Simon Nicholas underscores MENA’s readiness, given its established DRI technology infrastructure and renewable energy resources. This combination positions the…

The Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo 2023, hosted in Tianjin Municipality of North China, marked a significant step forward for the global shipping and marine economy. Tianjin Port, a symbol of China’s shipping industry, stands out for its innovative approach and efficiency, boosting global industrial networks and economic expansion. This port is renowned for being the site of the world’s first intelligent zero-carbon terminal and a zone for autonomous driving demonstrations. Linking with more than 500 ports across over 180 countries, Tianjin Port’s cargo and container throughput ranks within the world’s top 10. The expo, with over 3,000 industry experts…

Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture (Kementan) unveils a bold strategy to enhance national crop production and combat El Nino’s adverse effects. The plan focuses on rapidly advancing the planting season, particularly in swamplands, to curb the nation’s import dependency exacerbated by El Nino’s climate impact. Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman stresses the urgency of this accelerated planting approach. He asserts its critical role in reducing imports and establishing a robust foundation for future agricultural self-reliance. “This planting acceleration policy is very important for us to do to suppress imports caused by the impact of El Nino. Today we are laying the…

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) of India escalated its inquiry into the Adani Group, led by billionaire Gautam Adani. This surge in investigative efforts centers on allegations of overvalued coal imports. The DRI is now petitioning the Supreme Court for authorization to gather evidence from Singapore, suggesting that Adani Group has hindered this process for an extended period. Investigation’s Genesis: Since 2016, the DRI has endeavored to secure transaction documents linked to Adani’s Singapore operations. Suspicions point to Adani Group inflating prices for coal shipments from Indonesian suppliers through its Singapore entity, Adani Global Pte, before transferring them to…

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…