Author: Editorial Desk

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…

Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), highlighted urgent global economic concerns during her Paris visit from November 9 to 11. Georgieva’s discourse centered on reimagining globalization to counter growing protectionism, a trend threatening to escalate global poverty and insecurity. Globalization, according to Georgieva, offers significant benefits, particularly to developing countries. Yet, it also brings challenges like job losses and rising anti-globalization sentiments. The pandemic’s disruption of supply chains led to a trend towards localizing production. Georgieva cautioned against this shift potentially centralizing risks in future crises and advocated for a balanced approach to globalization that…

US and Indonesia are set to discuss a groundbreaking minerals partnership focused on the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Centered around the trade of nickel, crucial for EV batteries, these talks are timed with Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s visit to the White House. The discussions aim to forge a trade framework that could benefit both nations, especially in the growing field of EV technology. Indonesia’s Strategic Role in the Global EV Supply Chain Indonesia is a key player in the global EV supply chain, holding the largest reserves of nickel ore. As the US looks to diversify its sources of critical…

Saudi Arabia’s initiative to enhance investment ties with Africa represents a strategic evolution in international economic partnerships. Spearheaded by high-profile roundtable discussions organized by the Kingdom’s investment ministry, this effort signifies a robust and dynamic collaboration between Saudi Arabia and African nations. Key figures leading these talks included Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih and Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. Their engagement with African leaders, such as the Presidents of Chad, Somalia, and Nigeria, occurred during the inaugural Saudi-African Summit in Riyadh, showcasing the Kingdom’s dedication to forging stronger bonds with the continent. These discussions…