Author: News Desk

Five major Taiwan retailers, Uni-President Enterprises Corporation, Momo, PChome, PX Mart, and Coupang, have collectively invested over NT$100 billion (US$3.2 billion) to enhance logistics operations. According to Uni-President Enterprises Corporation Chairman Alex Lo, his company alone has allocated more than NT$50 billion to develop four logistics centers throughout Taiwan to establish the nation’s largest logistics system, according to CNA. Uni-President plans to open a logistics park in the Xinshi District of Tainan later this year, followed by an additional facility at Taichung Port scheduled to open in 2026. The Taichung operation is expected to create around 1,000 jobs and serve…

The Philippines’ Bureau of Animal (BAI) is updating the guidelines for bilateral recognition of bird flu regionalization. The updated bird flu guidelines aim to ensure the safe importation of poultry products amidst ongoing avian influenza outbreaks in exporting countries. The BAI is gathering position papers and feedback on the draft guidelines for recognizing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) regionalization. They are seeking input from concerned industry stakeholders until March 3. Under the proposed framework, agricultural products can be imported from specific disease-free zones within a country rather than implementing a total national import prohibition. The Bureau of Animal Industry Advisory…

Turkiye and North Macedonia have agreed to form a high-level cooperation council to strengthen the relationship and double trade, said Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The declaration was made during his meeting with North Macedonia’s Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski. The leaders formalized a joint declaration to establish a high-level council in Istanbul. “We have agreed to further strengthen our ties and signed the declaration for the establishment of our council. I hope I will soon pay a visit to Skopje for the realization of our first council meeting,” Erdogan said. President Erdogan noted that Turkish investments in North Macedonia have…

The Brazilian Cotton Producers Association (ABRAPA) has committed to providing comprehensive technical assistance to Pakistan to boost its local cotton production. The Brazilian delegation, comprising representatives from the Brazilian Cotton Producers Association, Brazilian Cotton Shippers Association, and Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, visited the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) office in Lahore to explore collaboration and investment opportunities in the cotton sector. The Pakistan-Brazil meeting yielded productive talks on sustainable cotton practices and industry challenges. Both nations agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and explore new investment opportunities in the cotton sector. The Brazilian delegation recognized Pakistan’s growth potential…

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, has shown strong interest in importing 1,000 metric tons of hilsa fish from Bangladesh, stressing the considerable demand for the Bangladeshi delicacy in China. “Bangladesh has a unique opportunity to reduce its trade deficit by capitalizing on the growing demand for hilsa fish in China,” Ambassador Wen stated during a meeting with Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin at the Secretariat on Thursday. In addition to hilsa fish, the ambassador noted China’s interest in importing other Bangladeshi fruits such as mangoes, jackfruit, and guava. He also underlined the potential for increased Chinese investment in these…

The government of Burkina Faso has reinstated a ban on the export of major agricultural commodities such as rice, millet, maize, sorghum, and cowpeas in a statement issued on Tuesday. This move is expected to significantly impact trade between Burkina Faso and its neighboring country, Ghana. The initial ban on exporting cereals along with white beans (cowpeas) was first enacted on December 19, 2023. On November 13, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration reaffirmed the ban through a communiqué from Burkina Faso, reminding buyers that the restriction remains in effect. The restriction is intended to protect Burkina…

Moroccan officials have unexpectedly suspended Egyptian imports, causing the stoppage of shipments already at the ports. The sudden suspension affects a wide range of products, including agricultural and industrial goods such as food items, ceramics, iron, and electrical appliances. The decision has raised concerns that the suspension violates existing trade agreements between Morocco and Egypt, particularly the Agadir Agreement, which removes tariffs on trade among Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and Tunisia. Around 150 containers filled with ceramics, food products, and insulation materials are stranded at the ports. Earlier this week, the government dispatched a high-level delegation to Rabat to advocate for…

The EU is urging India to reduce import duties on key European products: whiskey, wine, and automobiles. The European Union is pressing for reduced tariffs on whiskey, wine, and car exports in Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks with India. The demand will be a primary focus during the visit of the EU’s College of Commissioners, headed by President Ursula von der Leyen, to India in February. A representative stated that the European Union is seeking a broad and commercially significant trade deal that tackles multiple issues beyond tariffs, including non-tariff trade obstacles and government purchasing regulations. EU officials highlight that…

The Kogi State government has finalized an agreement with China to launch the Kogi Hunan Special Economic Zone, which will have the status of a Free Trade Zone. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo conveyed this information while welcoming a delegation of Chinese investors and consular representatives headed by Ms. Yan Yuqing, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, during a meeting at the Government House in Lokoja on Tuesday. The Governor assured the Chinese delegation that the Kogi State administration, in collaboration with its private sector partners, would establish all necessary infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to ensure…

Nigeria and 23 other non-OECD countries have requested EU approval to be added to the list of countries eligible for importing non-hazardous waste from the European Union. On Monday, the European Commission stated that Nigeria, along with 23 other non-OECD countries, have applied for inclusion on the list of nations authorized to import non-hazardous waste from the European Union. The applications are in line with the EU’s newly implemented Waste Shipments Regulation, introduced as part of the European Union’s Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan. The regulation strengthens oversight of waste transportation, covering both exports and imports between EU…