The Kingdom of Bahrain’s capital Manama has been named as the fifth globally amongst all-sized cities and first amongst small and mid-sized cities for FDI strategy in the 2021 Global cities of the Future index produced by the Financial Times’ fDi Magazine. Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai similarly ranked in the top 10, with Abu …

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The real estate market in the Kingdom of Bahrain is gaining pace despite the challenges faced by the pandemic, with a series of major projects and initiatives driving sector growth. The rebound of Bahrain’s real estate sector fuelled a 14% and 20% rise in real estate deals in the third and fourth quarter of 2020 …

Continue reading “Bahrain real estate sector deals valued at US$ 1.9 billion in 2020”

Bahrain-based GFH Financial Group has announced that its subsidiary, Roebuck Asset Management, has concluded the off-market sale of a UK logistics centre for $123 million. The sale of Accolade Park to Tritax Big Box REIT marks the end of a successful hold period for Roebuck, who acquired the asset for $84 million in May 2017 …

Continue reading “Unit of Bahrain’s GFH sells UK logistics hub for $123m”

The national carriers of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are set to establish a codeshare agreement as they seek closer commercial ties. Gulf Air and Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia), the first two airlines that started operations in the Gulf region, said they will cooperate to expand their footprints regionally and internationally by sharing their codes. Under …

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By Humam Miscone, for The Iraqi Economists Network (IEN). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. World Bank’s Assessment Is Flawed – Manufacturing Is Viable in Iraq. Additional Reflections on Iraq’s Industry. These additional reflections are prompted the article of Dr. Amer Hirmis …

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KAPITA, in partnership with Iraqi Angel Investor Jafar Musawi (CEO of Atlas Plast), have opened up a new co-working space in Baghdad that aims to support the growing entrepreneurship and small business sector in Iraq. The newly opened space ‘CoWork’, is a dedicated co-working space for companies, freelancers, startups and creatives who need a flexible …

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Siemens Energy and the Ministry of Electricity of the Republic of Iraq signed a contract to construct Iraq’s West Mosul 400-kilovolt (kV) super grid station, which will provide reliable and efficient power supply to around 700,000 Iraqi citizens in northern Iraq, particularly the Nineveh province. The construction of the Mosul station, which was destroyed in …

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The United States on Friday condemned the drone strike on a Saudi oil refinery claimed by Yemen’s Huthi rebels, calling it an attempt to “disrupt global energy supplies.” “We strongly condemn today’s drone attacks against Saudi Aramco facilities,” State Department deputy spokeswoman Jalina Porter told reporters of the dawn attack, the second major assault this …

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Global oil prices will climb above $70 per barrel around mid-2021 as improved supply and demand fundamentals beginning May lead to substantial stock draws through to August, according to S&P Global Platts. The research firm said while large oil consuming countries such as India may crank up the volume over their displeasure and many OPEC+ …

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Saudi Arabia is celebrating one of the biggest foreign-investment windfalls in its history after netting more than $12 billion by selling off a stake in the oil pipelines that traverse the desert kingdom. But the country may also be facing an uncomfortable reality as a result. As carefully cultivated relationships with firms such as BlackRock …

Continue reading “A $12.5 billion deal shows Saudi oil still eclipses all else”

EIG Global Energy Partners will lead a yet-unnamed consortium to issue billions of dollars in bonds across two or three transactions to replace bank debt backing an investment in Saudi Aramco’s oil pipeline assets, two sources said. The Washington, D.C.-based firm’s consortium will issue bonds to replace $10.5 billion in so-called staple financing that was …

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Kuwait Integrated Petroleum Industries Company (Kipic), the company behind Kuwait’s $27bn (KWD8.2bn) Al Zour refinery has picked Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS) as the main automation contractor for its new Petrochemicals and Refinery Integration Al Zour Project (Prize). As part of the contract, HPS will deliver front-end engineering design (Feed) and advanced process control technology for …

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The joint venture of New York Stock Exchange-listed global engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction and maintenance firm Flour with Daewoo Engineering & Construction (E&C), and Hyundai Heavy Industries (FDH JV) has successfully started up two boilers that began generating steam in the new Al-Zour Refinery. The refinery is a part of the Kuwait Integrated Petrochemicals Industrial …

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Small scale manufacturing plants in Kuwait produce petrochemicals, fertilizers, ammonia etc. The growth of the manufacturing sector in Kuwait has not been ideal, as it was hard hit firstly, by the Iraqi invasion and then, the recession. The contribution of the manufacturing sector towards the GDP of Kuwait has ranged between 5-6% for the past …

Continue reading “KUWAIT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY SECTOR – GROWTH, TRENDS, COVID-19 IMPACT, AND FORECASTS (2021 – 2026)”

Stocks in Jordan snapped a three-day advance, bucking gains in most Middle East markets, after several arrests were made following what may have been an attempt to destabilize the current government. The Amman Stock Exchange General Index fell as much as 0.6 percent Sunday, reversing an increase of 0.5 percent last week. Jordan Petroleum Refinery …

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Kitopi, the Dubai-based cloud kitchen platform, is set to enter Bahrain and Qatar this quarter as part of its planned expansions into the wider GCC market. The company is also gearing up to enter the Southeast Asian market between July and September. The food tech start-up, which is reportedly planning another round of fundraising, however, …

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Saudi Arabia has agreed a deal with Lamor Corporation for a project that will provide rapid response operations to combat oil spills and leaks of other harmful substances in the Red Sea. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, the minister of environment, water and agriculture and chairman of the board of directors of the National Center for …

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Investcorp Holdings has raised about $1 billion for its first private equity fund focused on North American assets, according to people familiar the matter. The biggest private equity and alternative asset manager in the Middle East is set to complete a first close on the fund soon, and aims to eventually raise about $2 billion, …

Continue reading “Bahrain’s Investcorp said to raise $1bn for North American deals”

Shops and industrial enterprises in Bahrain can open from Thursday while restaurants will stay closed to in-house diners, the Health Ministry said, as the Gulf state eases restrictions designed to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. Bahrain shuttered non-essential shops and businesses in late March and barred entry of foreign visitors, but did not …

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The Securities Clearing Center Company (Muqassa) announced on Sunday the commencement of its operations, post the announcements of its establishment in 2018 and its license earlier this year. Muqassa is responsible, as an independent clearinghouse, for developing clearing services and guaranteeing the settlement for all trades executed on the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) and over …

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Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company (QIMC) has appointed Colliers International as real estate advisory services consultant for Phase I of its proposed new $137mn (QR:498mn) headquarters, QIMC Towers on the Doha corniche. Under the agreement, Colliers International will initially conduct market research, a design critique, feasibility study and provide recommendations to QIMC on the planned 58,000m2 …

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Cheval Residences is entering the Gulf market for the first time. Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company (QIMC) has announced signing an agreement with Cheval Residences for the opening of luxury serviced apartments in Doha, in 2020. Abdul Rahman Al-Ansari, CEO of QIMC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Cheval to Qatar and to bring the Cheval …

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Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) distributor Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Co of Manila Inc (AG&P) announced it has signed an agreement with ADNOC Logistics and Services (ADNOC L&S) for conversion, supply, operations and maintenance of a Floating Storage Unit (FSU) at AG&P’s new LNG import facility to be set up at Karaikal Port in Puducherry. “AG&P …

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Credit rating agency Fitch said it has downgraded Bahrain’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating to ‘B+’ from ‘BB-‘, with the cut reflecting the combined impact of lower oil prices and the coronavirus outbreak on the country. Bahrain’s outlook is stable, Fitch Ratings said in a statement on Friday. The pandemic and the lower oil prices …

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Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, announced on Tuesday that it plans to move its entire operations for inbound and outbound flights to the new Bahrain International Airport terminal later this month. The airline said the move from January 28 to the new airport terminal will open a “new chapter in the kingdom’s journey …

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Dubai-listed Ithmaar Holding has announced that its advisors have started preparations for the potential sale of the Bahrain operations of its banking unit. Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK), one of the largest commercial banks in Bahrain, has entered into talks with Ithmaar Holding to acquire the Bahrain operations of Ithmaar Bank. In a filing …

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The construction industry, although one of the largest contributors to the UAE economy, is particularly vulnerable to economic cycles. The pandemic has disrupted an industry that faces challenges around the globe and has a history of being slow to change and resistant to adopting technology. A 2020 McKinsey report found construction is the biggest industry …

Continue reading “Here’s why UAE’s construction industry needs to pick up pace of change”

The UAE’s decision to resume trade ties with Qatar is seen markedly improving investment prospects between the two countries, with investor optimism rising as stocks gained in both markets. Major Gulf stock markets ended the first trading week of the New Year on a high and logged weekly gains as regional markets benefited from a …

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The reopening of land, air and sea borders between the UAE and Qatar is expected to see a surge in businesses between the two nations while the ending of a three-year standoff between Qatar and its immediate neighbours will benefit Qatar and GCC economies in the medium term, according to analysts. “The reopening of borders …

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Bitcoin just notched one of its best weeks on record, surging about 40 per cent over the seven days through Friday. Anyone expecting the notoriously volatile digital currency to take a breather this weekend had better buckle up. It’s on Saturdays and Sundays, when most other assets barely budge, that Bitcoin tends to go particularly …

Continue reading “Bitcoin’s wild weekends turn efficient market theory inside out”

Emirates airline’s recent introduction of ‘premium economy’ seats is indicative of shrewd long-term decision making, according to experts. The Dubai-owned airline announced on January 3 that it would deploy its latest flagship A380 aircraft featuring new premium economy seats and enhancements across all cabins to London Heathrow. While the seats are not yet bookable, passengers …

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The CEO of UAE-based Rotana Hotels has said the Qatar accord will serve to accelerate the recovery of UAE’s hospitality industry as it gets back to its feet in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The positive impact is likely to echo across several tourism-related sectors including aviation, retail, and hospitality, industry experts agreed. “Following …

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Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid al-Falih said on Saturday foreign direct investment (FDI) increased by 12% in the first half of 2020 compared with the same period last year. The Saudi government, which is hosting this year’s G20 summit, has made attracting greater foreign investment a cornerstone of its Vision 2030 plan to diversify …

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Yemen’s Houthi rebels said they struck a Saudi oil facility in the port city of Jiddah on Monday with a new cruise missile, just hours after the kingdom finished hosting its virtual Group of 20 leaders summit. The kingdom did not immediately acknowledge any attack as videos on social media suggested a fire at an …

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Saudi Aramco said that the terrorist attack on its petroleum products distribution terminal in the port city of Jeddah had no effect on the company’s fuel supplies. During a media visit to its oil facility in northern Jeddah, Aramco on Tuesday told reporters that the tank fire caused by the attack was put out in …

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Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia is expected to raise its official selling prices (OSPs) for Asian buyers in January, tracking stronger benchmark prices as some refiners increase output to meet higher winter demand, a Reuters survey showed. Six sources at Asian refiners expect the January OSP for Saudi flagship crude grade Arab Light to rise …

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Oil giant Saudi Aramco and energy services company Baker Hughes have formed a 50/50 joint venture, Novel, to develop a broad range of non-metallic products for multiple applications in the energy sector. Novel’s new plant is being constructed at Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), a 50 sq km energy city aimed at making …

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Business activity in Saudi Arabia grew at the fastest pace since the beginning of the year in November, fuelled by a sharp rise in sales and strengthening sentiment. Non-oil private sector activity in the kingdom rose to the highest level since January, according to IHS Markit’s Purchasing Managers’ Index. The gauge was well above the …

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Saudi Arabia raised oil pricing for customers in its main market of Asia after optimism over coronavirus vaccines caused crude prices to rise to an eight-month high last week. The increase, the biggest in five months, indicates the world’s largest oil exporter is confident global energy demand is strong enough to absorb a small boost …

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France-based Idemia, a global firm developing augmented identity, has expanded its footprint in the Middle East through the acquisition of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent card personalisation bureau. Strengthened by PCard’s capabilities, Idemia said it will offer an expanded range of card payment services and solutions to the kingdom’s banking and payment ecosystem. International Smart Card …

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An explosion rocked a Singapore-flagged oil tanker off the Saudi port city of Jeddah Monday, the vessel’s owner said, in the latest in a series of attacks on energy infrastructure in the kingdom. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast on the tanker BW Rhine, but it comes as Iran-backed Huthi rebels …

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Winter is historically an ominous time for relations between the world’s only remaining super power and the world’s biggest Shia republic. The remaining days of 2020 and the snowy months of early 2021 are turning out to be no different. The assassination of Iran’s nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh on November 27, ensured that the chill …

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Strata Manufacturing, the advanced composite aero-structures manufacturing company wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company, and Leonardo have extended their 10-year association by signing a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development and fabrication of composite aero-structure components for major OEM programmes. The agreement will see Strata and Leonardo work to expand their presence in …

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It will be built around six guiding principles and raise profile of industrial sector Abu Dhabi: The UAE Cabinet has approved the policy for advanced industries to spread the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” across sectors. The policy was approved by the Cabinet chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister …

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Shareholders of UAE-based food major Agthia Group have approved a proposed merger with Al Foah Company, the world’s largest date processing and packaging company. The backing was given at Agthia’s 15th general assembly meeting, a statement said. Agthia said the combined group will have the “scale, ambition, and strong capabilities across the value chain to …

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A group of Arabtec shareholders are making a last-ditch attempt to save the construction giant from liquidation and have added new items to the agenda of the company’s general assembly meeting to be held later on Monday. According to a filing on the Dubai Financial Market, shareholders representing more than 5 percent of the capital …

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Boursa Kuwait on Monday hailed an “important” step onto the global investment map with its inclusion inclusion into the MSCI Emerging Markets Indices. A total of seven listed companies – the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), Kuwait Finance House (KFH), Zain, Agility, Boubyan Bank, Mabanee and Gulf Bank – were included. The inclusion brought in …

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The central banks of the UAE (CBUAE) and Saudi Arabia (SAMA) have officially launched a project for a common digital currency. A final report on the Aber project follows ongoing experiments and research into the initiative which is considered one of the first of its kind internationally at the level of central banks. It aims …

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The Heart of Europe, the $5 billion (Dh18.3 billion) luxury tourism destination off the Dubai coastline, will start handing over private villas and beach palaces to investors in December, it was announced on Monday. Developer Kleindienst said the handovers will be part of its phased delivery of about 2,000 residential and hospitality units in phase …

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It was announced on Thursday that Israel and the United Arab Emirates had reached a deal that will lead to full normalization of diplomatic relations between the two sides. The deal came after a phone call between United States President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown …

Continue reading “UAE and S. Arabia are part of the Zionist project in West Asia: Saudi analyst”

According to the Deputy Head of ISIPO Ali Asqar Mosaheb, Industry, Mining and Trade Ministry plans to revive 2,000 idle production units by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20, 2020) of which 1400 units are Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME). “Considering the project’s progress, we are expected to reach the target …

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Making the remarks during a visit to the northwestern East Azarbaijan Province, Mohsen Salehinia said 1500 inactive production units are set to be revived in the current Iranian calendar year (started on March 20), of which 90 units will be in East Azarbaijan. Underlining the importance of domestic production, the official said: “In the current …

Continue reading “‘Industrial parks should improve infrastructure capacities for surge in production’”

Agritourism is a relatively new branch of the travel industry in which tourists stay with local people in rural areas. Farm/ranch recreation refers to activities conducted on private agricultural lands, which might include fee-hunting and fishing, overnight stays, educational activities, etc. The meeting aims at promoting this new branch of tourism as well as discussing …

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The shipment includes medical equipment including ventilators, thermometers, pulse oximeters, PCR tests, and kits for EIA testing, IRNA reported. Iran’s humanitarian aid confirms the warm fraternal relations between the two countries based on mutual support. Iran delivered its first shipment of humanitarian aid to the Kyrgyz authorities in May, according to Kyrgyzstan’s foreign ministry announcement. …

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Due to severe erosion and the collapse of parts of the Safavid- era (1501–1736) fortress, it was in serious danger of destruction and damage, Mahmud Madanian said on Saturday, CHTN reported. A budget of 2 billion rials (about $50,000) has been allocated to the restoration project, which aims to repair and strengthen the fortress, the …

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Nezamieh minarets date from 8th century AH (1299 CE – 1397 CE) and they stand tall in the ancient town of Abarkuh, Yazd province, central Iran. “An urgent restoration plan was commenced on Nezamieh minarets in Tir (the Iranian month started on June 21) and it is now complete by 75 percent,” Abarkuh tourism chief …

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This amount of investment led to the creation of 19,862 jobs in the industrial parks and zones, IRNA reported. According to the Industry Ministry, over 1,100 exporting industrial units are operating in the country’s industrial parks and zones whose annual export reaches up to $12.64 billion. Based on the report, 62 export management companies (EMC) …

Continue reading “Industrial parks attract $2.1b of foreign investment”

Overview of best prospect sectors, major infrastructure projects, significant government procurements and business opportunities. Brunei has an open economy favorable to foreign trade and FDI as it continues to diversify its economy away from its long-term reliance on oil and gas exports. Investment opportunities in Brunei are driven both by government planning and consumer demand. …

Continue reading “Brunei – Market Opportunities”

Oklahoma’s Department of Commerce (ODOC) reached out to Mint Turbines, a 30 year old company who specializes in engine MRO services and engine repair/maintenance, to inform them that due to their industry sector, they can qualify for a grant from the Manufacturing Reboot Program that Governor Kevin Stitt rolled out. Under the Reboot Program, companies …

Continue reading “Mint Turbines Awarded Grant for Equipment and Workforce”

One of the positive points to come from the global coronavirus pandemic has been the ingenuity of some businesses to keep operations going throughout what could be described as the ultimate stress test. The need for social distancing and the resulting widespread supply chain disruption often means turning to technologies which may not have previously …

Continue reading “Giving the Service Sector a Virtual Helping Hand”

Recovering prices, strong demand from the transportation industry and modern developments of oil and gas exploration and production activities are some of the factors driving Brunei oil and gas market growth. Increasing exports and imports of oil and gas on the account of surged demand across the world are fuelling the market growth. Global oil …

Continue reading “Brunei Oil and Gas Market, Size, Share, Outlook and Growth Opportunities Report 2020-2026”

The leadership of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is on its first official visit to a Member State since restrictions on travel were introduced in response to COVID-19. The four-day trip to Italy (1-5 July) comes as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism guides the sector’s restart and destinations across the Schengen Zone open …

Continue reading “UNWTO and Italy look ahead as official visit marks restart of European tourism”

Business activities formally begin today, the first day of ATF 2020 TRAVEX, between top travel and tourism suppliers across all 10 ASEAN destinations – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam – plus India, and global buyers. Held in conjunction with official meetings by ASEAN NTO, ministerial delegates, …

Continue reading “ATF TRAVEX 2020 opens for business in Brunei Darussalam”

Turkey’s industrial production increased by 3.6 percent year-on-year in December 2019, data from the Turkish Statistics Institute (TÜİK) showed on Feb. 13. In the month, all the three main sub-indices — mining and quarrying, manufacturing, and the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning — rose by 9.8 percent, 9.1 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively. Industrial …

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It is critical for Turkey and the United Kingdom to sign a trade deal by the end of this year in order to avoid any negative implication on the two countries’ trade volume after Brexit, said Osman Okyay, the chairman of the Turkey-U.K. Business Council. The cooperation in the defense industry will grow independent of …

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Turkey will unveil measures to reduce the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak this week, the treasury and finance minister said on March 16. “President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will announce steps to be taken this week,” Berat Albayrak said on Twitter. Albayrak stressed that the country prioritized being prepared for the effects of coronavirus outbreak …

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Turkey will not let the weakening of the Turkish industry due to the pandemic as the country will implement policies to keep it alive, the industry and technology minister said on May 7. The country fights the economic, social and psychological impacts of the novel coronavirus while trying to protect citizens’ health, Mustafa Varank stressed …

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Turkish manufacturing industry used 75.5 percent of its capacity in January, the country’s Central Bank revealed on Jan. 27. The capacity utilization rate (CUR) of the sector fell 1.5 percentage points from last month, the bank survey said. The CUR figures are based on the responses given to its business tendency survey by local units …

Continue reading “Turkey’s manufacturing capacity use stands at 75.5 pct”

Turkey’s manufacturing industry used 77.2% of its capacity in November, its highest level in the last 15 months, the country’s Central Bank announced on Nov. 25. The capacity utilization rate (CUR) of the Turkish manufacturing industry rose 0.8 percentage points from last month, compared to 76.4% in October, the bank survey said. The figure in …

Continue reading “Manufacturing capacity use hits 15-month high”

In Turkey, Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector posted the strongest reading of the last two years in February. According to the Istanbul Chamber of Industry PMI Manufacturing Index report, prepared in cooperation with London-based global data firm IHS Markit, the index rose to 52.4 last month thanks to solid rises in both …

Continue reading “February’s manufacturing PMI strongest in last two years”

Last week, the only thing Turks were talking about was Idlib. The coronavirus, dubbed COVID-19, was an exotic news story from distant lands. Since the outbreak has been classified as a pandemic and taken over the global news cycle, our object of existential anxiety has shifted overnight. Turkey has proven itself ready so far, with …

Continue reading “Just how bad is COVID-19 for Turkey’s economy?”

Overview of best prospect sectors, major infrastructure projects, significant government procurements and business opportunities. Brunei has an open economy favorable to foreign trade and FDI as it continues to diversify its economy away from its long-term reliance on oil and gas exports. Investment opportunities in Brunei are driven both by government planning and consumer demand. …

Continue reading “Brunei – Market Opportunities”

Oklahoma’s Department of Commerce (ODOC) reached out to Mint Turbines, a 30 year old company who specializes in engine MRO services and engine repair/maintenance, to inform them that due to their industry sector, they can qualify for a grant from the Manufacturing Reboot Program that Governor Kevin Stitt rolled out. Under the Reboot Program, companies …

Continue reading “Mint Turbines Awarded Grant for Equipment and Workforce”

One of the positive points to come from the global coronavirus pandemic has been the ingenuity of some businesses to keep operations going throughout what could be described as the ultimate stress test. The need for social distancing and the resulting widespread supply chain disruption often means turning to technologies which may not have previously …

Continue reading “Giving the Service Sector a Virtual Helping Hand”

Recovering prices, strong demand from the transportation industry and modern developments of oil and gas exploration and production activities are some of the factors driving Brunei oil and gas market growth. Increasing exports and imports of oil and gas on the account of surged demand across the world are fuelling the market growth. Global oil …

Continue reading “Brunei Oil and Gas Market, Size, Share, Outlook and Growth Opportunities Report 2020-2026”

The leadership of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is on its first official visit to a Member State since restrictions on travel were introduced in response to COVID-19. The four-day trip to Italy (1-5 July) comes as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism guides the sector’s restart and destinations across the Schengen Zone open …

Continue reading “UNWTO and Italy look ahead as official visit marks restart of European tourism”

Business activities formally begin today, the first day of ATF 2020 TRAVEX, between top travel and tourism suppliers across all 10 ASEAN destinations – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam – plus India, and global buyers. Held in conjunction with official meetings by ASEAN NTO, ministerial delegates, …

Continue reading “ATF TRAVEX 2020 opens for business in Brunei Darussalam”

Consumer prices fell 1.5% from the previous month in April, following March’s 0.1% month-on-month uptick. According to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (CYSTAT), the drop mainly reflected a sharp decline in prices for transport, and housing and utilities. Consumer prices dipped 1.2% on an annual basis in April, after inflation had come in at 0.7% …

Continue reading “Consumer prices fall sharply year-on-year in April”

Activity softened markedly in the first quarter as Covid-19 started to bite, with GDP expanding 0.9% on an annual basis in the first quarter (Q4 2019: +3.4% year-on-year)—the worst reading since Q1 2015. According to the preliminary release by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (CYSTAT), the slowdown chiefly reflected the impact of the preventive measures …

Continue reading “GDP growth eases to five-year low in Q1”

Industrial output plummeted 12.7% year-on-year in March (February: +3.8% yoy), marking the steepest drop since November 2013. March’s plunge was primarily driven by heavy drops in manufacturing and water supply production. Meanwhile, the trend pointed down, with the annual average growth of industrial production coming in at 1.1% in March, down from February’s 2.2%. FocusEconomics …

Continue reading “Industrial production falls at sharpest rate in over six years in March”

Consumer prices fell 0.1% from the previous month in May, following April’s 1.5% drop. May’s dip was mainly driven by lower prices for housing and utilities, and transport. Consumer prices declined 1.5% on an annual basis in May, after they had dropped 1.2% in April—marking the lowest reading since June 2016. Meanwhile, the annual average …

Continue reading “Consumer prices fall again year-on-year in May”

Industrial production slid 1.4% year-on-year in January, contrasting December’s 2.6% expansion and marking the first fall since June 2019. January’s downturn was primarily driven by sharper contractions of the water and electricity supply sectors, and a moderation in manufacturing output compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, the annual average growth in industrial production dipped to …

Continue reading “Industrial output shrinks at the turn of 2020”

Uzbekistan imported 3.27Mt of cement in 2019, down by 6.8% year-on-year from 3.51Mt in 2018. The value of cement imported fell by 13% to US$154m from US$176m. Trend newspaper has reported that cement imports from Kazakhstan fell by 32% to 0.97Mt from 1.43Mt. Imports from Tajikistan and Turkmenistan also fell, but rose by 85% from …

Continue reading “Uzbekistan increases Iranian cement imports to the exclusion of other countries”

The Armenian government has announced that it plans to extend the duration of state duties on cement imported from Iran and several other countries until 1 July 2020. The decision was made on the basis of analysis that confirmed an extension of the customs duties was appropriate. The government said that it would continue to …

Continue reading “Import duties to continue in Armenia”

Lebanon’s Parliament on Thursday ratified a 1.2 trillion Lebanese pound ($300m) aid package for low-income families and vital sectors including agriculture and industry, as the government attempts to stave off an economic collapse exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. The spending package aims to create a social safety net to support struggling families through the end …

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Lebanon’s only international airport will reopen to passenger traffic by early July at the latest, the country’s transport minister told Al Jazeera on Tuesday, as the economically ravaged nation seeks to jump-start its tourism sector for the all-important summer season. Transport Minister Michel Najjar told Al Jazeera that Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport is slated to …

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Lebanon’s parliament is set to vote on a law that would legalise the cultivation of cannabis for medical and industrial use in an effort to boost its crippled economy and curb illicit production of the psychoactive plant. The draft law, which has been endorsed by parliamentary committees and is now headed for a final vote, …

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Hospitals on the front lines of Lebanon’s coronavirus outbreak have either turned away undocumented people or are setting prohibitively high costs for tests, leading them to fear for their health and wellbeing. Al Jazeera spoke with two former domestic workers of Ethiopian origin who sought testing at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri University Hospital (RHUH), the main …

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A fiery prison riot broke out in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli on Tuesday, a day after security forces thwarted a potential escape attempt that inmates’ relatives said was tied to fears over the spread of the new coronavirus. The riot at Tripoli’s Qoubbeh Prison left at least four inmates wounded when security forces …

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Lebanon’s financial prosecutor has ordered the arrest of the head of monetary operations at the central bank amid a widening probe into manipulation of the country’s volatile currency. The arrest of Mazen Hamdan late on Thursday marked the first such move against an official at the increasingly embattled institution since Lebanon’s currency crisis began last …

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Rafi, a migrant worker in Lebanon’s waste sector, has a wife and two young daughters back home in Bangladesh who depend on his monthly remittances to pay for school, food and other needs. But for the past five months, Rafi says he has been unable to send any money back home, because the private waste-management …

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United States authorities on Wednesday arrested a former Special Forces soldier and another man wanted by Japan on charges that they enabled the escape of former Nissan Motor Co boss Carlos Ghosn out of the country. Federal prosecutors in Massachusetts said that former US Green Beret Michael Taylor, 59, and his son, Peter Taylor, 27, …

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Fadi Gemayel, head of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists (ALI), warned on Tuesday of the collapse of Lebanon’s industry sector if banks fail to secure needed liquidity for the import of the raw materials. “If banks fail to adopt a proper mechanism to secure the needed liquidity, the Lebanese market will soon face an absence …

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Establishments that are allowed to operate on a limited basis include vehicle and fishing boat repair shops, electronics outlets, car rental offices, office suppliers and printing shops Oman allows exchange houses to open as Covid-19 restrictions ease To date, there have been 2,131 cases of Covid-19 in the Sultanate, including 10 fatalities. Oman’s government has …

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China’s head-start on the path to recovery in oil demand is giving traders a rare opportunity to profit as coronavirus lockdowns continue to depress consumption in other parts of the world. With Chinese refineries ramping up processing to pre-virus levels as the country’s economy re-opens, oil prices on Shanghai’s INE futures exchange are near the …

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Oman has ordered state-owned companies to accelerate the process of replacing foreign staff with Omani nationals, especially in senior positions, to create more jobs for its citizens. The finance ministry gave public sector companies until July 2021 to draw up timetables to appoint Omanis in the place of foreign staff, including in managerial positions. The …

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Qatar Petroleum, one of the world’s biggest energy companies, plans a new wave of job cuts and spending reductions to cope with the slump in oil and gas demand which has hit global economies, two sources familiar with the matter said. Economic lockdowns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic look set to cut global energy …

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Beirut: Drilling off the Lebanese coast has shown some traces of gas but no commercially viable reserves, Energy Minister Raymond Ghajar said on Monday. “Initial drilling results showed the presence of gas at different depths in the geological layers” of block 4, he told reporters at a news conference. But around two months after drilling …

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The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Ministry of Industry of Lebanon today launched a new project to develop industrial zones in the country. The project, funded by the Government of Italy, will focus on helping solve problems relating to business infrastructure, attract investment, foster skilled manpower, and facilitate the growth of local …

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Kuwait Interior Ministry has announced that 611 expats have been repatriated to their native country. The expats included 342 Egyptians and 254 Filipinos, all over left in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. In addition, Kuwait flew 306 citizens back to the country on board three planes coming from Lebanon, Egypt and Bahrain as part …

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Kuwait arrested nine expatriates on Monday for violating the country’s newly implemented curfew. In a statement, the Ministry of Interior’s public relations and security media department, said the nine, who were caught in the Farwaniyah area, will be deported immediately. The curfew was called on Sunday, ordering citizens to stay indoors between 5pm and 4am, …

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Top oil producers meeting later Thursday intend to cut production by between 10 and 15 million barrels per day, Kuwait’s Oil Minister Khaled al-Fadhel reportedly said. The talks between OPEC and other major producers come as oil languishes at near-two decade lows, with Russia and Saudi Arabia’s price war compounding slack demand caused by the …

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Airlines have been given the green light to operate outbound flights for expatriates from Kuwait. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Saturday that the suspension of flights would be lifted in order to accommodate members of the expat community who wished to return to their native countries. The country announced a complete …

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A second person in Kuwait has died of coronavirus and 66 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 1,300. Kuwaiti Ministry of Health spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad said that 26 patients were currently in intensive care. According to a report on the Kuwait News …

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Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) has received over 50 rent deferral requests from airlines around the world amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, 11 of which have been granted, the leasing firm said in a business update. Outlining its current position, DAE said it sold or novated 15 aircraft and acquired four more during the first quarter …

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Remote working and virtual collaboration are likely to remain long after the days of lockdowns and once coronavirus is eventually consigned to the history books. According to Jeff Youssef, partner – Public Sector, at Oliver Wyman, remote working could be adopted more widely in the economic recovery period and even on a sustained basis, as …

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UAE Exchange, set up by the founder of the embattled hospital operator, defaulted on a loan of about $300 million, to a group that includes Goldman Sachs Group Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Barclays Plc and Commercial Bank of Dubai PSC, according to people familiar with the matter. At the same time, it emerged that …

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Ten percent of people who took part in a recent study in the UAE by research agency Kantar, believed that eating excessive non-vegetarian food could cause Covid-19. The survey was conducted to understand how behaviours and lifestyles are changing in light of the global coronavirus pandemic. Results showed that between 60 and 70 percent of …

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Russian local search and digital guides company 2GIS has unveiled an interactive map of Dubai that shows the important of social distancing amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. To illustrate the value of social distancing, the company used two models of how a virus spreads in an urban environment. In both cases, sick people transmit the …

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Leading technology festival Step has announced its first online event on April 14, featuring Wamda Group executive chairman Fadi Ghandour and Bayt.com CEO Rabea Ataya. The free event will see the duo speak about how start-ups can survive during times of economic crisis triggered by the spread of Covid-19. They will offer advice on fundraising …

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Dubai taxis will now help deliver online shopping orders to the city’s residents in response to growing e-commerce demands during quarantine time amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced it has joined forces with online shopping platforms to help speed up the delivery of orders to the public through Dubai Taxi …

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Most people know Kellogg’s – but what you may not know is that Kellogg’s became a household name during the economic recession of the 1920s, because it did the unthinkable. While the market leader for cereal, ‘Post’ took the expected course of action and cut back on advertising to lower costs, Kellogg’s doubled its advertising …

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Saudi Arabia is snapping up more and more oil tankers as the kingdom prepares to flood the world with crude causing a surge in the cost of transporting crude. The world’s largest exporter, which began hiring extra ships almost as soon as a pact with Russia to limit oil supplies fell apart, has now provisionally …

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Saudi Aramco is cutting planned spending this year, in the first sign that the oil-price war the kingdom unleashed is hitting home. Capital expenditure will be between $25 billion and $30 billion in 2020 and the spending plans for next year and beyond are being reviewed, Aramco said. The oil giant is lowering that range …

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Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) governor Ahmed al-Kholifey has stressed there is no need at the moment to intervene in order to ensure liquidity in the kingdom’s economy. On Saturday, Saudi Arabia’s central bank unveiled a 50-billion riyal ($13.3 billion) package to support private businesses. In an interview with state-owned Al Arabiya TV, al-Kholifey said …

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Saudi Aramco is likely to sustain April’s higher oil output through May, with the oil giant saying it is “very comfortable” with a $30 per barrel price level. Last week, Aramco announced it would raise April’s output to a record 12.3 million barrels per day as part of a struggle with Russia for market share. …

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Even with oil prices having slumped, Saudi Aramco said it still intends to give at least $75 billion to shareholders this year. The world’s biggest company by market value, which listed in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh in December, will pay the dividends on a quarterly basis, it said in its 2019 financial results …

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Saudi authorities have detained 298 government employees, including military officers, and will indict them on crimes, including abuse of power, bribery, money laundering and corruption, according to an anti-corruption body called Nazaha. The total sum of misused funds amounted to 379 million riyals ($101 million), Nazaha said in a series of tweets on Sunday. Those …

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Seera Group, the Saudi-based travel and tourism company, said on Thursday it expects its 2020 financial performance to be impacted by the spread of the new coronavirus. Abdullah Aldawood, CEO of Seera Group, said the company, which recorded a record gross booking value of SR10.8 billion last year, will “be taking prudent precautions to manage …

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The UAE Ministry of Health has advised citizens and residents to avoid travelling abroad unless it is absolutely necessary, in light of ongoing coronavirus outbreak. According to a report by the WAM state news agency, those who do travel will be subject to follow-up checks on their return and may be kept in quarantine at …

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Emirates NBD has reduced its bank charges in a bid to support business in the UAE. In line with recent government and UAE Central Bank initiative, the bank’s ‘Transaction Banking’ unit has announced reduced tariff offers over the next three months. In particular, it applies to customers using its revamped ‘Smarttrade’ platform, which replaces the …

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Gulf-based real estate investors have the biggest appetite for targeting overseas commercial property, according to a new report. Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2020 revealed that private capital was responsible for $333 billion of commercial real estate purchases in 2019, up 5 percent on the previous year. It also showed that nearly a third (32 percent) …

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Etihad Airways losses narrowed in 2019, with the company reporting revenues of $5.6 billion driven by a reduction in operating costs and a fall in fuel prices, the company announced on Thursday. According to a statement from the airline, losses were reduced to $0.87 billion, $1.28 billion less than the company’s 2018 revenue of $5.9 …

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Abu Dhabi Ports has announced its collaboration with Robert Allan Ltd to develop the world’s first fully unmanned autonomous commercial marine tugs. Once developed, the tugs will join Safeen, Abu Dhabi Ports’ maritime service arm, which maintains an expanding fleet of world-class service vessels. The autonomous vessels will be able to operate in far more …

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Ellington Properties has announced it is accelerating the development of Belgravia III, a trendy residential destination in Jumeirah Village Circle through its partnership with construction firm Dutco. With all approvals secured already, resources have already been mobilised on-site and work will commence shortly to fast-track the project, the developer said in a statement. Belgravia III …

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Dubai SME has launched Innovation Attraction Programme (IAP) to attract thousands of innovators and startups from around the globe and accelerate Dubai’s transformation into a knowledge economy. The new programme, announced during Dubai SME’s StartUp Night, seeks to attract foreign startups and give an international platform to local startups. It will reach out to around …

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UAE retail conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) has launched new environment-friendly initiatives for a plastic-free future. The company announced this week that it intends to eliminate single-use plastic from its operations by 2025. In line with this sustainable strategy, the company has launched a special recycling initiative at Mall of the Emirates. Through this pilot …

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Dubai Exports and the Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to increase business opportunities and boost the value and volume of exports, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global trade hub. CEO Dubai Exports, Engineer Saed Alawadi and Deputy to the Secretary General DFZC, Dr Juma Al Matrooshi signed the …

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The UAE Government has announced its support for a programme launched by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos on Friday to develop the skills, education and jobs for a billion people worldwide by 2030. Several UAE officials, including Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, Shaikh …

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The Al Tayer Group has become the latest business in the region to sign up with B2B portal Tejari.com. The trading company will join Tejari to sell its broad range of goods, including, luxury items such as perfume and jewellery to cars and automobile parts. It will also use Tejari for procurement of general office …

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Dubai-based start-up investor Wamda has led a $3.5 million funding round in games developer Tamatem. The round also included Saudi Arabia’s Modern Electronics and the UK’s North Base Media, Wamda said in a statement. Founded in 2013 by Hussam Hammo, Jordan-based Tamatem initially focused on developing mobile games and has since grown to become the …

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Upfield, the world’s largest plant-based consumer packaged goods company, is targeting growth in the Gulf region as demand grows, driven by a more health-conscious population. The Netherlands-based company behind brands like Flora and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!, will use its participation at Gulfood 2020 in Dubai next week to showcase its range of …

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Luxury Italian jeweller Damiani, which is set to unveil its second boutique in Dubai next week, is planning to open two more stores in the Gulf within six months and an outlet in Abu Dhabi next year, the president and CEO of Damiani Group has revealed. Guido Damiani said Damiani’s boutique in BurJuman Centre had …

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BAGHDAD — U.S. shoppers will soon see “Made in Iraq” on clothing sold in American stores. Shelmar, a 51-store retail chain based in Memphis, became the first American retailer to place an order with an Iraqi factory last month. About 2,000 tracksuits and boys shirts are expected to be on store shelves by early October, …

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s Ministry of Planning, in order to provide strategic guidance and technical support for the development of KRG Vision 2030. Held in Erbil on 03 February 2020, the signing reaffirms the Region’s commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development …

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Duhok will soon have its first solar energy park in a major step towards becoming a low-carbon governorate, setting an example on sustainable renewable energy to follow in Iraq. On 04 February 2020, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a letter of agreement with the Governorate of Duhok to establish a pilot solar park …

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2019 showed an exciting development for Iraq’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: the investments in two Iraqi tech startups – e-commerce company Miswag, which received investment from Iraq Tech Ventures, and Lezzoo, the first Iraqi startup to join Silicon Valley’s premier accelerator Y Combinator. In October 2019 Five One Labs hosted its second delegation of regional and international …

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On Wednesday, 5 February, Christophe Michels, Managing Director, Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) and Rasmi Al Jabri, Deputy Chairman, IBBC met with Dr Salar Ameen Acting Chairman of National Investment Commission (NIC). They discussed the longstanding cooperation between the NIC and IBBC and how to deepen it and made plans for a joint Baghdad conference …

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According to the Q3 2019 Bahrain Economic Quarterly report from the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, the private sector grew by 1.6 percent in the third quarter of 2019 from a (revised) 0.3 percent in Q2, while the oil sector contracted by 0.1 percent as production held steady. The transportation and communication sector, supported …

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Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB) on Tuesday announced changes to its leadership team, with Khalid Dannish being promoted to the role of CEO, effective from February 1. The appointment follows the departure of founding CEO Khalid Saad who will be leaving to pursue his own Fintech ventures that aim to further support the ecosystem, a statement …

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Construction work on the multi-billion dollar expansion project at Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco)’s Sitra oil refinery has reached 40 percent completion and is set to be commissioned by 2022, Bahrain’s Minister of Oil told Arabian Business’ sister website ConstructionWeekOnline in an exclusive interview. HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, said the expansion is being …

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AMAALA, the ultra-luxury development situated along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, which is focused on integrated wellness and healthy living, has signed a partnership agreement with The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Centre Scientifique de Monaco and Oceanographic Institute. The VIP Signing Ceremony took place at the Oceanographic Institute on the final evening …

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Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of Etihad Rail, has launched the construction works of Package A of stage two of the pan-UAE railway network. Package A will run for 139km from Ghuweifat on the UAE border with Saudi Arabia to Ruwais, where it connects with stage one of the network. He …

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Qatar Industrial Manufacturing Company (QIMC) reported a 30.3% year-on-year profit decline in the fourth quarter of 2018. During the October-December period of 2018, QIMC’s profits amounted to QAR 29.7 million ($8.2 million), compared to QAR 42.6 million ($11.7 million) in the corresponding period in 2017, according to the Qatar-based firm’s statement to the Qatar Stock …

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A new concept Lulu Hypermarket has opened in Dubai’s Festival City, it was announced on Tuesday. The new outlet includes 56,000 square feet of space, of which 85 percent is allocated to groceries and fresh foods. The Festival Plaza hypermarket also marks the first time that Lulu customers can sit and eat their freshly prepared …

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Bahrain Central Bank governor says it will trial a new toolkit developed by the World Economic Forum Bahrain’s Central Bank is to pilot a new toolkit developed by the World Economic Forum to evaluate the impact of digital currencies on the economy. Blockchain and academic experts from around the world have contributed to the design …

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Top candidates looking to move jobs are commanding double digit salary increases, according to the Michael Page Salary & Skills Guide 2020. Pierre-Emmanuel Dupil, senior managing director, PageGroup, Middle East & Africa, said: “High demand in the Saudi market and competition between major projects to attract talent obviously triggers that trend.” The report revealed the …

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Kuwait attracted around $3.2 billion in direct investment between January 2015 and the end of March 2019. In its annual report for the fiscal year, between April 2019 and March 2019, the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) revealed investment over the period totalled almost KD156 million ($514m). According to the report, the investments were …

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Jeddah’s new King Abdulaziz International Airport is likely to become fully operational by Ramadan, according to local media reports. According to an Okaz report that quoted General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) spokesman Ibrahim Al-Ruasa, the number of departing and arriving flights has reached 4,900, with 654,000 passengers on board. Since the airport’s Terminal One …

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Revamp of Bahrain’s Sheikh Zayed Highway progressing well, officials say Construction work on Bahrain’s $62 million Sheikh Zayed Highway Development Project is progressing as planned, according to the state-run Bahrain News Agency (BNA). Huda Abdulla Fakhro, the undersecretary for roads at Bahrain’s Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, said that the expansion of …

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Dubai-based DP World has been awarded a 30-year concession by the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) for the management and development of the Jeddah South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port. Under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement, DP World will invest up to $500 million to modernise the port, including major infrastructure development to enable it to …

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Dokkan Afkar, a Saudi-based e-commerce marketplace dedicated to selling homegrown and innovative gadgets, gizmos and gifts, has closed a SR19 million ($5.6m) Series B funding round, led by the Business Incubators and Accelerators Company (BIAC). The Series B funding round was joined by existing investors – Riyad TAQNIA Fund, the Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC) …

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As detailed on the free zone’s website, DAFZA company setup regulations are as follows: “The laws applicable to Dubai Airport Free Zone are set out in Dubai Law No 25 of 2009 (Concerning Dubai International Airport Free Zone). These rules and regulations state that every business in Dubai must have a legitimate formation and be …

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Saudi Arabia is to launch an instant work-visa service from next month, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The service will be available through the country’s Qiwa platform, which is designed specifically to help small businesses. Ahmed Al-Rajhi made the announcement during a meeting with entrepreneurs from Hail Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where …

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Saudi Arabia and the UAE remained silent over Iraq’s proposal to deepen OPEC+ production cuts, leaving the market to speculate about the group’s plans before crucial talks in Vienna this week. Iraq, which has the worst record among major producers of implementing the group’s current supply deal, is nevertheless pushing for steeper cutbacks. Oil Minister …

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Does the Saudi Aramco IPO in Riyadh suggest a future international listing? Saudi Aramco’s domestic IPO may still serve as a bridge towards an international listing despite what some analysts term a “mid-decline” oil market, according to experts. Aramco has said there are no plans for an international listing, suggesting that the long-stated aim of …

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The Kingdom of Bahrain enacted a new bankruptcy law in December 2018, sweeping away its previous legislation and replacing it with a thoroughly modern toolkit. The law is a revolutionary improvement compared to what existed before, said lawyers polled by Debtwire. The financial crisis of a decade ago pushed various GCC countries to reconsider their …

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Al Salam Bank-Bahrain (ASBB) has partnered with China-based MSA Capital to launch Al Salam-MSA Bahrain Fund I, a $50 million venture capital fund which will target investment opportunities that put innovative Chinese technologies and business models to work within the MENA region using Bahrain as a gateway into the region’s $1.5 trillion economy. MEC Ventures …

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Jordan on Sunday announced the signing of six agreements for investment in the industrial sector, the official Petra news agency reported. The Jordan Industrial Estates Company said that it signed deals to attract industrial investment in Salt and Madaba areas in the country. At the signing ceremony, Jordan’s Minister of Industry and Trade Tariq Hammouri …

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South African Airways (SAA) officials will be summoned to a meeting with regulators next month to disclose details about talks with potential equity partners and give assurances that any deal won’t violate foreign-ownership laws. Under the Air Services Licensing Act of 1990, airlines must be at least three-quarters owned by South Africans to operate a …

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The decision by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to terminate contracts of 20 private security companies at the end of October has left railway infrastructure vulnerable to vandalism, says the United National Transport Union (Untu). In a statement on Friday by Untu spokesperson Sonja Carstens, the union lays all manner of accusations …

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JSE-listed EPP has urged the Polish government to introduce real estate investment trust (Reit) legislation for the country to make it more open for investment. COO Rafał Kwiatkowski believes the Polish property sector could be an excellent avenue for creating wealth and would be a good vehicle for people to invest their retirement savings. EPP …

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Since polymer supplier Vesconite Bearings introduced a minimum of two layers of corrugated cardboard packaging around each of its dispatched polymer bushings and rods, the company has had no returns from breakages, owing to transportation. The company instituted this as a packaging standard after a complaint by a customer led it to investigate its packaging …

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Three of South Africa’s most prominent companies in the stainless steel supply chain are completing a substantial supply to a gold mine in the Southern African Development Community. The project entails the supply of 250 t of grade 2 304 stainless steel for the manufacture of ten tanks – the largest of which measures 12 …

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The Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) is at a turning point in its history as it gears up for the future with the introduction of a new tiered membership model that will launch in March 2020, says Sassda acting executive director Michel Basson. As opposed to a standard flat-rate-type membership fee, which Sassda’s …

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Despite a marked downturn in the global stainless steel industry, there are a few medium-term developments on the horizon for Southern Africa, notes research institute Afriforesight Commodities chief commodity economist Nathan Musson. “There are glimmers of hope in terms of investment in Southern Africa’s stainless steel industry.” There are four noteworthy investments in this regard. …

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Branded welding supplier Unique Welding has significantly upgraded its range of stainless steel consumables to improve weld performance to combat a market flooded with low-quality imported stainless steel welding consumables, Unique Welding CEO Nazmi Adams tells Engineering News. In addition, Unique Welding has partnered with renowned welding expert John du Plessis from welding and metallurgical …

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United States consumer goods company Procter & Gamble (P&G) said on Monday it had delivered on a commitment announced last year by investing R300-million in a manufacturing facility in South Africa. It said the investment in the Kempton Park site had increased employment at the facility by 30% and included upgrades to P&G’s Pampers production …

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South Africa looks increasingly likely to miss its projections for GDP (gross domestic product) growth and faces a potential “junk” credit rating from all three major ratings agencies, as domestic and international pressures weigh on Africa’s second-largest economy. The World Bank has cut South Africa’s growth forecast for 2019 through to 2021, citing weak investor …

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In today’s blog we take a look at South Africa’s economic performance over the last couple of years compared to their BRICS peers and certain developed economies. The graphic below looks at the economic growth rates of South Africa, UK, USA, Japan, Brazil, China, India and Russia. What is concern to see is that all …

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Main contractor hired for Oman mixed-use project A main contractor has been appointed to work on a new mixed-use project near Muscat international Airport. Real estate developer Tasmim has named Unique Contracting as main contractor for its Habitat project in Al Khuwair, which is expected to complete by December 2021. Construction works have already commenced …

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Closure of iconic Muscat hotel sparks frenzied buyers The closure of Oman’s iconic Golden Tulip Al Seeb has sparked a frenzy after its owners announced that the entire contents of bedrooms were on sale for as little as OMR 200 ($519), according to local media reports. According to a report in the Times of Oman, …

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Officials in Oman are investigating an alleged scam by a popular e-commerce store, which stands accused of selling counterfeit goods and electronic gadgets. The store in question, which cannot be named until all legal matters are concluded, reportedly sold a vast array of items, including electronic gadgets that were considerably lower than their market price. …

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Oman low cost carrier SalamAir is close to breaking even this year and could turn a profit in 2020, thanks largely to low fuel prices and rivals dropping capacity on certain routes, according to company CEO Mohamed Ahmed. Speaking at an aviation conference in Dubai, Ahmed revealed that the airline was sitting at around 85 …

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Al Hassan Industrial Estate is recognized as the platform for the Jordanians companies manufacturing Pesticides and veterinary medicines and agricultural fertilizers, which have made their way to enter the world markets due its quality and conformity to international standards. The statistics and figures of the Jordanian Industrial Estates Company, reveals more than ten industrial companies …

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Following a Cabinet decision to lower prices and rent in Tafileh, Madaba and Salt industrial estates under certain conditions, the Jordan Industrial Estates Company (JIEC) was able to attract six industrial investments in Salt and Madaba within less than a month of implementing the decision. JIEC signed six investment agreements with two Jordanian investors, one …

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Jordan Industrial Estates Corporation (JIEC) and the Arab Businessmen Forum in China on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation between the two countries and promote Jordan’s investment environment. The MoU, signed by JIEC CEO Omar Jwaid and the forum’s head Arafat Harahsheh, seeks to underpin the promotional efforts of Jordanian industrial …

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(JIC) Jordan Investment Commission announced its plan to issue electric cards for the investors so as to facilitate the procedures for them, regarding the importance of industrial investment in Jordan, regarding Dr. Khalid Alwazany Chairman of the Commission Dr. Alwazany said during a meeting with Al-Hassan Industrial Estate investors that (JIC) will launch in cooperation …

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The UAE legislators have initiated the fundamental step for implementing UAE Federal Law Number 19 of 2018 on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI Law). The FDI Law introduces a framework for the UAE Cabinet to permit foreign shareholders to own up to 100 percent of onshore UAE companies in certain designated sectors. On July 2, 2019, …

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Dubai will host a number of fireworks events and concerts for Saudi Arabia’s 89th National Day, officials have announced. At the Point on the Palm Jumeirah, a three-minute fireworks show will begin at 8:30 PM on September 23, with dining deals and children’s activities available until the end of the day. Other fireworks events will …

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Visitors to the UAE will now have the option of choosing to carry out dynamic currency conversion of their cash withdrawals when using their Visa card at any Emirates NBD ATM across the country. The initiative follows a successful pilot by Emirates NBD in partnership with Network International, Visa and technology provider Planet. Non-UAE Visa …

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Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals Co. (SIDPEC) has chosen Honeywell UOP’s C3 Oleflex technology to produce 500,000 metric tons per year of on-purpose propylene at SIDPEC’s refinery in Amerya, near Alexandria, Egypt. With this, Honeywell UOP’s Oleflex technology has been selected for 52 out of 64 propane and isobutane dehydrogenation projects globally since 2011. Honeywell will also …

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The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has announced that the World Cotton Research Conference (WCRC) will be held from October 3-7, 2020 in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt. The WCRC is organised by the ICAC under the auspices of the International Cotton Researchers Association (ICRA). It brings together the top researchers and cotton specialists from across the globe. …

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Agility Public Warehousing Co, a Kuwait-based logistics company operating in more than 100 countries, is stepping up plans to develop so-called warehouse parks across Africa at a cost of about $200 million each. The company, which has annual revenue of about, $5.5 billion, has set up one at the Ghanaian port city of Tema, about …

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The Kuwait Capital Market Authority will start next month a public offering of its 50 percent stake in the local stock exchange. Only Kuwaiti citizens will be eligible to buy the shares, according to a press release on Sunday. The subscription period will run from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1, with the offering price set …

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Kuwait-based JustClean has revealed expansion plans for the GCC and further afield. Established three years ago by Kuwaiti brothers Athbi and Nouri Al-Enezi, JustCean has signed up more than 100 laundry businesses in the UAE since its marketplace app was introduced to the country in 2018. Athbi Al-Enezi said: “We’re looking to sign up at …

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Bahrain has lost its title as the world’s best destination for expats after falling six places in the latest Expat Insider survey. After topping the InterNations list in 2018 and 2017, Bahrain fell to seventh out of 64 countries analysed, as concerns over working hours and job security weighed. Kuwait was named the worst country …

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It is no secret shopping centers play an important role in the development of the retail sector, hence the economy of a country. This certainly applies to a developing country like Turkey as well. The number of shopping centers which have gradually turned into living spaces in this country have exceeded 400 and is expected …

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Centers to provide information, technology, consulting services to both Turkish and Syrian investors. Three new technology innovation centers are to be opened in western and southern Turkey to support the country’s high-tech production, an official said Thursday.”We plan to activate these centers by the end of 2020,” Kadir Aydin, general manager of the Cukurova Technology …

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Boyko Borissov speaks in Varna in front of the participants at the 12th Summer University of GERB Youth Structure.Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said on Sunday that a gas pipeline contract from Turkey through Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary and Austria is expected to be signed on September 5th. He said at the 12th Summer University of GERB …

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A Dubai-based start-up plans to launch electric motorcycles next month that could save delivery drivers almost $7,000 a year. Adam Ridgway, CEO of One Moto, who describes the company as “to electric motorcycles what Tesla is to cars”, revealed the electric scooters – the Electa (AED16,450/$4,479) and Byka (AED14,950/$4,000) – will be available from September …

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Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) apartments offer the best gross rental returns in Dubai at 9.5 percent, according to the latest Property Finder Trends report. The average rental yield in global property hotspots such as London (2.7 percent), Hong Kong (2.4 percent), New York (2.9 percent) and Singapore (2.5 percent) hover in the low single digits …

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Over the past decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made significant strides in empowering women and ensuring they play an increasingly important role in the workplace. The UAE government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been crucial in this regard, deploying a variety of tools to better integrate women into the economy. Yet while a …

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Kuwait’s deputy foreign minister said countries in the Gulf have strengthened coordination to provide oil to global markets amid increased regional tensions. “It is normal amid this escalation that Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries take these steps,” Khalid al-Jarallah told reporters late Sunday on the sidelines of a Ramadan sit-down organised by …

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Kuwait’s Central Agency for Public Tenders has all-but approved a potential $160 million contract with South Korean construction conglomerate Hyundai for operating and maintaining the Jaber Al-Ahmed bridge. The Ministry of Public Labour said in a statement that the five-year contract is worth 29-$32m (KD9-10) per year, according to a report by the Kuwait News …

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Kuwait said it’s working with Saudi Arabia to resume oil production in the neutral zone between them that has been shuttered for at least four years. Saudi Minister of State for Energy Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman visited Kuwait Wednesday. The two sides will discuss a resumption after the “completion of all technical issues required,” Tareq …

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Kamco Investment Company and Global Investment House, two firms operating in the Kuwaiti asset management and investment banking industry, have announced they have secured regulatory approval for a proposed merger. The companies said they have received the Capital Markets Authority’s approval on the draft merger contract in which Kamco will be the merging company and …

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Kuwait and Iraq have signed a contract with the British energy advisory firm ERC Equipoise to prepare a study for the development of joint oil fields on the border between the two countries. The deal will see the British advisory firm prepare studies of the joint productive border fields, Safwan-Al-Abdali and South Rumaila-Ratqa, paving the …

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Ithmaar Holding, a Bahrain-based company that is licenced and regulated as an investment firm by the Central Bank of Bahrain, has announced plans to voluntarily delist from Boursa Kuwait. The company said it will continue to list on the Bahrain Bourse and Dubai Financial Market. The announcement, by Ithmaar Holding chairman Prince Amr Al Faisal …

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Kuwait-based logistics giant Agility has reported second-quarter net profit of KD21.6 million, an increase of 8.1 percent over the same period in 2018. Half-year net profit of KD41.9 million was up 7.7 percent while revenue was KD775 million, an increase of 2.5 percent over the year-earlier period. Tarek Sultan, Agility vice chairman and CEO, said: …

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Shoppers in Dubai have even more time to find that greatest gift, perfect present or bargain buy during Eid al Adha, with malls extending opening hours for up to 10 days. Majid Al Futtaim malls, which includes Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif, will all stay open until 1am. The …

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Damac Properties has waived all registration fees for external vendors and contractors and maintenance companies, although it plans to continue with the registration process, according to a company spokesperson. In late July, owners and residents of properties managed by Damac or Loams – the Luxury Owner Association Management Services – properties were informed of the …

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Emirates Airline offered a first glimpse at its future Boeing 777X on Monday with a tweet showing the airplane in production at the planemaker’s US factory in Everett, Washington. “We’re proud to see the UAE flag for the first time on the Emirates Boeing 777X,” the Emirates tweet said. “Currently in production, the 777X combines …

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Abu Dhabi’s freehold law which was introduced in April this year will result in “more bankable” property projects, according to Tariq Imam, Partner and Head of Real Estate in Middle East at London-based law firm Clifford Chance. The new law allows foreigners investors to own land and property on a freehold lease in the following …

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Fashion franchise retailer Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair & Co has announced that it will acquire the Saudi franchise rights for 10 international food and beverage brands from Food and Entertainment Company Ltd. The deal will see an exchange of non-core receivables valued at SR340 million ($90.5 million) with the current operator, it said in a statement. …

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A measure of activity in Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector dropped in July for the first time this year, hitting a five-month low in a sign that economic growth was losing momentum at the start of the third quarter. The IHS Markit Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 56.6 after reaching a 19-month high of 57.4 …

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Twenty-six China A shares will be added to the MSCI China Index, while 30 equities from Saudi Arabia and eight Argentine securities are set to join the MSCI’s emerging-market stocks benchmarks, in steps that could potentially draw billions of dollars of investor inflows. MSCI, which announced the additions of Saudi Arabia and Argentina last June, …

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Traders taking profit from Kuwait’s longest-winning streak since at least 2016 sent the nation’s main stock index falling by the most in the Middle East. The gauge declined 0.4%, led by Kuwait Finance House and Mobile Telecommunications Co. While a favourable deposit shift for lenders in the country may boost second quarter margins from lows …

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Kuwait’s Central Agency for Public Tenders has all-but approved a potential $160 million contract with South Korean construction conglomerate Hyundai for operating and maintaining the Jaber Al-Ahmed bridge. The Ministry of Public Labour said in a statement that the five-year contract is worth 29-$32m (KD9-10) per year, according to a report by the Kuwait News …

Continue reading “Kuwait gives initial approval for $160m Jaber Al-Ahmed bridge contract”

Kuwait said it’s working with Saudi Arabia to resume oil production in the neutral zone between them that has been shuttered for at least four years. Saudi Minister of State for Energy Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman visited Kuwait Wednesday. The two sides will discuss a resumption after the “completion of all technical issues required,” Tareq …

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Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO) has revealed that it has raised $312.3 million in equity from its latest rights issue. The board of directors approved the capital increase in January, with the aim of growing KIPCO’s businesses through continuing to invest in its core portfolio companies, which include Qurain Petrochemical Industries Company, Kamco, Kuwait Hotels Company, …

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A consortium of EDF Renewables and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has completed the financing of the Dumat Al Jandal utility-scale wind project in Saudi Arabia, with the backing of Saudi and international banks. With an installed capacity of 400 megawatts (MW), the Dumat Al Jandal project will be Saudi Arabia’s first wind farm …

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A consortium of EDF Renewables and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) has completed the financing of the Dumat Al Jandal utility-scale wind project in Saudi Arabia, with the backing of Saudi and international banks. With an installed capacity of 400 megawatts (MW), the Dumat Al Jandal project will be Saudi Arabia’s first wind farm …

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Saudi Aramco has invited analysts and investors to join its first investor earnings call next month as it prepares an initial public offering, according to an Aramco email seen by Reuters. In the July 21 email, Aramco investor relations said that “Saudi Aramco will be holding its first investor earnings call in August to coincide …

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Construction projects worth more than $494 billion are currently active in Kuwait, according to new research by ProTenders. Of these, projects worth $15.5 billion (3.1 percent) are on hold, the consultancy said in a statement. Projects in the design stage are valued at $243.5 billion (49.3 percent) while another $63 billion (12.8 percent) are in …

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Neutral zone hasn’t produced anything since fields there were shut down after spats between the two countries in 2014 and 2015 Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the closest in years to restoring oil output from the neutral zone shared by the neighboring nations after making a breakthrough in recent talks, according to people familiar with …

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Kuwait’s parliament on Wednesday passed an annual budget projecting a deficit of $22 billion, as lawmakers opposed government plans to impose taxes or reduce subsidies. The expected shortfall in the 2019/20 budget is equivalent to 15.7 percent of Gross Domestic Product and amounts to a fifth year in a row that the oil-rich Gulf state …

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Equity gauges in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Abu Dhabi advanced, while those in Bahrain and Oman fell Traders taking profit from Kuwait’s longest-winning streak since at least 2016 sent the nation’s main stock index falling by the most in the Middle East. The gauge declined 0.4%, led by Kuwait Finance House and Mobile Telecommunications Co. …

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Iran and Turkey have finalized an agreement to restart direct train services between Tehran and Ankara and also to run tourist trains, an official announced. Iran’s Deputy Minister of Road and Urban Development Saeed Rasooli said at a press conference on Sunday that Iranian and Turkish delegations have finalized plans, following reciprocal visits, to launch …

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The National Petrochemical Company of Iran finalized a plan on Monday to construct the country’s third petrochemical hub across a coastal region in the southern province of Hormozgan. In a meeting in Tehran on Monday, the CEO of the National Petrochemical Company of Iran, CEO of Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation (IMIDRO), …

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Official delegations from Iran and Iraq held the second meeting of a joint commission for coordination on Arvand Rud, a border river flowing in Iran’s southwestern province of Khuzestan. The Tuesday meeting was held in Tehran within the framework of an agreement signed by the heads of the two states. The meeting was co-chaired by …

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High-ranking officials from Iran, Syria, and Iraq have agreed to create “a multimodal transport corridor” a part of efforts to boost trade relations between the three Muslim nations. “The three friendly and brotherly countries of Iran, Iraq, and Syria have good and growing business relations,” Iranian Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development Shahram Adamnejad …

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TEHRAN, Iran – U.S. sanctions have targeted Iran’s government, its paramilitary forces and the oil exports that fund them. Now they are hitting its vital steel, aluminum, copper and iron industries. The new sanctions, imposed as Tehran announced its partial withdrawal from its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, seem to be moving ever closer …

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Iran’s Ambassador to Iraq Iraj Masjedi highlighted the importance of bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries and said Tehran has taken major strides to strengthen ties with Baghdad. “We are trying to boost our relations with Iraq in all areas,” Masjedi said, addressing an appreciation ceremony for the outgoing Iranian consuls in the Iraqi …

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The Ministry of Electricity is please to invite local, regional and international Independent Power Producers (IPP) to submit Expressions of interest (EOI) to embark into a proposed reverse auctioning round for SEVEN (7) Green field solar PV IPP projects (each a “project”) with a potential combined capacity of 755MWp. A project involves the design, finance, …

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On 16 June, 2019, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Iraqi Government signed a loan agreement at Ministry of Finance in Baghdad. The ODA (Official Development Assistance) loan amounting to JPY 110,000 million (approximately USD 1 billion) will be used for Basrah Refinery Upgrading Project. The loan agreement was signed by H.E. Mr. …

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Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon have committed to digitally transform their countries, discussing their roadmaps to support the Mashreq region’s integration into the rapidly evolving global digital economy. The commitments came on the first day of the landmark, high-level forum on Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Development in Mashreq, which was hosted by the Government of Jordan …

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Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has implemented robotic process automation systems to support customer loan applications. The robotic process automation bot, named Baitak Assistant, will handle customer loan applications and will autonomously create credit reports for applicants. KFH says it is the first fully automated workflow for retail credit in the region. The robotic process automation …

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Kuwait Airways is set to cancel some of its flights as it looks to lease three aircraft to cover for a delay in aircraft deliveries. The national carrier said it was due to receive three new Airbus A320 Neo aircraft in March this year, but has been informed by the French manufacturer that they will …

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Low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways has announced a partnership with Kuwait-based convenience chain, Trolley, to provide an on-board retail experience for passengers. With over 100 unique items, the on-board convenience store will include personal and children care, food and beverages, games, skin care, and electronics, a statement said. Jazeera Airways CEO, Rohit Ramachandran, said: “We continue …

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Construction projects worth more than $494 billion are currently active in Kuwait, according to new research by ProTenders. Of these, projects worth $15.5 billion (3.1 percent) are on hold, the consultancy said in a statement. Projects in the design stage are valued at $243.5 billion (49.3 percent) while another $63 billion (12.8 percent) are in …

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Following prime ministerial level bilateral agreement between India and Bhutan, both the countries have finally signed tariff protocol for the output of 720 Megawatt Mangdechhu hydropower project. First yield of this Rs 4,500-crore Bhutan project is set to get into India’s national power pool by May-June this year. The agreement was signed by Bhutan’s economic …

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Traffic congestion is the bane of all commuters in cities around the world, and Yangon is no exception. According to calculations by the Asia Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), there are roughly 2.8 million commuters in Yangon. About 70,000 of these ride the trains, while very few people take the …

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US-based Capstone Turbine Corporation (Nasdaq: CPST) has announced today that it has secured an order for two C600 Signature Series microturbines to provide 1.2 megawatts (MW) of energy to power a triethylene glycol (TEG) dehydration facility in the Basra region of Southern Iraq. The order also includes Capstone’s new self-cleaning pulse filtration system which will …

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Iran’s Ambassador to Iraq Iraj Masjedi highlighted the importance of bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries and said Tehran has taken major strides to strengthen ties with Baghdad. “We are trying to boost our relations with Iraq in all areas,” Masjedi said, addressing an appreciation ceremony for the outgoing Iranian consuls in the Iraqi …

Continue reading ““Invaluable Steps” to Cement Ties with Iraq”

The chairman of Iran-South Korea Joint Chamber of Commerce said following last year’s move by the US to renew sanctions against the Islamic Republic, some Korean companies went bankrupt. Speaking to Tasnim, Hossein Tanhayee pointed to the 70 percent fall in bilateral trade between Iran and South Korea after the re-imposition of the US sanctions …

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An Iranian official said the exports of natural gas to Iraq are growing steadily and are expected to hit 40 million cubic meters a day in summer. Managing director of the Iranian Gas Engineering and Development Company (IGEDC) Hassan Montazer Torbati told Tasnim that Iran’s gas exports to Iraq are constantly increasing and nearing a …

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It is essential that Iran fully implements its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano told the Agency’s Board of Governors on Monday. Mr Amano noted the announcement by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on 8 May that it had “issued an order to stop some of …

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Dubai Airports is “pleased” with its relationship with Huawei despite a US blacklisting over national security concerns, according to a Dubai Airports spokesperson. Huawei provides IT and communications technology to over 50 airports and 15 airlines around the world, including Singapore’s Changi Airport Group and Dubai Airports. The services also include video surveillance technology and …

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Business conditions in the UAE’s non-oil private sector economy have shown the greatest improvement since October 2014. According to the Emirates NBD UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index, the indicator rose to 59.4 in May from 57.6 in April – a third successive monthly increase. Stronger market demand, marketing activity and the start of new projects all …

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The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iran that target the country’s petrochemical industry, including its largest petrochemical holding group, over Iran’s financial support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Treasury Department said on Friday. Meanwhile, Iran also rejected the idea of having wider international talks about its nuclear and military ambitions. …

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Despite its tiny population, Bhutan’s economic growth has led to increasing urbanisation and problems associated with biodegradable waste, which threatens the beauty of one of the most pristine environments in the world. Bhutan’s rapid economic development over the last few decades has been striking. According to World Bank data the GDP of the country grew …

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THIMPHU, BHUTAN (16 April 2019) — Economic growth in Bhutan is forecast to strengthen moderately, buoyed by the industry and services sectors, according to a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) report. The Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2019, ADB’s flagship annual economic publication, forecasts the economy to grow at 5.7% this year and 6.0% in 2020. …

Continue reading “Bhutan’s Economy to Moderately Grow in 2019 and 2020 on Strong Hydropower and Tourism Outlooks — ADB”

Its annual average economic growth of 7.6 percent between 2007 and 2017 far exceeds the average global growth rate of 3.2 percent. This high growth has contributed to reducing poverty: Extreme poverty was mostly eradicated and dwindled from 8 percent in 2007 to 1.5 percent in 2017, based on the international poverty line of $1.90 …

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German hotel company, Deutsche Hospitality, has announced its plans to introduce new hotels in the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia within the next year. The expansion is part of worldwide expansion plans, aiming to grow its global portfolio from 150 to 250 properties by 2024. Deutsche Hospitality is currently present in the Middle East with …

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Abu Dhabi hoteliers are set to record their highest ever April occupancy rate, according to new data released by analysts STR. STR’s preliminary April data for the UAE capital indicates high demand and occupancy levels above 80 percent. Based on daily data from April, Abu Dhabi reported a 4.6 percent rise in supply compared to …

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Etihad Airways has announced a new second daily flight between Abu Dhabi and Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport, which will operate seasonally between October 27 and May 10, 2020. The additional flight, operated by an Airbus A320, will allow passengers to choose between a daytime and evening departure from both Abu Dhabi and Moscow. The move comes …

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Transguard Group, a UAE-based business services provider, has signed an agreement with the British Embassy to provide security services to both of its locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Transguard said it has developed a bespoke security package for the British Embassy for the three-year contract. “Being selected as the security provider for the British …

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Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business of Emaar Properties, has launched a fully-integrated mobile app that covers its entire portfolio. With the single app, users will have access to an extensive range of services including booking of hotels, restaurants, spas, golf and entertainment attractions using their mobile devices. The new app replaces all …

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Dubai’s unemployment rate reached 0.5 percent last year, while the economic participation rate as a percentage of total working-age population reached 83.2 percent, according to official figures. The Labour Force Survey 2018 published by Dubai Statistics Centre also showed the unemployment rate among Emiratis increased from 2.9 percent in 2016 to 4 percent in 2018. …

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Jebel Ali Free Zone will become the first in the UAE to return cash and bank guarantees to businesses A Dubai free zone will become the first in the UAE to return cash and bank guarantees to businesses in a push to protect wages of its employees. Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) on Saturday announced …

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Bangladesh’s economic performance over the last decade has garnered praise from the international community. Multilateral development agencies like the World Bank often cite Bangladesh as an exemplary case for economic development. From being termed a “basket case” by the then US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in early 1970s to achieving continuously increasing GDP growth …

Continue reading “Bangladesh in the post-industrial world”

Offshoring of apparel manufacturing has been a blessing for many developing countries. The readymade garments (RMG) industry, employer of 4 million workers, mostly rural women, contributes more than 80 percent to Bangladesh’s export revenue. Low-cost labour has been the primary reason for western retailers to wait for months to get a shipment from offshore destinations. …

Continue reading “RMG sector’s tipping point”

South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM), a non-profit research organisation, today termed the recent economic growth of Bangladesh as “puzzling”, saying that the GDP growth mismatched with the data and various indicators of the economy. Claiming that export and remittance are the primary drivers for economic growth, the SANEM said the economic growth rates …

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President Hassan Rouhani has called for Iran and neighbouring Iraq to expand their gas and electricity dealings and boost bilateral trade to $20 billion, state TV reported, despite difficulties caused by US sanctions against Tehran. “The plans to export electricity and gas and hopefully oil continue and we are ready to expand these contacts not …

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Iran and Iraq have reached an understanding on the joint development of the Naft Shahr and Khorramshahr oilfields, Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh has announced. Speaking on Sunday, during a visit to the Energy Industries Engineering and Design (EIED), an affiliate to the Oil Industries’ Engineering and Construction (OIEC), the official said: “There are …

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The Iranian president’s chief of staff said Tehran and Baghdad have agreed to establish five joint industrial parks, including one in Iran’s border province of Kurdistan. Speaking at a meeting on economic development of Kurdistan in the city of Sanandaj on Saturday, Mahmoud Vaezi said Iran and Iraq have devised plans to set up five …

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Basra Multi-purpose Terminal (BMT), the largest multi-purpose port facility in Iraq, announces a major development in the Port of Umm Qasr. Marking a significant expansion to their existing facilities, BMT will be increasing their total investment in Umm Qasr Port to over USD 200 million, aimed to further advance the port in the international trade …

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The IBBC (Iraq Britain Business Council) is launching a Tech Conference in Baghdad on 29th and 30th April. The Conference is showcasing leading Iraqi and International companies with the intention of building confidence for Tech initiatives within Iraq. Iraq is at a pivotal point in its development as it revives and rebuilds its infrastructure, so …

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The total amount of the Iranian exports to neighboring Iraq during the last Persian calendar year (March 2018- March 2019) hit a record high, the data released by Iran’s Customs Office showed. During the last Iranian year, the Islamic Republic exported $9 billion worth of products to Iraq, indicating a 36 percent increase comparted to …

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Top Mountain LLC hosted the first annual Business Canvas Erbil conference which was attended by 120 participants and took place in the Dedeman hotel. The conference was funded by the European Union and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through GIZ. The event was also sponsored by GroFin Iraq, a financing organization that …

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It will be small comfort for the founder of The Abraaj Group that HM Prison Wandsworth now serves a choice of cereals with milk for breakfast rather than plain porridge. Arif Naqvi, the man behind the world’s largest private equity insolvency case, was arrested at Heathrow Airport on April 10 on charges of defrauding US …

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Marriott International has announced it expects to add 19 new properties and more than 3,000 rooms to its Middle East and Africa portfolio in 2019. The new additions are in line with the company’s expansion plans to add more than 100 new properties and nearly 26,000 rooms across the region by the end of 2023. …

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Dubai Municipality has announced several investment opportunities in the emirate’s public parks, such as the event spaces, and the allocation of different areas for restaurants and small shops. Investors are being sought for Creek Park, Mamzar Smart Park, Mushrif Park, Zabeel Park and Safa Park in addition to the Quranic Park recently opened by Dubai …

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Sources say Saudi Arabia’s Maharah Human Resources is seeking to raise more than $200m in an initial public offering Saudi Arabia’s Maharah Human Resources is seeking to raise more than $200 million in an initial public offering that’s likely to start next week, according to people familiar with the matter. Maharah plans to offer 30 …

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The Saudi capital city of Riyadh will be the 51st destination to join the Emirates A380 network when it launches on Sunday Emirates said on Thursday it will make Riyadh its newest Airbus A380 service when it launches the superjumbo on the route from Sunday. The Saudi capital city will be the 51st destination to …

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High-ranking officials from Iran and Iraq on Friday signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and a contract to boost cooperation between the two countries in the electricity industry. At the end of his three-day visit to Iran, Iraqi Minister of Electricity Luay al-Khatteeb signed two MoUs and a contract on the electric industry with Iranian …

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Iran and Iraq have reached an understanding on the joint development of the Naft Shahr and Khorramshahr oilfields, Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh has announced. Speaking on Sunday, during a visit to the Energy Industries Engineering and Design (EIED), an affiliate to the Oil Industries’ Engineering and Construction (OIEC), the official said: “There are …

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Jordanian Prime Minister, Omar Razzaz, on Monday met with Iraqi Defence Minister, Irfan Hayali, to discuss the Jordanian-Iraqi relations. Razzaz underlined the depth of the historic Jordanian-Iraqi relations and the keenness to enhance joint cooperation to serve the interests of both countries and their peoples. The premier also pointed to the directives of His Majesty …

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Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade Reza Rahmani said Tehran and Baghdad have agreed to reach the target of raising the value of annual trade exchange to $20 billion within the next two years. Speaking at a TV program on Wednesday, Rahmani stressed the need to exploit the potential of Iran and Iraq for …

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The Iranian president’s chief of staff said Tehran and Baghdad have agreed to establish five joint industrial parks, including one in Iran’s border province of Kurdistan. Speaking at a meeting on economic development of Kurdistan in the city of Sanandaj on Saturday, Mahmoud Vaezi said Iran and Iraq have devised plans to set up five …

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Dubai master developers Emaar Properties, Dubai Hills Estate and Nakheel accounted for the bulk of property sales transactions in Dubai in the first two months of 2019, according to new data from Property Finder. According, Emaar sold 1,374 homes in January and February, representing 24 percent of the total. Dubai Hills Estate – a JV …

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The DIFC FinTech Hive, the largest financial technology accelerator in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, has announced it is now accepting applications for the third cycle of its accelerator programme. The third cycle will kick off in September, welcoming select FinTech start-ups to an intensive three-month programme, which will include guidance …

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Dragon Mart, the Dubai retail and trading hub, has added 900 extra parking spaces to meet growing customer demand, Nakheel said on Thursday. A new multi-storey car park has opened at Dragon Mart, which sees 40 million shoppers each year, to bring the total number of parking bays to more than 9,000. The new car …

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Doraleh Container Terminal, in which DP World owns 33%, is successful in London Court of International Arbitration Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT), a Djibouti port operator owned 33.3 percent by Dubai-based DP World, has been successful in the London Court of International Arbitration proceeding against the Republic of Djibouti. The tribunal has ordered Djibouti to pay …

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UAE’s largest fuel and convenience retailer says it will award a 63% rise in annual dividend for fiscal year 2019 Shareholders of Adnoc Distribution, the UAE’s largest fuel and convenience retailer, on Thursday approved a significant increase in dividends. Under the new policy, the company said it will increase its annual dividend payment, starting in …

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Largest consumer cooperative in the UAE expects AED30 million sales in 2019, nearly double that seen last year Union Coop, the largest consumer cooperative in the UAE, has revealed that it expects AED30 million sales in 2019, nearly double that seen last year. The retailer said it is seeking to sell more than 60,000 units …

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Al Qana waterfront project will offer waterside eateries, cinema, the Middle East’s largest aquarium, marina, a wellness hub and outdoor skatepark Al Barakah International Investment (BII) has announced that its Al Qana wterfront project in Abu Dhabi is on course for completion in the fourth quarter of 2020. Al Qana, which spans over 2.4km and …

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Emirates will four additional flights a week to its existing thrice-daily service from October 28 Emirates has announced it will increase the frequency of flights between Dubai and Cairo, adding four additional flights a week to its existing thrice-daily service. The four new flights operating on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, which start on October …

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Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Abdonnaser Hemmati said a mechanism commensurate with the European Union’s mechanism for trade with Iran, known as the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX), will be established in the country soon. “In the talks that my colleagues had with representatives from the three European countries (Britain, …

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By Mehmet Cetingulec for Al Monitor. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iran Business News. Turkey and Iran have maintained cooperation in regional affairs in recent years, including most notably joint efforts for a settlement in Syria but also solidarity against US and Israeli policies …

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The head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) announced that the country’s non-oil exports over the first 11 months of the current Iranian year (March 21, 2018 – March 20, 2019) have reached 40 billion dollars. Speaking to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) on Thursday night, Mohammad Reza Moudoudi said the non-oil exports …

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There are currently over 200 undeveloped oil and gas reservoirs in Iran, an official has said. According to the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), Director of NIOC’s Integrated Planning Karim Zobeidi said that a total of 42.4% of Iran’s oil reservoirs and 10% of the gas reservoirs have been depleted so far. Speaking on Monday …

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Iran’s president inaugurated four new phases of the large South Pars gas field in the southern province of Bushehr on Sunday. Accompanied by the minister of oil and other top officials, President Hassan Rouhani inaugurated the phases 13, 22, 23 and 24 of the South Pars gas field. Each of the new phases has a …

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Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh said the country’s gas production capacity from the supergiant South Pars gas field would cross 750 million cubic meters per day by late 2019. Addressing a ceremony to officially launch phases 13 and 22-24 of the major joint gas field, that was held in the presence of the Iranian …

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Private commercial banks are dominating the country’s international trade as around 74 percent export in 2018 took place through them. On the other hand, only 7 percent export was done through the state-owned banks and the remaining 19 percent through foreign commercial banks, according to a study of Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM). In …

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Bangladesh earned $182 million from ICT exports in 2018 which was $193.93 million in 2017. Computer service exports from Bangladesh fell by 6.16 percent, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). The government has targeted $5 billion in annual export earnings from the ICT sector by 2021. However, ICT industry insiders say they …

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Staff Correspondent: State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak yesterday called upon the private sector to cooperate the government for finding out a solution to meet the possible challenges as well as utilize the prospects of the fourth industrial revolution. “A solution will come, if the government and private sector hold joint discussions to overcome …

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Zahid Hossain Biplob: Labor migration has become an important factor for Bangladesh in respect of employment generation, GDP growth, poverty reduction but in recent years the country is facing severe crisis for manpower export. Industry insiders said, most manpower-importing countries are interested more in employing skilled workers. The authorities should take pragmatic steps to create …

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SA’s DIY retail stores have mostly been immune to economic downturns. When the going was good, people bought new homes, which they renovated later. In a sputtering economy, many prefer fixing things themselves. Thanks to this kind of all-weather resilience, companies like Cashbuild and Italtile became JSE favourites. But now, even they say this slowdown …

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The JSE will probably open lower on Wednesday after UK MPs shot down Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit plan for the second time, sending Asian stocks lower as uncertainty mounted. With only 17 days to go before Brexit is meant to happen, May’s plan to withdraw from the EU was heavily rejected by MPs. This …

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The real estate investment trust says it will have to rely on its international properties for growth due to deteriorating conditions in the local property sector. Growthpoint Properties says it will have to rely on its international properties for growth, as it expects “little to no growth” from its SA portfolio due to deteriorating conditions …

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It is important to diversify energy options, as a reliable energy supply is “vital”, Netherlands Ambassador to SA Han Peters told Fin24 on Monday. Speaking to Fin24 by phone, Peters discussed various issues affecting investor confidence in SA – among these, energy supply. He was previously ambassador to Brazil, before being appointed to his current …

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Absa Group is restructuring its South African retail and business banking unit within months of reducing the division’s management team and rolling out a new strategy. Finance labor union Sasbo was notified to begin consulting staff last week on the potential impact of the move, union representative Philip Landman said by phone Wednesday. About 15 …

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South Africa’s construction industry is being demolished. After 45 years of trading on Johannesburg’s stock exchange, Group Five’s stock was suspended on Tuesday after the company filed for bankruptcy protection, making it the fifth local builder to enter business rescue in less than a year. Subscribe to Fin24’s newsletter here From a peak market value …

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Rural areas far from the national grid will get electricity through renewable energy sources, says Minister of Electricity and Energy U Win Khine. He said the government will provide electricity to these areas through renewable energy as lower population density and electricity usage may not make it economical to expand the national grid. U Win …

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British regulators will give banks, asset managers, insurers and brokers until mid-2020 to fully comply with rules that replace European Union law in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The Bank of England and Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on Thursday published a “near final”version of the rulebook that would come into effect if Britain …

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The Ministry of Commerce together with the Directorate of Investment Administration (DICA) and the International Trade Center (ITC) launched the Trade and Investment Project (TIP) on Monday with the aim of boosting Myanmar’s business ecosystem by improving trade and investments. The TIP, which would run from 2019-21, is funded by a US$5.28 million grant from …

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The Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) has approved the setting up of a South Korean – Myanmar Industrial Complex (KMIC). During a meeting on February 20, the MIC gave its go-ahead for the complex to be established as a joint venture. The development and operations of the first phase of the complex, which will be run …

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The Mandalay real estate market became active in early 2019, with more people wanting to rent properties, according to real estate agents in Mandalay. “Since the end of Vassa — a three-month annual retreat for Buddhist — there are more people who want to rent properties, especially people from the country side renting both condominiums …

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New Yangon City Development Company Ltd. (NYDC) invites submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) for six infrastructure projects in the first phase of New Yangon City project. The projects are Power Supply and Distribution, Public Transport System, Cyber Connectivity Infrastructure, Municipal Waste Disposal, Natural Gas Supply and Distribution, and Convention Center. “Interested companies can submit …

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U Khin Maung Cho, Union Minister of the Ministry of Industry, said at the Pyithu Hluttaw session that it is planning to build 49 charging stations for electronic vehicles on the Yangon-Mandalay-Naypyidaw express way. Out of 49 charging stations, four stations will be built along Yangon-Mandalay Express way, 36 stations in Yangon and five in …

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U Khin Maung Cho, Union Minister of the Ministry of Industry, said that seven more SKD auto factories have been approved to build Vehicles in the country, he announced this at the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw meeting held on February 13. “They are producing automobiles using the SKD method, this is a marketable production method with the …

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Yoma Strategic Holdings Ltd. (“Yoma Strategic”) has acquired a 65% stake in Yankin Kyay Oh Group of Companies Limited (“YKKO”). YKKO was founded in Yangon in 1988 and has since grown to become one of Myanmar’s largest restaurant chains with 37 outlets in Yangon, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Bago and Mawlamyine. The total cash consideration …

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The Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization under the Ministry of Commerce will open a Myanmar Trade Center in Hainan, China in April this year in order to boost Myanmar’s value-added products export to China. The center is being jointly implemented by the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organization and Globe Shenzhen Co., Ltd., which will sell samples of …

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Malaysian company is planning to invest in building an acacia mangium furniture factory in Myanmar’s Bago region, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Wednesday. The unidentified Malaysian company projects will buy 3,000 tons of raw material of acacia mangium per year from the Myanmar Acacia Mangium Production Association and a feasibility study is …

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The tiny nation of Bhutan might enjoy world renown for its environmental record, but it is overlooking concerns being raised by environmentalists over the country’s plans to construct large hydropower plants to generate 10,000 megawatts of surplus electricity for export to India. Climate Action Tracker, an independent group, rated Bhutan’s pledged contribution to the 2015 …

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The Myanmar textile industry has incurred losses due to dollar appreciation, as reported by Myanmar Textile Entrepreneurs Association. The month of September saw a significant variation in the value of US dollar. Notably, the dollar value jumped from Ks 1,500 in early September to Ks 1,650 on 20 September. Yin Yin Moe, Secretary, Myanmar Textile …

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Hyundai Motor Myanmar, official sole distributor of Hyundai Motor in Myanmar, will hold the Grand Opening of Shwe Daehan Motors a new car parts installation factory of Hyundai Motor Myanmar. The new Accent launching ceremony at Hyundai Showroom on 08th February 2019. Shwe Daehan Motors Factory is located in Thar Du Kan Industrial Zone, Shwe …

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Hyundai Motor Myanmar, official sole distributor of Hyundai Motor in Myanmar, will hold the Grand Opening of Shwe Daehan Motors a new car parts installation factory of Hyundai Motor Myanmar. The new Accent launching ceremony at Hyundai Showroom on 08th February 2019. Shwe Daehan Motors Factory is located in Thar Du Kan Industrial Zone, Shwe …

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The 2019 Invest Myanmar Summit was held on January 28 and 29 in Naypyidaw, and jointly organized by the newly founded Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations and the Union of Myanmar Federation Chamber. The two-day summit exhibited over 200 government and private investment projects worth $20 billion, and included discussion on sustainable and …

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With the aim of strengthening effective managements of the country, Ministry of Industry has set up four polices and two visions in accordance with 12 economic objectives of the country. Ministry of Industry has aimed at utilizing modernized and advanced techniques of agriculture to develop Agro-base industries, Agri-Business, Agro-Products, and continue the task for the …

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“We need to use alternative fuels, as the fossil fuels we are burning today will be exhausted soon”, said Union Minister for Industry U Khin Maung Cho at the signing of an agreement to manufacture electric buses and erect charging stations in Myanmar. At the signing ceremony, held at the Research and Development Bureau in …

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Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) acting president Mohammad Ali Khokon urged the government at the ongoing 15th Dhaka International Textile and Garments Machinery Exhibition to accelerate the process of liquefied natural gas (LNG) import as per plans to overcome the current power crisis that has slowed down investment in the textile sector. The improvements in …

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While residential and retail property took a huge knock, Stats SA revealed in September that the star performer during the second quarter of this year has been construction, and this is good news for the commercial and industrial property sector, says John Whall, CEO of Heartwood Properties. Despite South Africa slipping into a technical recession, …

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According to JLL’s latest report, Trade trends – the impact of trade imports on logistics and warehousing, the inflow of imports, mostly consumer goods, is contributing to increasing demand for storage, logistics and warehousing services in South Africa. A short update on the original research conducted in 2016, the report indicates a clear correlation visible …

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The newly revitalised Phuthaditjhaba Industrial Park should be used to inspire confidence in the South African economy, Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Bulelani Magwanishe said on Tuesday, 30 October. We are here on the backdrop of the Investment Summit, which confirmed the confidence that the local private sector and multi-nationals have in South Africa. We …

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Real African Works (RAW), the first of its kind in South African Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) industry, currently specialising in city buses with a focus on Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) being rolled out by various municipalities, launched on 21 November at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. RAW complies with both local and International regulations in …

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Speaking ahead of Thursday’s launch, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said the SEZ is designated for the manufacturing of green technologies, alternative waste management, energy efficient technology, alternative building material and many other clean technologies. “A combined R1.8bn is expected to be invested in the SEZ by 2022, with the creation of 1,200 direct …

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The readymade garments (RMG) sector in Bangladesh is continuing its positive trend in export earnings, fuelled by value-added products, government policy support and completion of 90 per cent of the factory remediation work set by the Accord and Alliance. Compared to 2017–18, export earnings in the RMG sector have maintained a steady growth of 15.65 …

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The Global Economist Forum (GEF) has said the Bangladesh economy will enjoy one of the happiest years in 2019 in respect to economic freedom, which will help achieve above 7.5 GDP growth. FEF, a Special Consultative Status development and policy organisation of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), has released their worldwide economic …

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The local toy-makers have gradually occupied 60 per cent of the market, helping to reduce the country’s dependence on imported toys, thanks to an increase in local and foreign investment, production of high-quality toys and government policy support. Bangladesh Toy Merchants, Manufacturers and Importers’ Association (BTMMIA) president and managing director of Everest Toys Industry Ltd, …

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Work on a set of infrastructure development projects aimed at increasing the capacity of Mongla Port, the second largest seaport of the country, is likely to begin in the first quarter of this year, reports BSS. Mongla Port Authority sources said a decision to this effect was made in December last while a technical team …

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Myanma Railway under the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications is a loss-making government department, U Thant Sin Maung, Union Minister of the ministry, said at the Amyotha Hluttaw in answering the question of U Pe Tin, a law maker from Mon State’s constituency no.6. U Pe Tin questioned the government if it has a calculated …

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White sandy beaches, sunsets that take your breath away, and emerald-green waters surrounding an endless stream of lonely islands are only a part of what makes the Myeik Archipelago a special place. The Myeik Archipelago features 800 stunning islands in one of the most remote places in the world. I recently took a trip to …

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Today’s smartphones can now show people what apps they use most frequently, how much time they spend on them and remind them to take a break. Moreover some mobile applications can have different settings for use by adults and children and limit applications and games by age, because many children use their parents’ phones. “Nowadays …

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The banking sector is expected to make strides forward this year as fiercer competition forces banks in Myanmar to level up. “This year, the banking environment will be much better than before. There are still many hurdles left to cross to liberalise and strengthen this sector so that it can support the economy. Nevertheless, we …

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The oil and gas sector is looking exciting this year, with opportunities emerging from an international tender scheduled to take place early this year for the first time since 2014. In addition to onshore and offshore blocks, the tender is expected to include work in “Improved Petroleum Recovery” blocks at older oil fields in Myanmar. …

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Businesses did not have a positive outlook on the Myanmar business sector last year with falling confidence and firms pulling out of Myanmar. However, with the arrival of a new year, things seem to be looking more optimistic for some sectors. Our reporters have interviewed insiders and experts from five business sectors on their views …

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Owing to the volatile and unpredictable steel price from local raw steel mills, the steel industry is looking less to locally-forged parts and equipment, and more to imports, says steel supplier and processing company Allied Steelrode. “As an industry – and in common with the forging industry – we are also really at the mercy …

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As the leading supplier of gases and welding equipment and machinery in sub-Saharan Africa, industrial gases company Afrox continues to provide innovative welding solutions to the Southern African market by introducing new products and technology. The latest of these is welding equipment manufacturer Miller Electric’s PipeWorx process, a multipurpose pipe welding solution that eliminates the …

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With the developments in sheet metal cutting technology over the past 30 years having been remarkable, the latest developments in fiber laser technology are taking sheet steel component production to even higher output and quality levels, and are now available locally, according to a March announcement from cutting consumables and capital equipment distributor First Cut. …

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Secunda-based welding company Hydra Arc – ISO 3834 certified by the Southern African Institute of Welding Certification has grown into a leading South African specialised welder that provides services for Southern Africa’s petrochemicals, power, mining and minerals processing industries. The company offers services in plant refinery maintenance and specialist turnaround contracts; the fabrication of heavy …

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Despite the local sugar industry championing a bioethanol fuel subsidy as a potential method to relieve the burden on sugar through demand diversification, Ethanol Producers Association of Southern Africa secretary Alf Stevens suggests that this may not have the timely impact that the local sugar industry is hoping for. In a speech delivered on his …

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Egypt’s Carbon Holdings has secured $1.25-billion in financing to build a giant petrochemicals complex in the Red Sea port of Ain Sokhna. The Tahrir Petrochemicals Complex, a $10.9-billion project, would be the largest in the Middle East and is expected to create 48 000 jobs. Carbon signed the financing contract with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), …

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Wisconsin-based shell and tube heat exchangers company Enerquip has added a new line of compact heat exchangers to meet growing demands from customers with low flow-rate applications. Enerquip describes itself as one of the leading providers of heating and cooling equipment for production plants and original-equipment manufacturers in the US, and the system integrators that …

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High-pressure equipment and technology manufacturer Haskel has revealed that its product engineer Poova Mahmoudian will be unveiling new industry technology, as part of a collaborative technology and research alliance with the US Army. The technology is said to dramatically impact on those developing and operating hydrogen refuelling stations. Industry leaders will gather in Brussels, Belgium …

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The new Hy-Pro Soluble Varnish Removal (SVR) system – now available from Hytec Fluid Technology (HFT) – offers complete recovery and maintenance for turbine lubricants. The SVR will be available across Africa through HFT. The prevalence and potential economic impact of varnishing in industrial applications is so significant that original-equipment manufacturers recommend the use of …

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Fluid maintenance is frequently neglected and the consequences of using contaminated fuel and lubricant oil are often underestimated, says technical solutions provider BMG fluid technology business unit manager David Dyce. “With the preferred trend for diesel-fuelled equipment, there is greater demand for the supply of ‘cleaner’, noncontaminated diesel and lubricant oils from diverse sectors, including …

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Amid a hostile local economic climate, growth in the local industrial water treatment and filtration sector has been stagnant, forcing service providers to expand their offerings into Africa, says South Africa-based industrial water treatment solutions provider WaterIcon. The company focuses on industrial water treatment. It provides consulting services, chemicals, equipment, engineering, consumables and solutions for …

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JOHANNESBURG – The six-week -long National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) strike at Gold Field’s South Deep, which ended yesterday, is the latest indication of the leadership crisis facing the union, which played a key role in establishing Cosatu in 1985. The NUM scored an own goal in the way in which it handled the strike …

Continue reading “Failed gold sector strike ends, but NUM leadership crisis continues”

Eskom is considering the sale of smaller assets as the state-owned power utility weighs solutions to a liquidity crisis that contributed to a wave of rolling blackouts, according to people familiar with the matter. The supplier of almost all South Africa’s power is in advanced talks to sell its home-loans business, with local billionaire Patrice …

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CAPE TOWN – Coal will still be part of South Africa’s energy mix of the future, although it will not enjoy the same dominance it is currently enjoying as an energy source. This is according to Anthony Julies, deputy director general at the National Treasury. Julies was part of a panel discussion on Vision 2030: …

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Research and data group Lightstone has compiled a list of cars that you can afford on your current salary – showing how much more you’d need to earn per month to keep affording them. The latest data from the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) light commercial vehicle sales saw a decline …

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INTERNATIONAL – Huawei Technologies chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou was granted bail by a Canadian court, allowing the executive to stay in her Vancouver home as she awaits a possible extradition to the US over fraud charges. Justice William Ehrcke of the British Columbia Supreme Court agreed to release Meng on condition she post bail …

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Swedish truckmaker AB Volvo has stopped assembling trucks in Iran because US sanctions are preventing it from being paid, a spokesman for the company said on Monday. Volvo spokesman Fredrik Ivarsson said the trucks group could no longer get paid for any parts it shipped and had therefore decided not to operate in Iran. “With …

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Tehran is hosting a French-Iranian workshop on health, safety and environment in oil industry by late January where the latest trends in the field will be presented to senior oil and energy executives in Iran’s oil industry. Director General of HSE and Passive Defense Directorate of the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum Bagher Mortazavi said the …

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Iraq has emerged as Iran’s top export destination in the current Iranian year, an official announced. The director of the export bureau of Iran’s Customs Office, Ali Akbar Shadmani, said the value of the country’s exports since the beginning of the current Iranian year (March 21, 2018) has surpassed $30 billion, with Iraq being the …

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The more interconnected the world becomes, the greater the risk posed by weaknesses in devices or networks. According to Simon Bryden, consulting system engineer of cyber security firm Fortinet, it’s not just preventing breaches that’s important for businesses – it’s knowing what to do once there is a breach, which most businesses overlook. Bryden spoke …

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Hong Kong – Asian markets were mixed on Friday with dealers moving cautiously at the end of a broadly upbeat week with focus turning to the much-anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. Energy firms were among the best performers after a rally in oil prices, while high-yielding and emerging market currencies continued Thursday’s …

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US equity futures dropped with European stocks as investors count down to a meeting between the American and Chinese presidents that could decide the course of the trade war. Benchmark Treasury yields fell and the dollar gained. Carmakers and banks led a retreat in the Stoxx Europe 600 Index, while futures for all three major …

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By Jon Duncan, Head of Responsible Investment, Old Mutual Investment Group Contrary to popular belief, investors are not giving up upside performance when prioritising companies with a better environmental, social and governance (ESG) record. Responsible Investing is rooted in an understanding that how we invest today determines the quality of our future. Simply put, if …

Continue reading “The biggest responsible investing myth debunked”

R21 bn: that’s how much South Africa’s beleaguered national carrier, South African Airways (SAA), says it needs to keep running. SAA has reached this point in its financial crisis through persistent mismanagement and cronyism, with the SA government as main shareholder refusing to take tough decisions about the company. But such decisions can’t be delayed …

Continue reading “South Africans can’t keep bailing out a broken airline”

YANGON — Mottama Holdings said on Tuesday it has completed the structure of Myanmar’s first high-rise steel building, a US$80 million office tower in Yangon called M Tower that the company is building through a joint venture with a Hong Kong investor. The 26-storey project on Yangon’s Pyay Road is being built by Mottama subsidiary …

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YANGON — Chinese low-cost airline 9 Air on Sunday launched direct flights between Yangon and Guangzhou in southern China, less than a month after the carrier launched its first international flight, to Mandalay, on October 2. 9 Air, central and southern China’s first low-cost carrier, began operations in 2014 from its base in Guangzhou, the …

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It’s now a good time for retailers in Yangon to keep a look out for better premises from which to do business, given that rental rates are still manageable and ahead of anticipated demand, according to recent intelligence from property research firm Colliers. With several new and modern shopping malls scheduled to come onstream and …

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KM Terminal & Logistics Ltd (KM) and Resource Group (RG) officially opened two separate dry port projects in Ywar Thar Gyi, Yangon yesterday. A dry port is an inland intermodal terminal directly connected by road or rail. Freight trains will run from Ywar Thargyi to a second dry port in Myit Nge, Mandalay, which KM …

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Large government infrastructure projects and increased urbanization are boosting the local cement industries, as the sector has been growing more than 12.50% in the last five years, according to multiple studies and sector people. Currently, more than 32 cement manufacturing companies, four of them multinationals, produce around 30 million tons of cement per annum. Local …

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Bangladesh’s southern coastal belt offers potential for generating power through wind, according to a recently published study by the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, raising hopes of meeting the government’s renewable energy goals. The government has targeted to generate 2,470 megawatts of electricity by 2021 through renewable sources, 1,153MW of which was …

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Cozmo Travel, one of the largest and leading travel agencies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), yesterday launched its services in Dhaka to hook business from the growing number of Bangladeshi travelers. Jamal Abdulnazar, chief executive officer of Cozmo, opened the company’s footprint at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka. Saed Mohammed Al Muhairi, UAE ambassador to …

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Japan automobile giant Honda yesterday inaugurated its motorcycles manufacturing plant in Bangladesh, in what can be viewed as a watershed moment for the country’s industrial capabilities. The plant, which was set up for Tk 230 crore on 25 acres of land in the Abdul Monem Economic Zone (AMEZ) in Munshiganj, will help save foreign currency …

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Kingdom Essences began with the motive to support the Nubi Menjong Nyamley Tshogdey (NMNT) in rural Trongsa comprising about 150 households by helping with income generation through value addition of local produce. Kingdom Essences (K.Essences) are tiny bottles of natural local made-in-Bhutan essential oils. The products include caraway essential oil which is good for seasonal …

Continue reading “Bhutanese Organic Essential Oil Hits The Market”

Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) president Pema Gyamtsho has refuted allegation of privatizing hydropower projects in the country. During his tour in Chhukha and Samtse last week, Pema Gyamtsho said privatizing hydropower projects is nowhere mentioned in their party’s manifesto. He explained that the party has promised to promote private sectors’ participation, but not privatize the …

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ShaMa foundation, an international, non – profit organization dedicated to social welfare, education, and health care, which has been active since 2015, and was incorporated in 2018 initiated Shudh Program in Bhutan last year, in June 2017. The program aims to provide access to safe drinking water in remote and challenging geographies and also strives …

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In what are truly mammoth achievements for COMO Hotels and Resorts, COMO Uma Punakha was awarded the third best hotel in the world, while COMO Uma Punakha and COMO Uma Paro in Bhutan were awarded the first and second place respectively in the ‘Best Hotel in Asia’ category. This is as per the results of …

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Myanmar’s economy is expected to grow 7.8% this year, new figures from the World Bank say, amid scepticism over falling foreign investment, the impact of recent flooding and inflation. While strong economic growth triggered by President Thein Sein’s reforms is expected to continue, the Bank’s economists cautioned that Myanmar should insulate itself against certain risks. …

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In June 1960, Tom Monaghan and his brother James bought DomiNick’s, a small pizza store in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In this town of less than 20,000 people, the brothers gave a $75 down payment and borrowed $500 to acquire the store. Barely eight months later, James bartered his half of the business to Tom for a …

Continue reading “Myanmar’s New Role in the Economic Tilt Towards Asia”

October 7 was a historic day for Myanmar with President Obama officially lifting remaining economic and financial sanctions, acknowledging the successful transition from a military-led pariah nation to a democratic country with a civilian-led government at the helm of affairs. The previous quasi-civilian government that came into power in March 2011 under the leadership of …

Continue reading “Myanmar – The Second Growth Wave”

Denim Expert Limited, a market leader in quality denim manufacturing, has become the first manufacturer in Bangladesh to join the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). The manufacturer will use the group’s sustainability measurement suite of tools, the Higg Index, to drive environmental and social responsibility throughout its supply chain. With its membership in the SAC, the …

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The 19th edition of Textech will kick-start from September 12, 2018 in Bangladesh. The four-day event will provide an international platform for the exhibitors to interact directly with the buyers/ importers for a perfect buyer – seller meet and a strong under-one-roof market place for the ever-growing textile and garment industry of Bangladesh. “Textech will …

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Cotton sector leaders from the United States want Bangladesh to lift the old fumigation rules on the import of US cotton as the process imposes an additional cost burden on the importers and spinners and results in increased lead time. American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) president Raymond Faus recently urged Bangladesh to review the unfair …

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The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) recently said the readymade garment (RMG) sector is facing a crisis in shipments of finished products due to shortage of road transport, affecting global buyers’ confidence. Though student protests are over, the transport situation is yet to be normal, BGMEA president Mohammad S Rahman said. Some foreign …

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We’re sincerely trying to lower EMTS charge significantly in competition with private mobile money transfer networks –Says Postal Department DG Staff Correspondent: Postal department is set to substantially slash charge for its mobile money order service soon, a finance division official said. The state entity charges senders more than the privately-run mobile money transfer ecosystem …

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Staff Correspondent: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday sought the support of the university teachers in the coming election to continue the country’s current pace of development. “We want your support so that country’s present pace of development continues, as all our works, those we did from 1996 to 2001, were destroyed after the change in …

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Bhutan has finally graduated from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDC), the United Nations’ Committee for Development Policy has announced. Bhutan has become the second country in South Australia to graduate after Maldives. Along with Bhutan, Kiribati, Sao Tome and Principe and the Solomon Islands have increased national earning power and improved access to …

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The Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $10 million loan to help develop the secondary towns of Samdrup Jongkhar, Sarpang, and Trashigang in becoming economic hubs, spurring more inclusive growth and balanced urban development in Bhutan. “The growth of Bhutan’s secondary towns is constrained by deficiencies in infrastructure and …

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The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) has approved a US$20 million grant financing package to support Bhutan to improve the equity, efficiency, and sustainability of the country’s health system. ADB’s support, which includes a US$14 million policy-based grant and a US$6 million project grant both sourced from the Asian Development Fund, will help Bhutan to progress …

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India has already offered to increase financial assistance to Bhutan in next five-year plan beginning 2019 as it reaches out to woo Prime Minister-elect Lotay Tshering. His party DNT has won the election held last week and is waiting to be sworn in as head of the government. During current 11th Five-Year Plan (2013-18) India …

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Despite its tiny population, Bhutan’s economic growth has led to increasing urbanisation and problems associated with biodegradable waste, which threatens the beauty of one of the most pristine environments in the world. Bhutan’s rapid economic development over the last few decades has been striking. According to World Bank data the GDP of the country grew …

Continue reading “As Bhutan’s economy grows, so does its waste problem”

Craft manufacture is the predominant industrial occupation, and homespun textiles—woven and embroidered cottons, wools, and silks—are the most important products. Other Bhutanese handicrafts include daphne paper; swords; wooden bowls; leather objects; copper, iron, brass, bronze, and silver work; wood carvings; and split-cane basketry. The economy in the 21st century has become increasingly dominated by the …

Continue reading “Bhutan economy and Industrial growth”

Private sector development is the main driving force behind the national economic growth, noted Vice President U Henry Van Thio in northern Yangon yesterday morning. He was speaking at the opening of a new factory where 225 million aerated concrete blocks-AAC and 90 million autoclaved pressed concrete bricks-APC are manufactured annually. The State is encouraging …

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With the aim of strengthening effective managements of the country, Ministry of Industry has set up four polices and two visions in accordance with 12 economic objectives of the country. Ministry of Industry has aimed at utilizing modernized and advanced techniques of agriculture to develop Agro-base industries, Agri-Business, Agro-Products, and continue the task for the …

Continue reading “Ministry of Industry’s achievements in the past two years”

A Bhutanese businessman is the victim of a false flag assault in Charlotte by an African-American man who made the attack on the man’s store appear to be the work of white supremacists. North Carolina police arrested on Sunday the man allegedly seen on a surveillance video setting fire to the store on Thursday and …

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The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council or ECNEC cleared a project to acquire 491 acres of land for the economic zone in March last year. After Japan sought more land, the ECNEC passed a revised proposal approving another 500 acres of land for the economic zone on Tuesday. Now the estimated cost of …

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Apart from the import of hydro-electricity from Nepal through India, the MoU includes investments by Bangladesh in Nepal’s power sector. Nasrul Hamid, state minister for power, energy and mineral resources of Bangladesh, and Barsha Man Pun Ananta, Nepal’ minister for energy, water resources and irrigation, signed the MoU in Kathmandu on Friday afternoon. Hamid thanked …

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The Asian Development Bank has approved $110 million in additional loans for a project to improve access to urban primary healthcare services in Bangladesh through public-private partnerships. “ADB’s support to the government-led Urban Primary Health Care Services Delivery Project approved in 2012 has been filling a vacuum created by the lack of urban public primary …

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World Bank Vice President for the South Asia Region Hartwig Schafer will arrive in Dhaka on Monday for talks on the Rohingya crisis and deepening Bangladesh’s connections to the international organisation. Monday’s visit is the first since Schafer took up the post in July. “Bangladesh has a remarkable story of cutting extreme poverty to half …

Continue reading “World Bank vice president arrives in Dhaka on Sunday”

Interacting with journalists on Tuesday, Joe Hyun-Gue Country Director of South Korea’s development agency, KOICA, said Bangladesh was a “priority” country when it came to development cooperation. KOICA supports Bangladesh through grants, soft loans and technical cooperation and the ongoing country strategy, 2016 to 2020, is mostly focused on health, education, transportation and ICT. The …

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THE young woman with the microphone cajoles, hectors and wheedles customers with the breathless enthusiasm of a livestock auctioneer at a county fair. She is standing behind a table stacked high with blue jeans; most of the milling crowd is dressed in lungyis, Myanmar’s skirt-like national dress. The fancy mall around them is anchored by …

Continue reading “South-East Asia’s future looks prosperous but illiberal”

MYANMAR’S democratic transition sometimes seems marked as much by continuity as by change. Depressingly, the army continues its bloody persecution of Rohingya Muslims in the west, for example (see article). But elsewhere moves to open the country’s markets, started by the preceding military regimes, have gathered pace. New commercial and financial services are springing up. …

Continue reading “In dirt-poor Myanmar, smartphones are transforming finance”

THE Japanese make cars that last but replace them relatively quickly. The average car in Japan is three years younger than in America. This combination of durable manufacturing and dutiful consumption of a prized national product works out well for the rest of the world; many countries import older Japanese cars in bulk. Secondhand vehicles …

Continue reading “Japanese cars enjoy an afterlife in Myanmar, but not for much longer”

That makes it hard for the new, democratic government to offer decent public services INSIDE a noodle house in central Yangon, business is buzzing. Customers huddle over tables, slurping down chicken soup or gobbling dumplings. Everyone pays in cash. Few customers ask for receipts. When your correspondent does so, one is handed over, complete with …

Continue reading “Myanmar has one of the lowest tax takes in the world”

Bangladesh has the potential to become a large global player in plastic industry, although it has not yet emerged as a global player in the segment. The country, at present, has a share of 0.01 percent of the global plastic market that measures up to $599 billion, a recent report of the Center of Policy …

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Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Julia Niblett on Sunday said reliable energy supply is crucial to attract both domestic and foreign investment and enable higher economic growth needed for providing employment with higher income. “Australian companies have significant expertise in mining and energy; and well-placed to further help Bangladesh develop its mining and energy sectors,” …

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China is developing a 750-acre industrial park in Bangladesh which will largely be used by Chinese manufacturing firms, a Chinese official said on Wednesday, part of its push to expand links with South Asia and beyond. State-run China Harbour Engineering Company will hold a 70 percent share in a joint venture being formed for the …

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The new monetary policy has opened up opportunities for the private sector to take large amount of loans, said speakers yesterday. Investors have already started to reap the benefit of the relaxed monetary policy, they said at a workshop at the auditorium of the Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) in Dhaka. The monetary policy …

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Despite its tiny population, Bhutan’s economic growth has led to increasing urbanisation and problems associated with biodegradable waste, which threatens the beauty of one of the most pristine environments in the world. Bhutan’s rapid economic development over the last few decades has been striking. According to World Bank data the GDP of the country grew …

Continue reading “As Bhutan’s economy grows, so does its waste problem”

The Royal Government of Bhutan and the World Bank have signed a $24 million credit that will help promote fiscal discipline, increase access to finance for enterprises, and improve the climate for business entry and investment in Bhutan. Bhutan has made impressive progress in poverty reduction and economic growth over the past decade but high …

Continue reading “WB loan to Bhutan to improve growth equality”

The government of Japan has agreed to continue its support for Bhutan’s socio economic development, during the 12th annual consultation on economic cooperation between the two countries. The Bhutanese delegation at the consultation presented 10 projects for consideration under technical cooperation and four grant aid projects in the field of health, agriculture and infrastructure restoration. …

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The wait for people in Gelephu to be connected by air is finally over with Druk Air resuming its flights to the town this week. The first flight on November 11 had six passengers on board. The airline now operates three times a week- Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The company had tested one weekly flight …

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While Bali is still popular, Australians are gradually shifting their holiday destinations to Asia, including Bhutan gradually. According to a Skyscanner survey, from 2016 to 2017, 12 of Australia’s top 20 international travel destinations were in Asia. Bali still topped the list (more than a million Australians arrive in Indonesia each year, a very significant …

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It is increasingly challenging to operate in Myanmar’s aviation sector.” The fourth domestic airline has wind up as aviation businesses struggle to turn a profit in an industry overcrowded with competitors, amid high fuel price, lacklustre demand and lack of government support. Air Mandalay, which had been in service for 24 years, has stopped all …

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Grameenphone yesterday announced names of seven finalists for Telenor Youth Forum (TYF) Grand Finale 2018. Over 1,400 applications were screened to select 60 applicants who presented their ideas on September 4-5 at GPHouse before the seven spots were filled in the TYF Grand Finale, the mobile operator said in a statement. The finalists are Tasneem …

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Bhutan has finally graduated from the list of Least Developed Countries (LDC), the United Nations’ Committee for Development Policy has announced. Bhutan has become the second country in South Asia to graduate after Maldives. Along with Bhutan, Kiribati, Sao Tome and Principe and the Solomon Islands have increased national earning power and improved access to …

Continue reading “Bhutan graduates from LDC”

While the economic outlook for Myanmar is looking “favorable,” with growth projected to rise to 6.8 percent in 2018-19 from 6.4pc before, the risks to those prospects have “intensified,” according to the World Bank’s Myanmar Economic Monitor (MEM), which was released in Yangon yesterday. Lower tourism arrivals resulting from the ongoing Rakhine crisis could weaken …

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