Blue Bulgaria coalition’s Tsveta Kirilova on solutions in energy sector

Sofia: In a position to BTA, Blue Bulgaria Coalition’s top-of-the-list candidate in Haskovo (Southeastern Bulgaria) Tsveta Kirilova said that there is governance and communication chaos when it comes to the green transition. By now, Bulgaria should have thought about and found a solution for its national energy security and independence, she argued. “If not for […]

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UN Summit of the Future: From a sketch to a picture

Andrey Kortunov Large-scale high-level events at the United Nations (UN) seldom generate immediate practical results dramatically shifting the course of international relations. As a rule, the result of such events, which take a lot of time and energy to put together, are very general and legally non-binding statements, short-term media splashes and criticism from frustrated […]

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EU, China hold ‘constructive’ talks on EV tariffs

Newswire Brussels: The EU’s trade chief, Valdis Dombrovskis, said Thursday he had held “constructive” talks with China’s commerce minister, Wang Wentao, as Beijing seeks a deal with Brussels to avoid steep tariffs on imported electric vehicles. The meeting was held as divisions grow in Europe over the proposed tariffs, after Spain urged the EU last […]

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China urges fair treatment for EVs in Europe

Zhong Nan Beijing: China this week expressed its disappointment with the European Commission’s recent decisions regarding the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles, stressing it will take all necessary measures to defend the interests of its businesses. On September 12, a spokesperson for the European Commission stated that the price commitment solutions submitted by […]

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Chinese, Pakistani firms sign agreements worth $400 million at CIFTIS

China Economic Net Beijing: International Innovation Park Limited EPZ and China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs (COFCO) this week signed an agreement to cooperate in the agriculture sector worth more than $380 million on Saturday at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing. Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, Ghulam Qadir […]

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Bulgaria’s tourist overnights revenue rises 15% y/y in July

Newswire Sofia: Total revenue from tourist overnights in Bulgaria grew by an annual 15.4% to 524.6 million levs in July ($296.2 million/268.2 million euro), the statistical office said. Revenue from domestic tourists stood at 158 million levs, while foreign visitors generated revenue of 366.6 million levs, the National Statistical Institute (NSI) said in a regular […]

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Pakistan Investment Roadshow highlights growing US-Pakistan economic partnership

Celina Ali Islamabad: The United States (US) and Pakistan this week pledged to continue to strengthen their longstanding partnership through innovative economic initiatives. The recently concluded Pakistan Investment Roadshow, organised by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under its Investment Promotion Activity, exemplified this collaboration by showcasing the potential of Pakistani firms to […]

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High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri visits Pakistan Pavilion at Fine Food Australia

Canberra: Pakistani High Commissioner to Australia Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri this week visited Pakistan Pavilion at the Fine Food Australia. “Visited Pakistan ???? Pavilion at the Fine Food Australia. Glad to see great variety of quality food products from Pakistan. Australia is a great market for Pakistani food products,” the envoy said in a post on […]

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China’s investments evolve with Africa’s changing development needs

Ding Gang In June of this year, Kenya experienced protests primarily targeting the government’s proposed policy to increase taxes. When analyzing the causes, Western media largely focused on Kenya’s foreign debt issue, with some even linking it to the country’s debt to China. Kenya’s foreign debt amounts to $82 billion, but only about $8 billion […]

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Denmark’s FLSmidth keen to invest in mining sector

Celina Ali Islamabad: A Danish multinational firm, FLSmidth, this week expressed its interest in investing in Pakistan’s mining industry. FLSmidth, which provides the global mining and cement industries with equipment and services, expressed interest during a meeting of a Danish business group, led by Denmark’s Ambassador Jakob Linulf, with Pakistani ministers for finance, commerce, petroleum, […]

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Enormous Potential for China-Pakistan Toy Industry: Both Sides Seeking Collaboration

Gwadar Pro Shantou: Under the chairmanship of Mr. Muhammad Imran, Trade and Investment Counselor of the Consulate General of Pakistan in Guangzhou, a video conference was held between Mr. Chen Liangqq, Executive Vice President of the Chenghai Toy Association, Ms. Chen Qichun, Deputy Director of the Organizing Committee of the 23rd Toy Expo, and Mr. […]

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Chinese companies decry unfair import duties by Europe

Newswire Islamabad: A group representing Chinese companies this week said the European Commission’s plan to slap import duties of up to 36 percent on Chinese electric cars was “unfair” and would worsen trade tensions. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) “expresses its strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the EC’s protectionist approach,” […]

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EU tariffs on Chinese EVs may lead to loss of Chinese investment

Newswire Beijing: The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products this week said that by imposing anti-subsidy duties on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), the European Union (EU) could lose Chinese investment in Europe. Chinese enterprises expressed grave concerns over reports that the EU’s identification of Chinese EVs as “subsidized” […]

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Denmark is surging tourism sector with visa free travel to 190 countries

Copenhagen: As of August 2024, Denmark, nestled on the Jutland Peninsula and surrounded by an archipelago of over 400 islands, remains a country of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The peninsula, Jutland, constitutes more than two-thirds of the country’s total land area. At its northern tip lies the island of Vendsyssel-Thy, separated from the […]

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PBOC: China to promote further high-quality financial development

Newswire Beijing: China will move faster to improve its central bank system and promote high-quality financial development, the country’s central bank governor has said. China will concentrate on improving the twin-pillar regulatory framework of both monetary and macro-prudential policies to maintain the stability of both currency value and the country’s financial system, Pan Gongsheng, governor […]

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US government clears sale of additional MQ-9 Reapers to Italy

Celina Ali Islamabad: The US government has cleared the potential sale of six General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) MQ-9 Block 5 Reaper unmanned air vehicles to Italy. The possible package is valued a $738 million, says the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). Included in the package are three ground control stations, sensors, communications equipment, […]

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China files WTO suit against EU over tariffs on Chinese EVs

Liu Yang and Chi Jingyi Beining: China this week initiated dispute settlement proceedings against the EU’s provisional anti-subsidy measures against Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) at the WTO to safeguard the interests of its EV industry’s development and global green transition cooperation, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said. Experts said that the move suggests that China […]

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Denmark’s Maersk to invest $2bn in Pakistan’s ports over 2 years

Celina Ali Islamabad: In a major upcoming economic development for Pakistan, Denmark’s Maersk Shipping Line will invest $2 billion over the next two years in the infrastructure of ports, terminals, dredging, transshipment, and road construction. This announcement was made this week by the Federal Minister for Naval Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh while briefing journalists in […]

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China-Pakistan JVs to boost expansion of Pakistan’s leather industry

Mia Shah – Gwadar Pro Beijing: Pakistan and China are forging joint ventures expected to propel Pakistan’s leather industry to new heights. These collaborations involve setting up manufacturing plants, tanneries, and R&D centers dedicated to leather product innovation, according to Khalid Waleed, advisor to the Pakistan Tanners Association. In June, the Association of Guangdong Shoe […]

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Pakistan, France vow to deepen economic relations

Celina Ali Islamabad: Pakistan and France this week affirmed their commitment to deepen economic relations, exploring investment opportunities, and expanding bilateral trade. This commitment was expressed during a meeting between Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik and French Ambassador Nicolas Galey in Islamabad. Ali Pervaiz Malik provided an overview of Pakistan’s economic progress, […]

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Inheriting Silk Road spirit, road of China-Italy ties will become wider

Global Times This year marks the 20th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy, as well as the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo’s death. Both sides should view and develop bilateral relations from a historical dimension, facing important opportunities for mutual development. On the afternoon of July 29, Chinese President Xi Jinping […]

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China urges US to stop deceiving the world with lies

Global Times Beijing: The US should immediately correct its wrongdoings, stop deceiving the world with lies, cease slandering and smearing other countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said this week commenting on the report of US Marine Corps’ release of official doctrine on how it employs deception. The US should provide an explanation to […]

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Greece’s first helicopter airline takes off, with flights to the islands for less than $300

Newswire Athens: Island-hopping in Greece this summer just got a little easier. Hoper, the first helicopter airline in Greece offering scheduled flights, is now selling tickets to 11 destinations, including harder-to-reach spots such as Antiparos, Folegandros, Ios, Kea, Patmos, Sifnos and Spetses. All connect to either Athens, Santorini or Mykonos, which serve as the carrier’s […]

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Bulgaria loses almost €1bn due to Schengen accession delays this year

Krassen Nikolov Sofia: Bulgaria has lost €0.7 billion this year alone – including €423 million in direct losses and €225 million in lost benefits – as a result of not being fully admitted to the Schengen area, said caretaker Economy Minister Petko Nikolov. Bulgaria, along with Romania became Schengen Area members at the end of […]

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Kazakhstan’s surprise tax increase shakes up global uranium market

Astana: Kazakhstan has introduced a new Mineral Extraction Tax (MET) for uranium, with rates significantly increasing from 2026 onwards. The new tax structure is expected to discourage uranium production growth in Kazakhstan, the world’s largest uranium producer. Analysts predict that the reduced supply incentive, coupled with increasing uncertainty, could drive uranium prices higher. Uranium mining […]

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‘The customer is not always right’: Japan fights growing scourge of customer harassment

Newswire Tokyo: Japan, known for its exacting service standards, is now taking a stronger stance against a growing scourge of customer harassment to protect its legions of service workers from abuse. On July 9, Takashimaya became the first major department store to announce measures against such harassment – kasuhara in Japanese. It warned that it […]

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Pakistanis invited to invest in Indonesia

Liaquat Ali Peshawar: Indonesian diplomats this week invited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa businessmen to make investments in their country and offered multiple facilities along with a five-year tax holiday. Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma, chargé d’affaires, and Axelsyah R Miraza, economic attaché and M Syofiyan Sur of the embassy of Republic of Indonesia made the offer during a visit […]

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