Afghanistan-India trade tops $779mln in 2023
Afghanistan Times | 14thJanuary
Trade between Afghanistan and India surpassed $779 million in 2023, according to Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Afghanistan exports totaled $579 million and imports amounted to $200 million.
A ministry spokesperson, Abdul Salam Akhundzada, made the announcement, saying that India is the biggest market for Afghan fresh and dry fruits.
Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) emphasized the need for cooperation in utilizing the Chabahar port for shipping. Khan Jan Alokozai, an ACCI member, lamented the absence of Indian ships and the ensuing challenges faced by Afghan traders.
Circular debt reaches Rs5.73tr
The Express Tribune | 16thJanuary
Despite constant increases in electricity and gas prices, Pakistan’s energy sector circular debt has spiralled alarmingly to a record Rs5.73 trillion—an amount Rs1.5 trillion more than what the International Monetary Fund had been informed of two months ago.
Official documents reveal that as of the end of November, the power sector had crossed over Rs2.7 trillion. Additionally, the gas sector circular debt also surged over Rs3 trillion, bringing the total unfinanced debt to Rs5.73 trillion.
The total energy sector circular debt now equals 5.4% of the size of Pakistan’s economy, as the wrong policies of ending the circular debt through price increases have failed to yield the desired results.
Google, Yahoo, Amazon, X raises red flag on Sri Lanka’s Online Safety Bill
Daily Mirror | 16th January
Asia Internet Coalition (“AIC”), a body comprising internet and technology companies in the world, and its members, expressed concern about the Online Safety Bill and called for extensive revisions and overhaul of it.
Managing Director AIC Jeff Paine said in writing to Public Security Minister Tiran Alles that while his office appreciates the efforts made thus far with the industry, a more comprehensive and meaningful consultation is necessary to address the complexities and nuances associated with the Bill.
It is a body comprising companies such as Amazon, Apple, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Google, GoTo, Grab, LINE, LinkedIn, Meta, Rakuten, X and Yahoo.
PAKISTAN
Coordination on Afghanistan must for region’s peace: FM Jilani
Dawn | 16th January
Pakistan on Monday emphasised the need for coordination among regional countries on Afghanistan for regional stability.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, while talking to Iran’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Affairs Hassan Kazmi Qomi, said Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries have a key role to play in the region’s peace and stability.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, FM Jilani “emphasised the need for enhanced coordination for regional stability”.
Taiwan election: Pakistan reaffirms strong commitment to ‘One China Policy’
The News | 13th January
Pakistan on Saturday reaffirmed its strong commitment to ‘One China Policy’ as it responded to Taiwan’s presidential election.
Pakistan has a “consistent, clear and principled” policy regarding Taiwan which is an “inalienable part of People’s Republic of China”, a statement from the Foreign Office read.
“Pakistan adheres to One China Policy, and calls for non-interference in the domestic affairs of all countries as per principles and objectives enshrined in the UN Charter,” it concluded.
The development came after William Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was declared winner in Taiwan’s presidential election despite China’s warnings not to support him.
All preparations completed, ECP rejects calls to postpone polls
The Nation | 16th January
The Election Commission of Pakistan Monday dismissed the proposal to postpone the general elections, emphasising that established polling date of February 8 was mutually determined with the President of Pakistan.
According to officials, in a letter addressed to the Joint Secretary Legislation of the Senate, the ECP conveyed that it would not be prudent to postpone the general elections at this stage. It said additionally, the resolution of the upper house of Parliament cannot be currently implemented.
SRI LANKA
Treasury Secy says no more IMF medicine hereafter
The Island | 16th January
Secretary to the Treasury Mahinda Siriwardena recently told the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), tasked with investigating causes for the financial bankruptcy declared by the government and to report to Parliament and submit its proposals and recommendations in this regard, emphasised that this should be the last occasion Sri Lanka would seek the IMF intervention.
A statement issued by Parliament quoted Siriwardena as having said that necessary reforms should be carried out to ensure the country wouldn’t need IMF assistance again.
Record mango harvest this year
Daily Mirror | 16th January
The mango harvest in Sri Lanka has indicated a record increase this year, the Agriculture Department said.
They said the prolonged dry weather in 2023, as well as the subsequent rainy weather, have caused the mango harvest to increase.
During a discussion chaired by the Agriculture and Plantation Industry Minister, it was recently emphasized that thousands of acres of mangoes are cultivated islandwide, especially the TEJC mango variety, which is cultivated for export, and the production may be hampered due to the decrease in the price.
AFGHANISTAN
Wakhan Corridor officially connects Afghanistan to China: Taliban
The Khaama Press | 16th January
A report from Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province confirms that Afghanistan is now officially linked to China via the Badakhshan province.
Moizuddin Ahmadi, the head of Information and Culture in Badakhshan, reported on Monday, January 15th, that the construction of the Pamir Highway has been completed up to the Chinese border. Now, the project’s plan and budget for the road’s development will begin.”
Last week, Michael McCaul, Chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed worry about China’s influence in Afghanistan.
Iran Envoy Discusses Afghan Security Situation in Pakistan: Source
TOLO News | 15th January
An Iranian delegation led by the country’s special envoy and ambassador for Afghanistan, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, visited Pakistan on Sunday, where he discussed the security situation of Afghanistan with Pakistani officials, a source said.
The source told TOLOnews that the “Iranian delegation includes 4 members who have an important role in policy making on Afghanistan.”
According to the sources, matters of “reservations about the use Afghan territory against their respective countries,” and that the Daesh Khorasan used a Tajikistan national in recent Kerman terrorist attacks in Iran will also be discussed between the two sides.
BANGLADESH
India supports to maintain democratic continuity: Foreign minister
Prothom Alo | 15th January
Referring to the previous three national elections in the country, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has said India has consistently extended its support to preserve democratic continuity in Bangladesh.
He made the statement while talking to the media at his office in Dhaka Monday, following a meeting with the Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh, Pranay Verma.
“India stood by our side in 2014 when there were many conspiracies going on surrounding the election. In 2018, there were efforts to make the election controversial as well as to raise many questions on it; India was beside us then too.
Health Dept recommends wearing masks
Bangladesh Post | 14th January
As a preventative measure against the infection of the novel COVID-19 JN.1 variant, the health department recommended wearing mask in a press release on Saturday.
As per the announcement from the Department of Health’s Integrated Control Centre, the number of cases of the novel COVID-19 JN.1 virus has surged in multiple nations globally.
In this case, wearing masks as a precaution is advised in high-risk areas like hospitals and medical facilities, as well as among high-risk individuals with weakened immune systems.
For those who pose a high risk, a fourth dose of the vaccine is advised.
Dhaka not deviating from Beijing-prescribed ‘One China’ policy
Dhaka Tribune | 15th January
Bangladesh has reiterated her firm adherence to “One China” policy and urged the parties concerned to refrain from any unwarranted provocation.
Dhaka also urged the parties concerned to work towards lasting peace and stability in the region in the spirit of the UN Charter.
“Bangladesh has closely followed the recent election in Taiwan,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a brief message shared from its verified Facebook page on Monday night.
BHUTAN
Indo-Bhutan ties looking ahead
Kuensel | 11th January
As we transition to a new year, how would you look back at the year 2023 insofar as the growth in India-Bhutan ties is concerned?
2023 has been a landmark year for the India-Bhutan partnership, marked by an intense pace of high-level engagements, interactions between the business communities, and extensive people to people exchanges. It was an honour for us to welcome His Majesty to India on official visits in April and November last year. We had the historic first official visit of His Majesty to Assam and Maharashtra. These engagements have enabled us to discuss and register substantial progress on the full spectrum of our bilateral ties including energy cooperation, development partnership, cross-border connectivity, trade and investments linkages, skill development, technology collaboration, youth, cultural and sports linkages.
Celebrating election victory, PDP vows to serve Bhutan
Business Bhutan | 13th January
President expresses gratitude for the overwhelming support, outlines the party’s immediate plans
As jubilations reverberate across the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) camp, in the aftermath of the just concluded general elections for the National Assembly (NA), a triumphant PDP, poised to govern the country for the next five years expressed deep gratitude and humility for the trust bestowed upon them by the Bhutanese people.
In a statement following the election results, party President Dasho Tshering Tobgay remarked, “The PDP is deeply honored and humbled by the trust and confidence placed in us by the people of Bhutan.
MALDIVES
China-Maldives relations, a model of mutual respect: Pres. Muizzu
Raajje | 15th January
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has corroborated that the longstanding China-Maldives relations are built upon an exemplary model of mutual respect.
He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Velana International Airport (VIA) upon his return to the Maldives after concluding his state visit to the People’s Republic of China Saturday.
The President stated that China-Maldives relations are based upon four principles: mutual respect, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal matters.
Special tourism promotion event to be held in China
The Edition | 16th January
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has announced today that a special tourism promotion event is scheduled to be held in China in May this year. The corporation has called on interested companies to apply for participation.
MMPRC said that the event, titled “ITB China 2024” will be held from May 27 to 29. It will be held at the Shanghai World Expo and Convention Centre.
Interested parties must send in applications before 3pm, January 21. Applications can be submitted through a dedicated google form.
MMPRC said they were seeking applications now so as to gauge interest in the fair prior to booking the event venue.
India agrees to expedite withdrawal of troops from Maldives
Sun | 14th January
The Government of India, on Sunday, has agreed to expedite the withdrawal of Indian military personnel based in the Maldives under various military agreements.
The first meeting of the High-Level Core Group between Maldives and India took place at the Maldivian Foreign Ministry in Male’ on Sunday. Participants of the meeting included the Indian Ambassador to the Maldives Munu Mahawar.
Commenting on the meeting, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry said both sides discussed agreements executed between both nations and a wide range of issues of mutual interest including the development of cooperation.
MYANMAR
Myanmar Junta Reaffirms Support For ‘One China Policy’ Following Taiwan Election
The Irrawaddy | 16th January
Myanmar’s junta on Monday reiterated its opposition to Taiwan independence, saying it consistently supports the One China Policy.
“Myanmar fully supports the ‘One China Policy’ and reaffirms that Taiwan is an integral part of the People’s Republic of China,” it said in a statement following the election on Saturday of the Democratic Progressive Party’s Lai Ching-te as its new president.
The Democratic Progressive Party won an unprecedented third, successive term. The party rejects Beijing’s claim to sovereignty over Taiwan. Beijing considers the self-ruled democratic island to be a renegade province.
Myanmar Junta Boss in Talks with Thai Military Chief
The Irrawaddy | 13th January
Myanmar junta boss Min Aung Hlaing and Thailand’s armed forces chief General Songwit Noonpackdee on Friday reportedly discussed online gambling and telecom fraud, especially in Myawaddy on the Thai border.
A junta website said the online meeting was also attended by Thailand’s Air Chief Marshal Chakorn Tawanjang and Lieutenant General Ye Win Oo of Myanmar’s Office of the Commander-in-Chief.
They discussed crackdowns on drugs, illegal trade and cooperation to ensure border peace and stability, the office’s website said.
NEPAL
Efforts underway to resolve Nepal-India border issues, says FM Saud
The Himalayan Times | 13th January
Foreign Affairs Minister NP Saud announced that the Joint Boundary Working Group is actively addressing the border issues between Nepal and India. Speaking at a press meet organized by the Nepal Press Union in Dadeldhura today, Minister Saud highlighted the ongoing agreements between the two countries on border-related matters, excluding Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and Susta. He informed that during past border mapping and demarcation, certain areas of Nepal ended up on the Indian side, and vice versa. The Joint Boundary Working Group is diligently working on resolving these issues with progress based on mutual consent.
Nepal looks to Pakistani, Russian and Chinese markets to diversify its tea trade
The Kathmandu Post | 17th January
Nepal has resumed the export of crush, tear, and curl (CTC) tea to Pakistan after years, as the demand from the world’s largest tea importer has significantly grown, according to Nepali traders, who are now eying former Asian buyers to diversify the market currently limited to India.
Pakistan and Russia were once key markets for Nepali CTC tea. China is also a big potential market, traders say.
Currently, the major market for Nepali CTC tea or black tea is India. Nepal exports around 90 percent of its orthodox tea and 50 percent of its CTC tea to the southern neighbour, according to government statistics.
PM Dahal to take part in NAM Summit, leaving for Uganda on Jan 18
Onlinekhabar | 15th January
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will be leaving for Kampala, in the Republic of Uganda, on January 18, leading a Nepali delegation to the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM Summit).
The NAM Summit is being held in Kampala on January 19-20. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by his daughter Ganga Dahal.
The Nepali delegation includes Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and senior government officials, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to address the plenary session of the Summit on the theme ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence’ on 19 January.
