Bangladesh reaffirms pledge of peaceful use of nuclear science
Bangladesh Post | 2nd May
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud has reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear science, particularly in energy, food safety and medicine, and health sectors.
He shared this commitment during his meeting with Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Vienna on Monday evening (Vienna time).
Foreign Minister Hasan also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to nuclear disarmament and to the safety and security of nuclear materials.
COAS Munir, UK counterpart discuss measures to further elevate bilateral defence relations
Dawn | 1st May
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir met his British counterpart General Sir Patrick Sanders, where the two discussed measures to further elevate bilateral defence relations, the military’s media affairs wing said on Wednesday.
In the meeting, which was also attended by CGS-designate of the UK Army General Sir Roland Walker, both sides “discussed matters of professional interest and measures to further elevate bilateral defence relations”, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
UN Report: Job Restrictions on Women Damage Afghanistan’s Economy
TOLO News | 2nd May
The women’s section of the United Nations reports that imposing restrictions on women’s employment in non-governmental organizations has negative effects on Afghanistan’s economy.
The report states that currently, 18 percent of women work from their homes, whereas this figure reached 24 percent in September 2023.
The report further notes: “18% of the women staff of surveyed organizations are working from home, a reduction of 6 percentage points compared to September when partners reported 24% of women staff were working from home.”
PAKISTAN
Deputy PM Dar to head Pakistan delegation to 15th OIC Summit
The Express Tribune | 1st May
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will lead the 15th OIC Summit in Banjul, Gambia on May 4 and 5, 2024, stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
Preceding the summit, Dar is scheduled to attend the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting, on May 2 and 3, 2024 where agenda items and outcome documents will be finalized.
“Given the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the summit is of particular significance for the Muslim Ummah,” the ministry stated, adding that it presents an opportune moment for the OIC leaders to collectively address the dire situation taking place in Gaza and to assert a unified stance on the Palestinian issue.
‘We support Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism’: US State Dept spox
The News | 1st May
The United States has reiterated its support for Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts saying that it backs Islamabad’s measures for protection of its citizens.
Speaking at a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said: “We support Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and security of its citizens in a manner that promotes the rule of law and protection of human rights.”
Furthermore, the spokesperson, in response to a question concerning the need to strengthen Pakistan’s defence capabilities, underscored “shared interests” between Islamabad and Washington.
Finance ministry claims economic journey in ongoing FY optimistic
The Nation | 2nd May
The Ministry of Finance has claimed that economic journey in the ongoing FY2024 has been optimistic. Recently IMF Executive Board has approved the second review under the SBA for Pakistan allowing for an immediate disbursement of $1.1 billion. Economic growth is showing signs of recovery while inflation is trending downward.
These improvements are primarily due to favourable external conditions and sound prudent policy management. The growth in the 1st and 2nd quarter has been estimated at 2.5 percent and 1.0 percent, respectively. Both fiscal and external sectors have demonstrated resilience.
SRI LANKA
Prez accused of seeking to gain total control of public finance
The Island | 1st May
Opposition MP Charitha Herath yesterday (30) alleged that the controversial Public Debt Management Bill that had been tabled in Parliament last week was aimed at bringing public sector finance entirely under the Finance Minister.
Claiming that UNP leader and President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Finance Minister, seemed to be bent on achieving total control over public finance, dissident SLPP MP warned of dire consequences if the ruling party backed what he called an authoritarian move.
March exports reflect continued heft despite strengthening rupee
Daily Mirror | 2nd May
The growth in exports in March outstripped the increase in the expenditure for merchandise imports for the same month, as the exports of textiles and garments showed strength once again, after losing a bit of steam in the recent months.
The data released by the Central Bank showed that Sri Lanka earned US $ 1,139 million in March, the highest since August 2022.
The March exports were up both 9.8 percent and 7.5 percent from a year ago and a month ago levels, respectively, reflecting that Sri Lanka’s exports are ploughing ahead, despite the challenges from the continued rupee strength and somewhat softish growth conditions in the West.
AFGHANISTAN
Uzbekistan announces $44 million export contracts with Afghanistan
The Khaama Press | 1st May
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan has announced that it has signed export contracts worth $44 million with Afghan traders.
Central Asian Times reported on Tuesday, April 30th, that these contracts were signed during a three-day visit by a delegation of Afghan traders to Tashkent.
According to Central Asian Times, Afghanistan’s import value amounts to $7 billion, with increasing demand for agricultural products, processed foods, textiles, leather, electronic components, and construction materials.
World Bank injects $84 million lifeline into Afghanistan
Afghanistan Times | 1st May
In a critical move to bolster Afghanistan’s community resilience and livelihoods, the World Bank has greenlit a staggering $84 million grant from the International Development Association. This funding, endorsed by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors on Tuesday, provides a lifeline for hundreds of thousands in the war-torn nation.
Complementing this injection of aid is an additional $70 million from the Afghanistan Resilience Trust Fund, marking a concerted effort to uplift the nation’s spirits and rebuild its foundations.
BANGLADESH
Garment workers face fear, repression in Bangladesh: Amnesty
Prothom Alo | 1st May
Garment workers in Bangladesh have continued to face a climate of fear and repression as corporate impunity for business-related human rights abuses remains unchecked amid state sanctioned crackdown on workers’ rights, said Amnesty International.
The international rights organisation came up with the observation in a report marking the International Workers’ Day on Wednesday. It mentioned the Rana Plaza tragedy, fire incident at Tazreen Fashions, and ‘crackdown’ on protesting workers in 2023.
PM says Thailand visit a milestone for Bangladesh’s regional diplomacy, economic growth
Dhaka Tribune | 2nd May
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday described her recent six-day trip to Thailand as a landmark success, aimed at safeguarding Bangladesh’s economic interests and elevating its regional presence.
The visit, which took place from April 24 to April 29, was prompted by an invitation from Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
During a press briefing at her official residence, Ganabhaban, Sheikh Hasina said: “Overall, this visit was a significant step forward in our efforts to protect our economic interests and enhance our regional involvement.”
BHUTAN
Bhutan’s trade deficit narrows to over Nu 19B
Kuensel | 2nd May
The country’s trade deficit for the first quarter of this year, spanning from January to March, including electricity sale, stood at Nu 19.24 billion.
The trade deficit narrowed by 12.8 percent or Nu 2.84 billion compared to the same period last year.
According to the trade statistics, Bhutan imported Nu 28.84 billion worth of goods, of which the balance of trade with India accounts to more than Nu 25.11 billion. This was a decline by 8.7 percent or Nu 2.75 billion during the same period.
Last year’s import figure was recorded at Nu 31. 59 billion during the same period.
Bhutan and Thailand to sign PTA
Business Bhutan | 29th April
Bhutan is on the brink of signing a free trade agreement with Thailand
Foreign Minister DN Dhungyel said that the first round of talks to sign a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Thailand will be held in May. The discussions will take place between the Ministry of Industry Commerce and Employment (MoICE) and the Thai Ministry of Commerce. The Foreign Ministry will just facilitate the meetings.
Other than that, Bhutan signed a PTA with Bangladesh in December 2020. However, it was only implemented in July 2022 due to the pandemic. Bhutan is the first country to sign PTA with Bangladesh.
MALDIVES
A single vote silencing protestors worldwide is shameful: Maldives calls to abolish vetoes at UN
The Edition | 2nd May
Maldives has called to abolish the power to veto motions at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stating that the country cannot turn a blind eye towards Israel’s genocide of Palestinians.
Reading a statement on behalf of Maldives at the 78th convention of the UN’s General Council, Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development, Dr Ali Haidar declared that the procedure allowing the vote of a single country to negate actions taken by multiple countries against the Palestinian genocide inside the most powerful function of UN; the United Nations’ Security Council (UNSC) is a shameful scene.
Maldives signs partnership agreements with ICD
Sun | 2nd May
The Maldivian government has signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), assigned the Maldives’ Finance Ministry as a collaborative partner.
The partnership agreements were signed on Thursday, on the sidelines of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group’s Annual Meetings 2024 in Riyad, Saudi Arabia.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the Maldivian government by Finance Minister Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq and on behalf of the Acting CEO of ICD, Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol by Acting Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of ICD, Bahaa Aldin Kirimly.
China continues to top tourist arrival markets
Raajje | 30th April
China continues to top the Maldives’ tourist arrival markets, into the fourth month of the new year.
This was revealed by the Ministry of Tourism through its latest daily tourist arrival statistics publicized on Monday.
As such, statistics go on to reveal that while the new year began with Italy topping the tourist arrival markets of the island nation it was replaced by Russia for a few weeks and China currently sits at the top of the list, contributing 10.7 percent of the market share with 81,914 arrivals by April 28.
MYANMAR
Myanmar’s Power Grid Meeting Half of Country’s Needs Amid Conflict: Junta
The Irrawaddy | 3rd May
Myanmar is producing about half of the electricity it needs each day, the junta has said, blaming scant rainfall for hydropower, lower natural gas yields and attacks by its opponents on infrastructure.
Rolling power cuts have battered an economy already reeling from unrest sparked by the military’s 2021 coup, most recently causing misery across the country as it bakes in a heatwave.
Myanmar’s electricity grid is producing only 2,800 megawatts of the required 5,443 MW needed each day, according to a statement from the electricity authority released by the junta’s information team late Wednesday.
China Hands Medal and 5m Yuan to Myanmar Junta for Border Crackdown
The Irrawaddy | 29th April
China has provided the Myanmar junta’s police force with 5 million yuan (about US$ 690,000) in assistance and awarded a medal to the visiting home affairs minister – the first time Beijing has honored a top general in the current regime.
Lieutenant-General Yar Pyae wrapped up his week-long trip for talks on law enforcement and security cooperation with Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong on Monday.
Wang bestowed the junta minister with the Golden Great Wall Commemorative Medal, awarded to officials from foreign countries who have made outstanding contributions to protecting the safety of Chinese citizens.
NEPAL
Nepal is committed to liberal economic policy, you are welcome to invest here: PM Dahal
The Himalayan Times | 28th April
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said Nepal is a suitable destination for investment, calling upon the investors from across the globe to seize the opportunity and be benefitted from this. The Prime Minister said this while inaugurating the Nepal Investment Summit 2024 here today. On the occasion, the PM asserted that there are immense opportunities for investment in Nepal and it is potential country for investment from the legal, geographical and strategic perspective as well.
Nepal to grow 3.87 percent, says statistical agency
The Kathmandu Post | 1st May
Nepal is expected to grow by 3.87 percent in the current fiscal year in the optimistic scenario—recovery of trade and robust tourism growth—according to the annual account estimates released by National Statistics Office on Tuesday.
Computed on the basis of this growth rate, Nepal’s gross domestic product (GDP) at the purchaser’s price is estimated to reach Rs 5.70 trillion at the end of the fiscal year in mid-July.
The office’s growth estimate is slightly higher than the Asian Development Bank’s projection of 3.6 percent. The World Bank, on the other hand, has forecasted a growth rate of 3.3 percent.
China grants free visa to Nepali citizens
Onlinekhabar | 28th April
China has announced free visas for Nepali citizens. The Chinese Embassy in Nepal has decided not to charge visa fees for Nepali citizens from May 1.
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song informed that such a decision was taken to promote the relationship between the two countries and to make the service more convenient.
According to him, express fees and service fees will be charged.
Nepal already does not charge visa fees to the Chinese. During his recent visit to China, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha requested the Chinese side to grant free visas to Nepali citizens.
