participating nations impeded the formation of a regional contact group on Afghanistan
Afghanistan Times | 13thApril
The proposal to establish a regional contact group on Afghanistan has faced setbacks due to disagreements among participating countries regarding the presence of some nations.
The initiative to form a regional contact group by António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, came after a two-day conference in Doha in February aimed at charting a roadmap for Afghanistan’s future.
Uncertainty over impending elections could risk Lanka’s economic recovery: ADB
The Island | 16th April
The “uncertainty” over the impending elections in Sri Lanka will cause a possible downward trend in the country’s economic outlook, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said, according to a PTI dispatch.
Sri Lanka is set to face a presidential election in the last quarter of this year, while the parliamentary election is due mid-next year. However, political uncertainty prevails in the country as opposition parties have pledged to reverse the current IMF-linked reforms, which have proved to be unpopular with the masses, the PTI repor says.
Pakistan, IMF discussing new multi-billion-dollar programme, says finance czar
The Express Tribune | 16thApril
Pakistan has initiated discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over a new multi-billion dollar loan agreement to support its economic reform program, said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.
The country is nearing the end of a nine-month, $3 billion loan programme with the IMF designed to tackle a balance-of-payments crisis which brought it to the brink of default last summer.
With the final $1.1 billion tranche of that deal likely to be approved later this month, Pakistan …
PAKISTAN
PM says Islamabad, Riyadh need to work on expediting first phase of Saudi investments
Dawn | 16th April
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said that both Islamabad and Riyadh needed to work closely to expedite the first phase of Saudi investments in Pakistan under the new arrangement.
He made the remarks while meeting Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, who is leading a high powered delegation on an official visit to Pakistan. The delegation had arrived in Pakistan on Monday.
The visit comes days after PM Shehbaz met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where the two sides agreed to expedite the first tranche of a $5 billion Saudi investment package for Pakistan.
Iran-Israel hostilities: Pakistan laments UNSC’s failure to maintain int’l peace, security
The News | 14th April
Reacting to Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel in response to the attack on its embassy in Damascus, Pakistan Sunday termed the development as a reflection of the United Nations Security Council’s (UNSC) inability to its responsibilities of maintaining international peace and security.
Expressing Islamabad’s deep concerns and the need to stabilise the situation and restore peace, the Foreign Office said: “Today’s developments demonstrate the consequences of the breakdown of diplomacy”.
Finance minister meets USPBC delegation in Washington
The Nation | 16th April
Federal Finance and Revenue Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday met a delegation of the US Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) in Washington DC to discuss the government’s commitment to improving the business climate in the country. According to a Finance Ministry press release, the minister during the meeting highlighted govt’s dedication to attracting both foreign and domestic investments in key sectors, including agriculture, IT, mines and minerals, and energy.
SRI LANKA
Debt restructuring with bondholders hits a snag with disagreement on two areas
Daily Mirror | 16th April
Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process with private bondholders is stuck with two aspects of disagreement, whereas it is well underway with bilateral creditors, a top official said yesterday.
Chief of Staff of the President Sagala Ratnayake told journalists that both parties, instructed by respective consultants, held two talks this year with each submitting proposals and counter-proposals.
He said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cited the government’s proposals as compliant, whereas the bondholders’ proposals were not.
NextGenSL facilitates cross-party collaboration
Daily Mirror | 16th April
Marking a landmark initiative aimed at fostering cross-party cooperation, NextGenSL, a platform dedicated to empowering young leaders from the main political camps, convened representatives from 15 political parties for a two-day consultation session.
The gathering culminated in the development of an initial draft for a cross-party governance and economic development framework, signaling a new step forward in Sri Lanka’s political landscape.
Under the auspices of NextGenSL, delegates from diverse political backgrounds engaged in constructive discussions, focusing on key issues concerning governance, economic development, and social progress.
AFGHANISTAN
Iran’s exports to Afghanistan reach $1.8 billion with 13% increase
The Khaama Press | 15th April
Iranian media has reported that Iran’s non-oil exports to Afghanistan reached $1.871 billion in the past solar year, indicating a 13.6% increase compared to the previous year.
Hossein Roustaei, Iran’s commercial attaché in Afghanistan, stated on Sunday, April 14th, that Iran’s non-oil exports to Afghanistan in the last solar year 1402 reached $1.871 billion, showing a 13.6% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.
Iran’s commercial attaché in Afghanistan stated, “The value of Iran’s non-oil exports to Afghanistan increased by $224 million in the past twelve months and by 963,000 tons in weight, reaching a total value of $1.871 billion in the year 1402 and a weight of 3,414 tons, showing a 28% increase in weight compared to the previous year.”
Flood Casualties, Financial Damages Increase
TOLO News | 17th April
The Ministry of Disaster Management reported that the death toll from the floods in the last six days has risen to 70 people, with another 56 injured.
Janan Saiq, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Disaster Management, provided details about the damages caused by the floods, stating that over 2,500 homes have been destroyed and more than 2,000 livestock have died.
Saiq said: “As a result of the floods across Afghanistan, approximately 70 people have died and 56 others have been injured. In these incidents, 2,627 homes have been completely or partially destroyed, and 3 mosques and 4 schools have also been included in this devastation. As a result of these floods, 2,017 livestock have died.”
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh, Greece vow to strengthen bilateral ties further
Prothom Alo | 16th April
Foreign minister Hasan Mahmud and his Greek counterpart George Gerapetritis vowed to forge bilateral cooperation in different areas including migration and mobility, trade and investment, shipping, manpower and recruitment, development of renewable and alternative energy infrastructure.
The expressed the commitment during a bilateral meeting in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the 9th Our Ocean Conference from 15 to 17 April, according to a press release.
They also expressed satisfaction at the continuous cooperation and excellent bilateral relations between the two nations.
Indian foreign secy due in Dhaka April 20
Bangladesh Post | 17th April
Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra is likely to pay an official visit to Bangladesh on Saturday to discuss and review the entire gamut of bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Apart from his bilateral talks with his Bangladesh counterpart Masud Bin Momen, the Indian foreign secretary is due to meet Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud, a diplomatic source told UNB.
However, details of his visit are yet to be known.
The government of India in March extended Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra’s tenure by six months.
PM Hasina to make historic first official visit to Thailand
Dhaka Tribune | 18th April
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Thailand will be an official one at the invitation of her counterpart Srettha Thavisin from April 24 to 29.
This will be the first-ever visit at the level of head of government from Bangladesh to Thailand since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, both sides said in a joint statement.
This will also be her first official visit to any country after assuming power for the fourth straight terms.
“The visit is significant for both Bangladesh and Thailand as it will open new windows of cooperation between the two friendly countries.”
BHUTAN
RCSC plans to revamp work culture amid surge in civil servant resignations
Kuensel | 17th April
The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) has been challenged with a surge in the number of civil servants attrition every year, forcing the Commission to reconsider its approach to work and foster a more adaptable environment for the future workforce.
A total of 5,202 civil servants exited the civil service in 2023, marking a sharp increase compared to 2,646 in 2022 and 1,504 in 2021. Among these resignations, the highest number over the past three years were voluntary resignations.
The spike in voluntary resignations highlights either the civil service’s inability to cultivate a supportive work environment or its failure to attract and retain employees, revealing its inadequacy in adapting to the evolving times and meeting employees’ needs.
Experts say Bhutan should diversify exports to reduce tariff
The Business Bhutan | 16th April
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has estimated the country’s balance of payment (BoP) for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 at Nu 29.08 billion (B) and Nu 8.13B for the FY 2024-2025. According to the Ministry, the external sector of Bhutan has registered an overall deficit of about Nu 29B in FY 2022-2023 as per the provisional data. The gross international reserve at the end of the FY was USD 573.6 million (M). Meanwhile, experts from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have called for studies to diversify exports and increase the number of tourists visiting Bhutan.
In addition, the Ministry has stated that for the FY 2022-2023, the gross international reserve was sufficient to finance 14.8 months of essential imports.
MALDIVES
Challenges caused by debt are high, but the nation will overcome it: Shafeeq
The Edition | 17th April
Many were doubtful of the Maldives’ financial status when the recent new administration had assumed office. A single look at the statistics clearly reveals that the nation is in great financial strife.
Consequently, the most prominent hurdles currently faced by the Minister of Finance, Mohamed Shafeeq is also the country’s impending debt alongside the reckless expenditures of the former government.
Speaking with Mihaaru News during his first ever exclusive interview to an online media since assuming office, these were the two things he had prominently highlighted.
India imposes port restrictions for Maldives essential imports
Sun | 17th April
The Indian government has imposed port restrictions on the export of prohibited or restricted essential commodities to the Maldives.
India has imposed this restriction according to a notification from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
As per the new policy, export of essential commodities to the Maldives will now be permitted only through four customs stations; which are the Mundra Sea Port, Tuticorin Sea Port, Nhava Sheva Sea Port, and the ICD Tughlakabad according to the DGFT notice.
Gov’t signs MoU to redevelop Kadhdhoo Airport as an int’l airport
Raajje | 13th April
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to redevelop Kadhdhoo Airport as an international airport.
The agreement was signed on Thursday as part of a recent trip President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu conducted to several islands of Laamu atoll. The MoU was signed at a ceremony held in Fonadhoo.
The ceremony also saw the initiation of land reclamation and coastal protection efforts to support the development of the Kadhdhoo Airport.
Further, a contract was awarded for the Laamu Maritime Hub Development, which was also inaugurated at the ceremony.
The MoU was signed between the government of Maldives and China CAMC Engineering Co. Ltd.
MYANMAR
China Ramps Up Pressure for Myanmar Peace Talks as Junta Loses More Ground
The Irrawaddy | 17th April
Beijing has urged all warring parties in Myanmar to halt hostilities and begin peace talks after escalating clashes saw the military regime lose more territory including another major border town last week.
The message came as Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed inquiries on recent developments in Myanmar, including the fall of Myawaddy, at a press briefing on Tuesday.
Asked by a Reuters reporter whether Beijing would be more open to engaging with resistance groups that are gaining ground in Myanmar, the spokesman said:
“China calls on all parties to stop the fighting, resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation and in peaceful means, and avoid any escalation of the situation.”
Jailed Myanmar Leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Moved to House Arrest: Source
The Irrawaddy | 17th April
Myanmar’s junta has moved jailed democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from prison to house arrest, a source told AFP on Wednesday.
The 78-year-old Nobel laureate is serving a 27-year sentence for a host of criminal convictions ranging from corruption to breaching COVID-19 rules.
Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has largely been hidden from view since the military detained her as they seized power in a 2021 coup, and she has reportedly suffered health problems.
A military source speaking on condition of anonymity said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and former president U Win Myint had been moved from prison to house arrest.
NEPAL
16 hydel projects under development in Tamor river
The Himalayan Times | 18th April
The district of Taplejung has received a huge investment in hydropower projects in Tamor river, the main river in the district, and other rivers. Officials shared that 16 hydroelectricity projects are under construction in Tamor river and as high as 1,654.51 megawatt of power is expected to be generated. According to the Department of Electricity Development, 14 hydropower projects in the river are exclusively based in Phaktanglung Rural Municipality and two other projects are in other local levels.
Likewise, four hydropower projects are being constructed in Mewakhola (river) that flows through Mikwakhola Rural Municipality. The projects in Mewakhola are expected to produce 178.42 megawatt of power.
US agency to provide technical help to carry out micronutrient status survey
The Kathmandu Post | 18th April
In an exercise to know the status of vitamin A, iron, folic acid, iodine, zinc and the condition of anaemia in the population, the Ministry of Health and Population will carry out a national micronutrient status survey.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States has agreed to provide technical help while the USAID has agreed to provide financial support to the survey, officials said.
Lila Bikram Thapa, chief of the Nutrition Section at the Family Welfare Division of the Department of Health Services, said the nationwide study will help the government and policymakers to formulate policies.
NEPSE: Stock market fell below 2000 points, decline in all indicators
Onlinekhabar | 16th April
The NEPSE index has dropped from the 2000 mark which is considered as an important support by stock investors. On Tuesday, the NEPSE index decreased by 14.81 points compared to the previous day and remained at 1991 points. Since March 3, NEPSE has been above 2000.
The transaction amount has decreased to Rs 2.10 billion. The previous day, there was a turnover of Rs 2.79 billion. Today, while the price of 42 companies increased, 200 decreased while two remained stable. The indicators of all groups have decreased.
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