Taliban excluded from SCO meetings amidst disagreements
Afghanistan Times | 2nd June
Despite Afghanistan’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Taliban have not been invited to participate in its meetings, as detailed in a recent analysis by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). The exclusion stems from internal disagreements among SCO members, particularly between Pakistan and India, regarding how to engage with the Taliban.
Carla Freeman, a USIP expert, highlighted the focus on Afghan stability during last week’s SCO foreign ministers’ meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Shehbaz lands in China’s tech hub with lofty plans
Dawn | 5th June
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Shenzhen on Tuesday as he kicked off a five-day visit to China.
This is the premier’s first visit to China following the Feb 8 elections, and will likely see the inauguration of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and a number of agreements being signed between the two countries.
In Shenzhen, which is a hub for innovation, technology and research-led companies, the prime minister met Meng Fanli, party secretary of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee,…
IMF Board to review Sri Lanka’s economic progress on June 12
Daily Mirror | 3rd June
The Article IV consultation and second review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Sri Lanka are on the IMF Board meeting agenda for June 12.
State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said the session will evaluate Sri Lanka’s economic policies and reform progress.
“We look forward for continued support of all countries for a successful review to unlock the third tranche, which will further enhance economic stability, growth, and reform efforts. The IMF Executive Board will take up Sri Lanka’s EFF second review on 12th June,” he said.
PAKISTAN
Rs18tr budget set to be unveiled on June 12
The Express Tribune | 5th June
The federal government is set to present the budget for the financial year 2024-25 on June 12. The total outlay of the budget is around Rs18 trillion.
The federal government will table the budget for FY24-25 in parliament after seeking approval from the cabinet. The cabinet meeting will also make a decision over an increase in salaries and pensions for government employees.
Before tabling the budget in parliament, approval will be sought from the Economic Coordination Committee on June 10 for the PSDP and annual development funds for the next fiscal while the National Economic Survey for the current financial year will be presented on June 11.
Govt ‘mulls’ restoring six-day work week
The News | 4th June
The federal government is deliberating on abolishing Saturday off-day in the government offices and six-day work week would be restored after a formal approval of the cabinet members, Geo News reported citing sources.
The Cabinet Division has sought recommendations from all ministries which would be referred to the federal cabinet for the final decision, the sources said, adding that desired outcomes were not achieved by observing five-day work week in the government offices.
It is noteworthy to mention here that the federal cabinet had approved two-day weekly holidays in the government offices in 2022 under an energy conservation plan as the country is still facing severe energy crisis which usually spikes during the summer season.
Naval Chief for addressing grave threats to marine ecosystems
The Nation | 5th June
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf on Tuesday demanded the stakeholders and nation as a whole to address the grave threats to marine ecosystems due to the anthropogenic activities posing serious risk to marine life and ecology. In his message in connection with the World Environment Day issued by the Pakistan Navy, the Admiral said, “World Environment Day’ (WED) is observed on 5th of June each year and calls for protecting our natural surroundings. The day, celebrated under the ambit of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) marks an occasion to raise awareness on the challenges facing our environment such as; pollution, illegal wildlife trade, unsustainable consumption, rising sea levels and food insecurity.” This year’s theme for the WED is ‘Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience’.
SRI LANKA
The Island | 4th June
State Minister for Rural Roads Development, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan expressed confidence in President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s ability to lead the country out of the economic crisis and onto the right track. He emphasized that with the people’s support, the President would be able to build a strong economy if re-elected.
Additionally, Chandrakanthan noted that the President has directed the allocation of around Rs.03 billion for the immediate repair of roads damaged by the recent flood due to adverse weather conditions.
The State Minister made these remarks while addressing the press briefing themed “Collective Path to a Stable Country” held at the Presidential Media Centre today (04).
Death toll due to inclement weather rises to 30: State Minister
Daily Mirror | 5th June
The death toll due to the inclement weather has gone up to 30 as of today with one death being reported this morning, State Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon said.
He told Parliament that Rs. 25,000 has been granted to the families of the deceased for the funerals while discussions are in progress to grant another payment of compensation to the families of the deceased.
Responding to a question by SLPP MP Akila Ellawala, he said 71 houses have been completely damaged while some 93,770 houses have been partially damaged.
The Minister said steps have been taken to estimate the damages caused to the houses and that compensation will be paid to the affected after completing the estimating process.
AFGHANISTAN
UN: Majority of Afghans experiencing economic shock
The Khaama Press | 5th June
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in its seasonal report, highlights the inability of people to afford necessities and consecutive droughts as two significant economic shocks in Afghanistan. The report states that many families have no income and live on loans.
This recently published FAO report was compiled through direct conversations with thousands of people across Afghanistan. It covers the period from January 24 to February 29 of this year.
According to this report’s findings, most people in Afghanistan have been shocked by the high cost of food and droughts (60% due to high food prices and 58% due to drought). Additionally, 10% of people are living without any income.
Indonesian Delegation Visits Kabul to Discuss Investment Opportunities
TOLO News | 3rd June
An Indonesian delegation arrived in Kabul yesterday (Sunday) and met with the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Administrative Deputy of the Prime Minister’s Office.
During their meetings with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Administrative Deputy of the Prime Minister’s Office, the delegation members promised to invest in the health, education, and mining sectors in Afghanistan.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said: “This delegation came to see the situation in Afghanistan and to establish economic cooperation, trade, and investment. Their desire was that the people of Indonesia, due to their sentiments towards Afghanistan, want to strengthen their relations.”
BANGLADESH
PM Hasina stresses diversification of tea to earn more foreign currencies
Prothom Alo | 4th June
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has asked all concerned to add value to tea instead of only selling tea leaves in bulk as the demand for diversified tea products is increasing globally.
“People’s taste has now changed. Different kinds of tea are now available. Produce aroma tea. The demand for teas having various flavours is now very high globally. Special attention is required to this end alongside producing tea,” she said.
The prime minister was inaugurating the tea festival as the chief guest marking celebration of the 4th “National Tea Day 2024” at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Tuesday.
She also conferred the National Tea Award 2024 on different persons, organisations and companies in eight categories.
The prime minister asked the tea garden owners and tea businessmen to add value to the tea.
PM to visit India June 21-22, China July 9-12
Bangladesh Post | 4th June
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to embark on bilateral visits to New Delhi and Beijing in June and July, marking her two important engagements after sweeping the January 7 national election.
These visits are aimed at deepening Bangladesh’s connections with India and China, Asia’s two leading economic powers.
The prime minister will pay an official visit to New Delhi on June 21-22 while she will pay her visit to Beijing on July 9-12, a senior Bangladeshi official told UNB, noting that these are dates as of now.
Following the formation of the new government, Hasina attended the Munich Security Conference in a multilateral visit to Germany in February, highlighting her active engagement on the global stage.
Denmark finances €300m in water infrastructure in Bangladesh
Dhaka Tribune | 5th June
Denmark continues to support Bangladesh in addressing the growing need of clean water for the increasing population of Dhaka, providing finances €300 million in water infrastructure in Bangladesh – one of the largest in the world.
Dhaka Wasa is in charge of implementation of the expansion of surface water treatment facilities at Saidabad Water Treatment Plant through Phase III of the project.
Through the Saidabad Water Treatment Plant Project (SWTPP), Denmark is financing the design and construction of the plant.
The Danish government is providing the loan to the Government of Bangladesh through Danida Sustainable Infrastructure Finance (DSIF).
BHUTAN
Recruitment of foreign nurses sparks concerns among health workers
Kuensel | 5th June
As the Royal Civil Service Commission approves the recruitment of foreign nurses, health workers, including doctors and nurses, share concerns about how it will affect the morale of local health workforce.
Doctors at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH) say the decision will have several repercussions.
A doctor said integrating foreign nurses into the Bhutanese system would be challenging. “It will be difficult for them to cope with our system, and familiarising them with how things are done at the national hospital might be challenging,” he said.
Bhutan Reduces SDF for the First 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists
Daily Bhutan | 5th June
The Royal Government of Bhutan has announced that the first 15,000 Bangladeshi tourists visiting Bhutan each year can pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 15 per day starting June 2. This amount is equivalent to the Rs 1,200 currently levied on Indian tourists. If the number of Bangladeshi tourists exceeds 15,000 in a year, the remaining tourists will have to pay the usual USD 100 SDF per day.
Following the implementation of the new tourism policy in September 2022, Bangladeshi tourists visiting Bhutan have had to pay the SDF of USD 200 per day.
GMC – Going beyond Economic Prosperity
Business Bhutan | 5th June
It would be shortsighted to think we must contemplate about our country only during special occasions. Nonetheless, these moments serve as poignant reminders of the visionary paths our Kings have taken to elevate the lives of their people. June 2nd, the coronation day of His Majesty the Fourth King, presents us with a solemn opportunity to reflect on his reign—the triumphs and the trials alike. On December 9, 2006, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo abdicated, entrusting the reins of governance to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. In doing so, he handed over a nation he had tirelessly nurtured—not just to His Majesty, but to us, the people of Bhutan.
His Majesty the King has frequently spoken about this monumental transition, most recently during National Day last year when the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) was unveiled.
MALDIVES
Maldives is a valued partner and neighbour: Indian Prime Minister Modi
The Edition | 5th June
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Maldives is a valued partner and neighbour in the Indian Ocean region.
Modi made this comment in his response to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s congratulatory message on the social media platform X, on his victory in the Indian General Election 2024, securing a third term.
Congratulating on the election win, President Muizzu expressed hopes for collaboration in enhancing the shared goals in development and stability of Maldives and India.
Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef also extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Modi and the ruling party BJP on their victory in the elections.
Maldives-Lanka discuss combatting illegal fishing
Sun | 6th June
he Foreign Ministers of the Maldives and Sri Lanka have discussed on working together to combat illega, unregulated and unreported fishing activities in the countries’ respective EEZs and beyond.
The discussions were held on Wednesday during Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visit to his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry. Zameer is currently visit Lanka on an official trip.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Zameer said that the two South Asian allies talked about taking stringent measures against illegal fisheries activities since the two countries are “greatly dependent on fishing”.
Zameer further added that the Maldives is pleased to offer transfer of knowledge on sustainable pole and line fishing to Sri Lankan fishermen.
EU provides € 6.5 million to strengthen blue economy of Maldives
Raajje | 3rd June
The European Union (EU) has pledged 6.5 million Euros to the government of Maldives.
Maldives and EU signed a financial agreement to allocate 6.5 million Euros in funds to strengthen the blue economy of the island nation, on Sunday.
Following the signing ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer and Deputy Managing Director of the Asia and Pacific Department of the European External Action Service Paola Pampaloni sat down for discussions, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Discussions revolved around the significant developments that have been brought forward through the cooperation between Maldives and EU.
MYANMAR
Myanmar’s Multibillion-Dollar Jade Trade ‘Crashing’ as China Clamps Down
The Irrawaddy | 5th June
Myanmar’s multibillion-dollar jade market is collapsing under pressure from China’s crackdown on illicit border trade, according to sources. Jade sales in Mandalay at the country’s biggest gems market have slowed to a near halt since late February as Beijing clamps down on border telecom scams and tax fraud, traders said.
“Chinese authorities are investigating companies and merchants and making arrests. This is hitting the jade market in Myanmar,” a jade trader in Mandalay said.
Tighter controls on money transfers imposed by China and the junta were adding to the impact, the trader said.
Myanmar’s jade trade was estimated to be worth about US $31 billion in 2014 by transparency campaigner Global Witness.
Myanmar NUG Says Junta Has Printed 30 Trillion Kyats, Crashing Currency
The Irrawaddy | 5th June
Myanmar’s military junta has printed approximately 30 trillion kyats in the three years since its coup attempt, causing the value of the currency to fall drastically, according to both the civilian National Unity Government (NUG) and Australian economist Sean Turnell.
“While there may be other contributing factors to the decline in the value of the Myanmar currency, the fundamental cause remains the junta regime’s massive issuance of nearly 30,000 billion kyats since the coup attempt until today,” said U Tin Tun Naing, the NUG’s Union Minister for Planning, Finance, and Industry.
He spoke during a press conference held on Monday, alongside Sean Turnell, an Australian economist and former adviser to detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
NEPAL
Nepal to be developed a tourism hub: DPM Shrestha
The Himalayan Times | 3rd June
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayankaji Shrestha expressed the government’s commitment to develop Nepal a tourism hub. He said this at dinner reception hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nepal Tourism Board, Gandaki province office to welcome the ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions of different countries on the occasion of 74th Annapurna Day in Pokhara on Sunday. A target has been set to attract 1.6 million tourists next year, he said the government was working to identify and promote new tourism destinations.
“The government is planning to develop tourism circuit along with the identification of new destinations and trekking routes”, the DPM noted.
Prime Minister Dahal to attend Modi’s swearing-in
The Kathmandu Post | 6th June
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will witness the swearing-in of Narendra Modi as Indian prime minister on Saturday.
Amrit Rai, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed with the Post that Prime Minister Dahal will visit New Delhi to attend the oath-taking ceremony.
Rai said the foreign ministry is finalising the delegates who will travel with the prime minister to the Indian capital city.
Modi will assume office as prime minister for a historic third consecutive term after the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 293 seats in the recent elections.
Nepal enhances disaster preparedness with new systems and initiatives
Onlinekhabar | 6th June
Nepal is stepping up its disaster preparedness with the installation of a state-of-the-art AI landslide forecasting system, the launch of a toll-free disaster emergency number, and the introduction of a comprehensive Monsoon Preparedness and Response Plan.
The new AI system, SAFE-RISCCS, is set to be installed in landslide-prone regions. Developed by scientists from the University of Melbourne, Tribhuvan University, and the University of Florence, in collaboration with Nepal’s government and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this system analyses satellite images and ground motion data to predict landslides accurately. “This initiative is crucial for early warning and better preparedness,” said Professor Antoinette Tordesillas from the University of Melbourne.
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