Xi’s speech at 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting: Xinhuanet

November 18, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech titled “Shouldering Responsibility and Working Together in Solidarity to Build an Asia-Pacific Community with a Shared Future” here Friday at the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

The following is the speech: Click here to read…

China releases rules for management of foreign institutional investor funds in bond market: Xinhuanet

November 18, 2022

China’s financial authorities have released regulations to optimize fund management requirements for foreign institutional investors in the country’s bond market. The regulations, effective from Jan. 1, 2023, were jointly released by the People’s Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange to facilitate the opening-up of the domestic bond market. Click here to read…

China steps up rural employment support policy: Xinhuanet

November 18, 2022

China on Friday released a guideline to bolster employment and entrepreneurship prospects of rural migrant workers, as well as rural residents that have newly shaken off poverty. Click here to read…

Former senior provincial legislator of Hebei prosecuted: Xinhuanet

November 18, 2022

Xie Jilai, former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of Hebei Provincial People’s Congress, has been indicted on bribe-taking charges. Click here to read…

Full text of Xi’s written speech at APEC CEO Summit: Qiushi

November 18, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a written speech titled “Staying Committed to and Jointly Promoting Development to Bring Asia-Pacific Cooperation to New Heights” here Thursday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit. Click here to read…

13 Chinese provinces see negative growth in population: Global Times

November 18, 2022

Some 13 Chinese provinces had negative rates of natural increase (RNI) in population in 2021, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics. With a net population increase of only 480,000 people in 2021, the lowest since 1962, China is very close to the warning line of negative population growth. Click here to read…

Full text: Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of Thailand: Xinhuanet

November 19, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday held talks with Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha here, with both sides reaching a consensus on building a China-Thailand community with a shared future. Click here to read…

Xi calls for free, open trade at APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting: Xinhuanet

November 19, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Saturday that free and open trade and investment is among the purposes and principles of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and an important pillar in the realization of the Putrajaya Vision 2040. Click here to read…

Xi announces 3rd Belt & Road forum to be held in 2023, calls on Asia-Pacific to up: Global Times

November 19, 2022

Addressing the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping commended economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific over the past several decades that has led to an “Asia-Pacific miracle,” and called for the joint building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future and taking Asia-Pacific cooperation to a new height. Click here to read…

Frontier Chinese aviation, aerospace technologies displayed at Airshow China 2022: People’s Daily

November 19, 2022

The 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China 2022, was held at the Zhuhai International Airshow Center, Zhuhai, south China’s Guangdong province, between Nov. 8 and 13. Click here to read…

Germany plans to tighten rules for firms highly dependent on China: Reuters

November 19, 2022

Germany’s foreign ministry plans to tighten the rules for companies deeply exposed to China, making them disclose more information and possibly conduct stress tests for geopolitical risks, a confidential draft document seen by Reuters said. Click here to read…

China pushes back on FBI claims of Chinese ‘police stations’ in U.S.: Reuters

November 19, 2022

China on Friday pushed back on claims it was operating ‘police stations’ on U.S. soil, calling the sites volunteer-run, after the FBI director said he was “very concerned” about unauthorized stations that have been linked to Beijing’s influence operations. Click here to read…

Beijing reports continued rise in cases: China Daily

November 20, 2022

Both the number of new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections and cases detected at the community level in Beijing have shown a significant increase in recent days, with further expansion of affected areas, a senior official said on Sunday. Click here to read…

Chinese PV giant breaks world record for silicon solar cell efficiency: Global Times

November 20, 2022

China has achieved a new world efficiency record at 26.81 percent for silicon solar cells, according to the certification report of Institut für Solarenergieforschung in Hameln, Chinese solar giant LONGi Green Energy Technology Co said on Saturday. Click here to read…

China’s public security department officially reports first domestic NFT scam case: Global Times

November 20, 2022

The police department in Shangqiu, Central China’s Henan Province recently cracked down on a non-fungible token (NFT) collection scam case involving more than 2.65 million yuan , the Chengdu Economic Daily reported on SundayClick here to read…

E. Asia chipmakers see high-tech decoupling with China inevitable: Kyodo

November 20, 2022

Major players in the semiconductor supply chain in East Asia appear to be seeing it as inevitable for them to decouple with China in advanced industries involving sensitive technology, given concerns about the rapid pace of Beijing’s military modernization. Click here to read…

Xi seeks diplomacy with Asian leaders: Taipei Times

November 20, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping has used his first face-to-face meetings with the US’ Asia-Pacific allies since 2020 to try to forge diplomatic inroads as Washington pushes back against Beijing’s influence in the region. Click here to read…

Projects worth billions USD inked at China-South Asia Exposition: Xinhuanet

November 21, 2022

A total of 169 projects with an investment of over 400 billion yuan (about 56.3 billion U.S. dollars) were signed on Sunday during the sixth China-South Asia Exposition and the 26th China Kunming Import and Export Fair. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 2,277 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

November 21, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Sunday reported 2,277 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said Monday. Altogether 24,547 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

China ‘open’ to potential military talks with US in Cambodia: China Daily

November 21, 2022

There could be an opportunity for China and the United States to conduct high-level military talks during the upcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, with China signaling an open and positive attitude toward the subject, experts said. Click here to read…

Hong Kong leader tests positive for COVID after APEC summit: Reuters

November 21, 2022

Hong Kong’s chief executive, John Lee, has tested positive for COVID-19 after returning from an Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit in Bangkok, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders. Click here to read…

CCP ramping up Taiwan focus, says report: Taipei Times

November 21, 2022

The Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) appointment of two generals from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) Eastern Theater Command to its Central Military Commission signals that Beijing is heightening its military preparedness regarding Taiwan, a report said. Click here to read…

Tibet starts building first county-level rooftop PV power generation project: Xinhuanet

November 17, 2022

Southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region on Wednesday started the construction of a county-level distributed photovoltaic (PV) power generation project on rooftops, the first of its kind in the region. Click here to read…

Former Chinese senior discipline inspector stands trial for bribery: Xinhuanet

November 17, 2022

Liu Yanping, a former senior discipline inspector, stood trial for bribery on Thursday at the Intermediate People’s Court of Changchun City in Jilin Province. Liu was formerly head of the discipline inspection and supervision team sent to the Ministry of State Security by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision. Click here to read…

Former senior discipline inspector charged with taking bribes: China Daily

November 17, 2022

Liu Yanping, a former senior discipline inspector, was charged with taking bribes of 234 million yuan ($32.8 million) on his first trial in Changchun Intermediate People’s Court Thursday, when he pleaded guilty. Click here to read…

China sets up national university for aged, to ‘build lifelong learning society’: Global Times

November 17, 2022

China’s Ministry of Education released a notice on Thursday that it has decided to set up a national university for the aged, a move that experts believe is intended to cope with the aging society and build a lifelong learning society. Click here to read…

U.S. imposes new sanctions over Iran sanctions evasion, targets Chinese firms: Reuters

November 17, 2022

The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on over a dozen companies based in China, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates that Washington accused of facilitating the sale of Iranian petrochemicals and petroleum products to buyers in East Asia. Click here to read…

Foxconn hires over 100,000 workers for COVID-hit Chinese plant – Yicai: Reuters

November 17, 2022

Apple (AAPL.O) supplier Foxconn has hit a hiring target of 100,000 new workers for its Zhengzhou plant in China, financial news outlet Yicai reported on Thursday, a milestone that could ease production pressure at the COVID-hit site. Yicai, citing an unidentified high-ranking staffer at the plant, said Foxconn had received more than 100,000 job applications so far and was ending its latest hiring drive. Click here to read…

Anti-corruption chief at Chinese spy agency admits taking US$33 million in bribes: South China Morning Post

November 17, 2022

A former anti-corruption chief at China’s national spy agency has pleaded guilty to bribery.
Liu Yanping, 67, appeared before Changchun Intermediate People’s Court in the northeastern province of Jilin on Thursday, charged with accepting more than 234 million yuan. The court said that Liu, the former disciplinary chief at the Ministry of State Security, had pleaded guilty and expressed repentance. The court was adjourned and he will be sentenced at a later date. Click here to read…

Paper calls for ethical governance of artificial intelligence: China Daily

November 18, 2022

China has shared its positions on the supervision, development and use of artificial intelligence, as well as on related international cooperation, in a paper that calls for strengthened ethical governance of AI, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday. Click here to read…

No efforts spared to stop virus in Guangzhou: China Daily

November 18, 2022

Medical workers are going all out to treat critical and severely ill patients with COVID-19 while sparing no effort to halt the spread of the virus in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, a local senior health official said on Thursday. Zhang Yi, deputy director and spokeswoman of the Guangzhou Health Commission, said an expert consultation system has been set up in accordance with patients’ health conditions and they are being treated with traditional Chinese and Western medicines. Click here to read…

FBI director ‘very concerned’ by Chinese ‘police stations’ in U.S.: Reuters

November 18, 2022

The United States is deeply concerned about the Chinese government setting up unauthorized ‘police stations’ in U.S. cities to possibly pursue influence operations, FBI Director Christopher Wray told lawmakers on Thursday. Safeguard Defenders, a Europe-based human rights organization, published a report in September revealing the presence of dozens of Chinese police “service stations” in major cities around the world, including New York. Click here to read…

Second child dies in China virus isolation: Taipei Times

November 18, 2022

Chinese authorities faced more public anger yesterday after a second child’s death was blamed on overzealous anti-virus enforcement, adding to frustration at controls that are confining millions of people to their homes and sparked fights with health workers. Click here to read…

China to step up internet censorship with stricter rules for social media and streaming sites: South China Morning Post

November 18, 2022

Chinese social media and web video platforms must approve all news-related comments before they go online and step up training for censors to keep out “harmful” content, according to new regulations taking effect on December 15. The new law, an updated and approved version of the 2017 Regulations on the Administration of Internet Post Comment Services, was publicised by the Chinese internet watchdog on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Full text of Xi’s written speech at APEC CEO Summit: Xinhuanet

November 18, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a written speech titled “Staying Committed to and Jointly Promoting Development to Bring Asia-Pacific Cooperation to New Heights” here Thursday at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit. Click here to read…

Data reveals China’s continued attractiveness to foreign investment: Qiushi

November 18, 2022

China has retained its strong appeal to foreign businesses, with capital inflows continuing to grow steadily in the first 10 months of this year despite gloomy investment sentiment around the globe. Click here to read…

Xi says China committed to building Asia-Pacific community with shared future: China Military

November 18, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored on Thursday that China is committed to promoting the building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, and will do more to enhance the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Foreign Airlines’ Use of Afghan Airspace is Increasing, Say Aviation Author: Tolo News

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) said that the number of flights passing through Afghanistan’s airspace has increased compared to the past six months. Click here to read…

Taliban Orders Full Implementation of Sharia Law in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

The Islamic Emirate leader Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada ordered judges to fully implement Shaira law on criminals, according to sources, months after the group leadership announced the need for preserving Islamic values. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

A watershed moment for Bangladesh-US relations?: Dhaka Tribune

The military junta of West Pakistan organized among the most brutal genocides in history on March 25, 1971 with a plan to crush the Bengali nation. On a single day, around 50,000 people were massacred across the country. Click here to read…

Health minister: Population growth rate decreases significantly in Bangladesh: Dhaka Tribune

Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Monday said Bangladesh has been successful for controlling population growth rate as the current population increasing is now 1.22%. “Population growth rate has decreased significantly as the government of Bangladesh has been implementing various effective family planning programme since 2009,” he told a meeting titled “Population and Development” in Pattaya of Thailand, an official release said. Click here to read…

Bhutan

RCSC will provide Nu 10,000 for childbirth for civil servants – Kuensel Online

The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) will pay Nu 10,000 to every civil servant on the birth of a child under the Civil Servant’s Welfare Scheme (CSWS). This was decided during its 160th Commission meeting held on November 9. It was an effort to explore avenues to introduce additional welfare benefits to cater to the emerging needs of the civil servants under the CSWS. Click here to read…

Canada govt. to offer biometrics service in Thimphu this month – Kuensel Online

The Embassy of Canada in New Delhi on November 24 and 25 will offer biometrics collection services for visa applicants at the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Thimphu. According to a press release from the embassy, the biometrics collection service is offered to those living in or who can legally enter Thimphu and have applied for a visitor visa, study or work permits, or permanent residence. Click here to read…

Maldives

President Solih sends greetings on 55th anniversary of Maldives-Japan ties – Raajje

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has extended greetings on the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Japan. The president sent his greetings to the Emperor of Japan, H.M. Naruhito, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida on the occasion on Monday. President Solih told H.M. Naruhito that over the course of the past decades, Japan has proven to be one of the most “steadfast” and “reliable” development partners to the Maldives. Click here to read…

Discussions held on opening an Australian High Commission in the Maldives – Raajje

The new High Commissioner of Australia to the Republic of Maldives, Paul Wesley Stephens and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has held discussions on opening an Australian High Commission in the Maldives. High Commissioner Paul presented his credentials to the President during a ceremony held at the President’s Office, on Monday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s Most Powerful Ethnic Group Rejects Junta’s 2023 Poll Plan – The Irrawaddy

The Karen National Union (KNU) political wing of Myanmar’s oldest ethnic armed group has rejected the junta’s plan for a national election next year, calling it an attempt to legitimize military rule. The rejection came on Friday at a public meeting of the KNU-led National Unity Committee of Karen Ethnic Armed Groups held in Takaw village, Hlaingbwe township, Karen State. The meeting was attended by leaders of Karen armed groups, religious groups, Karen political parties, and over 1,500 people. Click here to read…

It’s Time to Take the Gloves Off on Myanmar – The Diplomat

When G-20 leaders meet on the resort island of Bali this week, Russia’s war in Ukraine will undoubtedly dominate the conversation. But U.S. President Joe Biden should also use the G-20 to address another conflict unfolding much closer to Bali, as the people of Myanmar valiantly resist an illegitimate junta that is unleashing a campaign of violent repression, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. To date, the United States has taken an equivocal approach to the crisis raging in Myanmar. This visit presents a perfect opportunity to make clear that the U.S. and its international allies support the Myanmar peoples’ struggle for democracy by announcing new financial measures aimed at pressuring the corrupt, criminal junta responsible for these atrocities. Click here to read…

Biden, Xi start summit with vow to avoid conflict – Mizzima

Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping opened their high-stakes summit in Bali with a handshake on Monday, and with both men stressing the need to manage differences and avoid conflict. Biden says he looks forward to having “continuing and ongoing open and honest dialogue” while Xi urges “finding the correct direction” in developing mutual relationship. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal reduces power export to India as production dips – Kathmandu Post

On Monday, the NEA exported 230MW to the southern neighbour, although Nepal is authorised to sell over 400MW of electricity in the Indian market. Recently, the NEA started exporting the power generated also by the Chilime (22.1MW) and Solukhola (23.5MW) hydropower projects. The total installed capacity of hydropower projects in Nepal is over 2,200MW, according to the NEA. But, the state-owned power utility said that available output at the moment is around 1,550MW as projects’ output fluctuates depending on water levels of rivers and production dips to the lowest especially during winter. Domestic peak demands of the electricity on Monday stood at 1,418MW. Click here to read…

China company to build Nepal road linking India border – Economic Times

The Nepal Army has awarded the contract for the sixth package of the Kathmandu-Terai-Madhesh Expressway to China First Highway Engineering, sidestepping an Indian firm, less than 10 days before the general elections in the country. On November 11, the Nepal Army, which is in charge of the project, issued a letter of intent to China First Highway Engineering that was earlier disqualified in the tender but later made a backdoor entry despite lacking technical expertise, according to people in the know. The companies whose proposals have been rejected are preparing to approach court against the decision, ET has learnt. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Lawmakers want Imran to pay for ‘US plot’ allegations: Dawn

Treasury members, including two federal ministers, lambasted Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in the National Assembly on Monday for “taking a U-turn on the cipher issue”, declaring that the ex-premier would have to pay a “political price” for his “lies and false narrative” regarding the US-backed regime change conspiracy. Click here to read…

Pakistan out of UK’s ‘high-risk countries’ list: Dawn

The United Kingdom has removed Pakistan from its ‘high-risk third countries’ list through a statutory instrument, effectively meaning the UK foreign office recognises the progress Pakistan has made to be removed from FATF’s grey list. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

IGP, Public Security Ministry Secy summoned by SLHRC: Daily Mirror

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Public Security Ministry Secretary were summoned by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (SLHRC) to inquire into possible violations of human rights following the arbitrary actions by policemen these days. Click here to read…

Budget 2023 sticks to reform path with IMF nod pending: Daily Mirror

With an International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal yet to be sealed, Budget 2023 presented to Parliament yesterday stuck with the reform path Sri Lanka had embarked upon after the economy crashed in April, as a result of bad economic policies followed for decades. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

OIC Opens Mission in Kabul: Tolo News

The Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) opened a mission in Kabul with a ceremony attended by senior officials of the Islamic Emirate and OIC representatives. Speaking at the ceremony, the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said the office would play an important role in the improvement of relations between Afghanistan and Islamic countries. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Denies Terrorist Groups’ Presence in Afghanistan: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate once again denied the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, saying that there is no evidence to show that there is any threat to the world from Afghan soil. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Istanbul explosion: No Bangladeshis injured: Dhaka Tribune

No Bangladeshis were injured in the blast on Istiklal street in the tourist centre of Istanbul, Turkey. Six people were killed and 53 others were wounded on Sunday when an explosion rocked a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul in an incident President Tayyip Erdogan called a bomb attack that “smells like terrorism”, reports Reuters. Click here to read…

‘Bangladesh on track to achieve Vision 2041’: Dhaka Tribune

Charles Whiteley, ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh, recently sat for an exclusive interview with physician, author, and youth leader Dr Rakib Al Hasan to discuss Bangladesh’s development over the past 50 years, what it must do to continue its progress, and the country’s relationship with the EU. Click here to read…

Bhutan

US offers opportunities for Bhutanese students

Apart from popular destinations like Australia and Canada, Bhutanese students also apply to study, learn, and experience exchange programmes in the United States (US). Such opportunity, according to officials from the Embassy of the United States of America in New Delhi, is facilitated through the prioritisation of student visa appointments. This assurance comes after many Bhutanese complaints that it has become extremely difficult to get visa appointments in Delhi which many say has been filled until 2024. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives arrests 13 in crackdown on terror groups

A joint counter-terror operation is underway in the Maldives where the Maldives police and the defence forces have arrested 13 people. The operation was launched on Saturday. The Maldivian media has reported that nine people have been arrested from Addu City, two from capital Male and two from Guradhoo island. All the arrested people are Maldivian men. Click here to read…

Maldives inflation rose to 3.1 percent in September 2022

The rate of inflation, as measured by the annual percentage change in the national Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 3.1 percent in September 2022. Inflation rate rose from 2.6 percent in August 2022, reports Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). Meanwhile, the monthly percentage change in the national CPI decelerated to 0.16 percent in September 2022, from 0.22 percent in the preceding month. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s junta slams opponents with prison sentences of up to 225 years

Myanmar’s military junta has imposed prison sentences of up to 225 years on nearly 20 of its political opponents since taking power in a coup early last year, sending a clear warning to anyone who might dare challenge its rule. Click here to read…

UN chief tells Myanmar junta to get democracy ‘back on track’

UN chief Antonio Guterres on Saturday urged the Myanmar junta to immediately return to democracy, saying it was the only way to stop the “unending nightmare” engulfing the country. Myanmar has spiralled into bloody conflict since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi´s civilian government in February last year, with thousands killed. Click here to read…

Myanmar objects ASEAN’s review on 5PC and its engagement with the country’s ‘unlawful’ organisations

Myanmar categorically rejects and dissociates itself from the said-review on the Five Point Consensus (5PC) and the decision made by the nine ASEAN leaders at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Friday. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Facing Major New Armed Threat in Far West

Renewed fighting in Myanmar’s far west between the military and a powerful rebel group is opening another deadly front in the country’s post-coup chaos, piling pressure on a junta still struggling to consolidate power. The military’s February 2021 coup and subsequent crackdown on peaceful protests set off a wave or armed resistance across Myanmar that has been stretching the junta’s forces thin. By some estimates they now hold effective control over less than half the country. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal and India agree to repair Koshi embankment at 35 locations

November 14, 2022
Nepal and India have agreed to conduct repair and maintenance works at three dozen locations of the Koshi embankment that got damaged in monsoon floods this year. After conducting a joint inspection of the embankment from Chatara down to the Nepal-India border, officials of the two countries concluded that the embankment should be repaired to prevent future disasters from floods. Click here to read…

China’s vice minister for culture Li Qun visits Nepal

China’s Vice Minister for Culture and Tourism Li Qun, who has arrived in Nepal on a five-day trip, visited Durbar Square in Kathmandu where he inspected the heritage site jointly reconstructed by the two countries. The site was damaged during the 2015 earthquakes. Li, who is leading a delegation of Chinese officials, on Saturday visited Durbar Square in Kathmandu where he inspected the heritage site jointly reconstructed by Nepal and China. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Govt. in balancing act between social welfare and fiscal stability with Budget 2023: Daily Mirror

Ahead of today’s budget presentation, the government yesterday disclosed plans to prop up State expenditure by 29.2 percent to provide relief to the economically-battered population while moving towards fiscal stability and expecting a gradual economic recovery.
State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya yesterday said that all preparations are made to present the 2023 budget with an expenditure of Rs.7.88 trillion. Click here to read…

SLT September profits down on higher costs; revenue at Mobitel declines: Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) saw its profits declining in the three months ended September 30, 2022 (3Q22) due to sharply rising costs stemming from a bevy of factors including the sharp fall in the value of the rupee against the dollar and the soaring inflation amid the decline in revenues at its mobile services subsidiary, Mobitel Private Limited. Click here to read…

Xi Jinping presides over meeting of Standing Committee of Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee on COVID-19 prevention and control: Xinhuanet

November 11, 2022

The Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on November 10 to hear a report on COVID-19 prevention and control and laid out 20 measures to further improve work in this regard. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech. Click here to read…

Chinese president appoints new ambassadors: Xinhuanet

November 11, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed four new ambassadors in accordance with a decision by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, according to a statement from China’s top legislature on Friday. Ma Qiang has been appointed ambassador to South Sudan, replacing Hua Ning. Wang Xining has been appointed ambassador to Chad, replacing Li Jinjin. Click here to read…

Xi to attend G20 Summit, APEC Economic Leaders’ meeting and visit Thailand: Xinhuanet

November 11, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 17th Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Bali, Indonesia, from November 14 to 17, at the invitation of President Joko Widodo of the Republic of Indonesia, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the announcement here on Friday. He will attend the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, as well as visit Thailand from November 17 to 19, at the invitation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha of the Kingdom of Thailand, Hua said. Click here to read…

China unveils ‘drone killer’ laser weapon at Airshow China, can shoot down target at low cost: Global Times

November 11, 2022

A laser weapon used against drones attracted wide attention at this year’s Airshow China. Dubbed the killer of UAVs, the weapon can launch effective strikes on low, slow and small (LSS) targets, which refer to those that fly below an altitude of one kilometer, at speeds of around 200 kilometers per hour and have a radar cross-section smaller than one square meter. Click here to read…

Chinese premier meets Japanese, S. Korean, Philippine leaders: Xinhuanet

November 12, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday held talks here with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, and Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos during the leaders’ meetings on East Asia cooperation. Click here to read…

Full text: China-ASEAN Joint Statement on Strengthening Common and Sustainable Development: Xinhuanet

November 12, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday attended the 25th China-ASEAN Summit in Phnom Penh, during which a joint statement on China-ASEAN cooperation has been released. Click here to read…

China debuts container-type missile launch system; weapon can ‘effectively improve defense capabilities of coastal countries’: Global Times

November 12, 2022

China’s leading missile developer exhibited a container-type sea defense combat system at the ongoing Airshow China in Zhuhai, South China’s Guangdong Province, which could effectively improve the defense capabilities of coastal countries for its outstanding mobility and capability to disguise itself. Click here to read…

BMW to invest 10 bln yuan in battery production project in China: Xinhuanet

November 14, 2022

BMW Group’s joint venture in China, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA), will invest 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) into a new battery production project in northeast China’s Liaoning Province. Click here to read…

China’s WJ-700 UAS debuts at Airshow with more powerful technologies: Global Times

November 13, 2022

As China’s first high altitude, high speed and long endurance armed reconnaissance UAV system that had made maiden flight, WJ-700 UAV is exhibited at this year’s Airshow China, attracting wide attention with newly equipped high technologies including the country’s first domestic one-ton thrust turbofan engine featuring high performance and high reliability and the use of a large number of carbon fiber composite materials. Click here to read…

Multiple provinces across China further detail implementation of optimized anti-COVID measures: Global Times

November 13, 2022

Multiple provincial-level regions across China have further deployed, researched, optimized and detailed the implementation of anti-epidemic measures following the roll-out of 20 measures to optimize COVID-19 response on Friday, the country’s latest move in scientific and precise epidemic control and prevention work to fight the COVID-19 epidemic amid a global resurgence. Click here to read…

300 China-made EV unveiled at G20 Summit in Indonesia as official vehicles: Global Times

November 13, 2022

300 China-made new-energy vehicles from Chinese car maker SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile were unveiled at the G20 Summit in Indonesia as official vehicles, demonstrating the strength of intelligent manufacturing in China. Air ev, a new energy model under SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile was appointed as the official vehicle of the G20 Summit to provide high-quality travel service for the G20 summit delegation and organizing committee, the company said in a statement told the Global Times on Sunday. Click here to read…

Airshow China displays advanced technology, shared market: People’s Daily

November 14, 2022

China’s first homemade large jetliner, the C919, soared into the sky, its two roaring engines sending out a wave of sound. This impressive outing was the aircraft’s public appearance at Airshow China 2022. The six-day event, also known as the 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, concluded Sunday in Zhuhai, a port city in south China’s Guangdong Province. Click here to read…

China plan to restore sector liquidity boosts property stocks, bonds: Reuters

November 14, 2022

Chinese property stocks and bonds soared on Monday as the market cheered an extensive package outlined by Chinese regulators to shore up financing in the embattled real estate sector, with the sub-index surging close to a two-month high in morning trading. The package, which sources say lays out multiple liquidity-boosting measures, was hailed by analysts as a “turning point” with one even describing it as the equivalent of “soaking rain after a long drought”.Click here to read…

China regulators order more financing support for property firms: Reuters

November 14, 2022

Chinese regulators have told financial institutions to extend more support to property developers to shore up the country’s struggling real estate sector, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said on Sunday. A notice to the institutions from the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) outlined 16 steps to support the industry, including loan repayment extensions, in a major push to ease the deep liquidity crunch which has plagued the property sector since mid-2020. Click here to read…

BMW to invest 10 bln yuan in battery production project in China: Xinhuanet

November 14, 2022

BMW Group’s joint venture in China, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (BBA), will invest 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) into a new battery production project in northeast China’s Liaoning Province. Click here to read…

Xi encourages young aviation workers to promote self-reliance, high-quality development of industry: China Military

November 14, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday wrote back to young workers and engineers of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), encouraging them to promote self-reliance and strength in aviation science and technology and high-quality development of the industry. Click here to read…

More Party regulations to tighten up discipline: China Daily

November 14, 2022

The Communist Party of China believes that its commitment to continuously improve conduct and enforce discipline is a major reason it has won the full support of the people. In a report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC, the Party said that it will take steps to improve conduct and enforce discipline, reflecting its firm determination to ensure full, rigorous Party governance. Click here to read…

New CPC chiefs named for Beijing and Fujian: China Daily

November 14, 2022

Yin Li, former Party chief of Fujian province, has been appointed by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China as Party chief of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, replacing Cai Qi, according to a report from Xinhua News Agency. The 60-year-old is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Click here to read…

Chongqing at ‘critical point’ in virus control: China Daily

November 14, 2022

Chongqing, a megacity of 32 million people in Southwest China, is facing a “severe and complicated “epidemic situation and is at a critical point with its number of infections rising rapidly in recent days, senior officials said at a news conference on Saturday evening. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Department of Food Safety Forms Within AFDA: Tolo News

According to AFDA representatives, the department was created to examine the quality and freshness of foods sold in the nation’s markets.”With the creation of new departments and staff, we monitor and inspect 24 hours a day in all areas of all the drug facilities; at the same time, we will also have twenty-four hour monitoring of all our food facilities,” said Jawid Hajir, spokesman of the AFDA. Click here to read…

Moscow to Host Conference on Afghanistan on Nov. 16: Tolo News

The Russian Federation’s Foreign Ministry said that Moscow will host a multilateral meeting due to be held on November 16 in Afghanistan. A spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said that the discussion will focus on the military-political, socioeconomic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as well as coordinating efforts to strengthen regional security. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Freight operation from Chittagong suspended as lighter vessel workers on strike: Dhaka Tribune

Lighter vessel workers in Chittagong launched an indefinite strike from 6am Friday refraining from transferring goods from moored ships to press home their five-point demands. Click here to read…

FM Momen urges Japan to stand by Bangladesh in its development journey: Dhaka Tribune

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has expressed optimism that Japan will play a crucial role while Bangladesh is graduating from the LDC status in 2026 on way to becoming a developed country by 2041. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan witnesses drop in tourist arrival due to new tourism rules – NE Now

Bhutan, which reopened its border for tourists on September 23 this year after a gap of over two years following the Covid-10 pandemic, has witnessed a significant drop in tourist footfall thanks to the Himalayan nation’s new tourism rules. Hit hard by the pandemic, the country’s tourism industry hoped for a revival after the reopening of the gates for visitors but minimal tourist footfall has left the people involved in the tourism sector worried a lot. Click here to read…

Bhutan Parliament Passes Bill Mandating One Year Training Programme for All Citizens – The Wire

Both houses of the Bhutan parliament recently approved a Bill that would mandate every citizen who attains the age of 10 to attend a one-year integrated training programme. The one-year training programme, called Gyalsung (National Service), would include three months of basic military training followed by nine months of specialised training in various fields like agriculture sciences, entrepreneurship, computers and coding, and health sciences. Commencing in 2024, it will be mandatory for all those who have reached 18 years of age and completed Class XII. Click here to read…

Maldives

9 Indian workers among 10 dead in Maldives fire The Tribune

At least nine Indians are reported to have died in a blaze in Male quarters housing migrant workers from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. The fire broke out in a garage, near a mosque, around 12:30 am on Thursday and quickly spread upstairs to the cramped living quarters. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the 10 deaths, but said it would not comment on how many of the deceased were Indians till their identification. Reports from the Maldives said of the dead, nine were Indians and one Bangladeshi. Click here to read…

Hungary’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister arrives in the Maldives – Avas
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó has arrived in the Maldives today, on an Official visit. He is visiting the Maldives at the invitation of Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. This is the first Official visit from a Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary and marks an important milestone in the 47-year-long bilateral relationship between the Maldives and Hungary. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Appointment of Myanmar junta general as ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference chair criticised – Mizzima

CSO Progressive Voice has joined with other organisations in condemning the appointment of a Myanmar junta general, General Tun Aung, to the chair of the of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Air Chiefs Conference (AACC). It has called for other countries to immediately sanction General Aung Tan and for ASEAN to ban Myanmar any ASEAN meetings, group=s and activities. Following Justice For Myanmar’s revelation that the Myanmar military junta had recently been appointed chair of the ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference (AACC). General Tun Aung led the junta’s delegation where they assumed the AACC Chairmanship for the coming year. Click here to read…

ASEAN summit begins with Myanmar likely to dominate agenda; ‘little progress expected’ – Reuters

Leaders of Southeast Asian nations began an annual summit on Friday that is likely to be dominated by Myanmar’s escalating violence and political gridlock, with increasingly frustrated members of the group struggling to get the country’s junta to comply with an agreed peace plan. Several representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have blamed Myanmar’s military rulers for failing to implement a peace plan agreed jointly last year, which includes ending hostilities and allowing access for a special envoy and aid. Click here to read…

Australia to give $135 million as humanitarian support to Bangladesh and Myanmar – TBS News

“As part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting the humanitarian response in Myanmar and Bangladesh, Australia will provide $135 million in2022-23 to assist with the delivery of life-saving food, water and shelter through partner organisations,” said Australian Foreign Ministry said in a press release. The package of support will also deliver essential protection, education and health services for those most in need, including women, girls and people with disabilities. Click here to read…

Nepal

Senior Chinese official coming today despite Nepal’s reservations – The Kathmandu Post

Despite reservations from the government, Chinese Vice Minister for Culture and Tourism Li Qun, who is also the head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, is arriving in Nepal on Friday on a five-day visit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had advised the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu to postpone the visit until after the November 20 elections, but the Chinese side insisted that the trip would be purely “personal” and involve visits to cultural heritage sites, officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation told the Post. The Nepali Embassy in Beijing is not aware of the visit. Click here to read…

The Election Manifestos of Nepal’s Parties Run Along Predictable Lines – The Diplomat

Political and economic issues have dominated the political parties’ agenda per their manifestos. Parties have pledged to develop better infrastructure, accelerate economic growth to over 7 percent, create 250,000 jobs per year, and provide free services such as electricity and water. Similarly, some parties are seeking to change the political system. Click here to read…

India hands over 200 vehicles to Nepal for use in general elections – Daily News

On Nepal’s request, the Indian government on Tuesday handed over 200 vehicles to the Himalayan country that would be utilized at the time of general elections slated for the 20th of this month. The Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, handed over vehicles to Minister for Finance, Janardan Sharma, as a gift of India for logistical support to various Nepali institutions for the conduct of elections. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Imran asks CJP to probe army officer’s role in attack: Dawn

As Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) long march resumed after a week from Wazirabad on Thursday, party Chairman Imran Khan addressed the participants from his Zaman Park residence here through a video link, reiterating his accusation that a senior army officer was behind his attempted assassination. Click here to read…

Pakistan, Saudi FMs discuss security: The Express Tribune

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, held wide-ranging discussions on host of issues related to political and security domains, a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Foreign Ministry to extend diplomatic support to resolve Chinese organic fertilizer cargo issue: Daily Mirror

The Foreign Affairs Ministry is to seek a diplomatic solution between the two countries regarding the Chinese ship which freighted organic fertilizer to Sri Lanka in 2021, at diplomatic level and the payment of US$ 6.7 million made by the Sri Lankan government. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Afghanistan Exported $1.8 Billion in Goods in Past 7 Months: Tolo News

The office of the first deputy prime minister, Mullah Abdullah Ghani Baradar, said that Afghanistan’s exports abroad have reached $1.85 billion over the past seven months. According to Baradar’s office, exported goods went to Pakistan, India, Iran, China, UAE, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Iraq. Click here to read…

Afghanistan Among Countries with Most Displaced People: Tolo News

UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said that over 70 percent of the world’s refugees and displaced people come from the most climate-vulnerable countries including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, and Yemen. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

AIUB-supported Bangladesh Education Forum inaugurated in Dubai: Dhaka Tribune

American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) organized a conference ‘Education Forum 2022′ at the Crown Plaza, Deira, Dubai, UAE, on November 4. Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury, deputy education minister of Bangladesh, inaugurated the education campaign. Click here to read…

Hasan: World leaders’ COP27 engagement brings new hope: Dhaka Tribune

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said the joining of world leaders’ to the COP-27 conference ushered a new hope towards protecting the world from the adverse impact of climate change. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan’s UN Peacekeeping Contingent leaves for CAR – Kuensel Online

Bhutan’s first UN Peacekeeping Contingent boarded a special Drukair flight to Central African Republic (CAR), yesterday. His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen graced the departure ceremony at Paro Airport. A Guard of Honour was presented at the Ceremony. Bhutan’s contingent, which comprises of 180 Royal Bhutan Army Personnel, is part of the United Nations’s Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission for the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Click here to read…

Building a Resilient Food System in Bhutan – Relief Web

The Royal Government of Bhutan in its 12th Five Year Plan (2018-2023) has provided strategies to promote commercialization, and agribusiness development and diversification while ensuring food self-sufficiency. The 2030 Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) Strategy 2030 prioritises food self-sufficiency through transformation of the RNR sector while ensuring sustainable natural resource management. Click here to read…

Maldives

Discussions held on new avenues for cooperation between Maldives, Serbia – Raajje

This was done during a meeting held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid and the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia. His visit came upon the official invitation from his counterpart, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Serbia, Ivica Dačić. Discussions have been held regarding new avenues for cooperation between the Maldives and Serbia. This was done during a meeting held between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid and the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Ivica Dačić as part of FM Shahid’s recent visit to SerbiaClick here to read…

Myanmar

ASEAN actively aiding and abetting Myanmar junta’s war crimes and crimes against humanity – Mizzima

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has appointed the Myanma junta to chair the ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference and allowed it to take control of the ASEAN counter-terrorism website. The illegitimate Myanmar military junta has been appointed chair of the ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference, as it intensifies the use of its air force to commit war crimes and crimes against humanity. It is also continuing to co-chair the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) – Plus Experts’ Working Group on Counter Terrorism and will host a meeting in December. The junta is using its control of the ASEAN counter terrorism website to post disinformation and propaganda. Click here to read…

US, EU add more sanctions as Myanmar violence deepens – Aljazeera

The United States and European Union have announced new sanctions against Myanmar’s military regime aimed at officials, companies and arms dealers, as campaigners urge quicker implementation of the measures given the deepening crisis in the country. The EU sanctions apply to 19 more individuals and entities, including a minister and chief justice, and are a result of “the continuing escalation of violence and grave human rights violations following the military takeover two years ago”, the European Council said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

How China, India and Bangladesh could be drawn into Myanmar’s conflict – Lowly Institute

The 2021 military coup in Myanmar sparked renewed civil conflict between Myanmar government forces, the Tatmadaw, and perhaps a dozen insurgent groups seeking their own ethnic states. Many of these conflicts have cross-border implications, but the insurgency in Rakhine state has particular consequences for the broader region. China has already been drawn into the conflict in Rakhine state to protect key interests, and India and Bangladesh could soon follow. This may produce unpredictable outcomes. Click here to read…

Nepal

Six dead after earthquake hits Nepal, tremors felt in New Delhi – Aljazeera

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake has struck Nepal, killing at least six people, injuring several others, and destroying multiple houses in the northwestern district of Doti, officials said. The earthquake, which hit at about 2am local time on Wednesday (20:15 GMT), sent tremors into northern India. Click here to read…

India-Nepal border to be closed for 72 hours before Nepal general elections – Live Mint

As Nepal goes to the general election on 20 November, the India-Nepal border will be closed for 72 hours to prevent any movement of anti-social elements. The officials from the border areas of both nations held a meeting in the Rupandehi district of Nepal on Saturday and discussed the preparations regarding the border. “A decision to seal the border for 72 hours from November 17 till 12 midnight of November 20 was taken at the meeting of the coordination committee of officials of the neighboring districts of the two countries,” said Maharajganj District Magistrate Satendra Kumar. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Imran ‘abandons’ designs to sway chief’s selection: Dawn

After repeatedly calling for a consultative process before picking the new army chief, ousted prime minister Imran Khan now does not see any problem if the appointment is made by the Shehbaz Sharif government. Click here to read…

Editorial: A state of anarchy: Dawn

WHAT happened in Wazirabad last week was perhaps a story foretold. The gun attack on Imran Khan has pushed the country deeper into anarchy. The would-be assassin may have been arrested but the motive behind the shooting remains shrouded in mystery. The former prime minister has been quick to blame the top government leaders and a senior ISI official for plotting the attack. He has named names. Click here to read…

We need funds, not debts: Shehbaz: The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, sensitising the international community on the plight of flood-hit Pakistan, on Tuesday said the country needed additional funding, not debts, to rebuild a resilient and adaptive infrastructure as the financing gap was widening by the day. Click here to read…

Disqualification sword hangs on Imran over failure to submit poll expenses details: The Express Tribune

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to take action against former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan over his failure to submit details of election expenses that he incurred during the recently-held by-elections held on October 16. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

UNHRC must get SL rulers to work according to Intl. norms: Cardinal: Daily Mirror

Whilst highlighting that cruel and intolerable suppression is exercised by the government, and expressing his surprise over the alleged attempts to hide evidence and save those who are responsible for the Easter Sunday attack, Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith yesterday said he hopes UNHRC takes notice of the situation and get Sri Lankan rulers to work according to international norms. Click here to read…

President mulls appointing new governors: Daily Mirror

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is mulling to appoint new governors to the nine provinces in place of the present ones appointed by his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Daily Mirror learns. A governor is a post appointed by the president to exercise executive powers over the provincial councils. Any statute passed by a provincial council comes into force only after assent by the governor concerned. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

UNAMA Calls for Climate Change in Afghanistan to Be Addressed: Tolo News

As the UN climate change summit began in Egypt on Sunday, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) called for urgent global cooperation to stop the destructive effects of climate changes in Afghanistan.“The Afghan people stand on the precipice of devastating climate projections. As COP27 opens today, the UN in Afghanistan calls for urgent collective action to halt the destructive impact of the altering climate in the country that is one of the least prepared against climate shocks but is ranked the sixth most affected in the world to climate-related threats,” UNAMA report reads. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate: Moscow Format Should Have Kabul Delegate: Tolo News

In response to TASS news agency’s reporting that Kabul would be absent from the “Moscow Format” meeting on Afghanistan which will take place in Moscow in mid-November, the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Emirate said that this meeting would be incomplete without a representative from the current government. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM Hasina: Bangladesh an ideal place for investment: Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said many renowned companies from around the world are setting up their factories in the economic zones of Bangladesh. “Bangladesh has emerged as an ideal place for investment with a favourable investment climate. We are building 100 Special Economic Zones across the country with all amenities available. Many of the world’s famous companies are setting up their factories in these zones,” she said. Click here to read…

IMF team attends BERC presentation on setting power, gas tariffs: Dhaka Tribune

The visiting team of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been keen to know how the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) sets power and gas tariffs. A four-member IMF delegation, led by Rahul Anand, head of its Asia and Pacific Division, has been in Bangladesh since October 26 to discuss the government’s request for a $4.5 billion loan and held a series of meetings with its different departments. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Sagar: Indian Army personnel, 350 trainees from Bhutan, Sri Lanka visit ICCC – Free Press Journal

India Army personnel, along with the 350 trainee soldiers from Bhutan and Sri Lanka, visited the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) set up by Sagar Smart City Limited on Friday to learn more about monitoring of administrative services. Click here to read…

Revival of a traditional art form – Kuensel Online

The exhibition by Rinzin Dorji and Penjor Dorji includes a piece that is 100 percent made in Bhutan, using nettle canvas and mineral paint. The event was organised to showcase works of art with the use of natural pigments – organic and mineral-based. The Executive Director of RTA, Rinzin Ongmo Dorji said that although RTA’s main mandate is to promote the traditional art form of weaving, the organisation also works towards promoting the other traditional crafts in the country. Click here to read…

Maldives

Tourism occupancy averages at 58.8 percent – Avas

According to the MMA’s October data, the occupancy rate stood at 58.8 percent this year, up 6.6 percent compared to the same period last year. While tourism occupancy peaked in February this year, standing at 72.7 percent, it stood at 70.1 percent earlier in January. According to MMA statistics, the number of flights to the Maldives is also increasing. The number of international flights arriving in the Maldives reached 11,070 as of September. There were 8,698 flights during the same period last year. Click here to read…

Goods worth MVR 39 bln imported thus far this year – Avas

The Maldives’ imports from January to September this year stood at MVR 39 billion. According to the central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) data, while goods worth MVR 39 billion have been imported thus far this year, imports stood at MVR 27 billion during the same period last year. This year’s figures are up by MVR 12 billion compared to 2021. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Australia under pressure to sanction Myanmar military after Amnesty

International report and leaked ANZ Bank transactions – ABCNet

The Australian government is under pressure to impose sanctions on Myanmar’s military junta and activists are calling on ANZ Bank to reconsider its dealings in the South-East Asian nation amid new revelations about jet fuel supply chains and transactions. An Amnesty International report released on Thursday called on the international community to “urgently prevent shipments of aviation fuel from reaching the Myanmar military”. Click here to read…

Crime Surges Under Myanmar Junta as Rule of Law Crumbles – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s citizens have witnessed surging crime in their neighborhoods since the military coup last year, as law enforcement deteriorates and the regime is unable to run the country properly. The country’s business hub, Yangon, is no exception. Click here to read…

Myanmar to top Asean summit agenda as G20 and Apec draw big powers to region – SCMP

Southeast Asia’s territorial disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea are likely to take a back seat when officials gather this week amid growing violence in military-ruled Myanmar and heightened Sino-US tensions, analysts have said. Top diplomats from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are set to convene in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh for an annual summit, which is also expected to draw world leaders to the region. The meeting often takes centre stage in Southeast Asia’s year-end diplomatic bustle but this time, it would wrestle for attention with other high-profile forums, including the G20 and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summits in Bali and Bangkok, respectively. Click here to read…

Nepal

Hamro Nepali Party aims to emerge as an alternative force – Khabar Hub

The Hamro Nepali Party has made public its election commitment paper for, aiming at establishing itself as an alternative political force. At a program organized in Lalitpur on Sunday, the party said time has come to break the traditional standard of Nepali politics. The party launching ‘stick campaign’ said its political philosophy and principle would be ‘Nepal-ism’. The party has shared the national programme of constructing seven ring roads linking mountain, hill and Tarai regions in each province. The commitment document also stated that long term plan would be made for the development of health, education, agriculture and tourism. Click here to read…

Climate shocks add risks to Nepal’s power projects – Kathmandu Post

People’s Hydropower Company Limited had planned on completing the 54MW Super Dordi Hydropower Project B in 2021 before the landslide debris brought by the Dordi stream in Lamjung damaged the project’s dam in the monsoon last year. “We had completed 95 percent of the dam-related work, and the project’s overall physical progress was over 70 percent when the massive debris brought by floods damaged the intake,” said Keshav Bahadur Rayamajhi, managing director of People’s Hydropower Limited. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Imran endorses PM-suggested SC probe panel: Dawn

The PTI’s long march, which came to a standstill after the assassination attempt on Imran Khan in Wazirabad, will resume its journey on Tuesday (tomorrow) from the same place where the party chairman was injured in the gun attack. Click here to read…

PM Shehbaz arrives in Egypt to attend climate change summit: Dawn

PM Shehbaz was received at the international airport of Sharm El Sheikh by Egypt’s senior officials and the officers of the Pakistani embassy. The prime minister was accompanied by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, cabinet members and other senior officials. Click here to read…

Pak-China ties: challenges & avenues: The Express Tribune

In a 47-point communique, both sides have brought up all issues of mutual interest worthy of in-depth analysis. In this limited space, I will address four points, particularly on the socioeconomic front. According to the numbers available publicly, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has already brought $46 billion worth of capital to Pakistan including concessionary loans, commercial debt and investment with state guarantees. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

President meets UN Secretary General: Daily Mirror

President Ranil Wickremesinghe met the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres in Egypt, Cairo where he briefed the Secretary-General on the Government’s plans on the National Environmental Policy.
The Secretary General recalled memories of his first visit to Sri Lanka in 1978, President Media Division (PMD) said. Click here to read…