Category: Politics

According to the Commerce Ministry, Thailand is arranging talks with Vietnam and India to address the problem of falling rice prices brought on by overstock. India and Vietnam are the world’s two largest rice exporters, thus, they must play an important role in any market stabilisation efforts.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan revealed the plan in Parliament in response to concerns made by People’s Party MP Narongdet Urankul. Narongdet enquired about the fate of Thailand’s estimated 2.2 million tonnes of unsold rice. Pichai indicated that the conversations with India and Vietnam would center on coordinated market strategies for managing competition and preventing additional price decreases. The primary objective is to protect the livelihoods of rice farmers in the three countries.

Additionally, the ministry has engaged with African countries as possible markets for Thai rice. Pichai claimed that a 370,000-tonne contract has already been negotiated, with a visit scheduled later this month to finalise negotiations.

Pichai pointed out that Japan imports one million tonnes of bananas each year, but Thailand only exports 2,000 tonnes. He believes that moving to banana growing might greatly increase farmers’ income. However, Narongdet expressed scepticism, questioning the practicality of switching from rice to bananas.

India and the UAE have increased their efforts to develop the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). IMEEC, which was launched during the G-20 Summit in Delhi in 2023, has signatories from India, the UAE, the US, the EU, Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, and Germany. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi issued a statement highlighting the corridor’s expanding significance. The discussions centred on key players, including major shipping companies.

A high-level Indian team, led by TK Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, met with HE Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports. The delegation included Sunjay Sudhir, India’s Ambassador to the UAE; Rahul Mithal, CMD of RITES Ltd.; and Unmesh Wagh, Chairman of the JNPA. Before this, there were interactive discussions with terminal operators, shipping businesses, and customs officers.

The discussions also centred on the Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface (MAITRI), which was introduced during Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to India in 2024. The platform incorporates trade portals, resulting in seamless digital connectivity.

MAITRI supports the Virtual Trade Corridor, which would improve trade efficiency between India and the UAE, where bilateral commerce exceeds $85 billion.

On March 3, 2025, the UAE and Senegal hosted the Organizational Session at the UN Headquarters in New York, officially launching preparations for the 2026 UN Water Conference. As required by the resolution on the procedures of the 2024 Conference, this session gave Member States and interested parties the opportunity to suggest topics for six interactive discussions that would further Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) on water and sanitation.

H.E. Abdulla Ahmed Balalaa, UAE Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, and H.E. Cheikh Tidiane Dieye, Senegal’s Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, reaffirmed their commitment to promoting an inclusive and action-oriented conference. They emphasised the importance of global cooperation in addressing water scarcity, sanitation, and sustainability issues.

With 2.2 billion people without access to clean water and 3.5 billion without proper sanitation, Balalaa and Dieye urged everyone to work together to advance global water action.

The session was attended by important UN officials, NGOs, and members from the corporate sector. UN DESA plans to finalise potential themes by July 2025, followed by a high-level preparatory meeting in Dakar before the December 2026 conference.

Russia has expressed its commitment to strengthening trade and energy cooperation with Myanmar despite international sanctions imposed on both nations. On March 4, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin informed Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, that Moscow sees great opportunities for cooperation in a variety of industries, including agriculture, nuclear energy, and infrastructure.

“Despite illegitimate sanctions against both Russia and Myanmar, our trade and economic cooperation is expanding successfully, with mutual trade witnessing steady growth,” Mr. Mishustin stated. He emphasised that there is a lot of potential for continued collaboration in energy, transportation infrastructure, and peaceful nuclear technology.

Mishustin also claimed that Russian businesses are considering investing in Myanmar’s special economic zone in Dawei, a long-delayed project on the Andaman Sea that is envisioned as a vital industrial and transportation hub. However, he did not say which firms will be involved.

General Min Aung Hlaing, 68, who rarely travels internationally, was greeted by top Russian officials, including Sergei Shoigu, a key member of President Vladimir Putin’s security council.

Russia has been a strong ally of Myanmar’s military regime, providing air assistance and negotiating plans to construct a small nuclear power facility using an RITM-200 pressurised water reactor.

ITB Berlin 2025 remains the world’s most important travel industry event, bringing together worldwide exhibitors, trade professionals, and key decision-makers. Canada, India, Ireland, Turkey, Switzerland, Brazil, Malaysia, and the UAE are among the nations that are actively establishing new trends, influencing industry standards, and promoting the growth of the tourism business.

The event, themed “The World of Travel Lives Here,” will attract a diverse international audience. Two-thirds of exhibitors and nearly half of guests will represent global markets. ITB Berlin 2025 is organized both geographically and by sector, with specialised divisions such as Adventure Tourism, Business Travel, LGBTQ+ Travel, Luxury Travel, Medical Tourism, and Travel Technology.

Additionally, ITB Berlin Convention will act as the industry’s premier think tank, with expert panels, keynotes, and conversations on the future of global tourism. The theme for the 2025 convention will be “The Power of Transition Lives Here,” which will address the developing landscape of the travel industry. 

The event runs from March 4 to March 6 at Berlin ExpoCenter City and offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, business advancement, and industry insights. With Albania as the official host country, ITB Berlin 2025 promises to be a must-attend event for travel professionals worldwide.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed the country’s ability to tackle developing global issues despite growing geopolitical uncertainty. On February 28, he concluded the Budget 2025 debate in Parliament by emphasising the importance of Singapore’s adaptability in a constantly changing global scene.

He promised that the government would continue to drive economic growth by creating excellent jobs and new opportunities for Singaporeans. At the same time, Singapore would prioritise industry transformation while remaining cost-competitive.

According to Wong, international powers are putting security concerns first, which is causing zero-sum rivalry to replace cooperative progress. This trend presents issues for small, open economies such as Singapore. While big powers may not seek direct conflict, they are bracing for increased rivalry, he cautioned.

To stay ahead, Singapore will enhance the National Productivity Fund, making it more appealing to investors. The government believes that these programs will improve employment chances for its inhabitants.

Furthermore, Singapore welcomes technology developments from other nations. However, leading technology providers are strengthening control over their intellectual ideas to prevent leakage.

Despite foreign constraints, Singapore remains dedicated to increasing domestic production, which has grown at a constant 2% per year between 2014 and 2024.

Officials from Iran and the UAE met to discuss bilateral relations and ways to strengthen cooperation. Anwar Gargash, the UAE President’s Diplomatic Adviser, met with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, in Abu Dhabi. Both sides praised recent political conversations between their countries and emphasised the necessity of improving economic and trade ties. The gathering also addressed regional and international topics of common concern.

Saif Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Iran, and Reza Ameri, Iranian Ambassador to the UAE, were both present during the conversations. Iran emphasised its commitment to strengthening ties with its neighbours, emphasising the importance of collaboration and diplomacy in maintaining regional stability. The UAE, a big commercial partner of Iran, has been pursuing diplomatic attempts to increase economic cooperation. Non-oil commerce between Iran and the UAE totalled $16.2 billion in the first seven months of the current Iranian calendar year.

The discussions also included geopolitical concerns, such as the Middle East’s security situation. In reaction to foreign pressures and obstacles, Iran emphasised the importance of regional Muslim solidarity. Both parties agreed to continue communicating and working to strengthen their shared interests.

Thailand, as a BRICS partner country, is committed to improving energy security and guaranteeing a stable supply chain, according to Meechai Thaocharean, a BRICS International Alliance of Strategic Projects representative in Thailand. He emphasised that BRICS collaboration provides Thailand with the potential to increase trade, enhance economic relations, and stimulate innovation. “Thailand’s participation in BRICS is a gateway to broader economic collaboration and investment,” he told reporters.

He emphasised Thailand’s willingness to share knowledge, particularly in the areas of sustainable development, digital transformation, and financial inclusion. “BRICS thrives on diversity and resilience, resulting in balanced economic ecosystems. Thailand loves open and productive commerce, and BRICS offers a road to long-term cooperation,” he noted.

Thailand has traditionally been a global trading hub, regularly striking ties with major economic blocs. The country thinks that diversification promotes technological developments and industry cooperation rather than replacing existing links.

Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa presented Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov with a letter of intent in June 2024, stating Thailand’s desire to join the BRICS in full. Following that, Thailand formally accepted Russia’s request to become a BRICS partner, taking a critical step towards full membership.

Russia and the UAE have emerged as major investors in Belarus, significantly contributing to the country’s economy. According to Anzhelina Syromyatnikova, a member of the Standing Commission on Housing Policy, Trade, and Construction of the House of Representatives, Russia holds the largest share of foreign investment in Belarus, accounting for 24.9% of total inflows. The UAE follows closely, contributing 14.3%.

Syromyatnikova highlighted that China is also playing an important role, with a 4.3% share of total investments. She emphasized that Belarusian businesses are expanding trade beyond traditional markets, strengthening ties with Asia, Africa, Latin America, and China.

She pointed to the China-Belarus Industrial Park Great Stone as a prime example of growing investor confidence. In the past, foreign businesses only rented land for operations there. However, investors are now purchasing both land and production facilities.

“This shift reflects a strong belief in Belarus’s economic future and its appeal as an investment destination,” Syromyatnikova said.

The data was revealed ahead of the 22nd National Professional Contest, Leaders in the Construction Industry of Belarus. This event aims to promote modern construction technologies and foster knowledge exchange within the industry, further strengthening Belarus’s position as an attractive investment hub.

India is to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Israel and Saudi Arabia to enhance its supply of vital minerals. Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy announced the decision on Thursday, saying it intends to minimize reliance on imports while increasing domestic processing capabilities.

The arrangement with Israel will include a technology transfer for potassium extraction from saltwater. It will also use artificial intelligence in mining operations to increase efficiency. The union government has already accepted the agreement. A policy framework is being developed and is expected to be completed in the next months.

Collaboration with Saudi Arabia stems from a recent high-level meeting between Reddy and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. This collaboration will strengthen cooperation in the critical minerals sector and provide new investment opportunities. Similar accords are proposed for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

India is also deploying 20 nodal officials in major global areas to identify essential minerals and monitor mining activities. Fourteen states have joined the minerals action plan, with more anticipated to follow shortly.