The Government of Sri Lanka and the World Bank Group have launched a new partnership aimed at generating jobs and attracting private investment to support the country’s economic recovery. The initiative focuses on strengthening key sectors and improving the business environment to encourage sustainable growth. The partnership comes at a crucial time as Sri Lanka continues to rebuild its economy following recent financial challenges. By prioritising private sector development, the programme aims to create employment opportunities, particularly for youth and small business entrepreneurs.
India and Nepal are set to enhance their bilateral trade ties with the development of National Highway 927, a key infrastructure project aimed at improving cross-border connectivity. The new highway is expected to facilitate smoother movement of goods and people between the two neighbouring countries, thereby boosting economic cooperation. The project aligns with India’s broader strategy of strengthening regional connectivity under its neighbourhood-first policy. Improved road infrastructure is anticipated to reduce travel time, lower logistics costs, and enhance trade efficiency between
Malaysia has introduced a $1.3 billion low-cost financing initiative aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in scaling up their operations and enhancing competitiveness. The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the SME sector, which plays a vital role in economic growth, employment generation, and innovation. The financing programme is designed to provide affordable credit to businesses, enabling them to invest in expansion, adopt new technologies, and improve productivity. By easing access to capital, the initiative seeks to address one of the
Mundra Port has emerged as India’s largest automobile export hub after achieving a record shipment of 6,008 vehicles in a single vessel. Operated by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), the port’s milestone highlights the growing strength of India’s automobile export sector and its improving logistics infrastructure. The record was made possible by the port’s advanced Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) terminal, which allows vehicles to be driven directly onto ships. This system reduces handling costs, improves efficiency, and enables faster loading and unloading of large volumes.
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has hailed India’s innovation ecosystem as “unstoppable” after patent filings reached a record high in the financial year 2025–26. According to official data, total patent applications rose to over 1.43 lakh, marking a significant 30.2 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The surge reflects a steady upward trend in India’s intellectual property activity, with filings increasing consistently over recent years. Domestic applicants accounted for more than 69 per cent of total filings, highlighting the growing role of Indi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the rapid progress of India’s maritime sector, describing it as moving forward with “master speed and energy” while recalling the country’s rich maritime heritage. Speaking on the occasion of National Maritime Day, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of ports, shipping, and waterways in driving economic growth and global trade connectivity. He noted that India has undertaken significant reforms and infrastructure development in recent years to modernise ports, enhance logistics efficiency, and boost coastal shipping. Initiatives su
India has approved the export of 67,719 tonnes of sugar to the Maldives under a bilateral trade agreement for the financial year 2026–27 (FY27). The move is aimed at ensuring a stable supply of essential commodities to the island nation while reinforcing strong economic ties between the two countries. The export decision comes as part of India’s broader strategy to support neighboring countries through reliable trade partnerships. Given the Maldives’ limited domestic production capacity, India remains a key supplier of essential goods, including food items such as sugar, rice, and wh
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held a series of crucial bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference, focusing on strengthening trade partnerships and enhancing global economic cooperation. During these discussions, Goyal emphasized India’s commitment to fair and balanced trade practices, while advocating for reforms within the multilateral trading system. The meetings saw participation from several key economies, with discussions revolving around market access, supply chain resilience, and reducing trade barriers
The Government of India has approved the export of essential commodities to the Maldives for the financial year 2026–27, reinforcing bilateral ties and supporting the island nation’s food security needs. The decision includes the supply of key items such as food grains, sugar, onions, potatoes, and other daily essentials under a special quota system. India has traditionally extended such assistance to the Maldives, ensuring a steady supply of critical goods due to the country’s limited domestic production capacity. This move reflects India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, aim
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held discussions with a European Parliament delegation led by Angelika Niebler on the early implementation of the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The meeting highlighted the growing momentum in India–EU relations and the shared commitment to strengthening economic ties between the two regions. Goyal expressed optimism about the agreement, noting that India and the European Union are witnessing increased cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, and technology. The FTA, concluded in January