The UAE approved a new investment framework that will allocate up to $50 billion to Canada's priority sectors, which include energy, artificial intelligence, logistics, and mining. The move aims to improve long-term economic cooperation and expand the strategic connection between the two countries. The framework, backed by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, emphasises a shared interest in supporting industries deemed critical to national progress. According to official figures, the UAE's investment stock in Canada reached $8.8 billion in 2024, while Canad
The Gulf steel industry is changing dramatically as a result of decarbonisation, increased infrastructure needs, and tighter global supply chains. With global iron ore loadings expected to reach 1.247 billion metric tonnes by 2025 and China absorbing the majority of imports, Gulf companies are focusing on securing raw materials and limiting vulnerability to price volatility, particularly if mechanisms such as the EU's CBAM alter trade flows. Despite market swings, the iron ore sector is predicted to consistently expand until 2032. Regional steelmakers are seizing this opportunity to deepen
India's man-made fibre exports increased by 6.5% in 2024-25, indicating a steady rise in the country's performance in synthetic materials. Technical textile exports increased by more than 15%, indicating India's stronger position in this rapidly growing sector. Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs, stated that these achievements are moving the country closer to $100 billion in textile exports and a $350 billion textile market in 2030. He added that the rise is consistent with India's long-term goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He emphasis
Malaysia has been elected to the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2025-2029 term, receiving 167 votes, the most in its election group. The voting took place on November 7, 2025, during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The country secured one of six Group IV seats, securing its fifth term on the Executive Board since joining UNESCO in 1958. Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs remarked that the substantial support reflects the country's ongoing commitment to global collaboration in education, research, and culture. The election also aligns with the
The European Union has allocated more than €600 million to 70 new projects aimed at accelerating the transition to zero-emission mobility across the trans-European transport network. These efforts involve 24 EU nations and are aimed at establishing large-scale alternative fuel infrastructure in road, maritime, inland waterway, and air transport systems. The funds will be used to install electric charging stations, hydrogen refuelling stations, electricity supply systems, and bunkering facilities for ammonia and methanol. A major part of the investment will go towards electrifying Europe'
India and Nepal have signed a Letter of Exchange to update the Protocol to the Treaty of Transit, a significant step towards strengthening cross-border trade. The agreement was reached after meetings between India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Nepal's Industry and Commerce Minister Anil Kumar Sinha. With this change, both countries hope to improve rail connectivity and facilitate the flow of products across their shared border. The updated arrangement enables direct rail transportation of goods, including bulk and containerised cargo, between Jogbani in India and Biratnagar in Nepal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a wide range of new initiatives for tribal communities during his visit to Dediapada, Gujarat. He attended the Grih Pravesh ceremony for one lakh houses built under the PM-JANMAN and DA-JAGUA initiatives, which aim to provide safer homes and better living circumstances in tribal areas. The event highlighted a significant drive to improve basic facilities in rural areas. The Prime Minister also inaugurated 42 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, which cost almost ₹1,900 crore. These institutions are expected to improve tribal children's access to school
The Union Cabinet has approved two significant support schemes worth ₹45,060 crore for exporters, particularly MSMEs, who are suffering pressure from the recent 50% tariff rise imposed by the US on a range of Indian products. The announcement follows several meetings with export promotion councils, which identified the challenges created by the new trade barrier. The approved package allocates ₹25,060 crore for the Export Promotion Mission and ₹20,000 crore for the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters. The Export Promotion Mission will operate from FY26 to FY31. It seeks to stren
Indonesia is aiming to secure significant carbon credit deals totalling around USD 1 billion at the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil. The government aims to generate 16 trillion IDR through the sale of around 90 million tonnes of carbon credits derived from forest conservation, marine ecosystem protection, renewable energy work, and different industrial emission-reduction initiatives. Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that the initiative is consistent with Presidential Regulation No. 110 of 2025, which guides Indonesia's carbon economic value framework. He stated t
Qatar and Japan have announced the launch of a $2.5 billion private equity fund to further their long-standing economic cooperation. The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Japan's ORIX Corporation have formed the OQCI Fund LP, which is Qatar's first domestic investment in Japan. According to the Qatar News Agency, QIA will donate $1 billion, or 40% of the total, with ORIX investing the remaining 60%. The fund will focus on Japanese companies undergoing corporate restructuring, privatisation, or spin-offs, with individual investments of up to $200 million. Approximately 30 Japanese cor