An amendment to the UAE’s Commercial Companies Law aims to strengthen the identity of companies established in the country by recognising them as Emirati entities, including those operating in free zones and financial free zones. The move is intended to improve companies’ access to global markets and boost confidence in the UAE as a business hub. Speaking at a media briefing in Dubai on Tuesday, Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri clarified that the provision applies only to companies and not to their owners, shareholders, or investors. His remarks came after ques
Thailand’s central bank has estimated that the country’s economy grew by 2.2 per cent in 2025 but warned that growth is likely to slow in 2026 and 2027. This was stated in the minutes of the central bank’s latest policy meeting, released on Tuesday. The policy committee said economic momentum is expected to weaken, and added that monetary policy could be eased further if clearer signs of a slowdown emerge. It noted that risks to growth have increased amid both domestic and global uncertainties. The committee said headline inflation is expected to remain low, mainly due to supply-s
India has become the world’s largest producer of rice, overtaking China, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in New Delhi on Tuesday. He said India’s rice production has reached 150.18 million tonnes, while China’s production stands at 145.28 million tonnes. With this achievement, India is also expanding its presence in overseas rice markets, the minister added. Mr Chouhan was speaking at an event in the national capital where he unveiled 184 improved crop varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. These new varieties cover 25 field crops an
The government on Friday announced a Rs 7,295-crore export support package to help exporters access cheaper and easier credit, with a focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises. The package includes a Rs 5,181-crore interest subsidy scheme and Rs 2,114 crore in collateral support, to be rolled out over six years from 2025 to 2031. Commerce Ministry Additional Secretary Ajay Bhadoo said the measures would address trade finance challenges faced by exporters. Under the interest subsidy scheme, exporters will receive support on pre- and post-shipment loans, reducing borrowing costs. The sch
Egypt and Qatar have signed a new agreement to work more closely on liquefied natural gas (LNG) sales and imports, Egypt’s petroleum ministry said. The deal aims to help Egypt secure additional gas supplies to meet its rising energy demand, particularly during the summer months. Under the memorandum of understanding, Qatar will supply LNG shipments to Egypt through the Ain Sokhna and Damietta ports. QatarEnergy said the agreement allows for the delivery of up to 24 LNG cargoes to Egypt this coming summer. These supplies are expected to help Egypt meet higher electricity needs during the
India’s exports of Ayush and herbal products grew by 6.11 per cent in 2024–25 to $688.89 million, up from $649.2 million in the previous financial year, the government said on Sunday. The rise highlights increasing global demand for India’s traditional medicine and wellness products. The Commerce Ministry said the growth has accelerated after the creation of the Ayush Export Promotion Council, known as AYUSHEXCIL, which has strengthened global outreach and export support. The council recently marked its fourth establishment anniversary in New Delhi. Since its formation, AYUSHEXCIL
India’s exports to the Maldives are vital for the island nation’s economy. India sends petroleum products, medicines, rice, fruits, and vegetables. These are important everyday goods for the Maldives. India also exports machinery, electrical equipment, and vehicles that help meet local demand. On the other hand, India imports mainly fish and marine products from the Maldives. Though smaller in value, these imports are important for economic and strategic reasons. Tourism remains a key part of the relationship. Indian tourists are a major part of the Maldives’ visit numbers. When a
India has overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, according to the government’s end-of-year economic review. Officials now expect India to move past Germany and become the third-largest economy within the next three years. The review said India’s gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated at USD 4.18 trillion, placing it ahead of Japan. However, final confirmation will depend on the official GDP data to be released in 2026. The International Monetary Fund has also projected that India will cross Japan in the coming year. The government note said India remains one
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated a major exhibition of sacred Piprahwa relics linked to Bhagwan Buddha at the Rai Pithora Cultural Complex in the national capital. Titled, The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One, the exhibition brings back relics that were taken out of India over a century ago and were recently repatriated. Addressing the gathering, Shri Modi said the relics are not just historical objects but a living part of India’s civilisation and spiritual tradition. He said their return after 125 years allows people to see them and receive the
Nepal is preparing a major tourism push in 2026 by focusing on visitors from Southeast Asia, aiming to attract more international tourists and strengthen its tourism industry. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) has declared 2026 as the Nepal ASEAN Tourism Year, targeting countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and others in the ASEAN bloc. The move follows strong tourism growth in 2025, when Nepal welcomed around 1.16 million foreign visitors. According to the NTB, ASEAN is a high-potential market due to its growing middle class and rising demand for overseas travel. Many travelers