Both the governments of Maldives and the UK on Sunday engaged in high-level diplomatic discussions to formalize permanent tariff relief on Maldivian tuna exports.
Following the UK's landmark decision to suspend tariffs on Maldivian tuna exports, the recent tariff suspension aims to bolster the livelihoods of thousands of Maldivian fishers, protect the global gold standard of pole-and-line fishing, and provide more affordable and sustainable seafood options to UK consumers.
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Both the governments of Maldives and the UK on Sunday engaged in high-level diplomatic discussions to formalize permanent tariff relief on Maldivian tuna exports.
Following the UK's landmark decision to suspend tariffs on Maldivian tuna exports, the recent tariff suspension aims to bolster the livelihoods of thousands of Maldivian fishers, protect the global gold standard of pole-and-line fishing, and provide more affordable and sustainable seafood options to UK consumers.
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The 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting concluded in east China’s Suzhou on Saturday, yielding fruitful results and laying significant groundwork for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November.
The trade ministers’ meeting focused on “building an open and predictable regional and multilateral economic and trade order” and “fostering new engines of innovative and dynamic trade and investment cooperation.”
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao briefed the media on the meeting’s outcomes at a press conference. Wang said the meeting issued a joint statement titled the Suzhou Statement, and approved the latest edition of the APEC Roadmap for Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Services.
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The 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting concluded in east China’s Suzhou on Saturday, yielding fruitful results and laying significant groundwork for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in November.
The trade ministers’ meeting focused on “building an open and predictable regional and multilateral economic and trade order” and “fostering new engines of innovative and dynamic trade and investment cooperation.”
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao briefed the media on the meeting’s outcomes at a press conference. Wang said the meeting issued a joint statement titled the Suzhou Statement, and approved the latest edition of the APEC Roadmap for Innovative, Competitive and Resilient Services.
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French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday announced €1 billion for quantum computing and €550 million for microelectronics as state funding to secure the European Union's technological sovereignty.
During his visit to atomic energy commission in Essonne, Macron emphasized that Europe must shift into a higher gear as global powers and unveil multibillion-dollar investments in domestic quantum companies. He also warned that failing to invest will result in industrial dependencies, pushing for a quantum and microchip ecosystem entirely designed, built, and operated by European companies.
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French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday announced €1 billion for quantum computing and €550 million for microelectronics as state funding to secure the European Union's technological sovereignty.
During his visit to atomic energy commission in Essonne, Macron emphasized that Europe must shift into a higher gear as global powers and unveil multibillion-dollar investments in domestic quantum companies. He also warned that failing to invest will result in industrial dependencies, pushing for a quantum and microchip ecosystem entirely designed, built, and operated by European companies.
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Mexico and the European Union on Friday signed a modernized free trade agreement to lower tariffs and trade away from the United States, which helps partially insulate them from US tariffs.
The expanded pact eliminates almost all bilateral tariffs, boosts agricultural trade, and removes barriers in the auto parts and electric vehicle sectors. Following the deal, Mexico will recognize over 500 specific EU geographical food and drink indicators, while the EU grants duty-free access for Mexican staples like asparagus and poultry.
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Mexico and the European Union on Friday signed a modernized free trade agreement to lower tariffs and trade away from the United States, which helps partially insulate them from US tariffs.
The expanded pact eliminates almost all bilateral tariffs, boosts agricultural trade, and removes barriers in the auto parts and electric vehicle sectors. Following the deal, Mexico will recognize over 500 specific EU geographical food and drink indicators, while the EU grants duty-free access for Mexican staples like asparagus and poultry.
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THE average price of a new condominium in central Tokyo in April rose 38.9 per cent from a year earlier to 124.98 million yen ($786,000), reflecting a rebound from the previous year’s drop and rising construction costs, a research institute said Thursday.
The price in the greater metropolitan area covering the capital and its three surrounding prefectures in the reporting month slipped below 100 million yen for the first time in three months, according to the Real Estate Economic Institute. Still, the price in the capital and Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama prefectures, at 87.36 million yen, was up 24.8 per cent from a year earlier, the institute said. The number of new condos listed for sale in Tokyo and the neighbouring prefectures climbed 15.6 per cent to 1,163 units, with neighbouring Kanagawa Prefecture seeing a 60.4 per cent surge to 441 units. — Kyodo
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THE average price of a new condominium in central Tokyo in April rose 38.9 per cent from a year earlier to 124.98 million yen ($786,000), reflecting a rebound from the previous year’s drop and rising construction costs, a research institute said Thursday.
The price in the greater metropolitan area covering the capital and its three surrounding prefectures in the reporting month slipped below 100 million yen for the first time in three months, according to the Real Estate Economic Institute. Still, the price in the capital and Chiba, Kanagawa and Saitama prefectures, at 87.36 million yen, was up 24.8 per cent from a year earlier, the institute said. The number of new condos listed for sale in Tokyo and the neighbouring prefectures climbed 15.6 per cent to 1,163 units, with neighbouring Kanagawa Prefecture seeing a 60.4 per cent surge to 441 units. — Kyodo
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India is hosting the 68th Session of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Governing Body from May 20th to 22nd in New Delhi. As the presiding chair for the 2025–26 term, India welcomed over 60 delegates representing 20 APO member economies to focus on sustainable socioeconomic growth and digital transformation.
At the event, India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal delivered key addresses, highlighting productivity as a strategic determinant of regional competitiveness and resilience. Discussions focused on implementing the APO Vision 2030, regional cooperation, institutional reforms, and navigating the impacts of AI and technological disruption on industrial processes.
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India is hosting the 68th Session of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Governing Body from May 20th to 22nd in New Delhi. As the presiding chair for the 2025–26 term, India welcomed over 60 delegates representing 20 APO member economies to focus on sustainable socioeconomic growth and digital transformation.
At the event, India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal delivered key addresses, highlighting productivity as a strategic determinant of regional competitiveness and resilience. Discussions focused on implementing the APO Vision 2030, regional cooperation, institutional reforms, and navigating the impacts of AI and technological disruption on industrial processes.
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Samsung Electronics and its largest labor union reached an 11th-hour tentative wage deal on Wednesday successfully averting an 18-day general strike. The union has officially suspended planned strike actions while its members vote to ratify the agreement.
Samsung agreed to abolish its previous 50% cap on performance-based bonuses. The company will set aside 10.5% of operating earnings from the Device Solutions chip division to be distributed to employees, partially in the form of company stock. The company announced that its employees will receive an average base wage increase of 6.2%, along with enhanced housing loans and child support benefits.
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Samsung Electronics and its largest labor union reached an 11th-hour tentative wage deal on Wednesday successfully averting an 18-day general strike. The union has officially suspended planned strike actions while its members vote to ratify the agreement.
Samsung agreed to abolish its previous 50% cap on performance-based bonuses. The company will set aside 10.5% of operating earnings from the Device Solutions chip division to be distributed to employees, partially in the form of company stock. The company announced that its employees will receive an average base wage increase of 6.2%, along with enhanced housing loans and child support benefits.
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NEW Zealand’s total exports rose 12 per cent yearon-year to 8.6 billion NZ dollars in April, driven by strong gains in meat, dairy, gold and crude oil, official data showed on Thursday. Stats NZ said export values increased by 943 million NZ dollars from April 2025, with four key commodity groups accounting for nearly three-quarters of the overall rise. Meat exports climbed 26 per cent to 1.3 billion NZ dollars in April 2026, led by beef and sheep meat, said the statistics department. Dairy exports, including milk powder, butter and cheese, increased seven per cent to 2.3 billion NZ dollars, with milk powder contributing most of the gain, the department said. Gold exports jumped 145 per cent to 262 million NZ dollars, largely destined for Australia, while crude oil exports fluctuated month to month based on individual large shipments, up 388 per cent year-onyear to 151 million NZ dollars in April 2026, it said._Xinhua
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NEW Zealand’s total exports rose 12 per cent yearon-year to 8.6 billion NZ dollars in April, driven by strong gains in meat, dairy, gold and crude oil, official data showed on Thursday. Stats NZ said export values increased by 943 million NZ dollars from April 2025, with four key commodity groups accounting for nearly three-quarters of the overall rise. Meat exports climbed 26 per cent to 1.3 billion NZ dollars in April 2026, led by beef and sheep meat, said the statistics department. Dairy exports, including milk powder, butter and cheese, increased seven per cent to 2.3 billion NZ dollars, with milk powder contributing most of the gain, the department said. Gold exports jumped 145 per cent to 262 million NZ dollars, largely destined for Australia, while crude oil exports fluctuated month to month based on individual large shipments, up 388 per cent year-onyear to 151 million NZ dollars in April 2026, it said._Xinhua
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On Thursday, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office has urged Thailand to fast-track its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), aiming to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026. Trade officials warned that the country risks losing crucial market share and foreign investment to regional neighbors, which already enjoy preferential tariff access.
EU finalized three major FTAs in Q1 of 2026 alone, forcing Thailand to accelerate talks to remain competitive. Thailand currently faces an average import duty of 11.5 % entering the EU, compared to 5.6% for Malaysia and 8.1% for Indonesia.
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On Thursday, the Trade Policy and Strategy Office has urged Thailand to fast-track its Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), aiming to conclude negotiations by the end of 2026. Trade officials warned that the country risks losing crucial market share and foreign investment to regional neighbors, which already enjoy preferential tariff access.
EU finalized three major FTAs in Q1 of 2026 alone, forcing Thailand to accelerate talks to remain competitive. Thailand currently faces an average import duty of 11.5 % entering the EU, compared to 5.6% for Malaysia and 8.1% for Indonesia.
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Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides visited Mumbai as part of his official state visit to India. During his visit, he addressed the Cyprus-India Business Forum, pitching Cyprus as a reliable and stable gateway for Indian companies looking to expand their footprint into the European Union.
He also announced that his country will open a new trade center in Mumbai, scheduled to launch in September, designed to facilitate business connections and EU access. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also attended the forum, inviting Cypriot businesses to utilize Maharashtra's robust logistics and port ecosystem as an entry point to the Indian market.
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Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides visited Mumbai as part of his official state visit to India. During his visit, he addressed the Cyprus-India Business Forum, pitching Cyprus as a reliable and stable gateway for Indian companies looking to expand their footprint into the European Union.
He also announced that his country will open a new trade center in Mumbai, scheduled to launch in September, designed to facilitate business connections and EU access. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also attended the forum, inviting Cypriot businesses to utilize Maharashtra's robust logistics and port ecosystem as an entry point to the Indian market.
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