Author: Central Bureau

India is seeking an exemption from the proposed carbon tax by the UK as part of the ongoing free trade agreement negotiations. This request comes as both countries rush to finalize the deal before the upcoming UK elections. The Indian delegation arrived in London this week for unexpected discussions aimed at resolving key issues impeding the agreement. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose Conservative Party faces challenging polls in the upcoming UK elections, is eager to secure the trade deal swiftly. Indian negotiators are using the limited time frame before the UK elections as strategic leverage, pointing out that the Indian…

The VAP Group is gearing up to host the Global AI Show, a premier event bringing together the brightest minds in artificial intelligence (AI) on April 16th and 17th, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt Dubai. Official Website: GlobalAIShow.com This landmark event boasts the largest dedicated AI exhibition space in the region, spanning an impressive 12,000 square meters. Attendees can expect to interact with over 300 speakers, including the renowned Sophia, the Humanoid Robot, serving as the official AI brand ambassador for Hanson Robotics. Industry leaders like Dr. Salim Al-Shuaili, Director of AI & Advanced Technologies Projects at the Omani Ministry…

The United Kingdom has ascended to the status of the world’s fourth largest exporter, driven by a significant upswing in the services sector. This leap from seventh place in 2021 to fourth in 2022 was confirmed by the United Nations, marking a notable advancement in the country’s global trade position. The latest data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reveals that the UK has surpassed France, the Netherlands, and Japan, trailing only behind China, the United States, and Germany. This development is a testament to the UK’s growing influence in the global trade arena, particularly in…

Geneva: The World Trade Organization (WTO) has officially opened online registration for the 2024 Public Forum, set to take place at its Geneva headquarters from September 10th to 13th. This year’s theme, “Re-globalization: Better Trade for a Better World,” aims to address the challenge of making global trade more inclusive and ensuring the widespread distribution of its benefits. The forum will delve into the impact of digitalization, services, and sustainability in achieving these goals. About the WTO Public Forum The Public Forum is the WTO’s largest public event, bringing together government officials, business leaders, academics, and civil society to discuss…

Tashkent: The possibilities of enhancing Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan connectivity across all sectors are being discussed at high levels. This dialogue came to light during a meeting between Zafarbek Akhmedov, the Consul General of Uzbekistan, and Timur Madanbekov, the director of the Osh branch of Manas International Airport. The meeting underscored the growing movement of citizens, business representatives, and tourists across the borders of the two nations, propelled by the rapid development of cooperation in trade, economics, education, science, and culture. This increased cross-border movement has led to a rise in the number of Kyrgyzstan residents visiting Uzbekistan’s historical cities and…

Paris: Efforts to transform the European logistics scene have led French maritime giant CMA CGM to team up with leading Italian intermodal transport firm GTS, creating the European Container Network. This new joint venture aims to revolutionize how goods are transported across Europe, prioritizing affordability, reliability, and most importantly, sustainability. The European Container Network combines CMA CGM’s extensive global shipping capabilities with GTS’s established network and expertise in intermodal transportation, which utilizes a combination of trucks, trains, and potentially even barges, to move freight. This collaboration will provide businesses across Europe with innovative door-to-door solutions specifically designed for containerized cargo.…

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is on the brink of becoming a digital finance leader, with the Fintech Revolution Summit scheduled for April 29th and 30th, 2024, in Riyadh, aiming to fast-track this shift. Hosted by TraiCon Events, the summit will serve as a prime platform for more than 500 experts from the finworld, including fintech innovators, banking executives, and policymakers. The event is set to spotlight Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly its goal to escalate cashless transactions to 70% by 2025, showcasing the kingdom’s commitment to a digital-first financial future. A Gathering for a Cashless Future The summit will bring together…

Portsmouth: Admiral Ben Key, the head of the UK’s Royal Navy, emphasized the significant threat posed by Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023, Iran-backed Houthis have escalated their assaults using missiles and drones, disrupting global trade routes and forcing shipping companies to reroute via the southern tip of Africa. This sea denial strategy undermines the lawful use of international waters for trade, as protected under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In an interview at the Raisina Dialogue 2024, Admiral Key…

New Delhi: India will stand firm against integrating non-trade issues within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) discussions, aiming to preserve the organization’s core principles, declared Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal at the Raisina Dialogue on Friday. The country is actively engaging with global partners to ensure that the foundational guidelines of the WTO are upheld, facilitating free and fair international trade. Goyal highlighted concerns over developed countries advocating for the inclusion of new topics such as trade’s impact on the environment, labor standards, gender issues, trade facilitation, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into WTO negotiations.…

Dubai: Blockchain enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The Global Blockchain Show, organized by VAP Group, is set to take place on April 16-17, 2024 at the majestic Grand Hyatt Dubai. This grand event promises two days of immersive learning, interaction, and collaboration within the thriving Web3 ecosystem. Expect a gathering of over 10,000 attendees exploring the largest blockchain exhibition venue spanning 12,000 sqm. Network with 300 leading experts, startups, and corporations while delving into the latest blockchain trends. Renowned speakers include Lennix Lai, Chief Commercial Officer at OKX; Dominic Williams, Founder & Chief Scientist of DFINITY Foundation; David Palmer, Chief Product…