The Malaysian government plans to collaborate with Vietnam by sharing its well-established halal infrastructure, including certification systems and halal raw materials. This support aims to help Vietnam build capacity and expand its access to the international halal market. The proposal was discussed during the recent seminar titled ‘Accessing the Global Halal Market — Opportunities for Vietnamese Enterprises’ held in Hanoi. Malaysia’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Datuk Tan Yang Thai, underscored the importance of understanding halal standards and consumer expectations. He recommended a long-term, practical collaboration to help Vietnamese firms integrate into the global halal supply chain. “Malaysia encourages Vietnamese companies to…

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has warned that global trade tensions are deepening, citing a rise in protectionist measures and economic friction worldwide. Speaking at the opening of the World Economic Forum’s ‘Summer Davos’ in Tianjin on Wednesday, Li underscored the risks posed by increasing global economic fragmentation, in what was widely interpreted as a reference to trade policies initiated under U.S. President Donald Trump. “Protectionist measures are significantly increasing, and global economic and trade frictions are intensifying,” Li stated, while stressing that no country can thrive in isolation given the deeply interconnected nature of the global economy. Li advocated for…

South Africa’s export-driven economy is facing growing international pressure due to its heavy reliance on carbon-intensive industries, as global climate policies and carbon pricing mechanisms tighten. A new report from Net Zero Tracker warns that these developments could threaten trade, employment, and economic stability if the country does not align its energy and industrial policies with its net-zero commitment. The report highlights a critical disconnect between South Africa’s official 2050 net-zero target and its short-term policy choices, which continue to favor fossil fuel expansion and delay the coal phase-out. Researchers caution that this inconsistency is eroding global confidence in the…

Thousands of illegal wildlife products were seized across the European Union in 2023, highlighting the region’s ongoing role in global trafficking, according to a new report by TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network. The seized items largely included critically endangered European eels, timber, and medicinal plants, indicating the EU’s ongoing position as a key transit and destination region in the illicit wildlife trade. Valued at approximately $23 billion annually, illegal wildlife trade is a major driver of biodiversity loss and organized transnational crime, according to the United Nations. TRAFFIC’s report calls for urgent enforcement measures, stronger public awareness, and international…

Mahindra Logistics is set to present ET Edge SCM Fest 2025, with strategic partner ElasticRun and co-powered by Ascendas Firstspace and Blue Dart. As speed, sustainability, and smart networks redefine economic growth, the supply chain has become a core driver of business success. Reflecting this shift, the event will take place on 26–27 June 2025 at Taj Palace, New Delhi, bringing together industry leaders to shape the future of logistics and supply chain excellence. With the theme ‘Resilient Networks, Limitless Growth,’ this landmark initiative by ET Edge will convene over 150+ speakers, 1,500+ senior professionals, and 30+ hours of curated…

Facing a critical shortage of rare earth magnets due to restrictions imposed by China, India’s automotive industry is working with domestic and international companies to build a self-reliant magnet supply chain. Several firms, including Midwest Advanced Materials, Entellus Industries, and public sector enterprise Indian Rare Earths (IREL), have presented proposals to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, outlining plans to produce magnets within the country. According to sources, Heavy Industries Secretary Kamran Rizvi has reviewed these proposals as part of the government’s broader strategy to develop indigenous capabilities in magnet production. Midwest Advanced Materials detailed its plan to manufacture 500 tons…

Morocco has reached a new milestone in its agricultural export performance, with raspberry exports to the Middle East hitting 700 tons, three months before the close of the 2024/2025 export season, according to data from EastFruit. This record-breaking volume, achieved within the first nine months of the current marketing campaign, reflects the country’s growing dominance in the regional berry market. Key factors behind the surge include Morocco’s strong market presence during off-season periods in competing regions, consistently high fruit quality, and a focused trade approach targeting Gulf nations. The typical export window for Moroccan raspberries runs from August to June,…

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran is raising serious concerns over global energy security, with Europe increasingly vulnerable to disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil supplies. As geopolitical tensions intensify, markets are already pricing in risks to global fuel flows, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for a third of global oil and a fifth of LNG shipments. European energy prices are surging amid fears that gas fields, especially the Iran-Qatar shared South Pars field, could be targeted. The Dutch TTF, Europe’s main gas benchmark, rose to a three-month high near €41/MWh. Though the…

Türkiye has intensified efforts to deepen trade ties with the United Kingdom by organizing a focused trade mission in London to promote its household and kitchenware exports. The initiative, led by the Istanbul Chemicals and Chemical Products Exporters’ Association (IKMIB), brought together 16 Turkish companies for a full day of direct business-to-business meetings with British importers. The objective was to enhance Türkiye’s export access to the UK market, highlight its innovative product designs, and foster long-term commercial partnerships. Senior representatives, including the Turkish Trade Ministry’s Foreign Trade Specialist Melda Akoglu Sisman and IKMIB Board Member Ali Kucuk, joined the mission.…

India and Russia have announced a joint ambition to boost bilateral trade turnover to $100 billion, building on existing cooperation and charting new strategic pathways during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), held from 18 to 21 June. The high-level forum brought together key government figures and private sector leaders to explore enhanced partnerships in logistics, pharmaceuticals, finance, education, digital transformation, and scientific innovation. Notably, discussions highlighted the creation of sustainable logistics corridors and joint ventures in advanced technologies as key pillars of future collaboration. Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Moscow Government and Head of the Department for External…