The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has urged Vietnamese businesses to stay vigilant as rising Israel-Iran tensions threaten to disrupt global trade, according to a senior ministry official. Speaking at a press briefing in Hà Nội on June 19, Trần Thanh Hải, Deputy Director of the MoIT’s Agency of Foreign Trade, stressed the importance of continuous monitoring through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the MoIT, and reliable news sources. This, he said, would help companies assess risks and adjust their operations proactively. Hải underscored the need for thorough reviews of export-import contracts, highlighting key clauses on freight charges, delivery…

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has achieved a record by exporting 3,624 metric tons of Indian mangoes to top global cities, including London, New York, and Toronto. The mango export underscores the rising international appetite for India’s famed ‘King of Fruits.’ Renowned for their aroma, sweetness, and diverse varieties such as Alphonso, Kesar, and Banganapalli, Indian mangoes continue to charm consumers around the world. This year’s surge in exports marks a major rise over previous years, driven largely by the strong presence of the Indian diaspora and growing global appreciation for the fruit’s exceptional quality. London received the largest…

China is rapidly expanding its Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS), welcoming more financial institutions from Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East as part of its wider effort to internationalize the yuan and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar. During a recent ceremony in Shanghai, six new institutions officially joined CIPS as direct participants: the African Export-Import Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, South Africa’s Standard Bank, Singapore’s United Overseas Bank, Eldik Bank of Kyrgyzstan, and Chongwa (Macau) Financial Asset Exchange. The expansion marks a significant milestone in China’s strategic effort to offer a viable alternative to the SWIFT system, which…

Shell Chief Executive Wael Sawan has cautioned that any escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran could have a major impact on global trade, particularly through potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz (a vital corridor for global energy shipments). Speaking at an energy conference in Tokyo, Sawan noted that Shell has contingency plans in place should the situation deteriorate further. “If that artery is blocked, for whatever reason, it has a huge impact on global trade,” Sawan said, referring to the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a quarter of the world’s oil passes. He also expressed concerns…

President of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict Oramah, has stressed the urgent need to accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), in response to changing global trade dynamics such as the reimposition of reciprocal tariffs by the United States. Speaking during a high-level dialogue moderated by Michael Rheinegger of the Swiss-African Business Circle at the Swiss-Africa Business Day, Prof. Oramah shared the stage with World Trade Organization Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to discuss Africa’s evolving trade environment and strategic partnerships. Highlighting that intra-African trade accounts for less than 18% of the continent’s total trade,…

ContractPodAi, a pioneer in legal AI and contract lifecycle management (CLM), has launched the Leah Tariff Agent, a specialized solution designed to help businesses navigate the growing complexities of international tariffs and shifting trade regulations. The introduction of Leah comes at a time when global supply chains are under increasing pressure due to regulatory changes and geopolitical disruptions. Leah enables organizations to identify, evaluate, and respond to tariff-related risks embedded in their contracts. Agentic AI delivers real-time insights that go beyond traditional risk awareness, helping companies take timely legal action and strengthen their contractual protections. Sarvarth Misra, CEO and Co-Founder…

A regional push to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar is accelerating across Asia, as BRICS and ASEAN economies increasingly promote local-currency trade and investment, signaling a significant shift in global financial dynamics. According to CNBC, the trend is driving currency hedging activity to record levels while challenging the long-standing dominance of the dollar in international commerce. Data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) shows the dollar’s share of global foreign exchange reserves fell to 57.8% in 2024, down from over 70% in 2000, reflecting growing unease over geopolitical risks, currency volatility, and the use of the dollar in sanctions.…

Pakistan has launched a $150 million minerals processing complex in Punjab in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Anfal Group, aiming to reduce costly chemical imports and stimulate export growth through value-added mineral processing. The project, reported by state media on Thursday, is being facilitated by the Punjab provincial government and Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a civil-military platform established in 2023 to accelerate foreign investment in key economic sectors, including mining, agriculture, energy, and IT. The new facility is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to attract international investment into its underutilized minerals sector. The complex is expected to save the…

The World Bank has lifted its decade-long moratorium on financing nuclear energy projects, marking a major policy shift driven by rising global electricity needs, particularly in developing nations. The change will enable the Bank to fund initiatives aimed at extending the life of existing nuclear plants and accelerating the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs). The decision comes as electricity demand in developing countries is projected to more than double by 2035. Nuclear energy, long sidelined in global energy debates, is now witnessing renewed interest as countries seek reliable, low-emission power sources to meet growing consumption and climate goals. Ajay…

A widening mismatch between property listing prices and buyer budget expectations in Australia’s capital cities is pushing home seekers toward the outskirts of Brisbane and Melbourne, according to new data from Domain. Domain’s latest analysis reveals that in prime inner-city areas, the gap between what buyers are willing to pay and listed prices can reach up to $1 million. In Melbourne, for example, houses within 10 kilometers of the central business district (CBD) recorded a typical buyer search price of $1.2 million—$310,000 less than the median listing price of $1.51 million. The disparity becomes even more pronounced in affluent suburbs…