Author: Editorial Desk

Paysafe, a leading payments platform, has partnered with CMC Markets, a global provider of online trading and investment services. The collaboration enables CMC Markets to extend its payment options across the European Economic Area (EEA), Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other international markets, excluding the UK and the U.S. As part of the agreement, Paysafe’s digital wallets, Skrill and Neteller, become the first alternative payment methods available to CMC traders in these regions. Both wallets, with more than 20 years of experience serving the forex and financial trading industry, provide customers with fast, secure, and trader-focused funding solutions. CMC…

Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan El-Khatib, has said that the country is working to secure a place among the world’s top 50 nations in trade and investment competitiveness within the next two years. Speaking at the Egypt–Rwanda Business Forum, held in the presence of Rwandan Minister of Trade Égide Gatera, El-Khatib outlined Egypt’s progress in modern infrastructure, citing advanced railways, road networks, energy systems, and the development of new cities. He also highlighted achievements in agriculture, where the adoption of smart irrigation systems and modern farming techniques has strengthened productivity and food security. El-Khatib reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment…

Global rice prices are falling as record-high production levels flood the market, but Thailand is moving in the opposite direction with export prices continuing to climb. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest Rice Outlook report projects global rice production at a record 541.1 million tons for 2025/26. Combined with carryover stocks, this will push total global supply to 729.5 million tons, the highest ever recorded, and the third straight year of growth. The oversupply has pushed down values in several exporting nations. During the week of 9 September 2025, U.S. rice prices for the Latin American market fell by $45…

As much as 80% of vapes or illicit e-cigarettes circulating in the Philippines may be smuggled or counterfeit, a trade expert has warned, raising concerns over health risks and losses to legitimate businesses. Rodney Van Dooren, regional illicit trade expert at Philip Morris International (PMI), made the remarks during a recent Financial Times forum on illicit trade held in Taguig City. He cited a ‘massive discrepancy’ between China’s e-cigarette export figures and the Philippines’ official import data, indicating that most products bypass formal entry channels. While around 20% of the country’s cigarette market is already illicit, Van Dooren said counterfeit…

Republican Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi have introduced the India Shrimp Tariff Act, legislation aimed at protecting Louisiana’s shrimp and catfish farmers from what they describe as India’s unfair trade practices. The bill seeks to counter the alleged dumping of low-priced Indian shrimp into the U.S. market, which lawmakers say threatens domestic seafood producers. “People come from all over to try Louisiana gumbo, jambalaya, and shrimp and grits. That’s because our shrimpers and catfish farmers meet high standards,” Cassidy said in a statement. “By leveling the playing field, this bill protects Louisiana seafood and the…

Vietnam’s government has approved a five-year pilot program for a regulated crypto trading market, a move experts say reflects the country’s cautious embrace of fintech and its ambition to shape international governance standards in the sector. Adopted under Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP, the initiative establishes strict oversight aimed at protecting the rights and interests of both domestic and foreign participants while mitigating risks tied to digital assets. Colonel Dr. Hoang Van Thuc, director of the Academy of Cryptography Techniques and senior advisor to the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Asset Association, described the pilot as a demonstration of “smart risk governance.” He…

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday urged EU member states to adopt new sanctions targeting Russia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, its shadow fleet of oil tankers, and key energy companies, as part of continued pressure over Moscow’s war in Ukraine. “It is time to turn off the tap on LNG,” von der Leyen said in a video statement outlining the proposals, calling on the 27 member states to “quickly endorse” the measures. “We want Russia to leave the battlefield and come to the negotiation table, and this is the way to give peace a real chance,”…

Canada and Mexico have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at strengthening economic and security cooperation as both countries prepare for what is expected to be a challenging renegotiation of their trilateral trade agreement with the United States. The pact was signed in Mexico City on Thursday by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. It includes plans to develop key infrastructure such as ports, rail, and energy corridors, while also tackling crime, supporting environmental protection, and boosting bilateral trade. “Today, we’re beginning a new era of elevated co-operation with a comprehensive strategic partnership,” Carney said at…

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has begun enforcing its historic Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, targeting billions in harmful subsidies that drive overfishing. The accord, widely described as a milestone for global trade and environmental governance, prohibits government support for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as subsidies that drive the over-exploitation of fish stocks and unregulated fishing on the high seas. “Today we have shown that trade can serve both people and planet,” WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said at a special General Council meeting in Geneva. Calling the agreement “a landmark for global trade governance,” she stressed that multilateral…

Hong Kong is moving to expand its role in the global gold trade, with plans to increase storage capacity and deepen ties with mainland China as Beijing pushes for greater influence in international commodity markets. In his annual policy address on Wednesday, Chief Executive John Lee outlined measures to re-establish the city as a major bullion hub. The plan includes raising Hong Kong’s storage capacity to more than 2,000 tons within three years and creating a central clearing platform for gold. The strategy, which replaces earlier gradual proposals, aims to attract traders, expand refining activity, and reinforce the city’s role…