China has expressed its willingness to deepen political ties with Namibia by enhancing exchanges between parties and governance experience, increasing ideological alignment, and providing guidance for the development of bilateral relations. China also offered to provide significant economic support to help Namibia transform its natural resources into economic benefits for its people, while working together to advance their respective modernization processes. This offer is in line with the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries, as stated by Mbumba, despite their differences in size.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1326395.shtmlConsul General Hussain Muhammad expressed optimism about the newly elected leadership of the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) in Dubai, stating that they would play a more effective role in fostering trade and business ties between Pakistan and the UAE. The current bilateral trade volume stands at approximately $8 billion. Shabbar Merchant, the newly appointed chairman of the PBC Dubai, emphasized the importance of aligning future trade with modern economic demands, giving startups a significant role. Senior members Mustafa Hemani and Ahmed Sheikhani called for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to enhance trade between Pakistan and the UAE, which could reduce tariffs on Made-in-Pakistan products and boost exports. The PBC also plans to organize informative awareness sessions in Dubai for Pakistani entrepreneurs to educate them about the tax system and provide guidance for new ventures.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1269136-pak-uae-trade-has-potential-to-tripleChinese Foreign Minister Wang is visiting four African countries - Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria - to enhance diplomatic ties and economic partnerships. The trip aims to deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, where China has made significant contributions in Africa. Analysts believe that the visit will promote sustained growth and development for both China and Africa, particularly in peace, stability, and development. This is part of a larger effort by China to advance win-win cooperation with African countries, as stated by Raphael Obonyo, an African youth and public policy analyst.
https://africanews.com/2025/01/06/chinese-fm-to-strengthen-ties-during-africa-visit/Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Rahim Yar Khan, where they discussed economic and political ties, including cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, trade, infrastructure, and skill development. The UAE president expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistan in the mining, minerals, and agriculture sectors, while PM Shehbaz thanked the UAE for its support during critical times, particularly in humanitarian assistance and development aid. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and progress in the region and vowed to work closely on matters of mutual interest, including a proposed free trade agreement between the two countries.
The UK has agreed to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a major trade bloc in the Indo-Pacific region. The deal, which will make the UK its 12th member, is expected to grant British businesses improved access to markets from Europe to the south Pacific, supporting jobs and creating opportunities for companies of all sizes across the country. With a total GDP of $13.65 trillion and over 500 million people, the trade bloc accounts for 15% of global GDP. The agreement was welcomed by Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch, who said it will provide British businesses with improved access to the wider Indo-Pacific region, which is projected to drive future global growth.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/politics/uk-agrees-to-join-trans-pacific-trade-pact/Uzbekistan's ambassador to Pakistan emphasized the growing economic cooperation between the two nations, citing a significant increase in mutual trade from $122 million in 2019 to $387 million in 2023. The ambassador highlighted opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agribusiness, and announced plans for a "Made in Uzbekistan" industrial exhibition in Karachi later this year. He also invited a delegation from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to visit Uzbekistan to explore investment opportunities in regions such as Bukhara, Sirdarya, Surkhondarya, and Kashkadarya. The ambassador assured full support for government-to-business and business-to-business meetings during such visits, citing Uzbekistan's safe, conducive, and liberal environment for investment.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1268940-uzbekistan-announces-plans-to-launch-direct-flights-to-karachiChina has established cooperation mechanisms with 17 Indian Ocean region countries, including Seychelles, Pakistan, and the Maldives, in areas such as remote sensing, maritime monitoring, biodiversity, and disaster reduction. The country is promoting its vision for ocean-based economic development through initiatives like the "Maritime Community with a Shared Future", which includes projects such as low-carbon demonstration zones, early warning systems for climate-induced disasters, and joint development of marine new energy and deep-sea resource exploration.
https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/chinas-indian-ocean-region-strategy-soft-power-strong-gains-13849797.htmlThe Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) has partnered with the UK-Pakistan Trade and Investment Board (UKPTIB) to promote innovation and economic growth in Pakistan. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by PITB Director General Sajid Latif and UKPTIB Chairman Rizwan Sulehria, aims to boost business activities, attract foreign investment, and create innovative solutions for economic growth. This partnership is expected to fortify economic ties with the UK and Europe, enhance collaboration in technology-driven initiatives, and showcase Pakistan's potential as a global technology hub. The agreement also seeks to create opportunities for young talent in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, ultimately fostering a dynamic ecosystem for sustainable growth in the tech industry.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341090/pitb-signs-mou-with-ukptibThe Uzbek Ambassador announced a soft visa regime for Pakistani citizens starting in September 2024, allowing easier travel between the two nations. The initiative aims to boost economic cooperation and strategic partnerships, with a focus on sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, food processing, agro-businesses, and other industries. The ambassador invited Pakistani businessmen to explore investment opportunities in Uzbekistan's favourable environment, which is considered safe, conducive, and liberal. He also encouraged the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to send a business delegation to Uzbekistan to strengthen cooperation and facilitate government-to-business and business-to-business meetings.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1268359-uzbek-ambassador-aims-to-boost-bilateral-trade-to-1bn