Japan should diversify its trade ties beyond the US market to mitigate risks, according to Hirofumi Yoshimura, co-representative of the Japan Innovation Party. This is due to the uncertainty posed by President Donald Trump's tariffs, which have shown how the US can be a country risk for Japan. Instead, Tokyo should focus on partnerships with countries that prioritize free trade, such as Europe, and aim for a "win-win" situation in trade negotiations.
https://channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/japan-reduce-reliance-us-trade-tariff-opposition-head-donald-trump-5224356Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed at the BRICS summit in Brazil, reaffirming their commitment to expanding bilateral trade and investment, as well as promoting sustainable development of the Addis-Ababa-Djibouti Railway. The two nations have maintained a strong alliance since 1967, with China providing consistent support to Ethiopia. Bilateral trade between them reached $5 billion in 2022, up from $3 billion in 2014.
https://africanews.com/2025/07/07/china-and-ethiopia-reaffirm-alliance-at-meeting-on-sidelies-of-brics-summit/Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with the Presidents of Bolivia and Uruguay during the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. He discussed ways to deepen relations and collaborate in various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, traditional medicine, and digital public infrastructure. Modi also emphasized the need for a greater role for the developing world in international decision-making, citing "double standards" faced by the Global South. The BRICS Leaders' Declaration reflected India's key concerns on cross-border terrorism and global governance reforms.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-brazil-brics-summit-live-updates-july-7-2025/article69783509.ecePakistan and Afghanistan discussed deepening trade and transit cooperation during a meeting, focusing on implementing measures announced by Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Dar in Kabul to facilitate Afghan transit trade. The two sides emphasized the importance of regional connectivity for sustainable growth and prosperity, with a focus on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway. They agreed to finalize a framework agreement for the railway project and discussed repatriation efforts, including Pakistan's issuance of over 500,000 visas since January 2024. Both countries recognized lasting security as a cornerstone for regional development and bilateral relations, with plans to convene additional-secretary talks at a later date.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/612896-pakistan-afghanistan-to-further-strengthen-legal-movement-across-bordersA high-level Pakistani delegation, led by Bilal Azhar Kayani, is visiting the UAE for a two-day experience exchange programme with several ministries and authorities. During the visit, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi met with Deputy Minister Abdulla Nasser Lootah to discuss cooperation in governance, public sector competitiveness, and innovation. The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to close ties with Pakistan, while Ambassador Tirmizi expressed interest in learning from the UAE's tax automation system to improve Pakistan's domestic tax collection, as Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif is keen on adopting a similar system.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/612873-pakistanis-to-learn-from-dubais-governance-and-public-service-excellence-in-exchange-programmeIndonesia's President Prabowo emphasized the importance of the Bandung spirit in the BRICS forum, particularly in supporting developing countries and Palestinian independence. He urged BRICS to serve as a balancing force for Global South countries, voicing their interests fairly and consistently. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arrmanatha Nasir noted that BRICS leaders highlighted the need for leadership on behalf of the Global South to reform the multilateral system, which is crucial for maintaining international stability and creating a conducive development space for developing countries.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/364669/prabowo-reaffirms-commitment-to-world-peace-at-bricsNirmala Sitharaman has emphasized the importance of BRICS nations in reforming the global order amid an institutional crisis, citing the need for collective action to address pressing issues such as climate change and economic inequality. The Indian finance minister made this statement during a meeting with her BRICS counterparts, highlighting the potential of the grouping to drive positive change globally.
https://www.livemint.com/economy/brics-nirmala-sitharaman-india-economy-trade-global-south-donald-trump-11751900752789.htmlSouth Korea is sending special envoys to several countries including the US, Japan, Australia, and Poland. The envoys aim to inform other nations about South Korea's intention to restore cooperation following martial law declaration. National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo are already in Washington. Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is being considered for a special envoy role in Japan, while former parliamentary speaker Park Kim Jin-pyo is under consideration for Australia, and Rep. Park Jie-won of the Democratic Party is being looked at for Poland.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/south-korea-president-lee-considers-sending-ex-interim-leader-of-ppp-as-special-envoy-to-us/The KORUS (Korea-United States) trade deal, signed by the Bush administration, has been respected by the current president despite some Trump allies arguing otherwise. The deal saw record-high exports to South Korea and nearly tripled foreign investment in American industries during its first decade. In 2018, Trump renegotiated the deal, known as KORUS 2.0, which rolled back some free trade provisions but was largely considered a minor tweak by the Cato Institute.
https://reason.com/2025/07/07/with-new-25-percent-tariffs-trump-just-blew-up-his-own-trade-deal-with-south-korea/