China and Congo have agreed to accelerate the development of a high-level community with a shared future, setting an example for China-Africa cooperation in the new era. This decision was made during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The two countries will prioritize the implementation of the "10 partnership action plans" and create a three-year development plan for the forum, including a timetable and roadmap. They also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting international fairness and justice.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1326492.shtmlIndonesia's accession to the BRICS bloc is a strategic move that strengthens its position in global politics, particularly with major powers such as the United States and Western European countries. According to Deputy Chairperson of the People's Consultative Assembly Eddy Soeparno, this decision aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's mandate to adopt a free and active foreign policy while prioritizing national interests. By joining BRICS, Indonesia aims to expand its export market, increase economic growth to 7-8 percent, and tap into the bloc's significant economic influence, which has grown from 17 percent in 1995 to over 30 percent in 2022. This membership is expected to generate investment opportunities for infrastructure and renewable energy projects, as well as provide access to knowledge transfer from BRICS countries' specializations such as digitalization in India and technology in China.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/340694/brics-membership-to-boost-indonesias-influence-mpr?utm_source=antaranews&utm_medium=desktop&utm_campaign=popular_rightPakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the country's economy with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan during a meeting in Rahim Yar Khan. The UAE president agreed to extend a $2 billion loan payment deadline, which was due in January. Sharif also requested investment in key projects and the UAE committed to investing in Pakistan due to their strong brotherly relations. To reduce electricity prices, the government will approach the IMF as part of its National Economic Transformation Plan 2024-29. The Prime Minister highlighted a notable increase in textile exports and plans to discuss further export opportunities with the Indonesian president during his visit later this month. He also emphasized Pakistan's robust relationship with Malaysia and expressed commitment to strengthening it.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341625/uae-rolls-over-2bn-debt-pm-tells-cabinetSingapore and Malaysia have launched a joint economic zone project aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two nations. The initiative, which will be established on both sides of the border, is expected to create 20,000 skilled jobs within five years by attracting 50 projects. To facilitate this, policies such as tax breaks, grants, and easier regulations will be implemented, while automated immigration lanes and paperless clearance for goods will be introduced at the border. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have expressed optimism about the project, with Wong noting that it is a "commonsense approach to liberalisation of trade and investment" between the neighbours.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341615/malaysia-singapore-launch-sez-to-boost-investmentMalaysia and Singapore are strengthening their economic ties with the signing of several agreements, including the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which aims to enhance trade and talent development between the two nations. The JS-SEZ is one of six memoranda of understanding and a letter of intent signed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who are also celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$78.59 billion from January to November 2024, a 6.7% increase over the same period in 2023, making them each other's second-largest trading partners.
On January 7, 2025, several significant events took place globally. In Southeast Asia, Malaysia and Singapore signed a joint agreement to establish a special economic zone at the leaders' retreat in Johor. Meanwhile, Hong Kong eased its investment thresholds to attract more family offices. In other news, Indonesia officially joined the BRICS bloc as a full member, according to Brazil. In South Korea, investigators sought a new warrant to arrest President Yoon, while the Philippines vowed to remain vigilant on prices despite meeting its target. Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani was held in contempt of court in a defamation case. Additionally, former US president Donald Trump hinted at imposing tariffs but did not specify how he would do so.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/hong-kong-eases-investment-thresholds-attract-family-officesMalaysia and Singapore have reached an agreement on a special economic zone in Johor, Malaysia, aimed at promoting investment and facilitating the movement of goods and people between the two countries. The plan was first proposed a year ago as part of their efforts to deepen economic ties.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/08/business/foreign-business/malaysia-singapore-announce-sez-deal/2032228Sardar Dr. Rashid Ilyas Khan, the president of The Centaurus Group, met with members of the Saudi Royal Family, including Prince Mansoor Bin Muhammad Saad Al Saud, to discuss investment collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The meeting aimed to foster mutual business opportunities and enhance bilateral economic ties. Sardar Dr. Rashid welcomed the Saudi delegation on behalf of Pakistan's business community, highlighting the deep-rooted brotherly relationship between the two nations. He assured the Saudi royals of Pakistan's commitment to creating a conducive environment for Saudi investments and strengthening trade partnerships.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1269435-investment-collaboration-between-pakistan-saudi-arabia-discussedPakistan's economy is expected to receive a boost from the visit of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who has committed to invest $10 billion in various sectors. The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) office-bearers believe that the UAE plays an important role as one of Pakistan's top trade and investment partners, with bilateral trade reaching a significant level. Pakistan exports textiles, rice, fruits, vegetables, and leather products to the UAE, while importing petroleum products, machinery, aluminum, and chemicals from the country. The LCCI office-bearers identified areas for deepening cooperation between the two countries, including investments in solar, wind, and hydropower projects to address Pakistan's energy crisis, collaborative ventures in modern farming techniques and agri-processing to improve food security, and tourism and hospitality development to attract UAE visitors and promote cultural exchanges. They also urged UAE investors to explore Pakistan's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as a gateway for establishing strong industrial bases in Pakistan and benefiting from regional connectivity.
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