The PSDE conference, organised by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) in collaboration with various institutions, highlighted the pivotal role of provincial governments in shaping Pakistan's digital future. Senator Dar emphasized the importance of digitisation at the grassroots level, advocating for smart schools, e-governance, and real-time data systems. He also stressed the need to revise the NFC Award and phase out overlapping federal bodies that contradict the spirit of devolution. Minister Ahsan Iqbal encouraged provincial governments to assume active roles in socio-economic development and transform research into action. Experts, including Prof Yuan Li of Shandong University, advocated for Pakistan to invest in sovereign digital ecosystems and AI development to safeguard its autonomy and economic future. The conference also explored the shift from infrastructure-led growth under CPEC 1.0 to innovation and knowledge exchange under CPEC 2.0, with experts highlighting the need for policy consistency and strong educational governance to achieve digital transformation.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358317/pide-conference-dar-advocates-nfc-award-revisitUS Secretary of State and a Russian diplomat discussed ongoing consultations between Washington and Moscow, which included a recent conversation between President Vladimir Putin and Stephen Witkoff in St. Petersburg. The two agreed to maintain operational communication ahead of planned meetings with the Ukrainian side next week.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/965088-france-described-the-meeting-with-rubio-and-witkoff-in-paris-on-a-peaceful-settlement-of-the-ukrainian-crisis-as-productPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed a Hungarian business delegation led by Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to strengthening ties in trade, investment, and energy. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is scheduled to arrive today. Sharif expressed satisfaction over agreements signed, including visa abolition for diplomats and memoranda on cultural cooperation and heritage preservation.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40358325/pm-hungarian-fm-discuss-trade-investmentThe UK has pledged £752m in military aid to Ukraine as part of a $50B global support plan. French President Macron and British officials are pushing for a united European role in supporting Ukraine during the war and any future ceasefire. A meeting with envoys from the US, France, Britain, Germany, and Ukraine will be held in London next week. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has agreed to maintain "prompt communication channels" with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, ahead of the London meeting.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/macron-hosts-ukraine-ceasefire-talks-with-rubio-his-office-says-europeans-are-involved-13880898.htmlUkrainian Minister of Economy, Svyrydenko, announced a potential agreement with the US that could lead to significant investments and modernization of Ukraine's infrastructure, as well as a mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries. The agreement is still in the final stages, awaiting ratification by Ukrainian parliaments, after being worked on by technical teams from both nations.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/3983390-ukraine-us-sign-memorandum-on-economic-partnership-agreement-svyrydenko.htmlUkrainian Deputy Minister Boyev briefed CSIS representatives on needed American defense products to protect civilian lives, settlements, and critical infrastructure in Ukraine, emphasizing that military aid is crucial for a strong stance at the negotiating table.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3983273-ukraines-mod-discusses-military-aid-with-us-congressional-delegation.htmlUS Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced new fees for Chinese-linked ships entering the US market, with most fees set to begin in mid-October. The fees will be per tonnage or container and can be waived if a ship is built in the US. China dominates global shipbuilding, accounting for nearly half of all ships launched, ahead of South Korea and Japan. Separate fees will apply to Chinese-operated and Chinese-built ships, with rates starting at $18 per NT (approximately $120 per container) for Chinese-built ships. The new rules aim to reverse Chinese dominance in the US shipping industry and address supply chain threats, but have raised concerns among US retailers about increased costs.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/us-unveils-new-port-fees-for-chinese-linked-ships/article_04ff0300-b0cc-5427-96cd-80421a1668e1.htmlVietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Dung has requested SEMI SEA, a network of industry leaders, to work closely with the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance and National Innovation Centre (NIC) to implement a training program for the semiconductor workforce. The government aims to enhance its institutional framework to attract foreign and local investments in the sector. Dung's vision includes expanding Vietnam's talent pool and developing a comprehensive ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing. SEMI SEA has committed to supporting the government's vision, with President Linda Tan highlighting the association's dedication to advancing the industry in Vietnam. The country aims to grow its semiconductor industry as part of its broader push to develop high-tech sectors, positioning itself as a leader in technology and innovation in Southeast Asia.
https://opengovasia.com/2025/04/18/vietnams-vision-for-semiconductor-ai-industry-growth/Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visits to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries aimed to project China as a reliable partner amid US uncertainty. In Vietnam, Xi called for stronger ties on trade and supply chains, while Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the country's need to balance relations with both China and the US. Despite this, Vietnam seeks to avoid over-reliance on China and expand economic partnerships. The visit came as Vietnam faced US tariffs of up to 46% before a recent reprieve. Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Vietnamese Communist Party Secretary-General To Lam, while Chong Ja Ian notes that Vietnam's leadership will likely find ways to mollify the Trump administration during negotiations.
https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/xi-jinping-asean-tour-china-us-tariffs-5072036