During his official visit to Singapore on October 26, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized China’s commitment to advancing high-level opening-up, easing market access, and continuously optimizing the business environment. Speaking at a China-Singapore business roundtable, Li highlighted the importance of addressing enterprises’ concerns to foster mutual growth and prosperity. The event, attended by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, underscored the deepening economic ties between the two nations. Li reflected on the 35 years of fruitful cooperation between China and Singapore, noting that their development presents significant opportunities for each other. He stressed that mutual respect, trust, and open cooperation are key to shared prosperity. Li also pointed to recent milestones, such as the mutual visa exemption agreement and the upgraded free trade agreement, as catalysts for future collaboration. Looking ahead, Li outlined three strategic areas for enhanced cooperation: transitioning from complementary elements to collaborative innovation, expanding bilateral efforts to tripartite cooperation with regions like ASEAN and Africa, and jointly leading the formulation of global rules in emerging sectors like digital and green industries. Li also highlighted China’s robust economic foundation and its commitment to treating domestic and foreign enterprises equally. Gan Kim Yong echoed these sentiments, reaffirming Singapore’s dedication to advancing a high-quality partnership with China. Business representatives from both countries expressed optimism about China’s development prospects and pledged to deepen cooperation in finance, digital economy, green development, and more.
作者： admin
-
Violent protests flare in Cameroon as results due in contested election
Tensions have escalated across Cameroon as supporters of opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary clashed with security forces in multiple cities, just a day before the official announcement of the presidential election results. The protests, which began in Bakary’s stronghold of Garoua in northern Cameroon, saw police deploying tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Demonstrators accused the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) of attempting to ‘steal the victory’ from Bakary, who claims to have won the October 12 election with approximately 55% of the vote. Incumbent President Paul Biya, who has held power for 43 years, seeks another term, but Bakary has dismissed the CPDM’s claims as illegitimate. Authorities have banned public gatherings until Monday, when the constitutional council is expected to announce the results. The protests, initially peaceful, turned chaotic as security forces intervened. In Douala, another major city, demonstrators chanted support for Bakary, demanding transparency in the electoral process. Bakary, a former government minister and Biya ally, dramatically shifted his stance earlier this year, resigning from the government to challenge Biya. He has refused to file complaints with the constitutional council, whose judges are appointed by Biya, instead declaring himself the ‘legal and legitimate president.’ The election has been marred by allegations of irregularities, including ballot-stuffing, which the constitutional council has dismissed due to insufficient evidence. The unrest underscores deep political divisions in Cameroon, with Bakary’s supporters vowing to continue their fight for electoral justice.
-
US government says it will stop paying for food aid next week
The ongoing US government shutdown has led to a critical halt in the distribution of food assistance to over 40 million Americans, as federal funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have been exhausted. The US Department of Agriculture announced the cessation of benefits starting November, attributing the impasse to Senate Democrats. The Trump administration has declined to tap into a contingency fund, citing its necessity for potential emergencies like natural disasters. This decision has sparked outrage among Democratic lawmakers, who have condemned the move as cruel and unlawful. Congresswomen Rosa DeLauro and Angie Craig criticized President Trump for prioritizing aid to Argentina and constructing a new White House ballroom over addressing domestic needs. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) estimates that the contingency fund would only cover about 60% of one month’s benefits. Democratic House members have urged Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to release the reserves and reallocate other available funds to fully support SNAP for November. However, Rollins maintains that the reserve is reserved for true emergencies, primarily natural disasters. States are scrambling to mitigate the impact, with some pledging to use their own funds, though the federal government has warned against reimbursement. Massachusetts, where one million people are expected to lose benefits, has admitted to insufficient resources. California is deploying its National Guard to assist in food distribution, while many states are directing SNAP recipients to charity food pantries. The government shutdown, now in its 26th day, marks the second-longest in US history, exacerbating the crisis for millions of vulnerable Americans.
-
Yemen’s Houthis release model after five years in prison
Yemeni model and actress Entisar al-Hammadi has been released after nearly five years in detention on charges of indecent behavior, her lawyer confirmed on Sunday. Hammadi, 25, was arrested in February 2021 in Sanaa while en route to a photo shoot. She was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison on allegations of prostitution, drug use, and fornication—claims her legal team and human rights organizations have vehemently dismissed as fabricated and politically motivated to suppress women’s freedoms. Her lawyer, Khaled al-Kamal, revealed that Hammadi was released on Saturday from the central prison in Sanaa. He also noted that her health had significantly deteriorated during her incarceration, as she suffered from various illnesses. Rights groups have reported that the high-profile model attempted to take her own life in 2021, highlighting the severe psychological toll of her imprisonment. Born to an Ethiopian mother and a Yemeni father, Hammadi had gained prominence as a model, sharing numerous photos online in both traditional Yemeni attire and modern outfits, with and without a headscarf. She had worked as a model for four years and appeared in two Yemeni television series in 2020, amassing thousands of followers on Instagram and Facebook. Human Rights Watch (HRW) described her case as ‘marred with irregularities and abuse,’ condemning the court proceedings as arbitrary and lacking due process. Amnesty International further detailed that Hammadi was subjected to blindfolded interrogations, physical and verbal abuse, racist insults, and forced confessions to crimes she did not commit. HRW’s March 2024 report highlighted that warring factions in Yemen, including the Houthis, the internationally recognized government, and the Southern Transitional Council, have systematically curtailed women’s rights in their respective territories. These oppressive policies have severely restricted women’s mobility, access to work, education, healthcare, and their ability to visit family members, underscoring the broader struggle for gender equality in the region.
-
Philippine army slams Paolo Duterte over ‘false’ claim of US ties
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has vehemently refuted allegations made by Davao Representative Paolo ‘Pulong’ Duterte regarding supposed ties with the United States and the deployment of the US Typhon missile system. In a statement issued on Sunday, the AFP labeled Duterte’s claims as ‘false’ and ‘misleading,’ emphasizing that such assertions undermine the military’s integrity and commitment to national sovereignty. Duterte had accused AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. of endangering Filipino lives by allegedly boasting about the missile system’s capabilities, which he claimed could reach China. The AFP clarified that General Brawner’s remarks were purely technical, highlighting the system’s range and its role in training and capability-building as part of the AFP’s modernization efforts. The military stressed that the Typhon missile system is not intended to target or threaten any specific nation, including China. The AFP urged public officials and opinion leaders to exercise caution in their statements to prevent the spread of misinformation and distrust. ‘The AFP remains steadfast in its duty to protect the Filipino people and defend the nation’s sovereignty—serving no one but the Filipino, and protecting nothing but the Philippines,’ the statement concluded.
-
GCC-Stat: Gulf economy records positive growth in Q1 2025
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies demonstrated a strong performance in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-Stat). The region’s nominal GDP surged to $588.1 billion, marking a 5.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Real GDP also saw a notable rise, reaching $466.2 billion, with an annual growth rate of 3.0%. This upward trend underscores the region’s ongoing economic stability and commitment to sustainable development. The oil sector remained the largest contributor to GDP at 22.9%, followed by manufacturing (12.7%) and wholesale and retail trade (9.6%). Other activities accounted for 26.7% of the total GDP, highlighting the success of economic diversification initiatives. The report emphasized that these positive results reflect the GCC countries’ continued efforts to enhance non-oil sectors, ensuring long-term economic stability and growth.
-
Is India-US tariff pact targeting $500b trade closer?
India and the United States are on the brink of finalizing a groundbreaking trade agreement that could elevate bilateral commerce to $500 billion by 2030, more than doubling the current trade value of $191 billion. This long-awaited deal, which has been in negotiation since February 2025, aims to address trade imbalances, reduce punitive tariffs, and expand market access across goods, services, digital trade, and clean-energy technology.
-
India defies tariff turbulence, set to outpace major economies with 6.6pc growth: IMF
India is poised to maintain its status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting a robust growth rate of 6.6% for the fiscal year 2025–26. This upward revision, from the previous forecast of 6.5%, highlights India’s economic resilience in the face of global trade uncertainties and rising protectionism. The IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook for Asia attributes this momentum to strong second-quarter performance and the successful implementation of GST 2.0 reforms, which have enhanced tax compliance, formalisation, and fiscal efficiency. Despite challenges posed by higher US tariffs, India’s diversified growth base—driven by services exports, infrastructure investment, digital transformation, and domestic consumption—is expected to cushion the impact. In contrast, China’s GDP growth is projected to moderate to 4.8% in 2025, weighed down by structural property-sector issues and weak domestic demand. The broader Asia-Pacific region is forecast to expand by 4.5%, contributing nearly 60% of global output growth. The IMF cautioned that Asia’s economic momentum could soften due to the ripple effects of US tariff hikes, which are already prompting exporters to front-load shipments. However, India’s reforms, including GST 2.0, improved logistics, and fiscal prudence, are expected to sustain medium-term expansion. The IMF also emphasised the need for Asian policymakers to deepen regional integration, reduce trade barriers, and improve productivity through better capital allocation. By 2026, India is projected to account for over 18% of Asia’s GDP expansion and nearly a fifth of global incremental growth, solidifying its role as a key pillar of stability and optimism in the region.
-
Founder Connects to host ‘Spotlight’ networking event at Paramount Hotel Midtown
Dubai’s dynamic innovation landscape will take center stage on October 30 as Founder Connects hosts its premier networking event, ‘Spotlight,’ at the Paramount Hotel Midtown. Known for its cinematic elegance and creative atmosphere, the hotel’s Melrose Bar & Lounge will be transformed into a vibrant hub where innovation and conversation converge. The event will bring together founders, investors, and creative minds in a Hollywood-inspired setting, fostering meaningful connections and collaboration. Pascal Eggerstedt, Director of Paramount Hotel Midtown, emphasized the event’s alignment with the hotel’s vision to create immersive spaces where creativity thrives and genuine connections flourish. ‘Spotlight’ aims to redefine professional networking by blending storytelling, innovation, and authentic engagement. Strategically located in Business Bay, near key commercial hubs like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the hotel provides an ideal backdrop for the region’s boldest entrepreneurial voices. Dubai’s growing reputation as a global events hub further amplifies the significance of the occasion. The city has hosted major international gatherings, including GITEX Global 2025, which attracted over 6,800 exhibitors, 2,000 startups, and 1,200 investors from 180 countries. ‘Spotlight’ will offer a hybrid experience, starting with curated virtual one-on-one sessions in the morning and transitioning to in-person networking at the Melrose Bar & Lounge in the evening. The event’s cinematic ambiance is designed to encourage deeper dialogue and lasting partnerships, moving beyond traditional networking to foster authentic conversations and collaborative energy. As Dubai solidifies its position as a global capital for entrepreneurship and innovation, events like ‘Spotlight’ underscore the city’s commitment to nurturing talent and bridging ideas with capital. With its unique blend of glamour, strategy, and purpose, ‘Spotlight’ is set to become a standout fixture in the region’s business calendar.
-
Dubai tenants turn to ownership, boosting demand for affordable luxury homes
Dubai’s real estate market is witnessing a significant transformation as rising rental costs drive long-term tenants toward homeownership, particularly in the mid-market, affordable luxury segment. Developers are capitalizing on this trend by launching projects that combine design, functionality, and value, especially in emerging communities like Liwan, Arjan, and Dubai South. Symbolic Developments, the real estate arm of Speedex Group, recently unveiled its fourth residential project, Symbolic Altus, in Liwan. Valued at Dh150 million, the development features 108 fully furnished apartments, including 1 BHK Elite and 2.5 BHK Panorama units, starting at Dh999,000. Scheduled for handover in Q3 2027, the project emphasizes ‘elevated living’ with all amenities located on the rooftop. This launch follows the success of Symbolic Alpha, the developer’s first project in Liwan, which saw over 30 per cent appreciation and higher-than-average rental yields. Murtaza Moiz, Vice Chairman of Symbolic Developments, highlighted the potential of emerging micro-markets like Liwan, which are attracting both end-users and investors. Dubai’s residential market has experienced a notable shift, with apartment prices rising 20.5 per cent year-on-year and average rents increasing 22.1 per cent as of mid-2025, according to CBRE. This has prompted residents to view affordable luxury developments—those priced under Dh2 million—as smart investments. Symbolic Altus aims to meet this demand with a low-density, design-led approach, strategically located just 500 meters from the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line. The developer’s focus on community-building is evident in its integration of amenities like rooftop communal spaces and proximity to Liwan Park, which features facilities for all age groups. With more projects planned for early next year, Symbolic Developments is committed to filling the gap in the mid-market segment, offering luxury at an affordable price.