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India, China agree to resume direct flights, boost business links

India, China agree to resume direct flights, boost business links

In a move to rebuild their strained relationship, India and China have agreed to resume direct flights and step up trade and investment flows between the two neighbours. The agreement came during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s two-day visit to New Delhi for talks with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

The two countries will also reopen border trade at three designated points and facilitate visas, according to the Indian Foreign Ministry. The direct flights, which were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, are expected to resume, although no specific timeline has been provided.

The latest discussions also covered issues related to troop withdrawal, border delimitation, and boundary affairs. Both sides agreed to set up a working group to coordinate on border affairs and advance demarcation negotiations, with another round of talks on the western section to be held soon.

The agreement to enhance economic and diplomatic ties comes against the backdrop of the two countries’ border dispute, which led to a deadly clash in 2020. The leaders of the two nations have emphasised the need for “stable, predictable, and constructive” relations, recognising their importance for regional and global peace and prosperity.

Read the original article here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/india-china-agree-to-resume-direct-flights-boost-business-links/ar-AA1KPWvq?ocid=BingNewsVerp

Australia to help fund two data centers in Vanuatu island

Australia to help fund two data centers in Vanuatu island

In a move to bolster its security ties with Vanuatu, a Pacific Island nation, Australia is set to provide AU$120 million (US$79 million) for the development of two data centres in the capital of Port Vila and on the island of Santo. This funding is part of a broader “Nakamal Agreement” between the two countries, under which Australia will invest a total of AU$500 million (US$330 million) in various projects over the next decade.

The data centre initiative aims to strengthen Vanuatu’s digital infrastructure and connectivity, following the country’s recent rollout of 5G coverage. The agreement also covers areas such as climate resilience, key infrastructure, security support, and economic development. This investment comes as Australia seeks to solidify its position as a security partner for Vanuatu, following a previous agreement that was scrapped in 2022. The move is seen as a response to China’s efforts to court the island nation.

Read the original article here: https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/australia-to-help-fund-two-data-centers-in-vanuatu-island/

New Tanzanian fintech firm launches digital payment services in Tanzania

New Tanzanian fintech firm launches digital payment services in Tanzania

Stakaba Technologies, a Tanzanian fintech company, has launched a suite of digital payment services to boost financial inclusion and support Tanzania’s transition to a cashless economy. Founded by entrepreneur Philip Mchau, the platform offers secure digital payments, agency banking, card issuance, bill payments, e-commerce integration, and remittance solutions.

Stakaba aims to empower all Tanzanians, from urban vendors to rural farmers, by connecting them to modern financial systems. With over 50 million registered mobile money accounts and annual transactions exceeding Sh100 trillion, the company plans to onboard 30,000 agents and merchants by 2027, positioning itself as a key player in East Africa’s digital transformation.

Despite Tanzania’s growing digital finance landscape, about 60% of the population remains underserved by formal banking. Stakaba’s launch addresses this gap, providing financial tools and opportunities for empowerment, dignity, and inclusive economic growth across the country.

Read the original article here: https://www.msn.com/en-xl/money/other/new-tanzanian-fintech-firm-launches-digital-payment-services-in-tanzania/ar-AA1KLn6w?ocid=BingNewsVerp

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG): Growth and Opportunities in the Commonwealth

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG): Growth and Opportunities in the Commonwealth

ESG in full refers to “(E)nvironmental, (S)ocial and (G)overnance” principles. While no official definition of ESG exists, it is agreed to be a holistic management framework of standards for all business-centric stakeholders involved in the structuring of organisations to understand and measure how well their companies/institutions are performing to offset risks and harness opportunities related to environmental, social and governance indicators.

The Commonwealth Blue Charter: Progress Report

The Commonwealth Blue Charter: Progress Report

This progress report was released on 16 June 2022 by the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Oceans and Natural Resources Section, with notable contributions from David Sheppard, the Director of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP); Matthew Goldie-Scot, the Managing Director of the humanitarian strategic consultancy firm Thuso; and, Nina Schoonman, Consultant at Thuso.

The Commonwealth Blue Charter: Ocean Action Report

The Commonwealth Blue Charter: Ocean Action Report

In May 2022, Asia Investment Research, a research organisation jointly set up by the investment finance firm China Investment Research and Dezan & Shira Associates, issued a special Economics and Trade feature titled “Bangladesh Trade, Development & Economic...

Rethinking Gender Parity and FDI

Rethinking Gender Parity and FDI

Gender disparity is arguably one of the greatest impediments to global development. The FDI’s landscape is often an overlooked avenue in gender equality discourse. Yet, it propels tapping equally into the reservoir of capabilities.

Unveiling Rwanda at the Inclusive Fintech Forum 2023: A Journey of Progress and Innovation

Unveiling Rwanda at the Inclusive Fintech Forum 2023: A Journey of Progress and Innovation

Hello Rwanda! Like always, it has always been my pleasure to visit here. I can truly say now that it is one of my favorite places in the world. I mean I’ve never been in love with a country more than this landlocked country bordered by Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, Burundi to the south, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west.

23rd Commonwealth Law Conference 2023

23rd Commonwealth Law Conference 2023

Did you know the first Commonwealth Law Conference was held in London in 1955, and since then it has been held in various cities across the Commonwealth, including Singapore, Cape Town, Auckland, and Edinburgh. The most recent conference was held in Goa, India.