News
Hungary launches biggest home loan scheme since regime change
Hungary has rolled out its most ambitious homeownership programme since the transition to democracy, with the government pledging to make property purchases more affordable for first-time buyers.
Chiquita to resume Panama banana operations after months-long strike
Multinational banana producer Chiquita Brands has confirmed it will restart operations in Panama, following a memorandum of understanding signed in Brasília between the company and President José Raúl Mulino.
After meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Cambodian PM meets UN Secretary-General to discuss Thai border tensions
On the border situation, Guterres assured the Cambodian leader that he has been closely monitoring developments. He welcomed the recent ceasefire between Cambodian and Thai forces, describing it as an important step towards de-escalation.
Laos ranked 13th among world’s fastest-growing tourist destinations
Laos has been listed as one of the world’s fastest-growing travel destinations in 2024, securing the 13th position globally, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
Putin won’t let me break up Bosnia, says ex-Republika Srpska president Dodik
Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik told the BBC he plans to ask Russian President Vladimir Putin to support his push for an independence referendum in Republika Srpska.
Iran proposes peace committee and financial mechanism to counter sanctions at Shanghai summit
Iranian President Pezeshkian proposes foreign ministers' peace committee and anti-sanctions financial mechanism at SCO summit in China amid Western pressure over nuclear programme.
.jpg)
Mexico weighs tariffs on Chinese imports in bid to placate Trump
Mexico plans higher tariffs on Chinese imports as part of its 2026 budget, seeking to satisfy the Trump administration whilst addressing domestic economic pressures.
Future 500 Forum to tackle Europe’s chronic scale-up gap
As Europe lags Asia and the US on competitiveness, a new initiative aims to give Central and Southeast Europe’s most promising companies a shot at becoming global champions, co-founder Stjepan Orešković tells bne IntelliNews.
Egypt’s Petromaint wins $121mn Iraqi oilfield maintenance deal, eyes operations in Algeria
Petromaint, a unit of Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum, has secured a $121mn contract to provide full maintenance services at Iraq’s Zubair oilfield, and is mulling establishing a specialised maintenance and construction services plant in Algeria.
BRICS leaders gather in China to coordinate anti-Trump alliance
The EU’s 27 foreign ministers will debate seizing Russia’s frozen $200bn at an informal gathering in Copenhagen, as the leading BRICS nations gathered in Beijing to form a common strategy to deal with US trade aggression on August 30.
EU foreign ministers meet to discuss Russia problem
European foreign ministers gathered in Copenhagen to discuss a number of issues with holding Russia to account for the war with Ukraine at the top of the agenda.
People’s Party holds balance of power in Thailand’s search for new Prime Minister
Bhumjaithai Party chief Anutin Charnvirakul, 58, quickly positioned himself as a contender, declaring readiness to become Thailand’s 32nd Prime Minister.
Cambodia to export over 3,000 crocodiles to China and Vietnam in September
Prices in Cambodia have fluctuated sharply. Baby crocodiles once fetched as little as $0.38 each, but this year rates have rebounded, with one-month-old crocodiles selling for between $7 and $12.
Kyivstar rings Nasdaq bell in landmark listing for Ukraine amid reconstruction push
Ukrainian officials described the listing as an important signal that the country’s businesses continue to thrive and attract foreign investment despite the strains of war.
Modi and Xi push reset as trade pressures force India and China closer together
For Modi, at least for now, the shift feeds into his narrative of a multipolar order, and one where India is not forced into binary choices between Washington and Beijing.
Guyana election on September 1 set to shape oil and gas future
Guyanese voters head to the polls on September 1 in a pivotal general election that will determine whether President Irfaan Ali's People's Progressive Party/Civic maintains its parliamentary majority amid the country's rapid oil drive.
High profile Euromaidan revolutionary and top Ukrainian politician gunned down in Lviv
Andriy Parubiy, a key Euromaidan revolution figure and former Rada speaker, was assassinated in Lviv on August 30.
Orban government bans ethnic Hungarian military commander from Schengen zone sparking tweet war between Warsaw and Budapest
Hungary is banning from the country, and thus from the Schengen area, the commander who ordered the attacks on the Druzhba pipeline last week.
Cold War-era missile agreements are back on the agenda and could provide badly needed peace deal negotiation middle ground
Restarting talks on renewing the Cold War missile treaties is one of the best options of kicking off serious peace negotiations between Russia and the West and now its back on the agenda.
Iran rejects European troika's interpretation of nuclear deal dispute mechanism
Iran's FM Araghchi tells UN that European troika misinterprets JCPOA dispute mechanism, says Iran properly triggered process in May 2018 before taking remedial steps.