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Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Dhofar officials discuss challenges to plastic bag ban with manufacturers
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Salalah – The Department of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion in Dhofar held a joint meeting with owners of plastic manufacturing factories in cooperation with Environment Authority (EA) and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Dhofar branch to address challenges surrounding the national ban on single-use plastic shopping bags. The meeting aimed to open direct dialogue with industry stakeholders, assess the current impact of the ban and explore sustainable alternatives that align with Oman's environmental goals, while supporting the continuity and adaptability of the local industrial sector. EA had announced implementation of the third phase of a national initiative to ban single-use plastic shopping bags from July 1, 2025. The latest stage broadens the scope of the ban to include additional segments of the retail and food sectors. Shops selling fruits and vegetables, packaging units, grocery stores, sweet sho-ps, candy factories, bakeries, gift shops and outlets selling bread, pastries and confectionery will be required to stop providing single-use plastic bags and switch to sustainable alternatives such as reusable cloth or paper bags. In January 2024, Decision No 8/2024 set out a phased approach to ban all single-use plastic shopping bags by 2027. The phased rollout is designed to help businesses and consumers adapt gradually, EA stated. The first phase, which began on July 1, 2024, targeted pharmacies, hospitals and clinics. The second phase, effective from January 1, 2025, covered textiles and fabric stores, clothing outlets, tailors, eyewear shops, mobile phone vendors and repair services, watch shops, furniture retailers and household goods suppliers. Businesses found violating the ban face fines between RO50 and RO1,000. Repeat offences within a month result in doubled penalties.
India Today
4 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Detained for months: Why China is blocking a US official from leaving
The US government has accused China of preventing one of its employees from leaving the country, in a case that is deepening tensions between Washington and man, a US Patent and Trademark Office employee, was visiting China in a personal capacity when authorities blocked his departure, reportedly after discovering he hadn't disclosed his government job on his visa application. The US Patent and Trademark Office is part of the federal Department of are tracking this case very closely and are engaged with Chinese officials to resolve the situation as quickly as possible,' a State Department spokesperson said Monday. Though his name hasn't been made public, reports suggest the Commerce Department worker had travelled to see family months ago. The Washington Post on Sunday reported that the issue arose when Chinese authorities found he hadn't listed his US government employment on his visa application. The New York Times added that questioning focused more on his past military service than his current patent office New York Times further reported that the man disclosed to Chinese authorities that he had held an entry-level position at a nuclear institute in China, pursued graduate studies in engineering at a university in Puerto Rico, and had worked on Black Hawk helicopter maintenance during his time in the US Army. The case became so sensitive that a senior US diplomat and a diplomatic security officer travelled to Chengdu to meet with him. During the May 1 visit, the diplomat noted the Commerce employee was under 'heavy surveillance.'Beijing has long used exit bans against both Chinese and foreign nationals — sometimes tied to legal disputes, regulatory enforcement and criminal investigations. Analysts say the tactic is at times used to crack down on local dissent and also as diplomatic leverage in disputes with other case isn't isolated. Chenyue Mao, a US citizen and Wells Fargo banker, has also been blocked from leaving China. China's foreign ministry said Monday she was cooperating in a criminal case. Wells Fargo has since suspended all employee travel to move to restrict the American employee comes at a delicate moment for US-China relations, as President Trump wages an aggressive trade war against Beijing. During a visit to Malaysia earlier this month, Marco Rubio remarked that 'the odds are high' Trump and Xi will meet later this year.- EndsWith inputs from ReutersMust Watch
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India-US trade deal: US team to visit India in August for another round of agreement talks; Trump's tariff deadline nears
India's goods exports to the US increased by 22.8 per cent to $25.51 billion during April-June this fiscal year. (AI image) India-US trade deal: Amidst ongoing negotiations between India and the US, an American delegation is scheduled to visit India in August. India and the US are looking to seal an interim trade deal before American President Donald Trump's' August 1 deadline even as talks for the first phase of the agreement will continue. The American delegation is expected to visit India in the second half of August for another round of discussions, an official told PTI. The Indian and American delegations concluded their fifth round of discussions for the agreement in Washington last week. The discussions were led by India's chief negotiator and special secretary in the Department of Commerce Rajesh Agrawal, alongside Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch. Also Read | 'No legal basis': Amidst India-US trade deal talks, America says India has no grounds for retaliatory tariffs at WTO; here's what the issue is about "For the next round of talks, US team will visit India in the second half of August," the official was quoted as saying. Regarding the prospect of an interim trade agreement before August 1, the official said that discussions were currently underway. India-US Trade Deal Talks Agricultural sector opening and auto sector tariffs were discussed during the fifth round of negotiations. Topics concerning approaches to handle non-market economies, and SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) were also deliberated. India has toughened its stance on American requests for duty reductions on agricultural and dairy products. New Delhi has maintained its position of not offering duty concessions in the dairy sector to any trading partners within free trade agreements. Several farmers' organisations have requested the government to exclude all agriculture-related matters from the trade agreement. India wants the US to do away with the supplementary tariff of 26% whilst pursuing reductions in steel and aluminium duties (50 per cent) and automotive sector levies (25 per cent). These discussions form a crucial component of the ongoing trade agreement talks. India maintains its WTO-sanctioned authority to implement reciprocal duties in response. India seeks preferential duty treatment for its labour-intensive industries, including textiles, gems and jewellery, leather goods, garments, plastics, chemicals, shrimp, oil seeds, grapes and bananas within the proposed trade agreement. The US desires duty reductions on select industrial products, automobiles (particularly electric vehicles), wines, petrochemical products, agricultural commodities, dairy items, apples, tree nuts and genetically modified crops. On April 2 this year, Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on a lot of countries. The execution of elevated tariffs was promptly deferred for 90 days until July 9 and subsequently until August 1, whilst America conducts trade negotiations with various countries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo India and the US aim to finalise discussions for the initial phase of the bilateral trade agreement by September-October this year, with plans for an interim trade arrangement beforehand. Also Read | Russia oil squeeze: Trump's 100% tariff threat - should India panic? India's goods exports to the US increased by 22.8 per cent to $25.51 billion during April-June this fiscal year, whilst imports grew by 11.68 per cent to $12.86 billion. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India-US trade deal: Fifth round over, India is not budging
India has once again signaled its steadfast approach to international trade negotiations , as the fifth round of talks for the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) concluded in Washington this week. Led by Rajesh Agrawal , India's chief negotiator and Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce, the Indian delegation engaged in four days of deliberations with their American counterparts from July 14 to 17. The return of the negotiating team marks a critical juncture in the ongoing dialogue, which seems to remain mired in unresolved issues. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal 's firm remarks on Saturday, following the conclusion of this latest round, make it unequivocally clear that India will not be rushed or coerced into finalizing a trade deal that does not align with its national interests. Speaking at a function hosted by ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India), Goyal asserted, 'If India gets a good trade deal, we will go ahead with it. If not, we won't. India always keeps the country's interest first.' Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category MBA Project Management Data Analytics Data Science PGDM Digital Marketing Leadership healthcare Others others MCA Operations Management Cybersecurity Public Policy Degree Finance Technology Design Thinking Healthcare Product Management Artificial Intelligence Data Science CXO Management Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Strategic patience over speed This declaration reiterates a central theme that has characterized India's approach under the current administration: strategic patience over external pressure. Earlier this month, on July 5, Goyal had emphasized that India negotiates from a "position of strength," not according to imposed deadlines, a clear response to the July 9 timeline previously set by US President Donald Trump, which was later pushed to August 1. Goyal's consistent messaging suggests India is uninterested in symbolic or hurried agreements driven by political timelines in Washington. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ringing in The Ears? Do This Immediately! Live Happier Click Here Undo This approach is particularly significant in the current global trade environment , where developed economies, including the US, are looking to restructure key trade relationships in the wake of changing geopolitical dynamics and economic realignments post-COVID and amid ongoing global supply chain shifts. India's posture underscores its growing economic self-assurance. While the US seeks deeper market access in areas such as agriculture, digital trade, intellectual property rights and medical devices, India is focused on securing greater access for its IT services, textiles and pharmaceuticals, while protecting sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy from potential disruption. Live Events In line with this, India's trade negotiators have reportedly resisted US attempts to extract concessions in sectors where India remains cautious, particularly on agriculture and dairy. By refusing to compromise prematurely, India appears to be echoing its broader trade philosophy which is balancing globalization with the protection of domestic industry and livelihoods. Goyal's recent remarks further reinforce this narrative, portraying a government that remains keen to avoid repeating past mistakes of asymmetrical agreements. 'No negotiation through media' Adding to his resolute tone, Goyal also took a swipe at attempts to influence public opinion during sensitive negotiations. 'I've already mentioned that we don't negotiate through media, we negotiate in the negotiating room. Talks are ongoing, and once the team is back, we will get feedback on the response and the progress,' he told reporters, highlighting New Delhi's disciplined and professional handling of the talks. This was likely in response to leaked or unofficial reports attempting to project the US as driving progress while India remains hesitant. This statement can be interpreted as a subtle critique of Washington's pressure tactics, including setting public deadlines and possibly shaping narratives through the media. India's choice to avoid reactive diplomacy and instead stick to official channels is consistent with its desire to maintain autonomy and dignity in international dealings. What lies ahead While the fifth round of talks has concluded, both sides seem to have left the door open. India is expected to analyze the outcomes internally and recalibrate its strategy accordingly. Yet, what is increasingly clear is that India is not desperate for a deal. As Minister Goyal's statements suggest, the current government is not interested in optics but in substance, a fair and mutually beneficial agreement. In a world increasingly shaped by economic nationalism and realpolitik, India's measured and self-assured stance may set a template for other emerging economies negotiating with larger powers. By refusing to blink in the face of deadlines and media narratives, India is not just negotiating a trade deal, but reaffirming its position as a sovereign and assertive player in the global economic order. India's response after the fifth round of the India-US BTA talks reflects a firm, principle-driven approach to trade negotiations. Minister Goyal's reiteration that 'India always keeps the country's interest first' is not just rhetoric but a policy stance backed by a clear track record. Whether or not a deal is signed by August 1, India's message is clear: deals will be made on its terms, not under pressure.
Hans India
7 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Youth Skills Day celebrated
Eluru: International Youth Skills Day was celebrated at St Theresa's College for Women here on Friday. Participating in the programme, the college principal Dr Sr Mercy said the programme will bring out innate skills of students to help them get employment, pursue education and acquire entrepreneurship qualities. On this occasion, the Department of Commerce organised various competitions such as bridal makeup, mehendi, folk dance performance, and singing for the students to showcase their skills. First, second, third, and fourth prizes were presented to the winners. This programme was organised by the faculty members of the Commerce Department Jagadeeswari, Harika, and Lavanya. The organisers of this programme were congratulated by the Vice-Principal of the college Dr Sr Sunilarani, Controller of Examinations Dr Sr Susheela and other faculty members.
