Latest news with #FinanceMinistry
Reuters
2 hours ago
- Business
- Reuters
Thailand considering offering zero tariffs on more U.S. imports, finance minister says
BANGKOK, July 14 (Reuters) - Thailand is considering offering zero tariffs on more U.S. imports, the finance minister said on Monday. The government is also preparing 200 billion baht ($6.1 billion) worth of soft loans to ease the impact of tariffs, Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira told a business seminar. Thailand faces a 36% tariff from Washington if a deal cannot be reached before August 1.
The Mainichi
a day ago
- General
- The Mainichi
Retro Japan: Stately former Yamaguchi Pref. Assembly hall survives test of time
YAMAGUCHI -- More than a century after its construction, the stately former Yamaguchi Prefectural Assembly building, built primarily in the late Renaissance style, now serves as a parliamentary archive, having survived demolition plans in the 1960s. Completed in 1916, the building incorporates touches of Japanese and other Eastern elements alongside European influences, and the structure's unique aesthetic is evident throughout. The assembly hall's seating is arranged in a fan shape around the speaker's seat. The dignified interior, which use materials like Japanese cypress and maple, features a plaster ceiling accented with wooden frames for contrast. The building was designed by Yorinaka Tsumaki (1859-1916) and Yoshikuni Okuma (1877-1952), then Finance Ministry bureaucrats in charge of building and repairs who were also involved in the construction of National Diet Building, along with Goichi Takeda (1872-1938), a professor at Kyoto Craft High School at the time. It features brickwork and also incorporates geometric patterns that were popular in Europe at the time. Each room, including the governor's office on the second floor, features a different ceiling and wallpaper design. The stripes, waves and embossed patterns on the wallpaper in the governor's reception room were modern motifs of the era. In 1965, plans were made to demolish the building due to deterioration and repeated typhoon damage. However, a preservation movement led by local residents successfully halted these plans. In 1984, the building was designated as an important cultural property of Japan. Serving as a parliamentary archive today, it is open to the public as a venue for concerts and lectures. (Japanese original by Minoru Kanazawa, Kyushu Photo and Video Department) * * * The Japanese version of this article was originally published on April 9, 2023. * * * This series explores Japan's architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
Egypt Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- Egypt Independent
Finance Minister calls for adopting innovative healthcare financing
Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk stressed the need of adopting innovative mechanisms to finance Egypt's healthcare system. Kouchouk highlighted the Finance Ministry's commitment to enhancing international partnerships with diverse stakeholders in support of achieving universal health coverage for all Egyptians. In a meeting with WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanan Balkhy, Kouchouk affirmed that health investment remains a top priority in public spending on human development, noting that EGP 617.9 billion has been allocated to the health sector in the current fiscal year. He stressed that ensuring the financial sustainability of Egypt's healthcare system is essential to expanding the provision of high-quality health services to citizens. Balkhy, accompanied by the Executive Director of the Universal Health Insurance Authority (UHIA) Mai Farid, expressed the WHO's readiness to collaborate with Egypt in advancing innovative health financing and supporting the development of policies aimed at ensuring equitable healthcare services for all citizens. She also emphasized the intention to work jointly on expanding fiscal space for health to enhance service quality. Balkhy further underlined the importance of continued technical cooperation and knowledge exchange in health system financing, as a means to advance progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals in the health sector.
Al-Ahram Weekly
2 days ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt's Ahmed Kouchouk named Africa Best Finance Minister for 2025 - Economy
Egypt's Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk was named Africa's Best Finance Minister for 2025 at the Africa 2025 Summit held in London. The award, organized by African Leadership Magazine, recognizes African policymakers advancing financial stability and reform across the continent. Kouchouk was honoured for his role in reviving Egypt's economy, stabilizing macroeconomic indicators, and leading structural reforms that have helped restore investor confidence. African finance ministers, policymakers, and senior economic officials attended the award ceremony. In his acceptance speech, Kouchouk credited the Finance Ministry's team for the progress made. 'Our united efforts have paved the way for vital reforms that continue to energize Egypt's economy,' he said. He outlined Egypt's current economic strategy, which prioritizes private sector empowerment and export-led growth. He also stressed the importance of regional cooperation, noting, 'No African country can succeed in isolation. Together, we can build inclusive, competitive economies that serve all Africans.' Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
I accept criticism as a challenge, not an attack, says Dzulkefly
PETALING JAYA: I accept criticism as a challenge and not as an attack, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. One and a half years after returning to the post of Health Minister, he said holding such a position was not a privilege but instead a heavy mandate. Throughout the first six months of 2025, Dzulkefly said the ministry had achieved several milestones. Among others, this includes amending the Medical Act 1971 to resolve specialist recognition issues, enforcing the Control Of Smoking Products For Public Health Act (Act 852) and implementing the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 requiring medicine prices to be displayed at private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies. He said the ministry has also pioneered reforms towards healthcare financing through the RESET programme together with the Finance Ministry and Bank Negara. This was carried out as a solution towards medical inflation. Between shaping up or shipping out, I choose to shape up… not with slogans but with my work. 'I believe that systemic reforms are more important than building a perception. 'I cannot promise that everything will be resolved immediately, but I can promise that we listen, act and will never stay quiet,' he said. Dr Dzulkefly issued this statement in response to criticism levelled against him, as Health Minister. Upon returning to the post for a second stint in late 2023, he revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had wanted him to complete his 'unfinished business'. He was previously Health Minister during the 22-month Pakatan Harapan administration.
