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Daily News Egypt
a day ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt launches campaign to curb single-use plastic pollution amid global climate push
Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, on Sunday launched a nationwide awareness campaign titled 'Reduce It' to combat single-use plastic pollution, aligning with World Environment Day 2025 and its global theme, 'Beat Plastic Pollution.' The initiative, supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Government of Japan, aims to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives across the country. Held in Cairo, the campaign launch brought together senior representatives from government, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. Among the attendees were Japan's Ambassador to Egypt, Oka Hiroshi, UNIDO Regional Director Patrick Gilabert, industry leaders, and officials from the Ministry of Environment and waste management authorities. Minister Fouad thanked President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi for his continued support of Egypt's environmental efforts, describing his endorsement of the national plastic reduction strategy as a 'cornerstone' of the country's broader environmental agenda. She emphasized that the campaign builds on a multi-year initiative to introduce standards for plastic alternatives, balancing the interests of manufacturers and consumers. 'We are shifting the focus from bans to gradual reduction—especially in anticipation of a future global, legally binding agreement on plastic pollution,' Fouad said, referencing current negotiations led by the UN Environment Programme. Fouad outlined the economic and environmental advantages of reducing plastic use, including lower import costs for raw materials, reduced production expenses, and new opportunities for local industries to develop eco-friendly alternatives. She also pointed to serious health and ecological risks—citing marine and livestock harm observed in Egypt's southern Red Sea protectorates. Transitioning to sustainable alternatives, she noted, will require modern technology, regulatory clarity, and skilled labor—all supported by Egypt's new investment law, which prioritizes green industries such as plastic alternatives. Japan's Ambassador, Fumio Iwai, praised the campaign as a continuation of the 2019 agreement between President Al-Sisi and the Japanese government, emphasizing Japan's support for SMEs in adopting greener practices. 'We believe this effort will help position Egypt as a regional hub for environmental innovation and sustainability,' he said. UNIDO's Patrick Gilabert echoed this sentiment, explaining that the campaign is part of a broader project to embed circular economy principles within Egypt's plastics value chain. Funded by Japan, the initiative aims to reduce plastic consumption, raise awareness, and strengthen technical capacity within local businesses. Gilabert noted that UNIDO is currently supporting 23 environmental projects in Egypt worth approximately $3.5bn, with an additional $4.6bn planned under Egypt's Vision 2030. Short films were screened at the event, highlighting the dangers of single-use plastics and the goals of the 'Reduce It' campaign. A panel discussion followed, focusing on regulatory approaches and circular economy practices in Egypt's plastics industry. The campaign forms part of Egypt's broader national strategy to phase out harmful plastic products and is embedded within the 'Enhancing Circular Economy Practices in the Single-Use Plastics Value Chain' project, jointly implemented by UNIDO and supported by the Japanese government. Officials say the initiative is expected to reduce demand for virgin plastic by promoting reusable alternatives—helping to cut carbon emissions, reduce environmental degradation, and improve public health. It also aims to stimulate green industry growth, create jobs in recycling and sustainable manufacturing, and reduce Egypt's reliance on imported materials. In closing, Minister Fouad thanked key partners—including UNIDO, the World Bank, the Japanese Embassy, Egyptian lawmakers, and civil society groups—for their support. She reaffirmed her commitment to championing African climate and sustainability priorities in her upcoming role as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
Fibre2Fashion
4 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Japan's consumer sentiment hits 32.8 in May; Inflation fears persist
Japan's Consumer Confidence Index climbed to 32.8 in May 2025, up 1.6 points from April, according to the latest government survey by the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan. Japan's Consumer Confidence Index rose to 32.8 in May 2025, up 1.6 points from April, with all sub-indices showing gains. Livelihood, income growth, employment, and willingness to buy durable goods all improved. Inflation expectations remain high, with 93.6 per cent expecting prices to rise. The survey covered 8,400 households with a 72.4 per cent response rate. The survey, conducted across 8,400 households, showed improvements across all categories. The index for overall livelihood increased by 2.9 points to 30.2, the income growth index edged up by 0.8 points to 38.3 and confidence in employment rose by 1.6 points to 37.3. The willingness to buy durable goods also improved, rising by 1.2 points to 25.4, though it remains the weakest among the sub-indices. Meanwhile, inflation expectations remain strong. A record 93.6 per cent of respondents anticipate prices will rise over the next year, up 0.4 percentage points from April. Only 2.2 per cent expect prices to fall. The survey had a 72.4 per cent response rate. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
India Gazette
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Japanese Senior Deputy FM Namazu hold key talks on Indo-Pacific cooperation
Tokyo (Japan), May 22 (ANI): Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Hiroyuki Namazu, Senior Deputy Foreign Minister of Japan, to discuss India-Japan cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and other shared interests. The Indian Embassy in Japan shared the update on social media with the hashtag #ConnectingHimalayaswithMountFuji. Misri also met Takehiro Funakoshi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of Japan for the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister Dialogue in Tokyo. Discussions covered advancing the India Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, and conveying India's message on zero tolerance for terror. Meanwhile, an All-Party Parliamentary Delegation from India met with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Tokyo, reaffirming India's firm national consensus and resolute commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. During the meeting, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed strong support for India's counter-terrorism stance, praised the restraint shown by New Delhi, and called for strict action against the perpetrators of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. He emphasized that 'terrorism must be eliminated' and noted that he had been briefed on the matter by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Echoing this, JD(U) MP and delegation leader Sanjay Kumar Jha told ANI that India's position was conveyed firmly and received strong support from the Japanese side. 'The Minister appreciated our stand and clearly stated that those behind such acts must be punished. He supported India's position and acknowledged the seriousness of the Pahalgam incident,' Jha said. Earlier in the day, the delegation paid floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Edogawa, Tokyo. This gesture symbolised India's enduring commitment to peace and principled stand in global affairs, setting the tone for the delegation's broader message of non-violence and justice. Building on this, Jha addressed the media with a strong appeal to world leaders to unite in isolating Pakistan for its role in sponsoring terrorism. 'After the Pahalgam terror attack, it's clear that Pakistan continues to fund, train, and harbour terrorists. Our aim is to highlight this through Operation Sindoor and urge global unity against such state-backed terror,' he stated. Prior to the diplomatic meetings, the Indian Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, briefed the All-Party Delegation. He noted that Japan was the first country to respond with solidarity after the Pahalgam attack. The Indian Embassy in Tokyo also shared that India's zero-tolerance stance on cross-border terrorism--central to Operation Sindoor--would be strongly emphasized in all international engagements. The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation comprises Ambassador Mohan Kumar, BJP MPs Dr. Hemang Joshi, Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, and Pradan Baruah; CPI(M) MP John Brittas; and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. The team will continue its outreach in Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, and Singapore to build consensus on India's counter-terrorism efforts and rally global support post-Pahalgam. The series of diplomatic engagements in Tokyo mark India's proactive global outreach and underline its determination to strengthen strategic ties and lead an international campaign against terrorism. (ANI)
India Gazette
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
All-Party Delegation in Tokyo recieve support from think tanks in India's fight against terror
Tokyo [Japan] May 22 (ANI): India's All-Party Parliamentary Delegation interacted with leading Japanese think tanks in Tokyo and briefed them on India's zero tolerance to terrorism. As per India's Embassy in Tokyo, the participants supported India's fight against terrorism. In a post on X, India's embassy to Japan stated, 'All-Party Parliamentary Delegation interacted with leading Japanese think tanks in Tokyo and briefed them on India's zero tolerance to terrorism. Regional security challenges including state backed terrorism was discussed during the interactive session. Participants expressed strong support for India's fight against terrorism.' Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held talks with Takehiro Funakoshi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan for the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister Dialogue in Tokyo. Misri conveyed India's zero tolerance for terrorism during the talks. In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Tokyo stated, 'H.E. Mr Vikram Misri, Hon'ble Foreign Secretary, joins H.E. Mr Takehiro Funakoshi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of Japan for the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister Dialogue in Tokyo. Discussions covered advancing the India Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, and conveying India's message on zero tolerance for terror.' Earlier in the day, an All-Party Parliamentary Delegation from India met with Takeshi Iwaya, Foreign Minister of Japan, reiterating India's unwavering national consensus and firm commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms. The Japanese Foreign Minister expressed strong support for India's fight against terrorism and lauded the restraint shown by India, urging strict punishment for perpetrators of terror acts. Delegation lead, JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha said,' We presented India's stand strongly. He appreciated it and said that action should be taken against terrorism. He also appreciated the restraint India had shown. He supported India's stand against terrorism. He said that terrorism should be eliminated. He added that EAM S Jaishankar had briefed him on this. He offered his condolences on the Pahalgam attack and said that they (terrorists) should be punished.' (ANI)
India Gazette
22-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Japan supports India's stand on terrorism," says Sanjay Jha as MP delegation meets Japanese Foreign Minister in Tokyo
Tokyo (Japan), May 22 (ANI): An All-Party Parliamentary Delegation from India met with Takeshi Iwaya, Foreign Minister of Japan, reiterating India's unwavering national consensus and firm commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms. The Japanese Foreign Minister expressed strong support for India's fight against terrorism and lauded the restraint shown by India, urging strict punishment for perpetrators of terror acts. Delgation lead, JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha said,' We presented India's stand strongly. He appreciated it and said that action should be taken against terrorism. He also appreciated the restraint India had shown. He supported India's stand against terrorism. He said that terrorism should be eliminated. He added that EAM Dr S Jaishankar had briefed him on this. He offered his condolences on the Pahalgam attack and said that they (terrorists) should be punished.' Earlier in the day, members of the All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Sanjay Kumar Jha paid floral tributes at the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Edogawa, Tokyo. Sanjay Jha, appealed to all world leaders to side with India against Pakistan's sponsorship of while talking to ANI, said that the delegation is there to raise awareness of Operation Sindoor. 'Pakistan is a state sponsor of terrorism. One must differentiate between terrorists and the terrorist sponsor, which is the state that promotes them, funds it, gives them training. This is known, but we must make it clear that after the Pahalgam terror attack, India's stance is to wipe off the terror sponsors. Now people from all over the world should gather to eliminate this source from which terrorists are located,' he said. Prior to this, Indian Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, briefed the All-Party delegation, where he noted that after the dastardly April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Japan was the first country to Indian Embassy in Tokyo stated that India's unwavering stand against cross-border terrorism, as seen in Operation Sindoor, will be highlighted in all engagements. In a separate key meeting, foreign secretary Vikram Misri met Takehiro Funakoshi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Government of Japan for the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister Dialogue in Tokyo. Their iscussions covered advancing the India Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, and conveying India's message on zero tolerance for terror. Misri also met Hiroyuki Namazu, Senior Deputy Foreign Minister, Government of Japan. They exchanged views on India-Japan cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region & other issues of common interest. The All-Party Parliamentary Delegation, led by Sanjay Kumar Jha, includes Ambassador Mohan Kumar, BJP MP Dr Hemang Joshi, CPI(M) MP John Brittas, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi, BJP MP Brij Lal, and BJP MP Pradan delegation aims to brief international partners on India's response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and its broader fight against cross-border terrorism while engaging with leaders in Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore. The delegation's visit and engagements underline India's proactive diplomacy and efforts to strengthen strategic ties while rallying international support against terrorism. (ANI)
