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News18
4 days ago
- Business
- News18
PM Modi's Strategic Push For Energy And Resources: Key Deals In Ghana, Trinidad, And Namibia
With MoUs inked in Ghana and strategic talks lined up in Trinidad and Namibia, India is pursuing long-term energy and resource partnerships Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a five-country visit. His first stop was Ghana, where he signed major agreements. Some key deals to watch include LNG contracts from Trinidad and Tobago, uranium and critical mineral deals from Namibia, and positioning Indian fintech and services to enter West Africa through Ghana. The tour will then move to Argentina and Brazil, but more on that later. The Ghana leg of the trip has already concluded, and the Prime Minister is now en route to Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. Each nation, before landing on the Latin American mainland, holds significant importance. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian premier in over three decades, represents a calculated move to establish a strategic beachhead in West Africa. The agreements inked in Accra are foundational, aiming to position India not merely as a trading partner but as an indispensable force in the region's digital and developmental future. Ghana is being cultivated as a crucial launchpad for Indian commercial and technological influence into the wider Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The immediate deliverables are clear. Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering culture, standards, traditional medicine, and a Joint Commission lay the institutional groundwork for deeper engagement. More significantly, however, is the stated ambition to double bilateral trade from its current level of approximately USD 3 billion within five years. At the heart of this push is India's readiness to share its UPI technology. It represents the vanguard of India's Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) diplomacy, which has been offered to Ghana — a powerful tool to embed Indian systems into the core of emerging economies and create long-term dependencies and partnerships. Beyond the immediate trade and tech push, the visit laid the groundwork for deeper strategic cooperation. Discussions on establishing a vaccine manufacturing hub, with support from Indian entrepreneurs, signal an intent to make Ghana a centre for regional health security, backed by India's formidable pharmaceutical capacity. Similarly, commitments to cooperate in the exploration of critical minerals and enhance defence ties underscore a comprehensive strategy. India is positioning itself as a provider of capital, technology, and security — a holistic partnership designed to supplant other global players and solidify its role as a leading partner for the Global South. Trinidad And Tobago: Securing Long-Term Energy As India's economy expands, energy demand becomes increasingly acute, rendering its security intrinsically linked to stable, diversified sources. The visit to Trinidad and Tobago must be viewed through this lens of strategic necessity. While current bilateral trade is a modest USD 341 million, the true objective transcends this figure. As a significant producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and a stable democracy in the Americas, Trinidad and Tobago represents a vital opportunity for India to de-risk its energy portfolio. The primary strategic prize on the table is a long-term LNG supply agreement. Securing such a contract would provide a reliable energy corridor, reducing India's over-exposure to supply chains from more geopolitically volatile regions. For a nation that imports the vast majority of its energy, locking in supplies from a partner located far from traditional flashpoints is a critical component of national security. The talks on energy cooperation are therefore not routine diplomatic dialogue; they are central to fuelling India's continued economic ascent. Profound soft power advantages buttress this hard-nosed strategic pursuit. The visit, coinciding with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured labourers, carries immense symbolic weight as well. The island nation's population is 40–45 per cent of Indian origin, with its President and Prime Minister both proudly acknowledging their Indian heritage. There is a deep, historical connection that provides a foundation of trust and cultural affinity, facilitating complex commercial negotiations. Namibia: A Critical Minerals And Uranium Nexus The final leg of this initial tour, Namibia, is arguably the most critical from a resource security perspective. The agenda here is direct and unambiguous: securing access to the building blocks of both the nuclear and green energy revolutions. With bilateral trade of USD 650 million already driven by diamonds, the aim is to move beyond existing commerce into a strategic partnership that will power India's industrial and technological future for decades to come. The primary focus is on uranium. As a major global producer, Namibia is a natural partner for India's civilian nuclear energy programme. Efforts to finalise a long-term uranium supply agreement are paramount. This would provide the fuel needed to expand India's nuclear power generation — a key pillar of its strategy to meet climate goals while ensuring baseload energy stability. Securing this supply is a non-negotiable requirement for India's long-term energy planning. Equally important is Namibia's untapped potential in critical minerals. The country holds significant reserves of cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements — essential inputs for batteries, electric vehicles, and high-technology manufacturing. Gaining preferential access to these resources is central to the success of India's 'Make in India' initiative and its ambition to become a global manufacturing hub in new-age industries. Furthermore, the push to establish direct sourcing routes for Namibian diamonds would disrupt the traditional trade flows through Antwerp and London, capturing significantly more value for India's world-leading diamond processing industry. The parallel agreement to expand UPI in Namibia demonstrates a multi-pronged approach — using digital integration to cement a strategic resource partnership that is vital for India's future. About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. 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Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Ethema Updates Shareholders on Public Filings and Interim Results
WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - July 15, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - Ethema Health Corporation (OTCPINK: GRST) ('Ethema' or the 'Company'), updates shareholders on public filings and interim results. The Company experienced audit related delays in its filing of its 2024 10-K which has caused a further delay in filing its first quarter results. The first quarter review is currently underway and is expected to be filed before month end which will then allow the Company to get its second quarter filed on time. The Company filed for listing on the new OTC-ID market in June and was approved for listing as soon as it files its first quarter financials on form 10-Q. The current listing on the Pink market will switch to the Expert Market on July 18, 2025 and will be restored to the OTC-ID market as soon as the first quarter 10-Q is filed. 2025 GUIDANCE Revenues for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, was approximately $3.5 million, including revenue of approximately $2.1 million from our Kentucky operations that was acquired with effect from January 9, 2025. Revenues for the second quarter ended June 2025, was approximately $4.4 million, subject to audit review. Our current revenue projection and trend for the quarter ending September 30, 2025 is expected to be $5.5 million, subject to any unforeseen circumstances. We expect our facilities to reach optimum efficiency when quarterly revenues are approximately $6.3 million The Company is quickly approaching maximum efficiency levels and will look for further expansion through acquisition and organic growth. FLORIDA RE-CERTIFICATION AND EXPANSION Ethema was recently re-certified for another three years by the internationally recognized Joint Commission accrediting body. The Joint Commission completed its audit of our West Palm Beach and Boca Raton locations, with minimal and minor findings, demonstrating our commitment to the safety and quality of our care for our patients and the successful outcome of our treatment regimens. In addition, the accreditation ensures we maintain and exceed state and local regulatory compliance requirements. The Boca Raton facility recently reached capacity and total occupancy in Florida reached 93% in July. The Company is working on improvements to its properties and staff to further enhance and improve customer experience. KENTUCKY LICENSING AND EXPANSION We are pleased to report that we have completed at least 70% of the process of certification and listing with the Managed Care Organizations representing Medicaid in Kentucky. We have completed the process with Humana and Aetna and expect to be added to the Passport Molina system in the next two weeks. The process with United and Wellcare is well underway but may take a few weeks longer. These processes will complete the transition from Edgewater Recovery Centers to ARIA Kentucky. In addition, we are pleased to announce that we have been added as an approved provider to the Department of Corrections ('DOC') in Kentucky allowing the DOC to refer clients to ARIA Kentucky for treatment. Our Kentucky operations have a total of 347 licensed beds of which 275 are fully staffed and operational, the remaining 72 will become operational and staffed when our patient count increases. In addition to this, we have an additional 36 beds available to outpatients that have completed our programs and are in a transitional period. The current total census has reached approximately 230 customers, allowing for significant further growth. Mr. Shawn Leon, Company CEO, reported, 'The Kentucky operations are significant to the group and the integration has gone very smoothly, primarily attributable to our very dedicated teams in Florida and Kentucky. The Joint Commission audit in Florida was one of our best ever results for an accrediting audit and I am very proud of the Florida team for that accomplishment. We will continue to optimize the Florida and Kentucky assets and increase our patient count in our facilities, which will improve our profitability prospects.' About Ethema Health Corporation Ethema Health Corporation (OTCPINK: GRST) operates in the behavioral healthcare space specifically in the treatment of substance use disorders. Ethema developed a unique style of treatment over the last decade and has had much success with in-patient treatment for adults. Ethema will continue to develop world class programs and techniques for North America. For more information you can visit our website at Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. For information please contact: Ethema Health Corporation [email protected] Text to 416-500-0020 Twitter @healthethema View the original release on
Express Tribune
09-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, Turkiye aim for $5 billion trade volume to deepen bilateral relations
FM Ishaq Dar in meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Minister of National Defence of Turkiye, Yasar Guler in Islamabad on July 9. Photo: Listen to article Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including defence, trade, energy, culture, education, and infrastructure, with both countries aiming to boost bilateral trade to $5 billion. 'We are aiming to increase our commercial relations to $5 billion by enhancing cooperation in diverse areas, including energy, mining, education, and transportation,' said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Wednesday. Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, had a fruitful and productive meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye, Hakan Fidan @HakanFidan, co-chair of Joint Commission under the HLSCC framework and the Minister of National Defence… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 9, 2025 During the joint press conference, both officials expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress of 12 Joint Standing Committees under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). Dar highlighted that, following the February 2025 session of the HLSCC, a Joint Commission would soon be established to monitor the progress of these committees. 'The Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), co-chaired by Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Güler and Pakistan's Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, is expected to significantly bolster economic cooperation,' Dar said. The commission is set to convene in the coming weeks. Dar further praised Turkiye's successful indigenisation of its defence industry, which has grown from 20% to 80% in recent years. Pakistan is keen to adopt similar practices to strengthen its own defence sector. Read More: Pakistan, Turkiye reaffirm strategic ties On the economic front, Dar confirmed plans to establish a Special Economic Zone in Karachi dedicated to Turkish enterprises. Additionally, the revival of the Istanbul-Tehran-Islamabad rail corridor is progressing, with delegations from both nations meeting to finalise a roadmap. Several key projects involving Turkish firms are being considered, including the Jinnah Medical Complex, Danish University, and offshore drilling operations. Efforts are also underway to engage Turkish expertise in areas such as ship-breaking and water management. DPM also confirmed the allocation of land in Muzaffarabad for the construction of a Maarif school and stated that several major projects involving Turkish firms were under consideration, including the privatisation of power distribution companies. Additionally, Pakistan and Turkiye are prioritising capacity building in counter-terrorism. "These initiatives are seen as laying the groundwork for the 8th HLSCC to be held in Turkiye next year,' Dar noted. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasised the growing strength of bilateral relations and underscored the importance of strengthening air, sea, land, and railway connections between the two countries. On regional matters, Fidan commended Pakistan's restraint during recent tensions with India, adding, 'All international communities have seen the wisdom and calm attitude of Pakistan during the tension.' He also condemned Israel's actions in Gaza and Iran as violations of international law, reaffirming Turkiye's commitment to a permanent ceasefire and humanitarian aid in Gaza. It was great pleasure to receive in Islamabad today my brothers, Turkish Foreign Minister @HakanFidan, and Defence Minister Yaşar Güler. Held productive discussions on the entire gamut of bilateral relations and exchanged views on key regional and global developments. Pakistan… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 9, 2025 According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and the Minister of National Defence, Yasar Güler, arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday. FM Dar welcomed the visiting dignitaries and underscored the close and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkiye. Turkish Foreign Minister conveyed warm greetings from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reaffirmed Turkiye's strong desire to deepen cooperation with Pakistan. He highlighted the profound historical, cultural, and religious bonds that underpin the enduring relationship between the two nations. Turkey voiced support for Pakistan during recent escalation with India. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to express solidarity following India's missile strikes on Pakistani territory. Read More: Erdogan voices support for Pakistan after Indian missile strikes During the conversation, Erdoğan described Pakistan's position as appropriate and assured that Turkey would continue diplomatic efforts to help prevent further escalation. Turkey had also condemned India's military action and warned it could lead to a wider conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. In May, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Istanbul and met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. PM Shehbaz thanked Turkiye for its steadfast diplomatic support during recent regional tensions, including Pakistan's standoff with India.
The Print
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
UPI to Ayurveda, PM Modi's Ghana visit will unlock new trade frontiers for India
India opened its representative office in Accra in 1953, prior to Ghana's independence, and established full-fledged diplomatic relations with Ghana in 1957, immediately after it attained independence. In keeping with India's deeply held commitment to anti-colonialism and freedom and liberty in the developing world, India took up the cause of Ghana's independence from British colonialism in the United Nations much before it won independence in 1957. Both countries have maintained a close relationship in the multilateral fora on various issues that are important for the Global South. India-Ghana relations have traditionally been warm and friendly, resting on solid foundations anchored in shared values and a common vision. The strong foundation of the bilateral relations was laid by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Ghana's first President, Kwame Nkrumah. The two leaders also enjoyed a close friendship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on 2 July 2025. His first foray on Ghanaian soil served to nourish the longstanding friendly ties between India and Ghana. The official visit, lasting two days, is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years. The last and only other prime ministerial visit to Ghana was by former PM PV Narasimha Rao from 8–9 November 1995 . Significance of PM Modi's visit The Prime Minister had a hectic programme during the visit. Ghana's President, HE John Dramani Mahama, demonstrated his goodwill and warmth for India and personally received PM Modi at the airport. In recognition of India's leadership, PM Modi was conferred with Ghana's highest civilian award, 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana'. The prime minister also addressed Ghana's parliament, thus underscoring the democratic nature of the polity in both countries. The visit led to the signing of four MOUs, covering the establishment of a Joint Commission between the two countries, enhancing cultural ties, standard setting and cooperation in Ayurveda, and alternative medicine. The engagement between the leaders brought to the fore other areas for future cooperation, be it the development of Ghana as a vaccine hub (an area of interest to Ghana), fintech, bringing UPI to Ghana, agriculture, skill development, critical minerals, defence and maritime security, and energy. The two countries aim to double bilateral trade in five years. Given the upswing in trade, it would be mutually beneficial to broaden and diversify the base to reach the target highlighted during the visit. On the political side, the two leaders found much commonality in their approach. The prime minister said that both sides were unanimous that terrorism is the enemy of humanity. It was decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in countering the menace. 'We are unanimous that terrorism is the enemy of humanity. We thank Ghana for its cooperation in our fight against terrorism … we have decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in counter-terrorism,' said PM Modi. An oil and natural gas producing country itself, Ghana occupies a strategic location on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, surrounded by oil and gas producing countries on either side. This resource-rich country is located in a region that is abundantly blessed with natural resources. Ghana's democratic polity and peaceful change of political power from one political party to another through democratic elections is widely recognised. India's relations with Africa have traditionally focused on eastern and southern Africa due to geographic proximity and historical connect. Though there is enormous goodwill for India in Western Africa, India's outreach and engagement, in the years past, were much more sporadic. A number of visits from Ghana to India, including at the highest level, and several visits from India, have helped develop a close bond between the two countries. Also read: Modi visit shows Argentina now matters. The resource-rich economy has big lessons for India The India-Ghana partnership India and Ghana enjoy abundant commonalities in their worldview. Ghana was one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement and remains a prominent and respected voice from the Global South. Despite being a smaller country in Africa, it was proud to see one of its illustrious sons, Kofi Annan, hold the highly respected position of UN Secretary-General. As the UNSG, Kofi Annan's efforts, inter alia for promotion of development in the countries of the Global South, and protection of the environment and conflict resolution, are well regarded. Currently, Ghana's former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Botchwey, is Secretary General of the Commonwealth. Ghana has played an active role in African political challenges, starting from the time of its first President, Kwame Nkrumah, and especially during Ghana's leadership of the African Union and ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States. President Mahama is no stranger to India. He visited India for the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 and earlier as vice president and former president. He and PM Modi have met on various occasions in the past. He assumed office as President of Ghana in January this year, which provides the two leaders ample time to take forward the vision outlined during the visit. Bilateral trade between India and Ghana is about $3 billion, which is in favour of Ghana because of the large imports of gold by India. The robust and expanding trade relationship can only benefit from the focused attention that the visit brings. Indian investments in Ghana are over $2 billion. Indian companies have invested in 818 projects worth $ 1.92 billion between 1994-2024. India is among the top investors in Ghana – ranking second in terms of number of projects (11) and fifth in terms of FDI value ($ 16.08 million) during January–September 2024, contributing to 4.77 per cent of Ghana's total FDI. Investments span sectors such as manufacturing, services, general trading, export trade, agriculture, building and construction, tourism, and liaison. The High Commission of India in Accra launched the India-Business Forum (IBF) on 23 November 2020 to facilitate business-to-business engagement. India has supported Ghana's development efforts through concessional lines of credit (LoC) and grants. About $450 million of LoC and grants to Ghana were extended for projects including the Rural Electrification Project (2003), India-Ghana Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence for ICT (2003); Jubilee House Presidential Complex (2008); Komenda Sugar Plant (2016), and Elmina Fish Processing Plant (2016). Infrastructure projects have also been undertaken under Buyer's Credit from India. Ghana benefited from Indian vaccines, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. ITEC and ICCR scholarships given by India have contributed to Ghana's capacity-building efforts. A 15,000-strong vibrant Indian diaspora acts as an important bridge between the two countries. Several prominent Indian diaspora-owned businesses contribute to the Ghanaian economy. The much-awaited visit of PM Modi to Ghana was marked by mutual respect and understanding and will give a decided fillip to bilateral ties between India and close friend Ghana. Ruchi Ghanashyam is a retired diplomat who served as India's High Commissioner to Ghana. Views are personal.
India Gazette
03-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
India-Ghana signs MoUs boosting cooperation in health and culture
Accra (Ghana), July 3 (ANI): India and Ghana signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key areas such as culture, health, standardisation, and institutional dialogue. The agreements were signed following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ghanaian President John Mahama in Accra. Addressing a press briefing after the meeting, Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi said the MoUs covered cultural exchange, traditional medicine, standards collaboration, and the establishment of a Joint Commission. 'After the delegation-level talks, there was the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding, one to establish the Joint Commission meeting at the Foreign Office level. Second is traditional medicine, where there is scope for both sides to exchange expert training. The third is the cultural exchange programme, where there's hope that this will encourage cultural exchanges and tourism. The fourth one is in the area of standard setting,' he said. The four Memoranda of Understanding signed between India and Ghana include a Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP), aimed at promoting greater cultural understanding and exchanges in the fields of art, music, dance, literature, and heritage. The second MoU, signed between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), seeks to enhance cooperation in standardisation, certification, and conformity assessment. The third agreement was signed between the Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (ITAM), Ghana, and the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), India, to facilitate collaboration in traditional medicine education, training, and research. The fourth MoU relates to the Joint Commission Meeting, which aims to institutionalise high-level dialogue and ensure regular reviews of bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Secretary Dammu Ravi also confirmed that Prime Minister Modi had agreed to support Ghana in the field of agriculture. 'Ghanaian President Mahama mentioned during the discussions that he sought India's cooperation in the area of agriculture... The entrepreneurs to be able to develop Ghana as a food basket and provide food security to its people. PM Modi had agreed to support Ghana in this endeavour,' he said. The two leaders also discussed boosting cooperation in pharmaceuticals, with a focus on enhancing vaccine production capacity in Ghana. 'The second item was in the area of pharma and vaccines. President Mahama is interested in creating Ghana a hub for vaccines. Some development has already taken place in collaboration with the Global Vaccine Alliance. He wants Indian entrepreneurs to come and set up manufacturing units in the pharma and vaccines, where India has advanced its capacity,' Ravi added. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades. The visit is expected to significantly deepen the India-Ghana partnership and signal India's continued engagement with Africa and the Global South. (ANI)
