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India Today
20-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Explained: How Bangladesh is hurting itself by curbing Indian exports
India's decision to restrict imports from Bangladesh through land ports has drawn sharp attention, but according to a trade expert, it's not a provocation. It's a measured response to Dhaka's growing list of curbs on Indian an interview with Business Today, Ajay Srivastava, founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), said Bangladesh's restrictive trade policies are not only straining bilateral ties, but also undermining its own economic calls India's move a 'teaser'—a signal rather than a full-scale retaliation.'INFLICTING DAMAGE ON THEMSELVES'Highlighting Bangladesh's import restrictions on Indian staples like yarn and rice, alongside increased inspection scrutiny at its borders, Srivastava said, 'Bangladesh is inflicting damage on themselves. They cannot do anything to India."India's decision affects over $770 million worth of imports, roughly about 42% of all goods shipped from Bangladesh. Ready-made garments alone made up $660 million last year. Those will now only be allowed through Kolkata and Nhava Sheva ports, effectively shutting land routes via the Northeast.'These are big brands—H&M, Zara. They make in Bangladesh and export worldwide. Now, they can't use Indian land ports. Everything must come by sea,' Srivastava Srivastava said Bangladesh's increasingly hostile trade posture is rooted in political rather than economic was diversifying beyond garments into sectors like leather. But since the last power shake-up, religious elements have taken over. They've taken a hardline stance against India,' he said. 'Without any provocation, they started blocking Indian goods—rice, yarn, even FMCG.'India, instead of retaliating with bans, opted for a soft signal: nothing is blocked, but key categories must now use more expensive and slower sea routes. 'That's the teaser,' Srivastava said. "We haven't blocked their goods. We've just changed the entry point.'Srivastava noted that Bangladesh's recent graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status means it can no longer expect tariff-free access by default. 'India had given them zero-duty access under LDC norms. That needs to be reviewed now, just like Europe and the US are doing.''They are under serious pressure. The LDC graduation means they lose access, and their own policies are making things worse. They're damaging themselves,' he speculation that Chinese goods are being routed into India via Bangladesh, Srivastava downplayed the risk.'There's no large-scale trans-shipment. Legally, it's not allowed. Maybe at a small scale. But mainly, they import fabric from China, make garments, and export,' he TIESRelations between New Delhi and Dhaka have worsened under Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, especially after his recent remarks in Beijing. Yunus described India's Northeast as 'landlocked' and called Bangladesh the 'guardian of the ocean' in the officials said the trade curbs are designed to ensure fairness. While India allowed Bangladesh full access through land and seaports, Dhaka has blocked Indian exports selectively, especially those headed to the new Indian rules block entry of Bangladeshi plastics, processed foods, furniture, drinks and cotton yarn through land ports in Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and parts of Bengal. These come weeks after India scrapped a five-year arrangement that let Bangladesh transport goods to third countries via Indian airports and ports.'This is a reciprocal move,' a government official told PTI, pointing to Dhaka's tightening of inspections on Indian goods and selective import Watch
The Star
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Laos, UN launch green and climate finance scheme to drive sustainable development
Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Mrs Phonevanh Outhavong, and UN Resident Coordinator in Laos, Bakhodir Burkhanov, displaying signed agreements on the green and climate finance programme. - VT VIENTIANE: The Lao government in partnership with the United Nations system, and with the support of the Luxembourg government, has launched a green and climate finance programme to advance sustainable development and resilience. The launch took place in Vientiane on April 29, with the initiative aimed at steering the country's economic transformation toward sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity. The programme agreement was signed between Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Phonevanh Outhavong, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Laos, Bakhodir Burkhanov. Phonevanh stressed the importance of aligning national financing strategies with green and climate goals. 'As 2025 marks the final year of our 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP), we stand at a crucial juncture, transitioning into the 10th NSEDP with anticipated Least Developed Country graduation in 2026 – the inaugural year of our new plan.' 'This joint programme directly supports our graduation aspirations by addressing a critical hurdle – the shift towards green and climate-resilient financing mechanisms that can sustain our development gains while safeguarding our environmental assets,' the deputy minister said. Representing the Luxembourg Embassy to Laos, Thomas Lammar said 'We are proud to support this programme, which not only addresses environmental sustainability but also promotes social inclusion and economic opportunity.' Burkhanov said 'In a world of intertwined crises, we must decouple growth from environmental harm. This joint programme, as our first pooled fund prototype, drives coordinated, strategic action for a greener future.' The programme will be led by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and coordinated by the UN Resident Coordinator. The two-year initiative is rooted in the 9th National Socio-Economic Development Plan Financing Strategy, endorsed by the Prime Minister, and prioritises green and climate finance as a central pillar of Laos's development agenda. The programme harnesses the expertise of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), working with key ministries including the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Energy and Mines, and the Bank of the Lao PDR. Through this collaboration, Laos' capacity to finance its environmental and climate goals is being strengthened. UNDP is leading efforts in policy development and institutional reform, with a focus on the extractive sector, biodiversity finance, and mainstreaming green finance across ministries. UNEP is advancing sustainable budgeting and fiscal reform to embed environmental sustainability in financial sector policies. FAO is bridging the agriculture-environment-finance nexus, spearheading initiatives such as the national Payment for Environmental Services mechanism, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable food systems. UN-Habitat is partnering with municipal authorities to drive urban green investments and strengthen local capacity to access green finance. By targeting selected stakeholders, the programme will advance nature-based solutions, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable urban planning, and community resilience. It also aims to strengthen data systems and regulatory frameworks to attract green investment. The scheme supports Laos' Green Growth Strategy, Nationally Determined Contributions, and Least Developed Country graduation plans, reinforcing the country's commitment to economic growth that is environmentally responsible and climate-resilient. - Vientiane Times/ANN
Barnama
25-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: April 25, 2025
Danantara's planned entry into the domestic capital market is expected to significantly help stabilise the local stocks and bonds market, especially at times of volatility, but some have also warned that the move could disrupt the sovereign wealth fund's (SWF) focus on its much needed long-term projects for the economy. Leading telecommunications provider Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison has called on Indonesia's mining industry to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to stay competitive and enhance productivity in line with global trends. LAOS 1. LAOS PREPARING TO EXIT FROM LDC GROUPING -- VIENTIANE TIMES As Laos prepares to graduate from its status as a Least Developed Country (LDC) in 2026, it aims to develop an inclusive and resilient future. The transition will result in the loss of certain trade preferences and access to grants and loans. SHARES MORE DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE TO LAO -- VIENTIANE TIMES The United Kingdom (UK) continues its support of Laos' development as both nations mark 70 years of diplomatic ties. Some areas of interest include handling climate change, enhancing bus transport networks and funding the removal of unexploded ordnance devices. MYANMAR 1. NEW AIRPORT TAX FOR FLIGHTS AND PASSENGERS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR All passengers departing from Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay airports must pay a new airport tax starting May 12, 2025. Overseas flights need to pay RM109 (US$25) and RM8.75 (US$2) for foreigners. 2. HUMAN-ELEPHANT CONFLICT DECLINES -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Farmers in several townships are enjoying a bountiful harvest this season as elephants from the Bago mountains have avoided paddy fields. During the hot season, the elephants usually search for water and eat the paddy in nearby villages, leading to human-elephant conflict. SINGAPORE INFLAME SENSITIVE ISSUES OR USE DOMESTIC POLITICS TO DIVIDE S'PORE: PM WONG AT FIRST PAP RALLY -- THE STRAITS TIMES Do not inflame sensitive issues or use domestic politics to divide Singaporeans, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said to opposition parties in his first rally speech as head of government. 2,GE2025: SINGAPORE NEEDS GOOD TEAM TO STAY AHEAD, TACKLING LIVING COST AND JOB CONCERNS 'MOST URGENT PRIORITY', SAYS PM WONG -- CNA The "first and most urgent priority" for the People's Action Party (PAP) is to address cost of living and job concerns, and Singapore needs a good team to stay ahead, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday (Apr 24) at his first rally in this General Election. THAILAND 1. DON'T PANIC: THAILAND TO CONDUCT EMERGENCY ALERT TESTS VIA CELL BROADCAST NEXT MONTH -- THE NATION Residents in selected test areas will receive a test alert on their mobile phones, including both sound and on-screen message notifications. 2. ASEAN SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN US ECONOMIC TIES AMID TARIFFS -- BANGKOK POST Asean has reiterated its commitment to multilateral trade principles and does not plan to retaliate against US tariff actions. VIETNAM 1. CLEAN ENERGY CAPTURES REGIONAL MEETING -- VIETNAM NEWS During the Vietnam–China–ASEAN international energy forum held in Hanoi on Thursday, clean energy cooperation was the core of the discussion. Industry leaders and policymakers exchanged ideas to explore new technologies and strengthen cooperation toward sustainable energy development. TARGETS RM22 BILLION BILATERAL TRADE -- VIETNAM NEWS Top Vietnam and Lao leaders agreed to revitalise their economic partnership and raise bilateral trade to RM22 billion (US$5 billion) in the coming years. Cooperation will include developing the economy, infrastructure, financial, and tourism connectivity to support growth. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
