Latest news with #ICT
The Print
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Print
China to ‘solidly advance' trilateral cooperation with Bangladesh & Pakistan, says its envoy in Dhaka
Last month, the Foreign Secretaries of Bangladesh and Pakistan met Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong in the city of Kunming in the first of its kind trilateral. While the Chinese readout indicated that the trilateral was not directed at any 'third party'—a reference to India—Beijing has stepped up efforts to deepen engagement with Bangladesh since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024. Speaking at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka, Yao, according to the local media, said, 'China looks forward to making joint efforts with Bangladesh and Pakistan to solidly advance the trilateral cooperation and achieve tangible results.' New Delhi: China aims to 'solidly advance' trilateral cooperation with Bangladesh and Pakistan, as the Communist Party of China seeks to deepen ties with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Jamaat-e-Islami, Beijing's envoy to Dhaka Yao Wen said Tuesday. Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Muhammad Yunus travelled to China earlier this year, where he indicated that Dhaka is the 'guardian of the ocean' for India's land-locked North East, while calling for larger Chinese investments. Chinese businesses have heeded the call, according to Yao, with Beijing becoming the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing into Bangladesh since the change in regime on 5 August 2024. Beijing also promised $2.1 billion in investments, loans and grants directed towards Bangladesh during Yunus' visit to China. Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh fled Dhaka for New Delhi on 5 August, 2024 after facing months of protests by students over the imposition of a quota for veterans of the 1971 Liberation War. Bangladesh's interim foreign minister Touhid Hossain met his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in New York City Monday, on the margins of the two-state conference organised by the United Nations (UN). It is the fourth meeting between the two since October 2024, with both Hossain and Dar agreeing to plan for further high-level visits in the near future. Also read: Beijing hosts 1st Pakistan-China-Bangladesh trilateral, says 'not directed at any third party' The strategic realignment of Bangladesh The strategic realignment between Dhaka with Islamabad and Beijing comes after a year of strained ties with New Delhi. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been living in New Delhi since her ouster, as reported by ThePrint. Bangladesh has been pushing for Hasina's extradition with an official request made in December 2024. While India has acknowledged receiving the request from Bangladesh, Hasina remains in New Delhi, even as Dhaka has proceeded with laying charges against the former Prime Minister at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The ICT located in Dhaka recently sentenced Hasina to six months imprisonment holding the former Prime Minister in contempt of the tribunal. Beijing has taken up the mantle to realign South Asia, recently expanding the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan. The announcement in May came after a trilateral meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar and the foreign minister of the Taliban regime Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing. China has sought to strengthen its ties with the Bangladeshi political landscape with leaders of the BNP and Jamaat visiting the country in the last couple of weeks. A delegation from the Jamaat most recently visited the country in early July. 'China's relationships with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami were hindered over the past 10 years. Now, efforts are underway to strengthen those ties,' Yao said, while retorting that the reporters 'know why' ties were hindered in the last decade, as per reports. India has long been considered close to the Awami League—Hasina's party—which has since been banned by Dhaka in May 2025. The evolving foreign policy situation between India and Bangladesh has seen both countries react to a number of irritants in ties, often publicly. Most recently, India had urged Dhaka to 'reconsider' the demolition of a house in the city of Mymensingh reportedly linked to film-maker Satyajit Ray. Dhaka, however, denied any links between the film-maker and the house, even as the demolition orders were paused as per reports. While ties at the political level have been tenuous at best, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Yunus on the margins of the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand earlier this year. Dhaka has taken over the chair of the bloc, which has been a key part of New Delhi's regional push since the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has seen little activity in the last decade. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) consists of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The Chinese envoy also said that Beijing is ready to implement the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP)—a comprehensive water management and infrastructure development project on the Teesta river. The river flows through both India and Bangladesh. Hasina during her visit to India in 2024 had indicated her intention for India to manage the project. However, since her ouster, no decision has been taken on the project. (Edited by Viny Mishra) Also read: Chinese envoy offers to help Bangladesh govt counter 'disinfo' on global media platforms
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Climate
- Business Recorder
New heavy countrywide monsoon likely
ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Monday, issued a fresh warning of heavy monsoon rain spell countrywide as the nationwide death toll from ongoing flash floods, landslides and mudslides has reached 281 while those injured of the 675 since the start of the current monsoon season on June 26, 2025. The NDMA in its advisory said that a fresh spell of intense monsoon rain is to hit northern Pakistan in the next 72 hours, posing risks of urban flooding, glacial surges and landslides across Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Chitral Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). The death toll from the ongoing monsoon rains across Pakistan has climbed to 181, with two more fatalities reported in the past 24 hours as a fresh spell of heavy rainfall is set to lash several parts of the country until July 31, the NDMA reported. Out of 281 nationwide flood-related deaths with 151 confirmed deaths and 536 injuries, Punjab is on top, followed by KPK with 64 deaths and 79 injuries, Sindh 27 deaths and 40 injuries, Balochistan 20 deaths and four injuries, G-B nine deaths and four injuries, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) eight deaths and three injuries, AJK two deaths and 10 injuries. According to the NDMA's latest situation report, at least 675 people have been injured and 1,557 homes damaged, of which, 537 fully destroyed and 1,020 partially damaged, since the start of the monsoon season. G-B with 533 damaged houses, of which, 342 fully destroyed and 191 partially damaged is on the top, followed by AJK with 299 damaged, of which, 58 fully and 241 partially; KPK with 293 damaged houses, of which, 91 fully and 202 partially; Punjab, 209, of which, one fully and 208 partially; Sindh 87 33 fully and 54 partially; Balochistan, 80, of which, 11 fully and 69 partially; ICT 56 including one fully and 55 partially. The flooding has also resulted in the deaths of 372 livestock, of which, 135 in KPK, 121 in Punjab, 85 in Sindh, 17 in G-B and 14 in AJK. The NDMA said that the flash floods have also damaged 651 kilometres of road infrastructure countrywide, of which, 634.33km in KPK, 13.61km in G-B, 1.5km each in Balochistan and AJK, while 13 bridges have also swept away in rain water, of which eight in G-B, one in Balochistan and three in ICT areas. The NDMA has advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, avoid non-essential travel and strictly follow official guidance. For real-time alerts and safety protocols, citizens are encouraged to use the 'Pak NDMA Disaster Alert' mobile app and monitor updates from NDMA and local administration channels. NDMA's National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has issued flood alerts for several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK, urging timely preparedness amid worsening weather conditions. According to NEOC, rain is expected in Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, and Shigar areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as in Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley, and Bagh in AJK during the forecast period. These rains may lead to flooding, while heavy showers in hilly regions may also trigger landslides. In Chitral Valley, Buni and Reshun areas, rainfall combined with melting glaciers may result rise in the water flow of River Chitral. Urban flooding is also likely in Muzaffarabad and Bagh due to heavy downpours. NDMA has directed all relevant departments and agencies to take proactive measures, ensure the readiness of personnel, machinery, and rescue teams, and remain vigilant to deal with any emergency situation. Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and local administrations have been instructed to take timely preventive actions. According to the NDMA data, the authority has distributed a total of 8,467 relief items in flood-hit areas from June 26 to July 28, according to official data. The distribution included 1,070 tents, with Sindh receiving the highest number at 500, followed by Gilgit-Baltistan with 337 tents, Balochistan with 200, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 20, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir with 13. Flash flood-hit areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa received one ration bag. A total of 390 blankets were allocated, including 327 for Gilgit-Baltistan, 37 for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 26 for AJK. Gilgit-Baltistan also received 500 sandbags to mitigate flood risks. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Jordan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Jordan Times
Crown Prince attends ICT session within economic vision's second phase workshops
AMMAN — HRH Crown Prince Hussein attended on Monday a session on the ICT sector, held as part of the Economic Modernisation Vision's second phase workshops, hosted by the Royal Hashemite Court. During the session, the Crown Prince highlighted the importance of the ICT sector to Jordan's development, as well as the use of ICT tools to improve the quality and availability of services provided to citizens, according to a Royal Court statement. His Royal Highness emphasised the need for the public and private sectors to work together to continue developing the ICT industry, in order to boost economic growth and provide job opportunities for young Jordanians. The Crown Prince pointed to the importance of developing ICT specialties' education programmes at universities, in a way that meets labour market needs, the statement said. His Royal Highness also noted that initiatives of the National Council for Future Technology are being developed in line with the Economic Modernisation Vision, with the aim of advancing the ICT sector in accordance with the vision's cross-government executive programme.
News24
2 days ago
- Business
- News24
Samsung opens 2025 call for black-owned ICT SMMEs to join programme
Samsung in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has opened its third call, inviting all suitable, black-owned ICT and Service Centre SMMEs to apply for participation in this year's Equity Equivalent Investment Programme (EEIP) for Enterprise Development (ED). Samsung's R280-million worth EEIP, which was launched in 2019, has managed to demonstrate considerable success since its inception. In its six years of sustained success, this year represents the 3rd edition of the programme and seeks to continue making a measurable difference to the socio-economic development of black South Africans. This year's call follows two successful cycles and forms part of Samsung's broader commitment to the ICT sector, SMME development and the government's Vision 2030. Importantly, this transformative SMME Development programme aims to empower black-owned ICT and Service Centre enterprises; while also ensuring that Samsung fulfils its contractual obligations to the DTIC. Local small businesses in the ICT and Service Centre space have an opportunity to take their businesses to new heights with the Samsung EEIP. Nicky Beukes, Samsung EEIP Project Manager said: 'This programme has in the last few years seen great success and has also had a positive impact in the lives of entrepreneurs in the ICT space. As part of our transformation objectives, our EEIP programme continues to contribute to the sustainable development goals of the National Development Plan (NDP).' Importantly, through Samsung's collaboration with the DTIC – these partners remain committed to making a positive contribution to broader economic growth and, to continue playing a significant role in both job creation as well as sustainable entrepreneurship opportunities within South Africa. Beukes added: 'And together with the DTIC, we have in the last few years re-affirmed our commitment to ICT development and economic transformation which are aligned to South Africa's Vision 2030. This third edition of EEIP and its success to date, is a clear indication that Samsung's significant investment in SMME development is yielding tangible results.' This third, consecutive call to all black-owned SMEs in the ICT and Service Centre space across South Africa is a great opportunity for the country's ICT SMMEs to grow and shape the future of their businesses through this Samsung ED Programme.
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Job advertisements fall for a second month
Job ad volumes were mixed across the regions, with Gisborne, Marlborough and Southland the only region to see month-on-month growth in June. Photo: 123RF The mid-year economic slowdown appears to be weighing on the job market with job advertisements falling for a second month. Data from employment website Seek NZ showed job ads fell 3 percent in June from a month earlier , and 3 percent lower than a year ago. Applications per job ad - recorded with a one-month lag - were down 2 percent monthly. It comes as various economic datasets point to the country's economic recovery stalling in the middle of the year. Seek country manager Rob Clark said job ad levels remained broadly flat for the past year. "While the volume remains below pre-Covid levels, there are pockets of growth, which should be cause for some optimism," he said. Job ad volumes were mixed across the regions, with Gisborne, Marlborough and Southland the only region to see month-on-month growth in June. In Auckland and Canterbury, volumes fell 2 percent in June, while Wellington fell 4 percent. Otago was flat, while Waikato fell 4 percent. The only industry to see an increase in volumes was Information & Communication Technology, with more demand for ICT managers and networks & systems administrators. "Despite a monthly dip in June, demand within government and defence has jumped 51 percent year-on-year, and we're seeing a growing number of industries return to annual growth within the professional and consumer services sectors," Clark said. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
