Latest news with #EconomicCooperation
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: Deputy Minister Botes undertakes Official Visit to Cuba
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, is on an Official Visit to Havana, Republic of Cuba, on 29 July 2025 to co-chair the 18th South Africa-Cuba Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) with his Cuban counterpart, First Deputy Foreign Minister, HE Mr Gerardo Peñalver Portal. The 18th JCM takes place against the backdrop of the excellent bilateral and fraternal ties between the two countries that go beyond the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1994. Bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Cuba spans several key sectors, including Health, Basic and Higher Education, Science, Innovation and Technology, Defence, Trade and Economic Cooperation, Water and Sanitation, Human Settlements as well as Sports, Arts and Culture. The JCM will allow both delegations to reaffirm their commitment to these existing partnerships and to further deepen their sectorial collaboration. The platform will also provide an opportunity to discuss regional and multilateral issues, particularly within the context of South-South cooperation and the promotion of a more just and equitable global order. Both countries share a commitment to multilateralism, the principles of the United Nations Charter, and international law. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
The BRICS Women's Business Alliance becomes an official partner of the II BRICS Forum 'Traditional Values'
Brasília: The Organizing Committee of the II BRICS Forum 'Traditional Values' has announced a landmark partnership with the BRICS Women's Business Alliance (WBA), including its UAE Chapter, marking a significant opportunity for Emirati women entrepreneurs and leaders to shape the future of BRICS+ economic cooperation. The WBA, including the UAE Chapter, was established in 2020 to empowers Emirati women entrepreneurs to access BRICS+ markets, supporting the UAE's ambition to become a global hub for inclusive trade. The Alliance's participation follows an official invitation from Fausto Pinato, President of the BRICS Parliamentary Front (Brazil), to Monica Monteiro, Chair of the Brazilian Chapter of the WBA. As an official partner, the WBA will co-lead a high-level roundtable on women's leadership in corporate governance, trade, and sustainable investment — with the UAE Chapter poised to contribute insights aligned with the UAE's vision for gender-inclusive economic growth. As an official partner, the WBA will take an active role in the Forum's business program. Monica Monteiro will lead a high-level roundtable focused on women's leadership in corporate governance, international trade, financing, investment, and business development across BRICS nations. The Alliance's participation will enhance dialogue among parliamentarians, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from BRICS countries on both humanitarian and business matters. The WBA's logo will also be prominently featured in all official Forum materials. Commenting on the collaboration, Monica Monteiro, Chair of the Brazilian Chapter of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance, said: 'We are honored to be part of the II BRICS Forum 'Traditional Values'. Women's active participation in economic and social development is vital to building harmonious societies, strengthening international cooperation, and fostering sustainable growth. We believe this partnership will open new avenues for collaboration and pave the way for impactful joint projects within the BRICS community.' Boris Tarasov, President of the Worldwide Association 'True Values' and Founder & CEO of the BRICS Forum 'Traditional Values,' added: 'Welcoming the BRICS Women's Business Alliance as a partner marks a key milestone for the Forum. Their engagement brings valuable insight to the business agenda while amplifying essential social discussions around the role of women in economic development and humanitarian efforts. The professionalism and diversity of the WBA will greatly enrich our dialogue and drive collaborative initiatives rooted in traditional values and sustainable progress.' The II BRICS Forum 'Traditional Values' will be held from 15–17 September 2025 at the National Congress of the Republic in Brasília. The event will convene parliamentarians, business leaders, cultural influencers, and public figures from BRICS and partner nations. This year's theme, 'Uniting Traditions, Strengthening Nations,' builds on the inaugural Forum held in Moscow in 2024 and will explore cooperation across culture, healthcare, education, innovation, artificial intelligence, creative industries, and sustainability — all grounded in the shared traditional values of the BRICS countries. Background information: The BRICS Women's Business Alliance (WBA) is an international platform established in 2020 to promote women's entrepreneurship in BRICS countries and globally. The II BRICS Forum builds on the UAE's active role in reshaping multilateral cooperation. The WBA facilitates the integration of women-led businesses into global value chains, cooperation development, and the expansion of women's economic participation. The alliance includes chapters in Brazil, the UAE, Egypt, India, China, Russia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Iran, and Indonesia, each comprising five prominent women entrepreneurs. Areas of activity: innovation, inclusive economy, healthcare, food and environmental security, creative industries, and tourism. More: The II BRICS Forum 'Traditional Values' is a key platform for strengthening cooperation among BRICS countries based on traditional moral values. Official website:
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India aiming to emerge as global maritime hub, says Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
VISAKHAPATNAM: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday inaugurated the second Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation ( BIMSTEC ) Ports Conclave here, stressing that India aims to emerge as a global maritime hub . Hosted by Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), the two-day conclave is themed as 'Navigating the Future: Blue Economy, Innovation & Sustainable Partnerships', bringing together ministerial delegations, port authorities, maritime experts, and business leaders from BIMSTEC member countries. "Prime Minister's Vision 2030 and 2047 aims to make India a global maritime leader," said Sonowal, addressing the conclave. He said the BIMSTEC Ports Conclave stands as a springboard to unlock the immense potential of blue economy from the Bay of Bengal region. "Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , India has a "Neighbourhood First" policy and in this sees BIMSTEC nations as key partners in regional prosperity," said Sonowal. Live Events "We want this platform to enhance collaboration among all member nations for strengthening port led industrialisation, digital integration and skill development which in turn boost cruise tourism, and foster coastal economic zones," he said. According to the minister, BIMSTEC member countries--India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand--should aim to create a seamless and efficient network of ports that could serve as engines of growth. Through joint feasibility studies, PPP (Public Private Partnership), and skill development of maritime workforce, Sonowal said BIMSTEC can transform the region into a thriving hub of global trade, tourism, and sustainable economic progress. Further, Sonowal said a BIMSTEC Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre is going to be established under the Indian Ocean Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (IOCE-SMarT) at the Maritime Training Institute in Powai, Mumbai. He inaugurated multiple projects in the port, such as new oil refinery berth-2, fire fighting facilities at OSTT Berth, new port operating system, vessel traffic management system (VTMS) and others. Moreover, he laid the foundation stone for the construction of B-Ramp in the port area, finger jetty and wharf in fishing harbour, two additional breasting dolphins at OSTT and others.
New Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Union Minister for Ports Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates BIMSTEC Conclave in Visakhapatnam
VISAKHAPATNAM: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the second Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Ports Conclave in Visakhapatnam on Monday. Delegates from all seven BIMSTEC member countries–Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and India–participated in the event. Welcoming the representatives, Visakhapatnam Port Authority Chairman M Angamuthu highlighted the strategic importance of Visakhapatnam in maritime trade and logistics. He called for greater collaboration among BIMSTEC countries in port-led industrialisation, digital infrastructure integration, and maritime skill development. He also underlined the contribution of the Centre of Excellence in Maritime Skill Development (CEMS) in positioning Visakhapatnam as a training hub for the maritime sector. In his address, the Union Minister laid out key components of the Union government's long-term maritime vision, in line with the Prime Minister's Vision 2030 and 2047. BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey shared the framework of BIMSTEC Vision 2030 and noted that 267 transport connectivity projects are currently in progress under the master plan. He proposed setting up a BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Maritime Transport in Visakhapatnam and outlined plans for real-time cargo tracking and sustainable port practices.
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt: Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Meets Executive Secretaries of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA)
Al-Mashat discusses outcomes of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) and ways to enhance joint cooperation with UN officials. Al-Mashat emphasizes the need for intensified UN efforts to promote debt sustainability and overcome economic challenges in developing and emerging countries. H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, held intensive bilateral meetings with development partners and government officials during the United Nations Financing for Development conference in Spain. The meetings focused on discussing ways to strengthen joint economic relations and reviewing the outputs and outcomes of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) The Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation met with Ambassador Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the significance of maintaining an open and cooperative dialogue on Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA), particularly as developing countries strive to achieve the dual goals of financing development and maintaining financial sustainability. She highlighted Egypt's commitment to evidence-based policymaking and expressed appreciation for UNECA's role in promoting regional approaches to debt dialogue and capacity building. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat affirmed that UNECA plays a pivotal role in fostering regional debt dialogue and providing technical support to member states. By providing knowledge and resources, the commission helps countries improve their financial strategies and develop debt management systems, thereby enhancing their ability to address economic challenges. The two sides discussed ways to develop joint relations. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated Egypt's keenness to benefit from the technical expertise and knowledge resources provided by UNECA to refine policies and support inclusive growth. She also highlighted Egypt's commitment to leverage UNECA's support in the field of macro-planning to achieve sustainable development and promote inclusive growth. Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) In another context, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat met with Ms. Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), to discuss a number of cooperation files. During the meeting, the two parties reviewed potential areas of cooperation and support between the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat confirmed the depth of relations between the two sides and the diversity of cooperation files to include a number of vital issues. H.E. Minister Rania Al-Mashat pointed to the tools developed by ESCWA in the areas of financing, costing, budgeting, and improving debt management. She stressed Egypt's interest in and the importance of these tools, especially in light of the recent launch of Egypt's Integrated National Financing Framework (E-INFF). H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out the role of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation and its responsibility for managing public investments. She outlined that the AI-powered budgeting tool developed by ESCWA could contribute to guiding optimal public spending decisions to achieve sustainable development goals and accelerate their implementation, in line with Egypt's commitments, national priorities, and Egypt Vision 2030. H.E. Minister Al-Mashat underscored the importance of cooperation with ESCWA to bridge data gaps, as development gaps are linked to financing gaps, making it essential to monitor these gaps accurately. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also noted the Ministry's role in chairing the Ministerial Committee for Entrepreneurship, which includes various relevant entities. She indicated potential avenues for cooperation in this area, especially given ESCWA's endeavors to support small and medium-sized enterprises and boost their capabilities in e-commerce. The two sides also discussed the possibility of ESCWA supporting the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) by providing innovative ideas and mechanisms to enhance preparations for the upcoming population census. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation - Egypt.
