The signature of the MoU was witnessed by leaders of the two countries. Liu Sushe, deputy head of the NDRC, and Treasurer of Australia Jim Chalmers represented their respective governments at the signing ceremony…reports Asian Lite News
The Chinese and Australian governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to restart strategic economic dialogue with a focus on forward-looking economic issues.
Both countries on Monday agreed to enhance communication and exchange with the aim of fostering practical and effective economic cooperation, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China’s top economic planner.
The signature of the MoU was witnessed by leaders of the two countries. Liu Sushe, deputy head of the NDRC, and Treasurer of Australia Jim Chalmers represented their respective governments at the signing ceremony.
In the Australian capital Canberra on Monday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that China is willing to enhance coordination and cooperation with Australia at regional and international levels, calling for opposing camp confrontation and a “new Cold War”.
Li made the remarks during the ninth China-Australia Annual Leaders’ Meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
MoU has been exchanged for cooperation in the field of electrical interconnection and trade which will open new areas of collaboration in the field of energy, including energy security and energy trade…reports Asian Lite News
Multiple memoranda of understanding, including an MoU on interlinking of the instant payment platforms – UPI and UAE’s AANI, were exchanged between India and the United Arab Emirates in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
This will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries.
The MoUs covered multiple areas, ranging from investment treaty, digital infrastructure projects and the interlinking of debit cards, credit cards and the online payment platforms.
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement that the MoU for the Bilateral Investment Treaty will be a key enabler for further promoting investments in both countries. India has signed both a bilateral investment treaty and a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with UAE.
MoU has been exchanged for cooperation in the field of electrical interconnection and trade which will open new areas of collaboration in the field of energy, including energy security and energy trade.
An Intergovernmental Framework Agreement was also signed between India and UAE on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor which would build on previous understandings and cooperation on this matter and foster India and the UAE cooperation furthering regional connectivity, the MEA stated.
The agreement for cooperation in Digital Infrastructure Projects will create a framework for wide-ranging cooperation, including investment cooperation, in the digital infrastructure sector and also facilitate the sharing of technical knowledge, skills and expertise.
The two countries have also established a cooperation protocol between the national archives of the two countries, which will shape extensive bilateral cooperation in this field including restoration and preservation of archival material.
Another MoU focuses on cooperation in the field of heritage and museums. This would foster engagement between the two countries aimed at supporting of the Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat.
According to the MEA, agreement has also been signed on interlinking of the instant payment platforms – UPI (India) and AANI (UAE). This will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries. This follows the MoU on interlinking payment and messaging systems signed in July last year during Hon’ble PM’s visit to Abu Dhabi.
Another agreement on inter-linking domestic debit and credit cards – RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE) has been signed. It is an important step in building financial sector cooperation, this will enhance the universal acceptance of RuPay across the UAE.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated UAE President Al Nahyan on the launch of UAE’s domestic card, JAYWAN, which is based on the digital RuPay credit and debit card stack. The leaders witnessed a transaction made using the JAYWAN card.
The leaders also discussed the strengthening of the energy partnership. They appreciated that in addition to the UAE being among the largest sources of crude and LPG, India is now entering into long-term contracts for LNG, the MEA statement read.
Ahead of the visit, RITES Limited signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Gujarat Maritime Board with Abu Dhabi Ports Company. These would help in building port infrastructure and further enhance connectivity between the two countries. (ANI)
On meeting Rodriguez, President Murmu emphasized that capacity building is one of the central pillars of Indian-Dominican Republic cooperation…reports Asian Lite News
India on Wednesday signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in ocean sciences and medical product regulation with Dominican Republic.
The MoUs were signed during a meeting between Raquel Pena Rodriguez, the Vice President of Dominican Republic, and India’s Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar here in the national capital.
The two leaders also held discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in diverse sectors including trade, pharmaceuticals, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), agriculture, food processing, space, higher education, capacity building, Ayurveda and Yoga.
Taking to X, Office of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar shared about the significant move saying, “H.E. Ms. Raquel Pena Rodriguez, the Vice President of Dominican Republic met Hon’ble Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar in New Delhi today. Discussions between the two leaders focused on enhancing cooperation in diverse sectors including trade, pharmaceuticals, ICT, agriculture, food processing, space, higher education, capacity building, Ayurveda and Yoga.”
In another post, the Vice President office said “two cooperation MOUs in Ocean Sciences and medical product regulation were signed during the meeting.”
On October 3, Vice President of the Dominican Republic, Raquel Pena Rodriguez called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
On meeting Rodriguez, President Murmu emphasized that capacity building is one of the central pillars of Indian-Dominican Republic cooperation.
“She was happy to note that recently, India has organized two Special Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) training courses for Dominican Republic officials, in the critical fields of cyber security and remote sensing,” the President’s Secretariat said in a statement.
Apart from this on October 3, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Dominican Republic Vice President Raquel Pena Rodriguez and discussed further strengthening of bilateral ties, particulary in trade, commerce, education, defence, space and renewables.
In a post shared on X, Jaishankar stated, “Delighted to meet VP @RaquelPenaVice of the Dominican Republic this evening in New Delhi Discussed further strengthening of our bilateral ties, especially in trade & commerce, education, defence, space and renewables. Exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues as well.”
On October 2, Rodriguez also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. In a post on X, Rodriguez stated, “Today I visited the Mahatma Gandhi memorial in New Delhi, a tribute to one of the most influential leaders in the fight for Indian independence. Having the opportunity to be here strengthens the commitment to continue working for a more peaceful and harmonious future for all.”
Raquel Pena Rodriguez arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday on a three-day visit to India. She will also deliver a lecture on India-Dominican Republic relations at the Indian Council for World Affairs.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a press release said, “The visit is significant as it is takes place at a time when India-Dominican Republic bilateral relationship is entering its 25th year.”
Notably, the two nations established diplomatic relations on 04 May 1999.MEA in the press release said, “Dominican Republic is an important partner of India in the Latin America and Caribbean region.
The visit of the Vice President of the Dominican Republic, comes closely on the heels of that of External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to that country in April 2023. It will provide another opportunity to continue high level discussions to further deepen and broaden our mutually beneficial relationship.” (ANI)
This project aims to facilitate the transit of renewable electricity and clean hydrogen via transmission cables and pipelines, as well as constructing rail linkages…reports Asian Lite News
Saudi Arabia has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the US to establish intercontinental green transit corridors.
The MoU, signed on Friday, provides a framework for developing a protocol for establishing green transit corridors through the kingdom to connect Asia and Europe, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a Saudi Press Agency report.
This project aims to facilitate the transit of renewable electricity and clean hydrogen via transmission cables and pipelines, as well as constructing rail linkages, said the report.
It will also help enhance energy security, promote the digital economy, trade and transport of goods, added the report.
More than 250 delegates attended the meeting in-person, of whom there were around 150 foreign delegates from 50 countries…reports Asian Lite News
India signed MoUs with four countries – Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname and Antigua and Barbuda – on sharing INDIA STACK, a digital solutions implemented at population scale during the third meeting of the ‘G20 Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG)’ that concluded here on Wednesday.
The agenda of the three-day meeting included the Global DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) Summit and Global DPI Exhibition as the side events and closed-door meetings among the G20 delegates, invited countries and IOs on the priority areas, a statement said.
More than 250 delegates attended the meeting in-person, of whom there were around 150 foreign delegates from 50 countries. More than 2,000 people attended it virtually. India signed memoranda of understanding (MoU) with Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname and Antigua and Barbuda on sharing INDIA STACK.
🕯️Illuminating the path of knowledge, wisdom, and enlightenment!
Esteemed dignitaries, Hon'ble MoS @Rajeev_GoI, Hon'ble First Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia Mr. Gevorg Mantashyan, Hon'ble Permanent Secretary, Sierra Leone Mr. Tamba Edward Juana,… pic.twitter.com/ENbKwoeiru
The summit provided a global platform to discuss sector agnostic (foundational) and sectoral DPIs that inter-alia involved leadership, policy and practitioner-level insightful, thought-provoking and future-shaping discussions among overall 60 global experts on DPIs, it said.
These experts participated in 10 important sessions – ‘Overview of Digital Public Infrastructure’, ‘Digital Identities for empowering people’, ‘Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion’, ‘DPI for Judicial Systems and Regulations’, ‘Digital Document Exchange for efficient service delivery’, ‘Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for DPI’, ‘Digital Education and Skilling’, ‘DPI for Digital Health and Climate Action’, ‘Digital Agriculture Ecosystem’, and ‘Building the Global DPI Ecosystem’.
By providing the global platform on DPI to digital decision-makers from 50 Countries and multiple international organisations, India took the lead and further strengthened its role of acting as a strong bridge between Global North (G20 members) and Global South (Developing and LMIC countries).
The exhibition showcased 14 experience zones comprising successfully-implemented DPIs related to Digital Identity, Fast Payment, DigiLocker, Soil Health Card, E-National Agriculture Market, Unified Mobile App for New-Age Governance, Open Network for Digital Commerce, seamless travel experience at airport, language translation, learning solution, tele-medical consultation, and Digital India Journey.
It was visited by the delegates attending the summit and G20 DEWG meeting. Residents of Pune comprising also visited the exhibition.
The closed-door meeting of G20 DEWG began with the participation of 77 foreign delegates from G20 members, nine guest countries, five international organisations and two regional organisations.
The discussion under the Indian Presidency was led by Sushil Pal, Co-Chair G20 DEWG, the statement said.
During the meeting, discussions were held on DPI and the concept of ‘One Future Alliance and One Future Fund’ for DPI, enabling principles for good DPI, and recognition of the need for financing opportunities for DPI in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC).
Thereafter, digital skilling, upskilling and reskilling, capacity building and awareness, building a mutual recognition framework for digital skills and information sharing were discussed.
The meeting provided a global platform to discuss sector agnostic means foundational and sectoral DPIs that inter-alia involved leadership, policy and practitioner level insightful, thought provoking and future shaping discussions among experts on DPIs.
The exhibition organized during the event, showcased 14 experience zones comprising successfully implemented DPIs related to Digital Identity, Fast Payment, DigiLocker, Soil Health Card, E-National Agriculture Market, Unified Mobile App for New-Age Governance, Open Network for Digital Commerce, seamless travel experience at airport, language translation, learning solution, tele-medical consultation and Digital India Journey.
Digital skilling, upskilling and reskilling, capacity building & awareness, building a mutual recognition framework for digital skills and information sharing were also discussed. On the last day of the meeting on 14 June 2023, the security for a safe, resilient and trusted digital economy and various aspects such as capacity building for children & youth and countering potential security threats were deliberated.
Earlier, the third Digital Working Group meeting of the G20, which began on June 12 in Pune, had focused on drafting the declaration. The declaration would be finalised at the fourth working group meeting, which will be held in Bengaluru in August.
A G20 declaration is a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the G20 summit. It summarises the member countries’ promises to the world and their strategies for overcoming the challenges at hand. India is currently the G20 president.
Global DPI Summit successfully organised over last two days
India signs MoU with Armenia, Sierra Leone, Suriname and Antigua and Barbuda on sharing INDIA STACK i.e. successful digital solutions implemented at population scale
“Those (skilling, DPI and security) remain the priority. It has been welcomed in every other multilateral forum and this is the future as the world sees it,” Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Rajeev Chandrasekhar said while addressing a press conference on the sidelines of the Global DPI Summit in Pune.
During the inauguration of the Global DPI Summit, India signed MoUs with Armenia, Sierra Leone and Suriname. These countries will leverage India’s DPI such as digital payments and so on.
The G20 Bali Declaration of 2022, which was adopted when Indonesia was the president of the G20 countries, focuses on financial stability, humanitarian crisis, poverty, and aid to least-developed nations among other things.
During Stalin’s Japan visit, various MoUs are also expected to be signed and the Tamil Nadu delegation will also visit Osaka to meet investors…reports Asian Lite News
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin who is on an official visit to Singapore met with the country’s transport minister S Iswaran and discussed improving economic and bilateral ties between the two countries.
The meeting took place on Wednesday. Stalin also signed six memoranda of understanding (MoU) with businesses during the ‘Investors’ First Port of Call,’ according to a press release issued by the chief minister’s office.
Stalin also invited the Singapore minister Iswaran, who holds responsibilities spanning land, air, and sea transport, to attend the World Investors Conference to be held in Chennai in January 2024.
The Chief Minister had left Chennai on Tuesday on a two-nation tour of Singapore and Japan tour, aiming to attract investors towards the state ahead of the Global Investors Summit in Chennai next year.
Stalin discussed with the Singapore Minister the possibility of working together in the fields of green economy and digital economy, the possibility of manufacturing semiconductors and electronic spare parts. Easwaran also requested the Tamil Nadu government delegation led by the Chief Minister Stalin to send a team of the Tamil Nadu Government to the Fintech Conference to be held in Singapore in October according to Tamil Nadu officials.
On Wednesday in Singapore, Stalin visited the Singapore Temasek, Sembcorp. He met and spoke to the CEOs of CapitaLand companies. Highlighting the favourable conditions for starting a business in Tamil Nadu, he requested to make business investments in Tamil Nadu and invited them to participate in the World Investors Conference, read an official statement of the Tamil Nadu government.
It was a pleasure to meet my long-time friend and Singapore's Minister for Transport and Minister-in-Charge of Trade Relations Thiru S. Iswaran.
We had already met when I had visited Singapore earlier as the Mayor of Chennai and then as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.… pic.twitter.com/SUKI3KjSCU
“I am going to Singapore and Japan. Industry Minister and some government officials are coming with me. The main goal of this trip is to invite investors ahead of Global Investors Meet which is scheduled for January 2024 at Chennai,” Stalin said in a statement ahead of his visits.
“Last year we went to Dubai and got investments of Rs 6100 crore with which created employment opportunities for 15,100 persons. We also signed MoU with six firms,” the statement added.
During Stalin’s Japan visit, various MoUs are also expected to be signed and the Tamil Nadu delegation will also visit Osaka to meet investors.
While he embarked on a two-nation visit the Tamil Nadu CM had said that investments worth Rs 2,95,339 crore have been attracted with investments with 226 firms in the last two years.
“Since DMK formed government in the state. In the last two years, MoU has been signed with 226 firms and investments of around Rs 2,95,339 crore have been attracted. If the implementation is fully completed 4,12,565 more employment opportunities would be created,” the Chief Minister said. (ANI)
Amid possible shortage and cost escalation due to Ukraine-Russia conflict, companies from India and Israel on Monday signed an MoU for the supply of muriate of potash (MOP) for five years…reports Asian Lite News
The MoU between Indian Potash Ltd (IPL), under the Department of Fertilisers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, and Israel Chemicals Ltd (ICL) will be for the period 2022 to 2027 with a yearly quantity of 6 to 6.5 LMT.
The MoU would prove beneficial in view of the affected supply chain of potash due to the Ukraine-Russia war and escalating cost of potash and other fertilisers supplied from that region.
“India and Israel share an extensive economic, defence, and strategic relationship based on mutual trust and cooperation. Agriculture sector in India has huge potential and provides ample opportunities to collaborate and innovate. India and Israel should work together in the field of research in fertiliser sector so that it benefits the farming community,” Indian Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Mansukh Madaviya said on the occasion.
The Indian government is committed to increase the agricultural production and income of farmers with judicious use of fertilisers, he said and sought cooperation of Israeli side in improving fertilisers use, and use of alternate environment friendly fertilisers, a release from the Ministry said.
Israel Chemicals Ltd Global President Elad Aharonson hailed the association of his company with India through Indian Potash Ltd. “Israel Chemicals Ltd will be glad to be associated with the efforts being made in India and willingness to develop a deep association for improved technologies, logistics and application in the area of downstream fertilisers,” he said.
Kenya and Zimbabwean governments signed seven bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries…reports Asian Lite News
The deals, all memoranda of understanding (MOU) on political and diplomatic consultations, tourism and wildlife conservation, and civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents investigations were inked in the Kenyan capital Nairobi at the start of a three-day visit by Zimbabwean Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Other agreements were on women empowerment and community development, youth affairs, cooperatives, and sports and recreation activities.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said in a statement issued after holding a bilateral meeting that the agreements will enable Kenya and Zimbabwe to cooperate in addressing challenges facing them, particularly youth unemployment.
Kenya, Zimbabwe Sign MoU
Kenyatta said his Zimbabwean counterpart’s visit had not only renewed the two nations’ friendship and brotherly ties but also re-invigorated the strong historical relations that exist between the African states.
On his part, President Mnangagwa said his visit to Kenya was aimed at deepening the strong and historical bilateral relations between Nairobi and Harare.
He said the unity of purpose would help Kenya and Zimbabwe to effectively deal with emerging challenges such as terrorism and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We affirmed the need for cooperation with bilateral commitment at global levels to deal with pandemics of this nature now and in the future. Both Zimbabwe and Kenya are committed to enhancing cooperation towards mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and other environmental issues,” the Zimbabwean leader said.
Zimbabwe donated to Kenya 100 metric tonnes of medical oxygen to boost the fight against COVID-19 during the bilateral meeting.
The agreement was signed on the first day of Dorries’ visit to Saudi Arabia. She met with Saudi industry leaders, cultural professionals, and other government officials…reports Asian Lite News
Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom (UK) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation in cultural and creative sectors.
The MoU was signed in Riyadh by Saudi Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud and UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nadine Dorries, according to Saudi Ministry of Culture on Tuesday.
Under the MoU, the two sides will work to increase collaboration in industries such as film and music production, architecture, design, and fashion, Xinhua news agency reported.
Partnerships in technical fields, such as archaeology and publishing, will also be facilitated.
Besides, plans for expanding artist residency and cultural exchange programs, and promotion of both cultures across Saudi Arabia and the UK, are also included in the MoU.
The amazing Diriyah Biennale was the perfect place to sign a new UK-KSA 🇬🇧🇸🇦 agreement on culture with HH Prince @BadrFAlSaud.
Culture has the power to unite people from every background, and this new agreement will strengthen our ties on film, museums and heritage. pic.twitter.com/IIpHAUkGgX
The agreement was signed on the first day of Dorries’ visit to Saudi Arabia. She met with Saudi industry leaders, cultural professionals, and other government officials.
Saudi Arabia’s cultural and creative sectors have grown rapidly as part of Saudi Vision 2030’s diversification efforts, with the Ministry of Culture implementing a raft of business-friendly regulatory changes and overseeing the exponential growth of the country’s cultural infrastructure, said the Ministry.
UAE, Senegal set up for establishing a joint business council
The United Arab Emirates and Senegal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing a joint Emirati-Senegalese business council…reports Asian Lite News
In the presence of President Macky Sall of Senegal and on the sidelines of the Expo 2020 Dubai, the MoU was signed by Abdullah Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber, and by Aba Traore and Elimane LAM on behalf of the Consortium of Employer’s Unions of Senegal.
UAE, Senegal set up for establishing a joint business council
On this occasion, Al Mazrouei highlighted the interest of Emirati businessmen to learn about the investment opportunities in Senegal and that of the Federation of UAE Chambers to boost cooperation with the private sector in the two friendly countries.
He added that the UAE Chambers are willing to assist business owners and investors from Senegal who wish to establish direct or joint projects in the UAE, as well as supporting them for the successful investments and partnerships that already exist between Emirati and Senegalese companies.
