Pentagon Announces $8.6 Bn F-15 Contract for Israel
The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Boeing an $8.6 billion contract to design, test, manufacture, and deliver 25 new F-15IA fighter jets for the Israeli Air Force, with an option for 25 additional aircraft, the Pentagon announced on December 29, 2025. Under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, the
Asia’s Manufacturing Struggles as Orders Drop and Tariffs Bite
Asia’s manufacturing sectors faced continued challenges in November, with factory activity declining across key economies amid sluggish demand. Despite some positive signs from U.S. trade negotiations, these improvements have yet to translate into a notable recovery in orders. Several purchasing managers’ indices (PMIs) released on Monday revealed varied conditions regionally:
UN Women Summit Calls for Action on Equality & Innovation
More than 200 business leaders, entrepreneurs, capital market participants, and policymakers from 15 countries gathered to accelerate efforts in turning gender equality commitments into action at the 2025 UN Women Asia-Pacific Women’s Empowerment Principles Forum. Held on November 18-19 under the theme “Business. Innovation. Impact.”, UN Women organised the event
Taiwan in focus amid Japan PM comments and US weapons sale
The US approved a $330 million sale of fighter jets and aircraft parts to Taiwan, marking a notable shift under the Trump administration, which had previously expanded military ties with Taiwan. The US response was praised by Taiwan but condemned by China, which claimed it undermined its sovereignty and security
U.S. Moves to Diversify Supply Chain with Southeast Asia
The United States recently entered into several trade and critical minerals agreements with four Southeast Asian nations: Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. This initiative aims to address trade imbalances and diversify supply chains, particularly in light of China’s tightening export controls on rare earths. U.S. President Donald Trump, attending the
UAE-India Trade Leaps Ahead with UIBC’s Bold MoUs
The UAE-India Business Council (UIBC) has entered into several strategic agreements aimed at strengthening industry cooperation and increasing trade and investment between India and the UAE. Through three distinct treaties, UIBC and the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) committed to enhancing institutional collaboration. This will ensure closer alignment with the goals
Vietnam Moves for Trade Deals to Counter US Tariffs
Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Pham Minh Chinh, announced that Hanoi is actively pursuing new trade agreements in 2023 to offset the adverse effects of U.S. tariffs on its exports. This effort comes amid concerns that U.S. duties could slash Vietnam’s exports to America by up to 20%, according to the United
Beijing Pushes Back on U.S. Chip Arrogance
China has moved to limit sales of Nvidia’s AI chip designed for its market, following what officials saw as “insulting” comments from a U.S. official about tech exports, the Financial Times reported. Chinese authorities are urging local tech companies to avoid buying Nvidia’s H20 chip, a lower-spec AI processor made
Myanmar Engages US Lobbyists to Strategically Restore Bilateral Ties
A lobbying company from Washington has agreed to a $3 million yearly contract with Myanmar’s Ministry of Information to help the military-run country reestablish its relationship with the United States. DCI Group signed the deal with Myanmar’s Ministry of Information on July 31. Following Myanmar’s 2021 military coup led by
Bangladesh Imports US Wheat to Ease Trade Dispute
Bangladesh has cleared a deal to import 220,000 metric tons of U.S. wheat in an effort to ease trade friction and offset high import duties imposed by the Trump administration, a Dhaka official said Wednesday. A food ministry official stated that Bangladesh approved the wheat purchase at $302.75 per ton
