German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Lagos, Nigeria, engaging with youth influencers and a business delegation. The visit aimed to strengthen economic ties, promote German exports, secure energy supplies, and explore investment opportunities in infrastructure and renewable energy, despite market challenges.
Seven decades after the Bandung Conference, China and Indonesia share strong economic ties, with China as Indonesia's largest trading partner and a top investor. However, Indonesia recorded a significant US$20.5 billion trade deficit with China last year, raising concerns about the displacement of domestic producers.
South Korea aims to boost economic cooperation with Mongolia, focusing on supply chains, renewable energy, and AI. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol met his Mongolian counterpart, Jadamba Enkhbayar, to discuss expanding strategic ties and a new cancer center project.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited Malaysia to enhance economic cooperation and address border issues. The leaders agreed to develop a special border economic zone and signed an agricultural cooperation MoU. The visit occurs amid heightened security concerns due to the separatist insurgency in southern Thailand.
India, Australia, and Canada have signed the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership MOU to boost collaboration in critical and emerging technologies. The agreement focuses on green energy, resilient supply chains, and critical minerals, supporting net-zero goals and AI adoption. Additionally, India and Australia finalized arrangements for Australian uranium exports to India for peaceful nuclear purposes.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese is set to sign a significant uranium deal with India, strengthening economic ties. The agreement, delayed for over a decade, follows a 2014 nuclear cooperation pact. PM Narendra Modi is visiting Australia, addressing a large Indian diaspora rally in Melbourne.
PM Narendra Modi urged Australian businesses to invest in India during his visit, highlighting its growth story and potential in sectors like clean energy and infrastructure. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation, with AustralianSuper announcing a AUD 500 million investment in India's NIIF.
PM Narendra Modi and Australian PM Anthony Albanese met in Melbourne to strengthen economic and strategic ties. Modi highlighted India and Australia as natural partners amidst global uncertainty and praised cultural exchanges, including musical performances.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, marking the first visit by a Canadian leader in 26 years. The trip aims to expand Canada's economic ties beyond the U.S. and attract foreign investment as Saudi Arabia diversifies its economy.
Donald Trump instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to sever all economic ties with Spain, calling the country a "wasted cause" and "a terrible partner in Nato." Spain's Prime Minister's office dismissed the remarks.
Donald Trump instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to cut all economic ties with Spain, labeling the nation a "wasted cause" and "terrible partner in Nato." Spain's Prime Minister's office dismissed the remarks, stating business would continue as usual.
Sudanese authorities are adopting an 'alternative economy' strategy, diversifying trade and economic ties with non-Western partners like BRICS to reduce dependence on Western markets and currencies amid fears of expanded sanctions.
Peru's ambassador to China, Carlos Vasquez, stated that Peru aims to move beyond raw mineral exports to China, seeking investment in infrastructure to diversify its economy and reduce risks from trade ties currently dominated by commodities like copper and iron.
Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Australia is expected to yield a significant uranium supply pact, supporting India's nuclear power expansion. Discussions will also focus on critical minerals, cybersecurity, and clean energy, building on the existing ECTA trade agreement which has already boosted bilateral trade.
Lebanon and Syria have formed a joint High Committee on Cooperation and Security, replacing the former Supreme Council for Coordination. The committee aims to boost trade, economic ties, and security cooperation between the two nations. Discussions also covered energy system integration, transport links, and the issue of Syrian prisoners in Lebanon.
India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and adopted a joint roadmap on economic security at their 16th Annual Summit in New Delhi. The nations agreed to boost collaboration in AI, shipbuilding, biogas, semiconductors, critical technologies, and defense, aiming for 10 trillion Yen in Japanese investment in India.
India and Japan are set to sign an agreement to enhance LNG supply security and strengthen economic ties during PM Modi and PM Takaichi's summit in India. Discussions will cover critical minerals, AI, semiconductors, and regional geopolitics, with Japan planning significant investments.
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Double Contribution Convention (DCC) will come into effect on July 15, 2026. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal described CETA as India's most comprehensive trade pact, expected to provide significant economic benefits and boost bilateral trade.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Bangladesh's new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, part of a series of visits by world leaders to Beijing this year. China aims to build influence, economic ties, and promote a multipolar world order, often courting Global South and authoritarian leaders, as seen with Myanmar and North Korea.
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) has approved a new strategy through 2031 to expand its geographic footprint to 11 countries, including Georgia, Mongolia, Turkey, and Persian Gulf states. While not all will become shareholders, Oman is planned as a new member.
Russia is positioning itself as a "third power" option for Southeast Asia amid energy supply uncertainty and geopolitical rivalries. Analysts suggest while energy may be an opening, Russia's long-term relevance in the region might not grow significantly.
Anduril CEO Brian Schimpf stated that modern warfare's focus has shifted to economic disruption, targeting infrastructure like data centers and refineries. He noted the rise of drone technology and supply chain vulnerabilities as key concerns, particularly for the US due to its ties with China. Schimpf also commented on the defense tech sector's high valuations, suggesting a potential bubble.
South Korea and Cambodia discussed expanding economic ties and cooperation on official development assistance (ODA) programs, building on their free trade agreement (FTA). Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol in Seoul.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron met and signed 19 agreements, focusing on AI, innovation, trade, and infrastructure. Key outcomes include an India-France Innovation Roadmap and expansion of UPI services, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
