BAGHDAD/ABU DHABI (Business Emerge), October 10: In an unexpected turn of events, Iraq has achieved a record wheat harvest this year, resulting in a surplus of approximately 1.5 million metric tons. While this achievement brings good news for farmers, the Iraqi government is grappling with the significant financial repercussions of its generous subsidy program, potentially leading to a net loss of nearly $458.37 million. The government’s decision to incentivize wheat production has resulted in farmers receiving prices more than double those on the global market. This subsidy scheme, aimed at fostering agriculture in the country’s often challenging climate, is backfiring,…
Author: Christopher White
LAOS (Business Emerge), October 10: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continues to act as a crucial stabilizing influence in the Southeast Asian region, despite facing challenges such as Myanmar’s ongoing civil unrest and the complexities surrounding the South China Sea code of conduct. This affirmation comes from ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn during a recent summit in Laos attended by leaders from the 10-member bloc and senior diplomats from key global players, including the United States, China, Japan, and Russia. With a population exceeding 685 million and contributing around 8% of global exports, ASEAN is grappling with slow…
London (Business Emerge), October 10: NATO is set to commence its annual nuclear exercises starting Monday, as announced by Secretary General Mark Rutte. This decision comes amidst escalating nuclear threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Steadfast Noon exercise will feature approximately 60 aircraft, including F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers, from 13 participating nations. Belgium and the Netherlands will host this significant event, emphasizing the strategic importance of the North Sea region. Rutte stated in London, following discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, “In an uncertain world, it is crucial that we evaluate our…
London (Business Emerge), October 8: The population of the United Kingdom reached 68.3 million as of mid-2023, marking a 1% increase from the previous year. According to official statistics, this growth was primarily fueled by net international migration, which contributed significantly to the population rise across all four UK nations—England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Net migration has consistently been the key factor behind the population surge, with England and Wales experiencing a 1% increase in their populations, and Scotland and Northern Ireland seeing smaller growth rates of 0.8% and 0.5% respectively. Notably, England and Wales recorded a combined rise…
Nairobi (Business Emerge), October 8: The United Nations is evaluating the possibility of halting its relief efforts, including food distribution, in Ethiopia’s Amhara region after recent violent incidents targeting aid workers. This proposal, outlined in a confidential document from August 2024, has been reviewed by multiple diplomats. According to the document, five humanitarian workers were killed during the first half of 2024, while 10 others were either assaulted or physically harmed. Additionally, 11 aid workers were kidnapped by unidentified groups, escalating security concerns in the region. The three-page document, labeled “internal,” reveals that the U.N. is seriously considering a temporary…
La Paz (Business Emerge) October 10: Bolivia is experiencing one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in its history, with flames engulfing more than 10 million hectares (24.7 million acres) this year, primarily in the country’s tropical eastern region. This record-breaking destruction surpasses previous fire seasons, scorching an area as large as Iceland or Cuba. Recent data provided by the non-governmental organization, Tierra Foundation, equates the damage to roughly 19 million American football fields. The surge in wildfires has propelled Bolivia beyond its previously devastating fire seasons in 2010 and 2019. The hardest-hit region has been Santa Cruz, a prosperous…
Belfast (Business Emerge), September 6: Global food prices experienced a slight decrease in August, driven primarily by falling sugar, meat, and cereal prices, according to recent data. This dip was able to balance out the upward trend in dairy and vegetable oil prices, offering some relief on the global food market. The food price index, a key metric compiled by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to monitor internationally traded food products, fell to 120.7 points in August. This represents a slight drop from a revised 121 points in July. The FAO index reached its lowest level in three years…
Mahdia (Business Emerge), September 6: Tunisian presidential hopeful Ayachi Zammel was released from police custody on Friday, following his second arrest in a week. Zammel had initially been detained on Monday due to allegations of voter form falsification. Although he was ordered to be freed on Thursday, he was immediately taken into custody once more. His release on Friday came after a court decision, with his case now adjourned until September 19. Zammel is one of three contenders officially approved by Tunisia’s electoral commission to run in the upcoming presidential election on October 6. Critics, however, argue that the election…
Washington (Business Emerge), September 6: In a move to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities, U.S. President Joe Biden is set to approve $250 million in new security assistance. This announcement was made by U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin during crucial discussions held on Friday in Germany. As Ukraine continues to navigate a complex battlefield, including advancements into Russia’s Kursk region and escalating threats from Russian forces in the eastern city of Pokrovsk, the newly announced aid package aims to provide swift and essential support to meet Ukraine’s evolving defense needs. Austin emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’ll deliver them…
Khartoum (Business Emerge), September 6: In a recent report, the United Nations has highlighted severe human rights abuses committed by both parties involved in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, suggesting these actions may constitute war crimes. The UN mission has called for the immediate deployment of peacekeeping forces and the extension of an existing arms embargo to ensure civilian safety. The report, based on 182 interviews with survivors, witnesses, and their families, paints a grim picture of violence against civilians, torture, and arbitrary arrests by both the Sudanese military and the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Mohamed Chande Othman,…