Morocco’s Unearthed Port City Draws Global Interest
Chellah, a hidden treasure near Rabat, Morocco, is revealing its ancient secrets. This expansive archaeological site, once home to the Phoenicians and a critical Roman outpost, is resurging in importance. Recent discoveries, including neo-Punic inscriptions, underscore the city’s role as a trading hub. Chellah’s reopening for excavation promises to unveil more about its historical significance, attracting researchers and history enthusiasts worldwide.
L&T Hydrocarbon Secures Major Offshore Project in the Middle East
In a major win, Larsen & Toubro’s hydrocarbon business, L&T Energy Hydrocarbon (LTEH), has bagged offshore project orders totaling a whopping Rs 15,000 crore in the Middle East. The prestigious contract involves the comprehensive development of a large offshore platform seamlessly integrated with existing facilities, signaling a significant milestone for L&T in global offshore project execution. The undisclosed client’s nod to this mega order underscores L&T’s prowess and its commitment to expanding its footprint in the strategically vital Middle East region. This accomplishment solidifies L&T’s position as a key player in the hydrocarbon industry, with a focus on excellence, innovation, and global recognition.
APAC cities continue to be some of the world’s most connected and prominent as emerging hubs in South Asia gain ground
Asia Pacific (APAC) cities, spearheaded by Tokyo, Beijing, Singapore, Melbourne, and Hong Kong, continue to assert their influence as some of the world’s most connected and prominent urban centers, according to Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report. The report reveals that APAC maintains a strong foothold in the top 10 of its Global Cities Index (GCI), claiming five coveted spots.
Navigating Inflation Trends and Fiscal Resilience in Oman
Oman’s recent economic landscape reveals a noteworthy decline in inflation, reaching its lowest level since March 2021. The Sultanate’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropped to 0.30% in October 2023, showcasing a consistent decrease attributed to global factors and government measures. The strategic regulation of fuel prices and exemptions for essential commodities from value-added tax played a pivotal role in curbing inflation. Various sectors, including food and transportation, contributed to this trend, with food items experiencing slower inflation due to reduced prices of key commodities. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) anticipates Oman to maintain the lowest inflation rate in the GCC, highlighting the country’s fiscal resilience and strategic economic reforms.
Philippines Paving the Way for a Financial Renaissance, Unfolding Digital Banking Epoch
In the dynamic landscape of Southeast Asia, the Philippines is gearing up for a financial renaissance, with digital banking leading the charge. McKinsey’s insights reveal a staggering potential, as the country’s banking revenue pools are anticipated to triple by 2030. However, the challenge lies in the fact that nearly half of the bankable population remains unbanked, creating the perfect storm for a digital banking revolution. Guided by the visionary regulatory approach of the central monetary authority Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Philippines is witnessing a surge in traditional banks’ market value and the rapid ascent of fintech firms. As the BSP standardizes QR payments and encourages new players, the fintech landscape, exemplified by firms like Salmon, is becoming a catalyst for financial inclusion, transforming the Philippines into a digital banking powerhouse.
Inflation Eases in October, A Glimmer of Hope for Consumers Amidst Economic Uncertainties
In October, consumer prices in the U.S. rose by 3.2% compared to the previous year, signaling a noteworthy slowdown and offering respite for consumers. The data reflects a 0.5% decline from September, showcasing progress in the Federal Reserve’s campaign to curb inflation. While the drop in gas prices contributed to this decline, core inflation, excluding food and energy prices, only slightly decreased to 4.0% in October. The positive development comes amid robust economic growth, with the GDP expanding at a rate of 4.9% over the three months ending in September. However, challenges such as rising long-term borrowing costs and record-high credit card debt pose potential risks to sustained economic growth.
Sohar Port and Freezone Pioneers Oman’s Path to Carbon Neutrality with SOHAR Net Zero Alliance
Sohar Port and Freezone (SOHAR), a key player in Oman’s thriving industrial landscape, has taken a meaningful step towards accelerating the nation’s transition to carbon neutrality by 2050. In a groundbreaking move, SOHAR has officially introduced the SOHAR Net Zero Alliance, a collaborative initiative that brings together its industrial tenants to pursue a sustainable, carbon-neutral […]
Focusing on Green Finance and Governance, Exploring Future Cooperation and Development, SMU and RUC to co-host a Global Forum
On 21 November 2023, Singapore Management University (SMU) and Renmin University of China (RUC) will co-host a high-profile Global Forum on the theme of “Green Finance and Governance: From Commitments to Actions” at Culture Square, Haidian District, Beijing, China.
FBS Earns the Most Reliable Forex Broker 2023 Award
FBS, a leading online trading platform, has been recognized as the “Most Reliable Forex Broker 2023” by the International Finance Expo. This prestigious title serves as a testament to FBS’s dedication to providing secure and trustworthy financial services to more than 27 million of its clients in over 150 countries.
Launch of “Sustainable Sustainability”– a playbook on marrying profit and purpose
Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC) is pleased to announce that “Sustainable Sustainability: Why ESG Is Not Enough,” published by Penguin Random House, will be available for purchase from 21 November 2023.
