The Seychelles – China Trade Expo has officially begun and already several businesses have confirmed certain transactions with the Chinese exhibitors. This statement was made by Seychelles' Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Industry, Devika Vidot, at the opening ceremony of the fair on Thursday. «At this moment, following a tour of the fair, I have personally witnessed transactions being confirmed between the suppliers and local entrepreneurs for machinery. I am very happy that in the first hour of the trade fair there are Seychellois businesses who have benefitted from this event. This is exactly what I want to encourage our local businesses to do; we need to keep looking for ways to innovate and how to include new technology in a way that it improves the standard and services they offer. We want them to be on par with international standards,» said Vidot. During her speech at the ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador for Seychelles, Lin Nan, said, «This Expo is an important manifestation of China's opening up to the outside world. China will open its market wider, turning its big market into Africa's big opportunity, and encouraging more two-way trade and investments. China is willing to work together with Seychelles side to deepen cooperation in trade, tourism, agriculture, and other sectors, to achieve pragmatic outcomes and build a China – Seychelles community with a shared future.» Products on display at the Seychelles-China Expo. (Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY  While responding to a question from reporters about the relationship between Seychelles and China, Vidot also echoed this sentiment and stated that the development of commerce between Seychelles and China would solidify the already excellent partnership that exists between the two countries.   «I feel that a commercial relationship is more durable over time and it guarantees that the partnership benefits both countries, especially in terms of prosperity. At the moment we have a lot of businesses here who do interact with Chinese suppliers; however, we've also noted a large majority who haven't been able to establish contact to start, therefore this event is meant to enable our local businesses to have direct contact with Chinese suppliers,» she added. Vidot said, «This expo represents a myriad of opportunities, not only for established businesses but also entrepreneurs who are just starting out as well. It can also be a good opportunity for anyone who is still thinking about starting a business, it can inspire them to pursue the idea further.» The Vice Mayor of Chengdu, Wang Qian, who is leading the Chinese delegation to Seychelles, said, «Today, we bring our selected products and enterprises covering areas such as mechanical equipment, agricultural technology, packaging design, urban construction, new energy as well as art and cultural design with the hope that they can be known and popular among people and enterprises in Seychelles. We will also bring tuna and rum back home, giving Chengdu people a chance to experience the unique charm of Seychelles.»

Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has been in politics for more than two decades, serving various portfolios from Manpower to Health. But the 65-year-old revealed that he was a bundle of nerves before accepting his latest role in Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's Cabinet.   Speaking to actress Joanne Peh in her A Conversation with Minister series on Thursday (Nov 21), Gan recalled then-DPM Wong asking to speak with him in his office. «I asked myself, 'Did I do something wrong?'» said Gan in the YouTube video that was shared on the 8World channel, causing Peh to break out in laughter. «It feels like you are being called into your boss' office,» she quipped. Gan said that Wong then asked him to be DPM, on top of being Minister for Trade and Industry, to mentor the newer crop of ministers. A Member of Parliament for Choa Chu Kang GRC since the 2011 General Election, Gan was previously the Minister of Health and Manpower Minister. Together with Wong, he was also co-chair of a multi-ministerial taskforce from 2020 to 2023 which directed and coordinated Singapore's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ricardo Allen’s story began with a challenging childhood, as at the tender age of eight, he faced the emotional upheaval of his father abandoning him and his mother. This pivotal moment, however, shaped his outlook on life and education. “I came...

IN MANY years gone by, there was a practice by some person’s enemy to call a funeral home to send a hearse to pick up that person’s body because that person was dead. It was the ultimate insult; you are nothing, you are dead. Sometimes, there was...

WESTERN BUREAU: British national Rachael Quayle, who was allegedly caught with cocaine valued at J$45 million stashed in assorted food items at the Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay on August 21, is to stand trial in the St James...

WESTERN BUREAU: Sancia Bennett Templer, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, says the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) will launch several initiatives in 2025 to streamline the authority’s...

The St Ann Chamber of Commerce is calling for all relevant sectors to support its plan to revitalise the resort town of Ocho Rios, citing its importance to Jamaica’s economy. Chamber President Dr Ransford Davidson said recently that the Chamber was...

A multi-sectoral committee has been established to enhance security in the lakeside city of Kisumu ahead of the Christmas festivities.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s cabinet has lifted its ban on chemical fertilizers in a bid to boost agricultural productivity, combat food insecurity, and reduce the devastating impact of climate change on the country’s farming sector.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government leaders celebrated Teachers' Day in Mogadishu on Tuesday, highlighting progress in education while acknowledging ongoing challenges in rebuilding the sector.

The United Transformation Movement (UTM) Party has initiated an investigation into the presence of women dressed in party colours at a government event in Lilongwe on Tuesday, where President Lazarus Chakwera and Vice-President Michael Usi were in attendance. The women were seen dancing alongside members of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) at the Bingu International […] The post UTM launches investigation into party women presence at Govt event where Usi attended appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The Women Engage for a Common Future (WECF), an official partner of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), has commended Malawi for putting women in critical, and decision making positions especially those impacting climate change. The remarks were made at one of the sideline events at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijani, where WECF invited Malawi to […] The post International organization commends Malawi for involving women in climate change innovations appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

In a fiery address to supporters during a voter registration drive in Thyolo, former President Peter Mutharika has raised alarm over what he claims is President Lazarus Chakwera’s plan to rig the upcoming 2025 general elections using the Smartmatic voting technology. Mutharika’s accusations come amid growing tensions between opposition parties and the current administration, setting […] The post Mutharika waying’alula! Accuses Chakwera of planning to rig election with Smartmatic technology   appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

A severe fuel shortage has hit Blantyre’s Ndirande Chisewu bus hub, leaving passengers stranded and commuters facing skyrocketing fares. The shortage, which began earlier this week, has caused widespread frustration, particularly for those relying on minibuses to get to work, school, and other essential destinations. On Thursday morning, the once-bustling Chisewu minibus terminal was nearly […] The post Fuel Shortage Paralyzes Ndirande Chisewu Minibus Operations, Leaving Passengers Stranded appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Minister of Youths and Sports, Uchizi Mkandawire on Thursday asked over 1000 Technical Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education (TEVETA) graduates from Mangochi and Zomba to embrace entrepreneurship in order to create employment for their fellow youths. Presiding over the ceremony in Zomba, Mkandawire said the graduates can reduce unemployment level in the country especially if they […] The post Youths Minister urges over 1000 TEVETA graduates to embrace entrepreneurship appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Seychelles' President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, met with Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra, reaffirming the strong ties between the two nations.On Thursday, a press release from State House said, «The official visit commenced with a ceremonial military guard of honour, followed by a private tête-à-tête between the two leaders. President Ramkalawan conveyed heartfelt greetings from the people of Seychelles and expressed profound gratitude for Ghana's warm hospitality.» Discussions highlighted the historic relationship between Seychelles and Ghana, as the two leaders explored avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation. Key topics included culture, tourism, youth development, and the Blue Economy. The agreements were signed by Seychelles' Ambassador Conrad Mederic and Ghana's Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer. (State House) Photo License: CC-BY  The two countries also signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) on tourism and culture.  The agreements were signed by Seychelles' Ambassador Conrad Mederic and Ghana's Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer.In a joint press conference, the two Presidents emphasised the importance of bolstering partnerships and exploring mutual opportunities.President Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo later hosted President Ramkalawan and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan for an official luncheon.As part of the visit, the Seychelles delegation paid tribute to Ghana's rich history with wreath-laying ceremonies at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture. Ramkalawan and the First Lady met with the Seychellois community in Ghana. (State House)  Photo License: CC-BY  The head of state of Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, also met with members of the Seychellois community residing in Ghana. The event, organised by Kwame Acquah, Honorary Consul of Seychelles in Ghana, brought together Seychellois nationals living and working in the country. Ramkalawan expressed his gratitude to the attendees and updated them on recent developments in Seychelles. Speaking on behalf of the Seychellois community in Ghana, John Micock shared their pride and privilege in meeting the President and getting the opportunity to engage directly with the nation's leader. Since coming into office in October 2020, Ramkalawan has made it a must to meet with the Seychellois diaspora in every country he visits. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also set up a section dedicated to the Seychellois diaspora and earlier this year launched the diaspora policy, according to the statement.

Maharashtra witnessed a 66% voter turnout, the highest in 30 years, for its state assembly elections. Exit polls present mixed predictions, with some favoring the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and others the opposition INDIA bloc. All eyes are on the Election Commission as vote counting begins on November 23rd to determine the winning alliance.

A car was found flipped after an accident in Yishun on Thursday (Nov 21) morning. Its driver was nowhere to be found. A photo posted to Facebook group Complaint Singapore shows a blue car lying on its side on the pavement. Police officers can also be seen standing around the scene, which has been cordoned off. Another photo posted to Facebook group Singapore Road Vigilante shows smoke rising from the car's engine. Its bumper and right headlight look badly damaged. But none of the photos posted online show the car's driver. Responding to AsiaOne's queries, the police said they were alerted to the accident, which occurred at the junction of Yishun Central 2 and Yishun Central, at about 8.30am on Thursday. When officers arrived at the scene, however, the driver of the car was missing. Investigations are ongoing.

A woman who pre-ordered popiah from a stall in Tampines was upset when the stall owner turned her away after making her queue for 40 minutes.  The woman, surnamed Tan, told Shin Min Daily News that she placed an order for $33 worth of popiah at a stall along Tampines Street 81 last Sunday (Nov 17) for her auntie's birthday.  Tan, 69, added that she had paid for the food in advance.  «When I went to collect the popiah at about 10.40am that day, the stall owner asked me to queue up. »I was in a rush and there were more than 10 people in line, so I asked her to give me a refund but she kept asking me to queue up,« Tan said.  When it was finally her turn, the stall owner allegedly told Tan she didn't want her business and gave her a refund.  »I had already queued for 40 minutes. If she didn't want to accept my order, she should have just refunded me on the spot instead of making me wait in the queue,« Tan said.  The woman was especially upset because the stall owner did not explain why she decided to reject the order.  »I've made bulk orders of popiah at the stall in the past, and this has never happened," she said.

SINGAPORE — Singapore's economy blew past estimates for third-quarter growth, leading the Government to raise its forecast for full-year 2024. But it also tipped growth in 2025 to slow to a range of 1 per cent to 3 per cent range, reflecting heightened global uncertainties generated by Donald Trump's return to the White House, further escalation of conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine and China's continuing slowdown. The official 2024 growth forecast was raised to 'around 3.5 per cent' from a previous range of 2-3 per cent, after third-quarter growth accelerated to 5.4 per cent — the strongest year-on-year growth since the fourth quarter of 2021 and higher than the 4.1 per cent initial estimate. The full-year upgrade marks a strong rebound from 2023 when the economy grew just 1.1 per cent.

President Joe Biden is not afraid of dragging the US into war with Russia, former CIA analyst Larry Johnson told RT Read Full Article at RT.com

Washington’s EU “vassals” said nothing when Donald Trump pulled the US out of the INF Treaty, Stanislav Krapivnik recalls Read Full Article at RT.com

Canada has denied claims that it linked India’s leadership with the murder of a Sikh separatist Read Full Article at RT.com

[UN News] UN humanitarians warned on Thursday that one in four people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo suffers from «crisis or worse» levels of hunger that affects a staggering 25.6 million people.

[RFI] Journalist Ephrem Yalike was once an instrument of propaganda for the Wagner mercenary group in Bangui. Having secretly fled the Central African Republic a few months ago, he exposes the workings of Russia's disinformation campaign to RFI.

Mumbai police have arrested Akashdeep Gill in connection with the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique. Gill is accused of using a laborer's mobile hotspot to evade detection by authorities. Anmol Bishnoi, the alleged mastermind behind the murder, was arrested in the United States and is awaiting extradition to India.

A spokesperson for No 10 said the Government respected the court and refused to rule out Netanyahu would be arrested if he landed on British soil.

Vladimir Putin must feel the cost of his deranged ambitions, President Zelensky has said after Russia fired a new medium-range missile at the city of Dnipro.

Little Carlos was left with life-changing injuries following the 'devastating' hit and run in Lawrence Weston, Bristol on Sunday, November 17.

New data has revealed that at least 16 dogs are seized every day in the UK, with experts warning that dangerous dog bans on breeds may not be the way to solve the maulings epidemic.

Donald Trump moved quickly to find a new candidate for attorney general on Thursday, announcing the former Florida A.G. Pam Bondi as his pick.

[allAfrica]

LONDON: Dr Donald Palmer, an associate professor of immunology at The Royal Veterinary College in London, was presented with the Science and Technology Award at The Weekly Gleaner UK Honour Awards luncheon last month. Palmer’s job involves studying...

Senators stressed that police had investigated a 2017 allegation that Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for defense secretary, had drugged and sexually assaulted a woman at a California political conference and declined to press charges.