Asia

Free trade agreements with Mercosur and the Gulf Cooperation Council is set as a Vietnam goal for late 2025; The deals aim to boost exports, diversify markets, and strengthen economic ties with Latin America and the Middle East amid global trade shifts

5th National Orchid Forum will promote orchid conservation, sustainable cultivation, and awareness of biodiversity, uniting researchers, farmers, and officials to protect native species

Mineral sector has exceeded its five-year production and revenue targets; The government credits stricter oversight, improved licensing, and stronger environmental standards

Temporary regulation of meat prices has been extended until 31 December to prevent further increase or speculation and stabilize the market of beef and mutton, excluding boneless cuts, ensuring affordability across the population

Authorities are investigating a student, hurt, allegedly involved in explosions that wounded nearly 100 people at a school in Jakarta; the blasts hit a school mosque just before Friday prayers, sparking panic among worshippers and fears of a terrorism act

A direct flight linking Muscat to Beijing, China, will be launched later this November, while China extended its visa-free 30 days entry permit for residents of Oman, Bahrein, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia for the whole year 2026

Ferry services between Bahrain and Qatar was launched, strengthening tourism, commercial trade and regional connectivity; implementation plans for the Bahrain-Qatar causeway project are also advancing

Around 2.000 animals at the Paphos animal shelter are at risk of losing their home after private landowners requested the return of the property where the shelter is based; the shelter operates through volunteer support and receives no government funding

The International Union for Conservation of Nature asked Israel Nature and Parks Authority to protect the Buxton’s jird; the rodent, in an area threatened by urban development, is listed lists as vulnerable to extinction by Small Mammals Specialist Group