Asia Japan Proof of proficiency in Japanese will be required to apply for a working visa for engineering, humanities or international services; policy will be revised tightening screening after workers entered Japan under a specialized job visa but do unskilled jobs
Asia Indonesia State-owned PT PLN is supplying electricity to a 1 million-hectare food estate in Merauke, South Papua, with its Electrifying Agriculture program that aims to replace diesel-powered with electric tools for a more sustainable and productive agriculture
Asia China China's total foreign trade reached 32,33 trillion yuan ($4,57 trillion) in the first three quarters of 2024; electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaic products accounted for 4,1% of the total value
America Barbados Barbados was rated most creative economy in the Caribbean, ranking 77th in the Global Innovation Index 2024; the country over-performed regional average indicators of institutions, human capital, research, business sophistication, knowledge and technology
Africa Senegal An official ordinance was issued authorising the wearing of religious symbols - headscarves, crosses and sacred beads - at school and during school activities, thus promoting respect for religious beliefs
Europe Bosnia and Herzegovina Preliminary damage assessments in the flooded areas of Central Bosnia Canton amount to 55.200.000 BAM (€27.600.000), according to the local Civil Defence Administration
America Trinidad and Tobago Drink manufacturer SM Jaleel, one of the largest non-oil exporters within the nation, celebrated 100 years of operation as a company, promising a commitment to both technological and human resources within the coming century as it steps into the future
Africa Angola Rice production will be increased through a programme of development and technical advice, with the aim of reducing imports of a product of which the country purchases around 400.000 tonnes annually
America Saint Kitts and Nevis Strategies to enhance maritime safety and security were explored at the Regional Security System Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference held in St. Kitts Marriott from October 10 to 11, 2024
Africa Gabon The Gabonese parliament's report on the draft of the country's new constitution, which is part of the timetable set by the Committee for Transition and Institutional Restoration, was presented to the Transition President
Europe Estonia A draft law that provides a basis for limiting the possibility of citizens of countries considered high-risk to become Estonian e-residents has been prepared by the Ministry of the Interior
Europe Albania Plans to close the existing port of Durres and develop a new one some 6 km further north have been derailed, as the tender process for the development of the first phase of the new port failed to attract bidders
Asia Philippines Raihana G. Ambangala, from the Mindanao region in the southern Philippines, won female second place at the International Qur'an Reading Competition in Malaysia with participants from 71 countries; the event celebrates excellence in Qur'an reading
Europe Belgium Local elections held on 13 October saw lukewarm participation and delivered results that partially deceived predictions, with far- and centre-right less successful than expected; experts commented that the so-called 'blue wave' found a 'red wall'