Asia China 10 United States-based companies have been added to China's export control list, government procurement barred from 50 US companies two weeks after the Pentagon blacklisted some of China’s best-known companies for alleged ties to the Chinese military
Africa Sao Tome and Principe The country surpassed the record of 35.000 tourists by registering 35.817 visitors in 2023, with the Portuguese leading the way with almost 50%, according to data revealed by 'Lusa ' from the Directorate of Tourism and Hospitality
Europe United Kingdom People in their 20s are more likely to be out of work for health reasons than those in their 40s, a situation that is 'radically different' from the past; by 2023, one in 20 (5%) young people will be economically inactive due to ill health
Asia Oman Many strategic road projects will be prioritised this year, including those planned to provide connectivity to important and popular tourist areas - the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology stated
Africa eSwatini The country became one of the first three COMESA Member States to successfully integrate their national systems with the e-Co system, a major step towards facilitating cross-border trade within COMESA
Asia Thailand Thai Airways reported a rebound in profits upon increased demand for air travel; a net profit of 28,1 billion baht (US$782 million) in 2023, shows a substantial recovery from the 272 million baht loss reported the previous year
Europe Finland The Central Criminal Police is currently investigating a major fraud involving the misuse of social benefits provided by Kela, the Social Security Institute of Finland
America Costa Rica A US$2,1 million US-funded Anti-Drug Operations Center in the Térraba-Sierpe National Wetland, a region historically exploited by organized crime for drug trafficking
America Colombia Colombia has repatriated 77 pre-Hispanic artifacts from Germany, arriving in Bogotá on the presidential plane; the move is part of the government's commitment to restoring the collective and historical memory of indigenous peoples
Africa Mauritania The President, together with the President of Algeria, inaugurated two land border crossings after detailed presentations of their structures, of their advantages and perspectives
Europe Norway Over half of Norwegians believe that 'everyday racism', characterised by derogatory comments related to ethnicity, is widespread in Norway while only 2% think it's not widespread, a new poll indicates
Asia Taiwan The country will participate in the construction of the world's largest optical-infrared telescope together with six other countries, the National Science and Technology Council announced after signing a MoU with the Giant Magellan Telescope programme
Europe Montenegro The government requested €137 million in funding from the EU Western Balkans Investment Framework for 12 major projects covering energy, infrastructure, transport, digitisation and the environment
America Ecuador Ecuadorian military, in efforts to showcase regained control of Cotopaxi prison amid a nationwide intervention in 35 facilities, have invited the international media to showcase the improved security and equal treatment for inmates