Asia China Unilateral zero-tariff treatment is now applied to all African countries except Eswatini, which maintains ties with Taiwan; duty-free policy for 33African countries was introduced in 2024, now covers 53 countries and will be in place until 30 April 2028
Europe Netherlands The life-size paintings of Marten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit by Rembrant will soon be sent to Paris, where they will be exhibited in the Louvre for five years; the two-metre high portraits have been in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam for five years
Europe Serbia The northern Serbian province of Vojvodina intends to launch a €14,5 million energy efficiency project, supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, to upgrade the energy efficiency of some 80 public buildings
Europe Czech Republic Almost one fifth of the country's employed population is now made up of foreigners, with over 800.000 people contributing to the Czech labour force; of these, almost 409.800 are from EU countries and 285.545 from Ukraine
Africa Burundi The IMF expects Burundi's economy to expand by 4,3% this year from 2,7% in 2023; growth would be supported by strong agricultural production, productive investment and ongoing reforms
Europe Finland A recent survey conducted by the Chambers of Commerce reveals that the vast majority of companies (around 74%) are in favour of the employment measures planned by the Finnish government
Africa Nigeria The young Nigerian team, the 'Broomzillas', managed to qualify for the Winter Youth Olympics being held these days in Gangwon, South Korea, becoming the first African curling team to reach the Winter Youth Olympics
Africa South Africa In Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, a new tourist attraction opened not long ago, a stationary train on a bridge that has become a luxury hotel
Asia Myanmar Lake Paleik in Singaing municipality and Lake Pyu in TadaU municipality have been designated as the seventh and eighth Flyway Network Sites in the country
Africa Somalia Acted is currently providing emergency food assistance to 1425 vulnerable families affected by the devastating rains and flash floods starting in October 2023 which led to the overflowing of the Juba River in the district of Baardheere
Asia Oman The number of passengers using Muscat International Airport increased by 19% to 1.192.832 in December 2023 compared to 999.935 in the same period last year, according to data published by the Civil Aviation Authority
Africa Mauritius The three-day career counselling workshop organised by the Mauritius Polytechnic started at the Ebène Campus, intending to pair up students with industry partners who will explain the profile of jobs in their respective industry and skills required
Africa Cape Verde During the first leg of his African tour, in Praia, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken named the country a 'beacon of stability in the region'
America Ecuador The family of Ecuador's most-wanted fugitive, Jose Adolfo Macias "Fito," were arrested in Argentina and deported to Ecuador; Macias, leader of the Los Choneros gang, escaped from prison, triggering gang violence and prompting a state of emergency