Author: Isla

Under normal circumstances, a substance such as sulphuric acid attracts little attention outside industrial circles. Few people follow its price movements in the way they track oil or gold, and it rarely features prominently in economic headlines. Yet in recent weeks, that has changed abruptly.China’s decision to impose near-total restrictions on sulphuric acid exports from the beginning of May, according to market reports and specialised agencies, has sparked deep concern across fertiliser, mining, and energy markets. Almost overnight, a material that barely registered in the public consciousness became something closely watched by copper producers, fertiliser manufacturers, and mining companies worldwide.The…

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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with former Canadian prime minister Jean Chretien on Feb 23, 2017. (PHOTO / CHINESE EMBASSY IN THE PHILIPPINES)OTTAWA – Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday that China looks forward to working with Canada to jointly advance the China-Canada new strategic partnership.He made the remarks during talks with former Canadian prime minister Jean Chretien.Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that Chretien initiated the “golden decade” of China-Canada relations during his tenure as prime minister.The improvement in China-Canada relations meets the aspirations…

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Intel (NasdaqGS:INTC) and 3DGS plan to build a substrate manufacturing plant in Odisha, India, with a joint investment of US$3.3b. The project is intended to support growth in India’s semiconductor ecosystem and expand regional supply chain capacity. Government incentives in India are a key factor in the decision to locate the facility in Odisha. The plant is expected to create high skilled jobs and contribute to India’s chip manufacturing ambitions. For Intel, a major global semiconductor company, this move into India aligns with a wider push by the industry to add capacity in more regions and reduce concentration risk in…

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reportedly struck dozens of targets inside Iran during the recent West Asia conflict, coordinating closely with the United States and Israel in a campaign that extended from the war’s start until the day after the ceasefire announcement, Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing ources familiar with the matter have revealed. The strikes mark the first direct military involvement of a Gulf nation in the conflict against Tehran.The Emirati campaign targeted sites on Qeshm and Abu Musa islands in the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas, the Lavan Island oil refinery in the Persian Gulf, and the…

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        A market redefining itself The halal story at THAIFEX was not merely one of scale but of sophistication. Industry analysts tracking the sector have identified five trends reshaping the halal food and beverage landscape in 2026.    Conscious Halal—sometimes described as “halal-proof”—places transparency at the forefront, requiring brands to demonstrate their entire supply chain, from farm to table, rather than simply displaying a certification logo.   Health-Led Halal is responding to rising rates of lifestyle diseases across Muslim-majority markets, driving demand for low-sugar, organic, and functional products aligned with the Islamic concept of Tayyib, meaning pure,…

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Delegation of overseas government officials visits Hong Kong to learn about its strengths and developments A delegation of 13 overseas government officials completed its visit to Hong Kong today (May 29), deepening its understanding of the city’s advantages and development opportunities under the “one country, two systems” arrangement. Click to Gallery A delegation of 13 overseas government officials completed its visit to Hong Kong today (May 29). Photo shows the Deputy Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong (front row, fifth left); the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan (front row, second right); the Under Secretary for Financial…

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, says responsible and sustainable mining will shape Nigeria’s economic future as the country intensifies efforts to reduce oil dependence. Mr Alake spoke while endorsing the maiden Solid Minerals Excellence Awards (SOMEA 2026) at the Abuja Continental Hotel.He described the awards as a strategic platform supporting Nigeria’s mining reform and economic diversification agenda.“Our past is a story already told. Our future shall be written in gold,” Mr Alake said.He said the awards highlighted the growing role of solid minerals in national development.Mr Alake added that the initiative recognised individuals, institutions, and companies promoting…

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The location of a banking hub’s permanent home in a town has been confirmed.The facility for Turriff will be based at 1 Main Street.The permanent home for the banking hub in Turriff has been confirmed.A Cash Access UK spokesperson said: “The same services will be available once your banking hub moves, such as cash withdrawals, depositing cash and cheques and paying utility bills, as well as the community banker service, so you can speak to your own bank about more complicated matters on specific days.“The community banker schedule is likely to stay the same but please check the hub window…

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