Neighbourhood News Digest - 09 May 2025

Afghanistan

Turkmenistan Expands Trade and Transit Cooperation with Afghanistan-Tolo News

Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister has stated that his country will enhance cooperation with Afghanistan in the sectors of railways, trade, and transit. Rashid Meredov held talks with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, discussing political and economic relations and the strengthening of diplomatic ties between Kabul and Ashgabat. Click here to read… [2]

Islamic Emirate Grants Five-Year Tax Exemption to Returning Investors-Tolo News

The Administrative Deputy of the Prime Minister’s Office has announced that the Islamic Emirate, under a special policy, will not collect taxes from returning investors and industrialists for the next five years. Abdul Salam Hanafi made these remarks during a land distribution ceremony for returnees in Ghazni province. Click here to read… [3]

Kharlachi border crossing reopens between Afghanistan and Pakistan-The Khaama Press

The Kharlachi border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan has reopened after seven months of closure due to ethnic tensions. Officials have announced the reopening of the Kharlachi crossing after it had been closed for seven months. This announcement came from Saif-ur-Rahman Obaida, the administrative head of Dand Patan district, on Thursday, May 8. Click here to read… [4]

90% Afghan households hit by Economic Shock last year: UN Report-The Khaama Press

A UNDP report reveals 90% of Afghan households faced economic shocks in 2024, exacerbating the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. A recent report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlights that 90% of Afghan households are facing an economic shock in 2024 due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The report indicates that 65% of households have been directly impacted by this shock, with a 35% increase compared to 2023. The report warns that Afghanistan is sliding deeper into socio-economic crises, with widening inequalities, especially for women and rural areas. Click here to read… [5]

Bhutan

Bhutan, Adani Group sign MoU to jointly develop 5,000 MW hydropower projects – Kuensel

The Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and India's Adani Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimphu on May 8 to jointly develop hydropower projects totalling 5,000 megawatts (MW). The broad initiative includes both conventional hydropower and pumped storage projects, which will be identified, studied and developed in phases through detailed project reports (DPRs). The MoU was signed by DGPC's managing director, Dasho Chhewang Rinzin, and Naresh Telgu, chief operating officer Hydro and Pumped Storage Projects) of Adani Green Hydro Limited. The signing took place in the presence of Prime Ministar Tshering Tobgay, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Lyonpo Gem Tshering, and senior officials from both sides. This agreement builds on the ongoing collaboration for the Wangchhu Hydropower Project (570/900MW), where DGPC holds a 51 percent majority stake and Adani, 49 percent. Click here to read… [6]

Maldives

Outstanding debt this year reaches USD 1 billion with currency swap – Adhadhu

The World Bank has said that the Maldives' debt outstanding this year will reach USD 1 billion (MVR 15.4 billion) with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s currency swap facility. The USD 400 million currency swap facility from the RBI was taken out with the assistance of the Indian government last year due to declining foreign exchange reserves. Of the funds drawn from the facility, USD 120 million was invested in local banks, while the rest was invested in foreign banks. The World Bank said in its recent development update that the Maldives' debt will reach a billion dollars this year. This is higher than the amount budgeted to repay debts in this year's state budget. MVR 9.4 billion was budgeted for the repayment of loans, financing and interests. Click here to read… [7]

Visit Maldives Strengthens Position as Top Destination at ATM 2025 – PSM News

Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation has successfully concluded its participation at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, reaffirming the Maldives’ position as one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations. Held from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025 provided an exceptional platform for enhancing the Maldives' global visibility and key industry partnerships under the theme “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity.” A delegation of 235 representatives from 110 Maldivian companies joined the event alongside officials from MMPRC, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the Maldives’ Embassy in United Arab Emirates (UAE). Click here to read… [8]

Myanmar

Hundreds flee across Thai border after attack on Myanmar military – Myanmar Now

More than 300 people from Myanmar fled into Thailand to seek refuge following an assault on the military by ethnic armed groups, Thailand said Thursday, days after the junta extended a post-earthquake ceasefire. Myanmar has been mired in civil conflict since a military coup in 2021, with the junta battling a coalition of ethnic armed organisations and pro-democracy resistance forces. The attack on May 8, by the Karen National Liberation Army and its allied Karen National Defence Organisation targeted a military base in Karen State about 1.5 miles from the Thai border, according to the Thai military. Click here to read… [9]

Portacabins and Swivel Chairs: The Friendly Face of Chinese Help for Myanmar Junta – The Irrawaddy

China is shipping hundreds of Portacabins to the Myanmar junta to help it keep administrative functions ticking over in Naypyitaw, the jerry-built administrative capital that was hit hard by the March 28 earthquake. The first shipment of 340 prefab units and office furniture arrived at Thilawa Port in Yangon on May 2 to serve as temporary offices for ministries. They were immediately taken to Naypyitaw by train, and just two days later deputy junta chief Soe Win, who chairs the Natural Disaster Management Committee, inspected their installation. He told the Constitutional Tribunal of the Union and the ministries of immigration, commerce, and electricity that they must resume operations in their brand-new shacks by the end of May. Click here to read… [10]

Pakistan

25 Israeli-made drones used by India in attempt to attack Pakistan, all shot down: ISPR-Dawn

Pakistan’s armed forces have taken down 25 Israeli-made Harop drones sent into the country by India since last night, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday. A day earlier, Pakistan mourned the loss of 31 lives in overnight attacks by Indian forces on civilians, describing New Delhi’s actions as “terrorism” and accusing it of continuous ceasefire violations on the Line of Control (LoC). Click here to read… [11]

Indian Rafale downed, US officials confirm-Dawn

AMERICAN officials have said that Pakistan shot down an Indian jet using fighter aircraft it acquired from China, CNN and Reuters reported on Thursday. CNN cited a senior US official saying as per their assessment, Pakistani forces shot down the jet during India’s air strikes inside Pakistan on Wednesday. On Wednesday, Pakistan said it had shot down five Indian Air Force jets, including three Rafales. Click here to read… [12]

Pak Army destroys India's 'Jhanda Ziyarat' post, hits HQ in Nanga Tak: security sources-The Express Tribune

Pakistan’s armed forces conducted targeted strikes in response to unprovoked Indian aggression along the Line of Control (LoC), destroying multiple Indian positions including a key military post and a battalion headquarters, according to security sources. Click here to read… [13]