VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: 14th December, 2018

PAKISTAN

US wants to help Pakistan protect its economy’: Dawn
December 14, 2018

The core purpose of US economic engagement with Pakistan is to ensure that it’s not a failure in the future and stops being such a poor country, says a senior official of the US Treasury Department. David Malpass, Under Secretary of Treasury for International Affairs, told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing on Wednesday that the Trump administration also wants to ensure that any IMF loan to Pakistan is not used to repay its Chinese debt. Pakistan is seeking an $8 billion extended loan facility from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to bail itself out of a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple its economy. The two parties are still discussing the package and a final decision is expected early next month. Click here to read... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

High Advisory Board For Peace Met With Mixed Reaction: Tolo News
December 14, 2018

The formation and authorities of the High Advisory Board for Peace, which encompasses incumbent and ex-government officials, political parties and some prominent politicians, was faced with mixed reactions on Thursday, as the political committee of the political parties called the formation of the new body unacceptable. The political parties have stepped up their separate efforts to negotiate with the Taliban, said the committee of the political parties. Meanwhile, officials from the High Peace Council (HPC) have criticized what they call defects in the structure of the new board. This comes after the Afghan government on Tuesday announced the establishment of the high advisory board for peace and a peace negotiating team of government members, aimed at creating a national consensus for brokering purposeful peace talks with the Taliban. Click here to read... [3]

NEPAL

Cabinet bans Indian notes above IRN 100: Kathmandu Post

The government has banned Indian currency of all denominations above rupees 100. The recent meeting of the Council of Ministers has decided to publish a notice not to use the Indian currency of 200, 500 and 2000 denominations in Nepal. This decision makes use of Indian notes of denominations more than 100 illegal. Revealing, Cabinet decisions, Government Spokesperson Gokul Banskota said, “The government has decided to publish a notice not to use, carry and keep the Indian bills of 200, 500 and 2000 denominations.” Click here to read... [4]

CHINA

Steady growth to continue in 2019: China Daily
December 14, 2018

China will keep its major economic indicators within a reasonable range next year, continue to speed up reform in the economic system and push forward all-around opening-up, according to a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on Thursday. Click here to read... [5]

Six keywords representing China’s diplomacy in 2018: Chinese FM: People's Daily
December 14, 2018

China’s diplomacy achieved new progress this year and can be summarized using six keywords and phrases, including openness, cooperation and steady progress amongst others, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Tuesday, Xinhua News Agency reported. Click here to read... [6]