VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: 30th January, 2019

PAKISTAN

ECC okays Rs200bn Sukuk bond for retiring circular debt: Dawn

January 30, 2019

Encouraged by attractive bids, the government on Tuesday allowed additional wheat exports of 500,000 tonnes and gave a go-ahead to raise Rs200 billion funds from Islamic banks for partial cash settlement of the circular debt now well above Rs1.415 trillion. The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Economic Coordination Com­mittee (ECC) of the cabinet presided over by Finance Minister Asad Umar. Click here to read.. [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Pakistan, Russia agree to coordinate efforts for Afghan peace: Dawn

January 30, 2019

Pakistan and Russia on Tuesday agreed to continue coordinating their positions on efforts for peace in Afghanistan. The understanding was reached during Russian Special Representative on Afghanistan Ambassador Zamir Kabulov’s meetings with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua. Mr Kabulov was in Islamabad for consultations on regional political situation and the Afghan peace process. Click here to read.. [3]

NEPAL

Nepal's former crown prince Paras Shah's health critical: Business Standard

January 30, 2019

Nepal's former crown prince Paras Shah, who suffered a third heart attack on Monday, is still in critical condition, doctors involved in his treatment informed. Paras underwent stenting, a procedure where a metal or plastic tube is inserted into the lumen of an anatomic vessel to keep the passageway open. It was his third stent and the condition of his heart has gone weaker, Dr Yadavdev Bhatta informed. Paras underwent the same procedure in 2008 at Norvic Hospital, Kathmandu and 2016 while he was in Bangkok. Click here to read.. [4]

AFGHANISTAN

Xinhua Headlines: China eyes further opening-up in updated draft foreign investment law: Xinhuanet

January 30, 2019

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) on Tuesday started reviewing a new draft of the foreign investment law, the latest move to promote the country's opening-up initiative. During the two-day session, members of the top legislature are scheduled to deliberate the new version of the draft law, which has been updated from the first draft submitted to the previous session last month. Click here to read.. [5]