VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: February 03, 2022

Afghanistan

European Parliament Gives Center Stage to Afghan Women: Tolo News

The European Parliament is holding a two-day conference and a series of events to discuss the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan since the political change in the country. Click here to read... [2]

Bangladesh

January sees 41.13% export growth, fetches $4.85 billion: Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh has earned $4.85 billion through exports in January, registering a 41.13% year-on-year growth, according to data by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).Click here to read... [3]

Bhutan

Editorial: Bureaucracy shaken… and then?: Kuensel

By formally announcing that a large section of the leadership of Bhutan’s bureaucracy was not up to the mark, the RCSC this week took a major step forward to reform the civil service. As facts go, this was not a major surprise, but taking the step was a significant declaration that the government is committed to action. Click here to read... [4]

Maldives

Maldives opens its second airport in Lhaviyani - Trade Arabia

Accessibility to resorts in the Maldives will be significantly improved with the opening of Madivaru Airport this month, as the archipelago celebrates its Golden Jubilee. Click here to read... [5]

Myanmar

First anniversary of Myanmar military coup - fresh calls for diplomatic solution Church of Scotland

Church leaders have renewed their calls on the UK Government to use diplomacy to ensure that democracy is restored in Myanmar. Speaking on the first anniversary of the military coup which overthrew the elected government and led to political leaders being arrested, they said they are profoundly concerned for civilians and called for a ceasefire. Click here to read... [6]

Arakan State sees pro-military rallies, and opposition to them, ahead of coup’s anniversary - BNI Online

Military veterans and their family members held pro-Tatmadaw rallies in several Arakan State townships on Monday, but disapproving residents in the state say the demonstrations were not reflective of broader regional sentiment. Click here to read... [7]

Myanmar shadow government drops objections to ICJ's Rohingya genocide case - Reuters

Myanmar's shadow government, set up after last year's military coup, said it accepts the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hear allegations that the country committed genocide against its Rohingya minority. Click here to read... [8]

More than 3,000 Myanmar refugees deported from Thailand - RFA

More than 3,000 Myanmar refugees are stranded on the Myanmar side of the Thaung Yin River after Thailand took down their makeshift tents at a cattle farm on the Thai side of the river and deported them, aid workers told RFA Monday. Click here to read... [9]

Nepal

Deuba in bid to persuade allies on MCC deal: Himalayan Times

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has intensified efforts to iron out differences with ruling coalition partners - CPN-Maoist Centre and CPN (Unified Socialist) - on the Millennium Challenge Corporation deal signed with the United States of America, but differences continue to persist between coalition partners. Click here to read... [10]

Nepal begins study on digital currency as India plans to launch such currency this year: Kathmandu Post

India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced that its central bank would launch a digital version of its currency in the next financial year 2022-23 that begins on April 1. Click here to read... [11]

Pakistan

Govt hoping PM Imran’s China trip can reinvigorate CPEC: Dawn

“Twenty-one different sectors have been identified to be discussed with the Chinese leadership,” Infor¬mation Minister Fawad Chaudhry told Dawn on Wednesday after attending a series of meetings chaired by Mr Khan at the Prime Minister House. Click here to read... [12]

IMF approves $1 billion tranche, makes public new conditions: The Express Tribune

The move comes after the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government had narrowly managed to get the crucial State Bank of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill passed from the opposition-controlled Senate on Friday. Click here to read... [13]

Sri Lanka

Export Import Bank of India, Sri Lanka sign $500-million loan agreement: Hindu

The Export Import Bank (EXIM) of India and the Government of Sri Lanka on Wednesday signed a $500- million Line of Credit agreement aimed at helping Sri Lanka cope with its current fuel shortages, amid one of the worst economic meltdowns facing the island nation. Click here to read... [14]