News from February 2024


Xero, BILL team up to offer small businesses new ways to pay bills

Small business platform Xero and financial operations platform Bill have announced a partnership aimed at enhancing the accounts payable capabilities for Xero’s customers in the United States. The collaboration is designed to streamline bill payment processes, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently.


Singapore Tourism Board, Saks Fifth Avenue debut ‘Made in Singapore’ campaign

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Saks Fifth Avenue have launched a campaign to highlight Singapore's landmarks at the Saks Fifth Avenue New York flagship store, which will run until March 13. Each store window features a different location and experience, accessible via QR code.


EU Strengthens Ties with Africa and Latin America Through New Trade Deals

The European Parliament has given its consent to the ratification of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement and to the Advanced Framework Agreement and an Interim Trade Agreement with Chile. These agreements are seen as significant milestones in strengthening the EU's relationships with key partners in Africa and Latin America. BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer highlighted the importance of these deals, stating, "These agreements mark an important step, consolidating the EU's ties with important partners in Africa and Latin America. They show real...


The Sun Princess sets sail

The latest addition to the Princess Cruise line, a ship capable of accommodating 4,300 guests, has embarked on a 10-day Mediterranean cruise from Rome.


Sweden pledges SEK 27 million to EIF interim facility for LDC economic growth

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced a contribution of SEK 27 million from Sweden, aimed at supporting least-developed countries (LDCs) in maintaining economic growth. The funds will be directed towards the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF), specifically to the newly established EIF Interim Facility. This commitment was confirmed during a meeting attended by Per-Arne Hjelmborn, the Director General for Trade Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ratnakar Adhikari, Executive Director of EIF.


Pew Charitable Trust announces new Fellows in Marine Conservation

The 2024 Pew fellowship in marine conservation has been awarded to scientists from six countries: the Philippines, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.


Hard Rock International, Major Food Group enter agreement to provide new dining experience for Hard Rock guests

Hard Rock International has embarked on a new venture that is set to revolutionize dining experiences for its guests across the United States and globally. The company recently announced a partnership with Major Food Group, a contract that was signed on February 27.


CRH to purchase Australia's Adbri

CRH and the Barro Group are set to become the owners of Adbri once a transaction currently in progress is completed later this year. CRH will possess approximately 57% of Adbri's stock, while the remaining shares will be held by the Barro Group.


Air Lease Corporation announces lease with Thai Airways International for three Boeing 787 planes

Thai Airways International is set to receive three Dreamliner aircraft from the 787-9 line in 2025.


Binance Charity, Superhumans Foundation partner to support Ukrainians impacted by war

Binance Charity, the philanthropic subsidiary of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has announced a partnership with the nonprofit Superhumans Foundation. The collaboration aims to support Ukrainian individuals affected by the ongoing conflict in their country, with a focus on educational initiatives and programs for war veterans.


Korea contributes USD 1 million to WTO fisheries funding

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that the Republic of Korea has pledged USD 1 million to support the implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies for developing members and least-developed country (LDC) members. The contribution was made by Inkyo Cheong, Trade Minister of the Republic of Korea, to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.


Haiti accepts Fisheries Subsidies Agreement

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has confirmed that Haiti has officially accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The acceptance was formalized by Ambassador Justin Viard, who presented Haiti's instrument of acceptance to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. This brings the total number of WTO members who have ratified the agreement to 61.


UAE Advanced Technology Research Council teams up with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies to accelerate adoption of Falcon AI

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Digital Technologies has announced plans to explore and encourage the adoption of Falcon large language models (LLMs) and solutions powered by Falcon artificial intelligence (AI). In this endeavour, they will be supported by the United Arab Emirates' Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), which will provide technical expertise for the integration of AI in government services and technological infrastructure.


Silent Eight, HSBC expand partnership for transaction screening

Regulatory technology firm Silent Eight is broadening its collaboration with HSBC to automate the investigation and resolution of transaction alerts. Prior to this expansion, Silent Eight had been performing name screening and adverse media automation for HSBC, aiming to detect financial crimes with reduced friction.


TerraPay and Diamond Trust Bank Uganda join forces to improve financial inclusion and accessibility to credit

Diamond Trust Bank Uganda (DTBU) and TerraPay, a global cross-border payments network company, have recently entered into a strategic partnership to enable account deposits from any location worldwide. The partnership, announced in a news release on February 22, aims to narrow the financial inclusion gap and enhance monetary processes, including credit access for individuals in Uganda.


Colliers Project Leaders- Middle East names new managing director

Yamin Shihab has ascended to the position of managing director at Colliers Project Leaders, following a tenure of over 12 years with the company. As of February 22nd, he will be responsible for spearheading new business development and operations in the Middle East.


Asia’s Rising Economies Beyond ‘China Plus One’: A Look at Potential Growth

Asia's rising economies are gaining recognition beyond just being seen as "China Plus One" destinations. According to a recent industry report, these countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and Thailand, are positioned to leverage their strengths and further enhance their economic growth prospects.The report highlights that "Asia’s rising economies are more than ‘China Plus One’ destinations," indicating a shift in perception towards these nations. It emphasizes the evolving roles of these countries in the global economy and their potential for...


Amber Specialty Pharmacy announces new company president

Jessica Ringena has joined Amber Specialty Pharmacy following a nine-year tenure with Hy-Vee’s subsidiaries, during which she was appointed president of Vivid Clear Rx, the pharmacy benefit manager established by Hy-Vee.


Leading crypto exchange Binance shares practices employed to protect users from scams

Binance, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange, has shed light on its strategies to safeguard users from scams. The company highlighted that the surge in online dating has coincided with an increase in "romance scams."


Mexican auto parts manufacturer alleges extortion by French auto parts giant Forvia

Auto parts manufacturer Cormaplast has filed a criminal complaint in Mexico alleging extortion against French auto parts giant Forvia, accusing the company of corruption and tortious interference.