News published on Globe Banner in May 2025

News from May 2025


Modi inaugurates first D9 electric locomotive built by Indian Railways

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the first of the new D9 – 9000 HP electric locomotives at Indian Railways' factory in Dahod, Gujarat.


World Bank report forecasts highest growth rate for Bhutan in South Asia

Thimphu, May 26, 2025—Bhutan is set to record the highest growth rate in South Asia for the fiscal year 2024/25, according to the World Bank's annual update released today.


IMF reviews New Zealand's economic status following Article IV consultation

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Executive Board has completed its Article IV consultation with New Zealand, as announced on May 26, 2025.


UBS completes share repurchase program totaling over $2 billion

UBS Group AG has announced the completion of its 2024 share repurchase program.


Sinopec organizes beach clean-ups in Singapore and Hong Kong

Recently, Sinopec organized beach clean-up activities in Singapore and Hong Kong SAR.


World Bank launches video series exploring future of mining

The World Bank's Extractives team has introduced a new video series titled "Mining Forward," which delves into the evolving landscape of the mining industry.


Public procurement conference highlights reforms needed across East Asia

The Government of the Philippines and the World Bank recently organized the International Public Procurement Conference, focusing on "Procurement for the People: Bridging Innovation, Value for Money, and Accountability."


U.S. Embassy aids crime victims in Dominican Republic

The American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo offers support to U.S. citizens who are victims of crime in the Dominican Republic.


Explosion reported near Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja

The U.S. Embassy in Abuja has reported an explosion near the Mogadishu Barracks and the Mararaba-Nyanya bypass in Abuja.


KfW Research revises German GDP forecast amid tariff concerns

KfW Research has updated its economic forecast for Germany, projecting a 1.0 percent growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) for 2026.


UOB introduces FutureGen Scholarship for regional students

UOB has announced the launch of the UOB FutureGen Scholarship Programme, which will offer scholarships to 90 students from the region to study in Singapore.


U.S. Secretary Rubio sends greetings on Georgia National Day

On behalf of the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended greetings to the people of Georgia on their national day.


U.S. congratulates Jordan on 79th independence anniversary

The United States has extended its congratulations to Jordan on the occasion of its 79th independence anniversary.


Thailand partners with Meta for six-week online privacy education campaign

Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) and the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) have partnered with Meta to launch a privacy education campaign.


AIT Director emphasizes US-Taiwan partnership at youth forum

Raymond Greene, Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), delivered remarks at the National Taiwan University's Youth National Security Forum.


World Bank director visits Pakistan to support reform efforts

World Bank Managing Director for Operations, Mrs. Anna Bjerde, completed a two-day visit to Pakistan, highlighting the country's reform momentum and emphasizing the importance of ongoing implementation to maintain economic stability.


United Airlines launches direct flights connecting Washington D.C. with Dakar

United Airlines has commenced its inaugural nonstop flight between Washington, D.C., and Dakar, marking a significant development in air travel connectivity between the United States and Senegal.


U.S., Luxembourg honor fallen soldiers at Memorial Day ceremony

On May 24, the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg, in collaboration with the American Battle Monuments Commission, conducted the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Luxembourg American Cemetery.


Sinopec highlights clean energy at Beijing World Gas Conference

The 29th World Gas Conference took place in Beijing from May 19 to 23, marking the first occasion in its 94-year history that China hosted the event.


U.S. Embassy launches first EducationUSA College Fair in Sierra Leone

The U.S. Embassy in Sierra Leone has inaugurated its first EducationUSA College Fair, an event aimed at fostering educational ties between the United States and Sierra Leone.