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News from 2025


UK card spending falls sharply in November despite Black Friday surge

Consumer card spending in the UK declined by 1.1 percent year-on-year in November, marking the largest drop since February 2021, according to data from Barclays.


U.S.-Serbia relations discussed by Chargé d’Affaires Titolo at World 2026 conference

U.S. Embassy Belgrade Chargé d’Affaires Alexander Titolo addressed the “World 2026” conference at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, focusing on the future of relations between the United States and Serbia.


WEIDE Fund selects 34 women-led businesses for support in Dominican Republic

The WEIDE Fund has announced the selection of 34 women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Dominican Republic as beneficiaries.


U.S. Embassy in Timor-Leste announces live auction of used government property

The U.S. Embassy has announced it will hold a live auction of used and excess government property on Saturday, December 13, 2025.


United States and South Korea hold tenth senior economic dialogue in Washington

The United States Department of State is set to host the tenth Senior Economic Dialogue (SED) with the Republic of Korea (ROK) on December 10, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, will meet with Kim Jina,...


U.S. Embassy Beirut opens applications for 2026 Study of US Institutes program

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) program for secondary school educators.


U.S. Embassy in Bolivia announces process for adult passport renewal by courier

U.S. citizens living in Bolivia can now renew their 10-year validity adult passports by courier service, according to information from the U.S. Embassy in La Paz.


World Bank urges reforms for Philippine economic recovery amid slowed growth

The World Bank’s latest Philippines Economic Update reports that the Philippine economy experienced slower growth in 2025 due to domestic challenges, decreased investment, and weak global demand.


World Bank urges reforms as Malawi faces rising debt and fiscal challenges

Malawi is facing a challenging economic situation, with persistent fiscal imbalances, high inflation, and growing debt limiting both development and social progress.


World Bank expands entrepreneurship support for women with disabilities in DRC

Inclusive economic development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is receiving support through the $300 million Empowering Women Entrepreneurs and Upgrading MSMEs for Economic Transformation and Jobs in DRC Project, known as the TRANSFORME...


U.S., Pakistani officials open new USEFP building marking Fulbright program’s 75th year

The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) has opened a new building after nearly four years of planning and construction.


WTO members submit new agriculture proposals ahead of Ministerial Conference

WTO members have introduced seven new negotiating submissions on agriculture in the lead-up to the organization's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14).


U.S. Embassy issues alert on increased crime risk during Malawi holidays

Crime rates tend to rise during the end-of-year holiday season, according to a recent alert issued for Malawi.


Binance becomes first digital asset platform to secure FSRA licenses

Binance has announced that it has received full licensing from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) under the Abu Dhabi Global Market framework.


U.S., Zambia agree on path toward expanded cooperation in mining sector

President Hakainde Hichilema and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs Caleb Orr have agreed on a plan to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Zambia and the United States.


World Bank reports moderate economic recovery in Myanmar amid persistent challenges

Myanmar’s economy is showing moderate signs of recovery, according to the latest World Bank Myanmar Economic Monitor.


AIT celebrates 85 years of International Visitor Leadership Program and launches America250 campaign

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) marked the 85th anniversary of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) with an event on December 8, 2025.


U.S. Embassy in Pristina seeks quotations for elevator maintenance services

The U.S. Embassy in Pristina has announced a request for quotation (RFQ) regarding the maintenance of elevators at its embassy building in Pristina.


U.S., Pakistan open new USEFP building to boost educational partnership

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker and Pakistan’s Minister of State for Education Wajiha Qamar inaugurated a new building for the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) in Islamabad on December 8, 2025.


WTO releases updated single-volume compendium of key agreements

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released an updated edition of its compendium, "The WTO Agreements," providing consolidated access to the organization's legal framework in a single volume.