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WTO approves services trade rules, overcoming objections
WTO approves services trade rules, overcoming objections
by  AFP

The World Trade Organization Tuesday enshrined new rules facilitating trade in services between more than 70 member states, the European Union's trade commissioner said, despite initial objections from India and South Africa. It will help reduce the costs of global services trade by more than $119 billion every year, it added.

Economic pain casts dark shadow as Iranians go to vote
Economic pain casts dark shadow as Iranians go to vote
by  AFP

As Iranians head to the polls for legislative and other elections on Friday, candidates have promised them on campaign posters to "fight corruption" and "fix the economy". A recent poll conducted by Iran's state television found that more than half of respondents were indifferent to the elections.

France makes mincemeat of 'veggie steak' label
France makes mincemeat of 'veggie steak' label
by  AFP

The French government issued a decree Tuesday banning the term "steak" on the label of vegetarian products, saying it was reserved for meat alone. Other terms that can no longer be used for meat-free products include "escalope", "ham", "filet" and "prime rib", according to the decree.

Lebanese escape Israel-Hezbollah war fears to ski slopes
Lebanese escape Israel-Hezbollah war fears to ski slopes
by  AFP

Days ago, Tala Assaad could hear Israeli strikes near south Lebanon's coastal city of Sidon. On the Israeli side, 10 soldiers and six civilians have been killed, according to the army, while tens of thousands have been displaced.

WTO braces for battles on fisheries, agriculture in UAE talks
WTO braces for battles on fisheries, agriculture in UAE talks
by  AFP

The world's trade ministers are set for tough negotiations on Tuesday at a WTO meeting in Abu Dhabi, with fisheries and agriculture taking centre stage. - 'Sensitive issues' - Negotiations in recent months at the WTO headquarters in Geneva have enabled a draft text to be brought forward for a second fisheries deal.

Asian markets mostly lower as traders await fresh data
Asian markets mostly lower as traders await fresh data
by  AFP

Asian markets began Tuesday mostly lower after record-setting gains last week, with traders eyeing the release of fresh economic data this week that could offer a better sense of when central banks may cut rates. But US markets fell on Monday, and Asian equities started this week with a "more cautious demeanour", Stephen Innes, managing partner of SPI Asset Management, said in a note.

Japan inflation falls to 2% in January
Japan inflation falls to 2% in January
by  AFP

Japanese consumer inflation slowed for the third straight month to 2.0 percent in January, government data showed Tuesday. Japan's economy shrank an adjusted 0.1 percent quarter-on-quarter in the last three months of 2023, missing market expectations of 0.2 percent growth, according to government data released earlier this month.

Boeing staff confused on safety reporting: US study
Boeing staff confused on safety reporting: US study
by  AFP

Boeing employees are confused and distrustful of changes to safety reporting systems implemented by the aerospace giant after fatal plane crashes in 2018 and 2019, according to a US report released Monday.

Cuban cigar exports soar amid demand for luxury goods
Cuban cigar exports soar amid demand for luxury goods
by  AFP

International sales of Cuban cigars, the island nation's most emblematic export, soared 31 percent last year as global demand rises for luxury products, the country's main tobacco exporter said Monday. The sale is a boon for the Cuban economy, which retracted two percent last year amid its worst crisis in three decades.