April 25, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
US and Germany push for TTIP trade pact. Image credit - zerbor/depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
FAO to help Sri Lankan fisheries
The country representative to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Nina Brandstrup, has stated that the FAO will continue to facilitate the development of the fisheries sector.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development has submitted a request, seeking support from the FAO to modernise technology in the fisheries sector.
Pakistan seeks to increase economic and security cooperation with Sri Lanka
The President of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain, stressed the importance of increasing bilateral economic and security cooperation at a meeting with Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and his delegation.
The delegation comprising of Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa, senior monks, civil servants and academics were in Pakistan to learn about Buddhist heritage in Pakistan.
Government aims to make Sri Lanka an economic hub
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe stated that the government is working towards regaining the Generalized System of Preference (GSP) Plus trade concessions from the EU.
The Prime Minister added that the government is finalising the Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) with India, and reviewing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China. The government intends to sign similar agreements with Singapore, Turkey, Pakistan, and USA in the future.
North Korea conducts nuclear test
According to South Korean defence officials, North Korea has launched a ballistic missile from a submarine off its northeast coast. The UN Security Council has condemned these actions.
North Korea, in a counter statement, said that it would halt nuclear tests if the United States suspends its annual military exercise with South Korea.
Yemen peace talks stall
The UN backed peace talks between rival Houthi and government forces have been suspended due to the lack of progress.
The failure to make progress during the talks is reportedly due to contentions among stakeholders, on the future of the peace process.
US and Germany push for TTIP trade pact
In recent talks in Hannover, Germany, President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have moved towards finalising the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).
During the same period, thousands of people rallied against the trade pact in Hanover, stating that it would drive down wages and weaken environmental protection and labour rights.
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