Vol. : XXXX No. 22 ISSN 0254-7996

Fortnightly Publication of South Asian Press Clippings

Selections

From

Regional

Press

Coverage Dailies:

• November 16 – 30, 2020

Journals:

• Up to first week of December, 2020

CONTENTS

I. Foreign Affairs 1 II. Economic, Cultural and Social Affairs 33

I - FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Subject Newspapers/Periodicals Date Page INDIA India-US Relations 1. Biden and new diplomacy: India will need to The Indian Express, 1 recalibrate its strategy to shifting global New Delhi 18-11-2020 realities

By Yoginder K. Alagh 2. India, US are committed to rule of law unlike The Hindustan Times, 1 China, say US Senators New Delhi 19-11-2020 By Shivani Kumar 3. During call with PM Modi, Biden spoke of The Indian Express, 2 ‘strengthening democracy in US, abroad’ New Delhi 19-11-2020 By Shubhajit Roy India-China Relations 4. India will react fiercely if provoked, says Modi The Pioneer, 3 PNS New Delhi 16-11-2020 5. Where India and China differ in the Indian The Hindustan Times, 4 Ocean region New Delhi 30-11-2020 By Urmi Tat 6. India refuses to support China’s Belt and Road The Hindustan Times, 4 project at SCO meet New Delhi 30-11-2020 HT Correspondent India-Pakistan Relations 7. Fresh military crisis in Kashmir can help The Indian Express, 5 Pakistan test Biden’s South Asia policies New Delhi 17-11-2020 By C. Raja Mohan 8. Pak’s million mutinies, ghosts and Doval’s The Hindustan Times, 6 doctrine of ‘defensive offence’ New Delhi 25-11-2020 By Shishir Gupta India and South Asia Policy 9. Chanakya: India’s new template for the The Hindustan Times, 7 neighbourhood New Delhi 23-11-2020 - Chanakya India and EU 10. India, EU condemn use of proxies for cross- The Hindustan Times, 9 border terrorism New Delhi 20-11-2020 HT Correspondent India and G20 11. Multilateralism need of the hour for sustainable The Hindustan Times, 9 recovery in post Covid-19 world: PM Modi New Delhi 23-11-2020 By Shivani Kumar

India and RCEP 12. Jaishankar defends decision to not sign RCEP The Indian Express, 10 By Shubhajit Roy New Delhi 17-11-2020 India and BRICS 13. Brics calls for equitable distribution of The Hindustan Times, 11 coronavirus vaccine New Delhi 19-11-2020 HT Correspondent India and ASEAN 14. East Asia Summit signals India will pursue The Indian Express, 11 bilateral pacts with ASEAN countries New Delhi 20-11-2020 By Gurjit Singh AFGHANISTAN Pak-Afghan Relations 15. Afghanistan, Pakistan Sign Customs Outlook Afghanistan, 12 Assistance Agreement Kabul 18-11-2020 - 1TV News 16. Imran Khan’s “Historic” Visit to Kabul! Afghanistan Times, 12 By Kazim Ali Gulzari Kabul 21-11-2020 17. Afghanistan, Pakistan officials discuss Afghanistan Times, 14 strengthening bilateral Kabul 27-11-2020 - AT News Peace Talks 18. Pompeo meets Afghan, Taliban negotiators, Afghanistan Times, 14 hopes ‘successful peace talks’ Kabul 22-11-2020 19. Erdogan Meets Abdullah, Vows Support to Afghanistan Times, 14 Afghan Peace Kabul 22-11-2020 - Tolo News 20. Saudi Arabia Renews Support to Afghan Peace Outlook Afghanistan, 15 Process Kabul 29-11-2020 - Pajhwok BANGLADESH Bangladesh-US Relations 21. Bangladesh’s expectations from the Biden The Daily Star, 15 government Dhaka 16-11-2020 By Fahmida Khatun Bangladesh-India Relations 22. India wants more Feni River water, Teesta The Bangladesh Observer, 16 water sharing not on agenda Dhaka 13-11-2020 By Shahnaj Begum 23. BD-India to work together in data privacy The Bangladesh Observer, 17 framework Dhaka 25-11-2020 By Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh-Japan Relations 24. Japan offers technical help The Daily Star, 18 By Shamsuddoza Sajen Dhaka 16-11-2020 Bangladesh-Dominica Relations 25. BD establishes diplomatic ties with Dominica The Bangladesh Observer, 18 By Diplomatic Correspondent Dhaka 26-11-2020 Bangladesh and OIC 26. Dhaka wants OIC's continued support till The Bangladesh Observer, 18 Rohingyas are repatriated Dhaka 29-11-2020 - Observer Online Des NEPAL Nepal-India Relations 27. Nepal-India Agree to Strengthen Cooperation Spotlight, 19 in Railway Sector Kathmandu 20-11-2020 - New Spotlight Online 28. Nepal-India High-level Exchange Spotlight, 20 By Keshab Poudel Kathmandu 26-11-2020 29. Foreign secretaries of Nepal and India Spotlight, 22 discussed and reviewed various aspects of the Kathmandu 27-11-2020 bilateral ties By New Spotlight Online Nepal-China Relations 30. Not to be left behind, China also sending top The Kathmandu Post, 22 official to Nepal after visits from India Kathmandu 20-11-2020 By Anil Giri 31. Chinese state councilor and defense minster Spotlight, 23 general Wei Fenghe agrees to continue support Kathmandu 29-11-2020 to Nepal Army New Spotlight Online 32. Chinese stopover militarily significant and The Kathmandu Post, 24 politically symbolic Kathmandu 30-11-2020 By Anil Giri PAKISTAN Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations 33. Kabul urged to look beyond settled issue of The News, 25 Durand Line Islamabad 17-11-2020 By Staff Correspondent Pak-US Relations 34. US hails Pak role in Afghan peace efforts The News, 26 By Staff Correspondent Islamabad 20-11-2020 Pakistan-China Relations 35. China backs Pakistan after Modi`s tirade Dawn, 27 By Baqir Sajjad Syed Islamabad 21-11-2020

Pakistan-Thailand Relations 36. Thai envoy stresses need to boost trade with Dawn, 27 Pakistan Islamabad 17-11-2020 By Saleem Shahid Pakistan-India Relations 37. Time to counter India’s regional designs The Nation, 29 By Senator Rehman Malik Islamabad 26-11-2020 38. Dossier on India’s terrorism shared with UN Dawn, By Anwar Iqbal Islamabad 26-11-2020 39. Pakistan shares proofs of Indian terror with P5 The Nation, 29 envoys Islamabad 17-11-2020 By Shafqat Ali Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations 40. PM in Kabul Dawn, 30 Editorial Islamabad 21-11-2020 Pakistan-Japan Relations 41. Pakistan’s role for Afghan peace critical: The News, 31 Japanese envoy Islamabad 26-11-2020 By Staff Correspondent Pakistan and CARs 42. CAR regionalism and Pakistan The News, 31 By Prof Shabir Ahmad Khan Islamabad 16-11-2020

1

THE INDIAN EXPRESS, NEW DELHI 18-11-2020 rights agencies will have more clout. Vice President-elect Biden and new diplomacy: India will need Kamala Harris has already commented on Kashmir, in to recalibrate its strategy to shifting global election debates. These, of course, are relative statements, since the American structure is one of checks and realities balances. Yoginder K. Alagh A crucial area of Indian interests will be global trade The Biden presidency is very sensitive to minority rights negotiations. The Biden presidency is likely to be as as constitutionally proclaimed and the US official human aggressive on this as the Trump regime. It will also pursue rights agencies will have more clout. Vice President-elect the US objective of strengthening multilateral accords and Kamala Harris has already commented on Kashmir, in WTO rules with much greater technical clout and election debates. diplomatic pressure. Our government had already given up It is interesting that Indian media and commentators have the food security and livelihood clauses as preconditions concentrated on the bilateral trade, technology and for discussing “other issues”, basically tariff reduction. financial resonance of the expected actions of the Biden Murasoli Maran, who was then India’s commerce presidency. Its political, environmental and global minister, had at Doha, stuck to this position. Suresh Prabhu institutional implications have been ignored. These have took this position at the WTO ministerial in Argentina profound consequences for the country, though the two- (2017) but later gave up the stand, agreeing to discuss tariff minute byte communications world has no patience for it. reduction, much to the disappointment of the G-77. The Those who know better probably prefer to remain quiet for present situation calls for adept handling, since there is the current “Khan Market gang” knows the propensity of rising unemployment and excess capacity. The pandemic the establishment to shoot the postman. has only made matters worse. Instead of saying The Center for American Progress (CAP), headed at the mechanically that the “next quarter will be better”, we executive level by an American of Indian origin, Neera need a serious turnaround plan, with local and global Tanden, and founded by John Podesta, who was adviser to angles worked out. the US delegation at the Paris climate change talks in the Canadian political scientist Andy Cooper, who visited us Obama presidency, before President Donald Trump on my invitation, mentioned that international relations in withdrew from the negotiations, had done a lot of work on the world of modern communication are Bismarckian. how to proceed on global and national issues when the This is the world of Bono and his global message. We must consequences can be visualised but not quantified. One of recognise that a world dominated by Biden, Trudeau Jr and the arguments that the Trump administration had made Macron is different from the “strongman’s” world of was data of a quantified kind is not available on global Trump, Roy Harper and Hollande. warming. During one such exercise in Washington organised by CAP, I was invited to lead a possible Indian HINDUSTAN TIMES, NEW DELHI 19-11-2020 reaction. CAP then followed it up in India using TERI’s India, US are committed to rule of law good offices. The restrictions that we have removed on projects in unlike China, say US Senators mining in forests or on land use in the natural forests of Shivani Kumar Kashmir will become the target of discussion the world US Senator Mark Warner said that China follows the over. Official circles in Delhi are correctly emphasising policy of authoritarian capitalism as it allows “ferocious India’s progressive stand at the Paris negotiations. This domestic competition until the national champion arises” should be used to protect the phalanx and, more generally, and then the champion is backed by the government in the environmental laws, as legislated when Jairam Ramesh world market. was minister (UPA), will need more sensitive Senator John Cornyn on Wednesday said that the United implementation. Pressure from corporate interests will States and India relationship will grow as both countries, have to be resisted more firmly. The rights of Adivasis — unlike China, are committed to the rule of law which gives habitation, livelihood, spiritual affiliation with trees and confidence to business and investors. the jungle — will need greater attention. Projects will be Speaking in a virtual interaction on the theme “U.S. and delayed, but what is built will be on firm ground. India: Post Election Perspectives”, US Senator Mark There are, of course, lobby groups of NGOs of minorities Warner said that China follows the policy of authoritarian in our country in Washington. It is legal to lobby in the capitalism as it allows “ferocious domestic competition US. These groups have access to Democratic Party until the national champion arises” and then the champion caucuses, just as there are powerful Hindutva groups that is backed by the government in the world market. were influential during the Trump presidency — the “I think what we have seen is that China has this model Hindutva groups had supported Trump in the election and where they allow ferocious domestic competition until the arranged for his very successful India visit. It would be national champion arises on Huawei. That national naive to ignore these political groups and consequent field champion then gets 75 per cent of the Chinese domestic realities. market, and that translates into 20 per cent of the global The Biden presidency is very sensitive to minority rights market. And then the Chinese government would back that as constitutionally proclaimed and the US official human 2 national champion with, in the case of Huawei 100 billion THE INDIAN EXPRESS, NEW DELHI 19-11-2020 dollars,” Warner said. During call with PM Modi, Biden spoke of He further said, “There is no American or Indian company, ‘strengthening democracy in US, abroad’ alone, that can compete with that. I think what I have seen Shubhajit Roy is a growing consensus, both from Indian government The mention of America’s “democratic traditions” is an representatives and particularly from Indian Americans oblique reference to the election process in the US where that maybe a decade ago India wanted to kind of skirt, not President Donald Trump has so far refused to concede. being on the China side or on the American side. But I During his telephone conversation with Prime Minister think echoing what Senator Cornyn said we both are Narendra Modi on Tuesday night, US President-elect Joe nations that operate under the rule of law.” Biden spoke about “strengthening democracy at home and Reiterating the strong India-US relations, Senator Cornyn abroad”, words that are being seen as referring implicitly said, “We have a large diaspora of Indian Americans in to the current situation in India and in several other parts Texas. This is really how I got involved and, of course, of the world. through the Indo-American chambers in places like While the Biden-Harris transition team’s readout of the Dallas... We have earned a lot, and also learned about the phone call said that Biden raised the issues of incredible potential of the enhanced relationship between “strengthening democracy at home and overseas”, the our two countries.” Indian government’s statement said that “Modi warmly He further said that China doesn’t play by the rules as India congratulated President-elect Biden on his election, does. “Both the US and India are committed to rule of law, describing it as a testament to the strength and resilience which gives confidence to business and investors. To me, of democratic traditions in the United States”. that’s one of the greatest strengths of the US-India The mention of America’s “democratic traditions” is an relationship. The Anglo jurisprudential heritage of both of oblique reference to the election process in the US where our countries, and observing the rule of law and playing by President Donald Trump has so far refused to concede. the rules --in my opinion give greater predictability and The difference in emphasis — where the President-elect competence to job creators and investors, and, I think, this makes a reference to democracy overseas, and not just in is one reason why we are continuing to grow closer and the US, while the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) closer together,” he added. doesn’t mention that part of the conversation at all — Another speaker in the discussion, former US Ambassador assumes significance in the context of the Biden to India Richard Verma recalled the talks held between campaign’s underlining of “shared democratic values: fair Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President-elect Joe and free elections, equality under the law, and the freedom Biden. of expression and religion”. “You may have seen that Prime Minister Modi had a good “These core principles have endured throughout each of call with President-Elect Biden. They talked about our nations’ histories and will continue to be the source of building out the strategic partnership, vaccine our strength in the future,” the Biden campaign document development, Covid-19 and climate change,” he said. had said. To this, Warner said, “I think both India and the United A former India hand in the Obama-Biden administration, States need to rethink the supply chain. I think the US who has been working with the Biden campaign and now should rejoin some of these international efforts. I think with the transition team, told The Indian Express, “The we need to be like the trillion-dollar effort led by the focus of the Biden campaign has been quite clear: that the European Union on vaccine distribution. The recent news world’s two oldest and largest democracies have to live by on vaccination is very positive. But we need to have an example.” international distribution system.” During the campaign Biden had expressed “disappointment” with the implementation of the National On the US-India defense relationship, Cornyn said amid Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and the passage of China’s continuous threat in the international waters the the Citizenship (Amendment) Act into law, and Vice countries (QUAD) need to support each other. President-elect Kamala Harris (when she was running for “Yesterday (on Tuesday), I was talking to Indian the Democratic nomination for President) had said that Ambassador to USA Taranjit Singh Sandhu about this. “we are watching”, and “part of the values of who we are While America has friends like India, China does not have as a nation is we speak out about human rights abuses and many friends. I think we need to recognise the strength of when appropriate we intervene”. friendship among ourselves like through the recent However, South Block feels that the world has changed military exercises that were never undertaken,” he said. over the last two decades, and the US administration too He further said, “It’s obvious that China is not going to has “evolved” under Trump — and that Washington stop to threaten freedom of navigation and international realises that New Delhi does not like being lectured or sea lanes and jeopardise trade the economy of countries talked down to. like India and the world. Hence, we have to continue to Indian government sources also noted that the Biden support one another.” administration, which will take over in January 2021, will also find an India and a geopolitical situation that is very 3 different from January 2017, when the Obama-Biden will not compromise with our interests even one bit at any administration left office. With an aggressive and cost,” the Prime Minister said amid a standoff with China ascendant China, Washington needs New Delhi in its at Ladakh border. corner. He said India believes in the policy of understanding Biden’s focus on “democracy overseas” would include others and making them understand but if it is tested, then China as well. it will give a fierce reply. The country has the capability In that context, New Delhi is relieved that China is “not and political will to give a befitting response to those who off the hook” — and Prime Minister Modi and President- challenge it, Modi said. elect Biden spoke about cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The prime minister also underlined the importance of The issues of the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccines, and the having strong capability, saying despite advanced global economic recovery — all of which have strong international cooperation and equations, vigilance is the China overtones — also featured in the conversation over path to security, alertness leads to happiness and peace is the phone between the two leaders. the prize of having strength. During the phone conversation, Modi referred to his two “History of the world tells us that only those nations have earlier meetings with Biden in 2014 and 2016. Diplomats remained safe and advanced who had the ability to take on said it was a “very warm conversation”. invaders,” Modi said, adding that 130 crore Indians stand The MEA said, “The Prime Minister warmly recalled his with the country’s soldiers and bow to their bravely. earlier interactions with Joseph R Biden, including during “They are proud of your valour,” he told soldiers, saying his official visits to the United States in 2014 and in 2016. their bravery has got better of all adversities, be it in Biden had chaired the Joint Session of the US Congress deserts, forests or deep oceans. that was addressed by the Prime Minister during his 2016 Modi said his Diwali is complete only after he comes visit.” among soldiers, adding he cannot stay away from his own on this festival. He said the more time he spends with the THE PIONEER, NEW DELHI 16-11-2020 soldiers, the stronger his resolve to serve and protect the country gets. India will react fiercely if provoked, says “Your sacrifices teach the country discipline and sense of Modi service,” the prime minister told soldiers, referring to his PNS government’s efforts to combat the coronavirus and also to restart the economic activity fully. Sending out a tough message to China and Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will give a befitting and Urging soldiers to make innovation and yoga a part of their fierce response if provoked and said it has always opposed daily lives, he also asked them to learn one language other expansionist policies and terrorism. He also stressed the than Hindi, English and their mother tongue, saying it will need for self-reliance in defence sector. enrich their lives. His stern remarks came in the backdrop of the ongoing The prime minister referred to his government’s stress on stand-off for the last six months with China at the Line of self-reliance and ‘vocal for local’ campaign, and Actual Control(LAC) in Eastern Ladakh and recent spurt complimented the armed forces for the decision to bar in ceasefire violations at the Line of Control(LOC) in import over 100 weapons and defence equipment. Jammu and Kashmir. Recalling the glorious battle of Longewala, he said it will Celebrating Diwali with soldiers at Longewala, Jaisalmer always be remembered in the annals of strategic planning on Saturday, Modi said India will give a “prachand jawab” and military valour. (fierce reply) if provoked. He said this was the time when the ugly face of Pakistan Addressing the troops at the forward post, which has was exposed as its army was terrorizing innocent citizens become a part of military legend after troops here of Bangladesh and committing atrocities against women. successfully thwarted numerically higher Pakistani forces “Pakistan opened the front on western border to divert the in the 1971 war, Modi took a swipe at China without global attention but our forces gave them a befitting naming it, saying the world is troubled by “expansionist reply,” he said. forces” and expansionism shows a “distorted mindset” that On the occasion, he recalled the fierce fight the post had belongs to the 18th century. witnessed in the 1971 war against Pakistan and paid India has become a forceful voice against forces of tributes to Brigadier Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri, a hero of expansionism, he said. As regards Pakistan, the Prime the battle who was then a Major, saying he became Minister said the Indian soldiers have hit “sponsors of “rashtra deep” with his feat of bravery. terrorism” in their home, a reference to air and surgical Modi has been visiting forward posts every Diwali since strikes against terror camps in the neighbouring country. his government came to power in 2014. That year he visit “No force in the world can prevent our brave soldiers from Siachen glacier. He was in Rajouri last year, in defending our borders. The world today knows that we Uttarakhand in 2018 and in Gurez in 2017. 4

HINDUSTAN TIMES, NEW DELHI 30-11-2020 find themselves in a debt trap. The Maldives, for instance, Where India and China differ in the has run up a debt of $1.3 billion to China, which is more Indian Ocean region than a quarter of the GDP of Maldives. The unsustainable levels of debt have made the new governments in both Urmi Tat countries wary of foreign participation in large-scale In the wake of the trilateral, it is important to examine infrastructure projects. ways to deepen co-operation between India and its Indian However, India can look to increase its engagement in a Ocean neighbours threefold manner. First, New Delhi can play a much bigger The national security adviser-level trilateral between role through climate diplomacy with Maldives and Sri India, Sri Lanka and Maldives was held in Colombo last Lanka, since it has taken the lead in promoting two week, after a gap of six years, underlining the renewed initiatives globally: The International Solar Alliance and urgency for cooperation in the region, particularly in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). wake of China’s ambitious geopolitical tactics. Second, India could take a leaf out of China’s “sharp In the wake of the trilateral, it is important to examine power” diplomacy and utilise its information broadcasting ways to deepen co-operation between India and its Indian capacity to showcase its own global initiatives. This would Ocean neighbours. One way to do this is strengthening help soften its “big brother” image in the region. India’s policy of development cooperation and economic And finally, a key grouping that can play a bigger role in diplomacy in the region vis-à-vis China’s engagement strengthening cooperation with Sri Lanka and Maldives track. vis-à-vis China is the Quad. Key individual actors — India’s development cooperation has been a consolidated namely Japan, India and United States (US) — are present effort over several decades, across four key verticals. One, in both the countries as independent donor nations and can housing and rehabilitation projects and high impact do much more through coordinated actions, to promote community development projects have involved soft power and economic diplomacy. grassroots development and large-scale local participation. Two, education-based tourism programmes and skill- HINDUSTAN TIMES, NEW DELHI 30-11-2020 building initiatives such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and the Technology India refuses to support China’s Belt and Adoption Project were fully sponsored by the government Road project at SCO meet of India, in coordination with over 68 premier institutions. HT Correspondent Three, infrastructure projects have followed the Security India has repeatedly said it will not join BRI because it and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy and does not offer a level playing ground to the country’s aimed to deepen economic and security cooperation with businesses. its maritime neighbours. Some key Indian projects in Sri India on Monday didn’t join other members of the Lanka are the Kankesanthurai harbour in Northern Sri Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in backing Lanka and the Indo-Japanese East Container Terminal China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which New Delhi (ECT) at Colombo Port. Similarly, for Maldives, India is has consistently opposed as a key part of it passes through assisting with the Greater Male Connectivity Project. And, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). finally, India is also committed to improving energy BRI or the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, President Xi infrastructure and helping cope with the climate crisis in Jinping’s flagship programme for trade and connectivity, the region, aided by its expertise in solar energy. was backed by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, India’s investments have thus been focused on human Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in a joint communiqué capital development and deployed largely in employment- issued at the end of the SCO council of heads of intensive sectors. This is in contrast to Beijing’s efforts. government meeting hosted by India. China had developed particularly close ties with past The communiqué said the other countries, while regimes in Sri Lanka and Maldives. During the earlier “reaffirming their support for China’s ‘One Belt, One presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Road’ (OBOR) Initiative (BRI), note the ongoing work on Sirisena, Sri Lanka had committed to its participation in joint implementation of this project, including efforts to the Belt and Road Initiative. It was then that China became bridge construction [between] The Eurasian Economic the largest investor in Sri Lanka and one of its projects, the Union and OBOR”. deep-sea Hambantota Port, was leased to it for 99 years The council of heads of government is SCO’s second due to staggering debt. Similarly, in Maldives, President highest body and is responsible for handling the trade and Abdullah Yameen’s tenure in office (2013-2018) was economic agenda. This was the first time India hosted a regarded as a time of a pro-China tilt for the Maldives. And meeting of the body since it was admitted into the eight- it was then that large investments in infrastructure were member grouping in 2017. made. India has repeatedly said it will not join BRI because it Since most of the Chinese investment has been in does not offer a level playing ground to the country’s infrastructure projects, which have long gestation periods, businesses. It has also opposed BRI because a key and the majority of the development assistance is in the component – the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor form of non-concessional loans, Sri Lanka and Maldives (CPEC) – passes through PoK. 5

New Delhi’s trade concerns related to Beijing were a key the Line of Control. It then appeals to Washington to factor behind India’s decision not to join the Regional defuse the crisis that could escalate to the nuclear level and Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the trade compel India to talk Kashmir with Pakistan. This script has deal recently signed by the 10 members of the Association played out frequently since the late 1980s and the US has of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Australia, China, inevitably stepped in. The degree of American Japan, South Korea and New Zealand. intervention has, however, varied from crisis to crisis. Former ambassador Vishnu Prakash noted that the SCO Meanwhile, India has learnt to adapt. In the past, India was meeting was held at a time when India is decoupling from hesitant to escalate hostilities because of the nuclear factor China and it was “no longer business as usual” between and the fear of third-party mediation in Kashmir. Prime the two countries. There is also an “unholy alliance” Minister Narendra Modi, however, is unafraid to escalate. between China and Pakistan that will thwart India’s Delhi has recognised that the threat of escalation cuts both initiatives, he said. ways and it is possible to turn the nuclear dimension and One of India’s main objectives for joining SCO was the external intervention to India’s advantage. desire to forge deeper ties with Central Asian states but the Consider, for example, the recent claim of a former country now needs to assess whether these “efforts were speaker of Pakistan’s national assembly that army chief commensurate with the results”, Prakash said. General Qamar Jawed Bajwa had quivering knees and a During Monday’s meeting, the heads of delegations said sweaty brow, when Modi threatened to rain destruction on SCO has established itself as an effective platform for Pakistan if Islamabad did not immediately release Wing cooperation for strengthening multilateralism, rule of Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who had bailed out international law and the UN Charter, and ensuring “equal, in Pakistan after a dog fight with the Pakistani Air Force mutual, indivisible, comprehensive and reliable security in February 2019. [and] sustainable socio-economic development”. Given the region’s temptation for the theatrical, this claim The heads of delegations called for deepening of is easily discounted. But the Indian threat to escalate cooperation to support a transparent, open, inclusive, fair, inevitably brought Washington into the picture. There non-discriminatory multilateral trading system based on were reports that President Donald Trump persuaded principles and rules of the World Trade Organization Pakistan to release the Indian pilot and avoid escalation. (WTO) and to promote an “open world economy”, the If Delhi is more willing than before to raise the stakes in communiqué said. confronting Pakistan-supported terror, it has also benefited The SCO members also stressed the need to reform WTO, from the shift in the relative balance of power between including by improving its key functions such as India and Pakistan. India’s economy today at $2.7 trillion negotiations, monitoring and dispute resolution. They also is nearly 10 times that of Pakistan. As the US-India pointed to the importance of using international and partnership becomes more comprehensive and global, multilateral organisations to form a “space of broad, open, Pakistan’s ability to get Washington to act against India mutually beneficial and equal interaction in Eurasia”. has declined. India proposed the creation of a special working group on This does not mean Pakistan has no leverage at all in innovation and start-ups and an expert working group on Washington; or that it might simply give up on the old traditional medicine. Kashmir strategy. Pakistan sits at the critical confluence of the subcontinent, Central Asia and the Gulf. It has nuclear THE INDIAN EXPRESS, NEW DELHI 17-11-2020 weapons and a strong army that can shape regional Fresh military crisis in Kashmir can help geopolitics. It can destabilise any government in Kabul Pakistan test Biden’s South Asia policies and foment violent religious extremism around the world. How might it all play out in Biden’s America? Biden is C. Raja Mohan more familiar with the history of US-Pakistan relations It is unlikely that US President-elect will have bandwidth than his recent predecessors at the White House. As a long to weigh in on Kashmir. But Islamabad isn’t giving up. term Senator and Vice-President, Biden has been engaged Pakistan’s greatest success in recent months has been in with Pakistan-related issues for many years. Pakistan targeting liberal American opinion that has become critical honoured Biden in 2008 with the second highest civilian of the constitutional changes in Kashmir (Illustration by C honour, Hilal-e-Pakistan. Biden was the chairman of the R Sasikumar) Senate Foreign Relations Committee at that time. As President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take charge of While its relative weight in the US has declined vis-a-vis America on January 20, Pakistan hopes to reset bilateral India, Pakistan has longstanding friends in Washington relations with the US and draw Washington into the and an expanding diaspora. Some of that was seen in Kashmir dispute with India. Mobilising America on Pakistan’s successful mobilisation of political support Kashmir has always been a major preoccupation for during Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Washington Pakistan. It has become an obsession after India altered the in the summer of 2019. Trump was eager to enlist Pakistan constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir last year. in getting the Taliban to the table and brokering a peace Pakistan’s Kashmir strategy over the last three decades settlement in Afghanistan. and more is a familiar one. It is about triggering violence Pakistan did facilitate the US talks with the Taliban, but in Kashmir and intensifying the military confrontation at there is no real settlement yet; nor a major reward to 6

Islamabad from Washington. Could that change? Biden Council. For Pakistan, though, a fresh military crisis in has said little about US’s Afghan policy during the Kashmir might come in handy to test Biden’s South Asia campaign; he has certainly echoed Trump’s sentiment on policies. ending America’s endless wars. It is unlikely that Biden will ramp up the war in HINDUSTAN TIMES, NEW DELHI 25-11-2020 Afghanistan. Pakistan’s Afghan leverage in Washington Pak’s million mutinies, ghosts and Doval’s dramatically rose after the 9/11 attacks and peaked in the doctrine of ‘defensive offence’ early 2010s, when President Barack Obama’s military Shishir Gupta surge peaked to about 1,40,000 troops. An America that is Indian spooks have succeeded spectacularly in Pakistan by headed to the exits in Afghanistan — there are barely not only engineering the greatest intelligence coup of the 4,500 US soldiers left there—is far less dependent on century. Pakistan. For decades, India has been on the receiving end of What about the proposition that Kashmir is the world’s most dangerous nuclear flashpoint? After the Cold War, Pakistan’s relentless export of terrorism, the commodity in which it has enjoyed both a comparative as well as a America’s interest in resolving the Kashmir question competitive advantage. Faced with Pakistan’s use of acquired much intensity in the first term of President Bill terrorism as an instrument of state policy, India struggled Clinton (1993-97) and the first year of Barack Obama to devise an adequate response. After every big terror (2009-10). On both occasions, intensive Indian political attack, there was a standard response in India: the and diplomatic efforts dampened Washington’s Kashmir government threatened to retaliate and talking heads on activism. TV nudged government strategists to pay back Pakistan in Biden is unlikely to have much bandwidth left for Kashmir the same coin. The standard response to this unsolicited as he copes with a range of domestic and foreign policy advice was that India couldn’t stoop to Pakistan’s level. challenges. The website set up last week on Biden’s transition plans lists four urgent priorities — the Covid But many security experts have reasoned that the real reason was that India just never bothered to build the crisis, racial inequality, economic security and climate leverages, capacities and capabilities that would have change. allowed New Delhi to hit Pakistan where it hurt. But Pakistan is not giving up. In his tweet congratulating Since 2014, however, things started to change, or so we Biden and Harris last week, Imran Khan offered to work are being told by the Pakistanis. with the new administration on “peace in Afghanistan and For some time now, the Pakistanis have been trying to the region”. implicate India in problems that are really the result of Pakistan’s greatest success in recent months has been in blowback of their own flirtation with terrorism and using targeting liberal American opinion that has become critical it as an instrument of the security and foreign policy of the of the state of Indian democracy, the constitutional state. There is, however, no solid evidence to back up changes in Kashmir, and the Citizenship Amendment Act. Pakistan’s allegations against India, unless of course, It has had some impact on the Democratic Party. someone is ready to subscribe to the pulp-fiction dossier, Biden’s rival for Democratic nomination, Senator Bernie or if you will, shoddy ‘literature’, that Pakistan recently Sanders, for example, told the annual convention of the publicised with much fanfare. Islamic Society of North America in September 2019 that If the Pakistani ‘dossier’ were to be taken at its face value, he was “deeply concerned” about the situation in Kashmir it would seem that India has more than paid back to and demanded that Washington take bold steps in support of a UN effort to resolve the issue. Pakistan. That Indian spooks have succeeded spectacularly in Pakistan by not only engineering the Some of this is a part of America’s retail politics. In the greatest intelligence coup of the century – turning end, though, the Democratic Party’s election platform said Pakistan’s strategic assets into its deadliest enemies – but nothing on either Kashmir or Pakistan; it managed a bald also boxed in Pakistan so hard by exploiting its fault-lines sentence on investing in the strategic partnership with that it now fears its very survival. India. What you say in the campaign is usually not what The accusations and ‘achievements’ being attributed to you do when in government. India, however, aren’t true. Yet, Pakistan is hoping that some of the Biden Because if these were, then Pakistan would certainly have administration’s formulations on human rights and a smoking gun that was more convincing than a ‘dummy democracy could be translated into US policy attention on dossier’ or a kidnapped former naval officer who has been Kashmir. Modi, meanwhile, has made it clear that India presented as some kind of an Indian James Bond. has no time for the old international debate on Kashmir. Even so, the fact that the Pakistanis are petrified of India He has actively sought to change the terms of the political doing to them what they have been doing for decades to discourse on Kashmir at home, with Pakistan and the India is something that at least gives India a major international community. psychological advantage over her arch enemy. At one The Trump administration preferred to take up US level, it puts the Pakistanis on the defensive; at another concerns on Kashmir behind closed doors rather than in level, it makes them chase ghosts and prevents them or public. And it offered much support to India in preventing distracts them from fixing the things that are actually China from raking it up in the United Nations Security 7 responsible for the ‘million mutinies’ erupting in several inside Pakistan and is the result of the deep state’s affair parts of the country or are on the verge of exploding in with jihadism going horribly wrong. Other militant attacks Pakistan. As is their wont, Pakistan always looks for – by Baloch or Sindhi freedom fighters, or even by exogenous actors and factors to explain their problems. disgruntled elements in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has been their and the Pashtun areas in Pakistan – are also the outcome favourite bugbear for some years. of the neo-colonial model followed by the Pakistan army Pakistanis have latched on to a speech Doval had given at against people who it calls its own. a university long before he was appointed NSA. In that Take for example the heavy-handed treatment meted out speech, he had spoken about the need for India to craft a to the entirely peaceful Pashtun Tahafuz Movement strategic response to Pakistani export of terrorism. After (PTM) which is fighting for constitutionalism but is he was appointed NSA by Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused of being a catspaw of India. That the struggle for in 2014, Pakistan’s strategists presumed that the Doval constitutionalism is seen as treason is something that can doctrine of ‘defensive offence’ – “go and attack the place only happen in a Praetorian state like Pakistan. Ditto for from where an offence is coming from” – had been the jailed civil rights activists in Gilgit Baltistan. operationalised. If peaceful, political and civil society movements are According to Pakistan, this doctrine is all about paying going to be crushed by the Pakistan military and the ‘deep Pakistan back in the same coin. In other words, Pakistan’s state’, and the disaffected people pick up the gun, how is security analysts believed that India would use terrorism it India’s doing? to respond to Pakistan’s terrorism. In fact, Doval appears The sudden spate of accusations being hurled against India to have instilled such trepidation in the Pakistanis that is essentially nothing more than the perpetrator playing the from the moment he became NSA, some retired personnel victim even as it ratchets up violence in Jammu and of the Pakistani military cleared to appear on and write in Kashmir. Pakistani media have been trying to paint him as some On its part, Pakistan doesn’t even admit to the involvement kind of a one-man army who can disrupt, disorder and of its terrorists and spy agency ISI to the 26/11 Mumbai dismantle Pakistan. terror attacks though security agencies worldwide concur The Doval doctrine soon became part of Pakistan’s on Pakistan’s role in the terror attacks. In the “most strategic folklore. wanted” list released earlier this month, Pakistan was By and by, the ‘doctrine’ has been elevated to the status of careful to skip the names of the mastermind and key being an embodiment of the ‘5th generation’ war that conspirators of the Mumbai terror attacks. The Federal every Pakistani military person loves to mouth incessantly Investigation Agency did name 20-odd people accused of that India is supposed to be waging on Pakistan. a role in the attacks but these were mostly members of the The reality is, however, nowhere close to what the crew of two boats used by the attackers to travel to Pakistanis imagine it to be. Mumbai and those who helped finance the attacks through If at all there is a Doval doctrine, then it has manifested money transfers. itself not in any covert action that Pakistan keeps accusing But Pakistan’s denials don’t mean its hands are clean. India of but in the overt action – the 2016 surgical strikes As far as India is concerned, the ‘D’ doctrine isn’t so much and 2019 Balakot airstrikes. While there is no denying that the Doval Doctrine as it is the Deterrence doctrine. But if India’s posture and approach to tackling terrorism the Pakistanis prefer to name it after the Indian NSA, there emanating from Pakistan has changed in style and is no reason for India to deny them their dread of Doval. substance since 2014, India continues to remain loath to Quite to the contrary, India needs to press ahead filling using proxies or non-state actors against Pakistan. Pakistan’s deep state with fear about India’s response and In other words, India doesn’t still subscribe to using let Pakistan chase ghosts and shadows. terrorism as an instrument of state policy; rather India is now using state power as a legitimate instrument for the HINDUSTAN TIMES, NEW DELHI 23-11-2020 protection of the state and furthering its objectives. The Chanakya: India’s new template for the Balakot air strike in 2019 and the surgical strike in 2016 neighbourhood are prime examples. Chanakya This is very different from what Pakistan accuses India Managing South Asia — through hard instruments when of. unavoidable and close engagement whenever possible — Pakistan has often raised the issue of alleged Indian is essential sponsored terrorism with its interlocutors from other On Thursday, Indian security forces thwarted a bid by countries, only to be rebuffed. On any number of terrorists belonging to the Jaish-e-Mohammed — who, occasions, Americans at the most senior levels of intelligence reports suggested, had been sent in to conduct successive administrations have refuted Pakistan’s a terror attack ahead of the district-level elections in allegations against India. And yet Pakistan continues to Jammu and Kashmir. peddle the same old version in the hope that one day, There is little doubt that this could not have happened perhaps, someone will buy their story. without a green signal from Pakistan’s establishment — The fact, however, is that virtually every terror attack that which wants to ensure violence in Kashmir to portray a Pakistan tries to place at India’s door has its roots and links 8 land in turmoil, generate international attention, prevent process entirely and focus only on the outcome and do any kind of election which may be seen as legitimising business with whoever is in power? India’s control in the region, especially after the This unresolved question has been at the heart of India’s constitutional changes of 2019, and distract public regional dilemma. Do you back Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, attention within Pakistan from the domestic political work to oust KP Oli in Kathmandu, look for alternatives turmoil. to the Rajapaksas in Colombo, and invest in politically India is aware of not just the specific challenge from sustaining the Ibrahim Mohamed Soli-Mohammad Pakistan — a state that is happy to sponsor violence for its Nasheed partnership in Male — or do you stay out of this ends in violation of every international law and norm. New game? This dilemma has played out most recently in Delhi is also aware that managing the larger Nepal, where India has been uncomfortable with Oli, neighbourhood is inextricably linked to domestic stability, quietly encouraged his detractors to topple the external power projection, and retaining its influence government, but is now making peace with the Nepali regionally at a time when China is actively intervening in prime minister because the strategy hasn’t succeeded, the smaller countries of South Asia with the explicit bilateral ties can’t be left in cold freeze, and geopolitical objective of undermining Indian interests. compulsions have to be factored in. In the process, India In this backdrop, what are the elements India should runs the risk of not really winning Oli’s trust and losing consider while evolving its neighbourhood policy? the trust of its other allies in the Nepali political set-up. But Chanakya proposes a five point template. this is a more recurring issue which has never been The first is for a country in a category of its own — satisfactorily resolved. Either way, based on its interests, Pakistan. The key policy debate in India on its most real leverage, and willingness to invest and stay the course, difficult neighbour has broadly revolved around whether India should adopt one path and stick to it instead of being to engage with the civilian government and encourage seen as a vacillating power. “constituencies of peace” within Pakistan or whether to Three, in every conversation New Delhi now has with its disengage since real power, in any case, rested with the neighbours, the big elephant in the room is China. Pakistan army, which, in turn, drew its power from Sometimes, this is explicitly discussed where concerns sustained conflict with India. Prime Minister Narendra about a certain project or the timing of certain visit are Modi was happy to try the first approach, as reflected in conveyed. Often, it casts a shadow in the room but without both his invitation to Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in in either side mentioning the C word. The fact is China will 2014, and then his surprise visit to Sharif in Lahore. But play a role in the neighbourhood; it has moved from Pathankot, Uri, Pulwama, and over the past year, expressing security sensitivities to enlarging economic Pakistan’s belligerence on Kashmir internationally has cooperation to now shaping politics. India must have a ensured that India is now firmly on the second track where clear set of redlines for each of its smaller neighbours, and it sees little benefit from engagement. The fact that a expressly articulate these to the top leaders across the hardline approach against Pakistan is beneficial politically spectrum in neighbouring capitals — while foreign policy at home also tilts the balance. does not operate in certitudes but ambiguities, this is one India, given Pakistan’s refusal to change its approach to area where leaving no room for confusion will help. Tell either Kashmir or terror, is likely to continue with this the neighbours what actions vis a vis China will ring position. It must also develop more robust internal security security alarm bells in Delhi, and tell them to be prepared capabilities to ensure that terror attacks don’t succeed at for consequences if these redlines are crossed, while all, and it must ensure that its policy of inflicting costs on expressing support in all other areas. Pakistan for any cross-border terror attacks continues — Four, India must be more generous. The focus on but below the threshold of an all-out conflict. And this is unilateral, non-reciprocal goodwill gestures has continued why, while maintaining its stand, India should — if it is to be a part of the current government’s approach. And this not doing this already — consider having backchannels is good. But Delhi can do more to open its educational with the Pakistan army to neutralise a potentially institutions to students from the neighbourhood (already a escalatory situation. Don’t engage deeply but have a successful soft power component which can be deepened), powerful, behind-the-scenes interlocutor for moments of open its markets to enable greater workforce participation crisis. from elsewhere (the rhetoric on immigrants doesn’t help Second, the fact that India is the only country in South here), and offer substantive, big-ticket project assistance Asia which shares a border with all other countries in the which will generate goodwill in these neighbours, from region means that smaller neighbours occupy a greater helping with public transport systems in the crowded share of policy attention in New Delhi than is often capitals of Nepal and Bangladesh to being the major assumed. And here, the question is fundamentally provider of public good — for instance the Covid-19 political. Should India continue exercising its influence in vaccine next year — to citizens in the immediate the domestic politics of Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, periphery. Bangladesh — intervening when necessary to shape the And finally, India should shed its traditional reluctance to nature of electoral outcomes, weighing in favour of a set engage with external powers and allow them a role in the of leaders over others and determining broad policy region. China’s presence necessitates deeper cooperation arrangements — or should it stay out of the political and dialogue with the United States, United Kingdom, 9

European Union, and Japan, to name only a few powerful Week 2021 and the upcoming review of the UN Global blocs, on South Asia. Leverage these partnerships and Counter-Terrorism Strategy. don’t be insecure that they will substitute you — they will They also exchanged views on counter-terrorism add to your strength in taking on the threat from the north. challenges, including radicalisation and violent South Asia is crucial to India’s peace, stability and extremism, terror financing, and terrorist use of the prosperity. Managing it with a mix of instruments — hard internet. messaging and tough actions when unavoidable and close “The participants also discussed sanctions as a tool to engagement, deployment of soft power and real assistance combat terrorism, including designations of certain to people whenever possible — is the only way out. terrorist groups and individuals. They discussed ways to deepen cooperation between Indian agencies and their HINDUSTAN TIMES, NEW DELHI 20-11-2020 European counterparts, including Europol, to enhance India, EU condemn use of proxies for interaction in the sphere of counter-terrorism,” the joint cross-border terrorism statement said.

HT Correspondent HINDUSTAN TIMES, NEW DELHI 23-11-2020 The joint statement did not name Pakistan but said the two sides “reviewed threats posed by UN-sanctioned terrorist Multilateralism need of the hour for entities and emphasised the need for concerted action sustainable recovery in post Covid-19 against all terrorist networks”. world: PM Modi In an indirect reference to Pakistan, India and the Shivani Kumar European Union on Thursday called on all nations to take Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit on immediate and irreversible action to ensure that no Sunday asserted that for an inclusive, resilient and territory under their control is used for terrorist attacks on sustainable recovery in a post-Covid world, effective other countries. global governance is required and reformed The virtual counter-terrorism dialogue between the EU multilateralism is the need of the hour. and India also strongly condemned terrorism in all forms At a G20 session, he also underscored the importance of and manifestations, including the “use of terrorist proxies the ‘2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals’ for cross-border terrorism”, according to a joint statement. aimed at “leaving no one behind”. Without naming Pakistan, the joint statement said the two The prime minister said that India is following the same sides “reviewed threats posed by UN-sanctioned terrorist principle in the ‘Reform-Perform-Transform’ strategy to entities and emphasised the need for concerted action move forward and taking inclusive development efforts against all terrorist networks”. that are participative, according to a Ministry of External The statement added: “They also underlined the urgent Affairs (MEA) statement. need for all countries to take immediate, sustained and With the changing situation in the wake of the Covid-19 irreversible action to ensure that no territory under their pandemic, Modi said, India has adopted a ‘Self Reliant control is used for terrorist attacks on other countries.” India’ initiative. Following this vision, based on its India and EU are currently negotiating a working competence and dependability, India will become an arrangement between Europol and the Central Bureau of important and reliable pillar of the world economy and Investigation to support law enforcement authorities on global supply chains, he said. both sides in preventing and combating organised crime The prime minister also underscored that for an inclusive, and terrorism. resilient and sustainable recovery in a post-Covid world, The two sides sought stronger international cooperation to effective global governance is required and reformed combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained multilateralism through improvement in character, manner, and said it is crucial to bring perpetrators of governance and processes of multilateral institutions is the violence and terrorism to justice. need of the hour. “India condemned the recent terror attacks in the member The agenda of the second day of the G20 summit focused states of the European Union and expressed condolences on a session on building an inclusive, sustainable and to the families of the victims. The EU reiterated its resilient future. condemnation of terrorist attacks in India, including 26/11 In a recorded message at a G-20 summit side event -- Mumbai, Pathankot and Pulwama, and reiterated its ‘Safeguarding the Planet: The Circular Carbon Economy support for the people and government of India in the fight Approach’, Modi said climate change must be fought not against terrorism,” the joint statement said. in silos but in an integrated, comprehensive and holistic The two sides described counter-terrorism cooperation as way. an important element of the EU-India strategic He asserted that the entire world can progress faster if partnership, and discussed the need to work together at there is greater support of technology and finance to multilateral forums such as the Financial Action Task developing nations. Force (FATF), the Global Counterterrorism Forum and the Modi said India is not only meeting its Paris Agreement UN, including the UN High-Level Counter-terrorism targets, but also exceeding them. 10

“Inspired by our traditional ethos of living in harmony The poorer nations are specially impacted by this and with the environment, and the commitment of my therefore, this coalition is important, Modi added. government, India has adopted low-carbon and climate- Noting that this is the best time for further increasing resilient development practices,” he said. research and innovation in new and sustainable The prime minister said for humanity to prosper, every technologies, Modi said it should be done with a spirit of single individual must prosper. “Rather than seeing labour cooperation and collaboration. as a factor of production alone, the focus must be on the The prime minister thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting a human dignity of every worker,” Modi said. successful Riyadh Summit and welcomed Italy as it takes Such an approach would be the best guarantee for over the G20 presidency in 2021, the MEA statement said. safeguarding the planet, he said. It was decided that the G20 presidency will be held by Modi said that in times of Covid-19 when everyone is Indonesia in 2022, India in 2023 and Brazil in 2024, the focused on saving citizens and economies from the effects MEA said. of the global pandemic, it is equally important to keep focus on fighting climate change. At the end of the Summit, a G20 Leaders’ Declaration was “Climate change must be fought not in silos but in an issued which called for coordinated global action, integrated, comprehensive and holistic way,” he said and solidarity, and multilateral cooperation to overcome the highlighted that India is not only meeting its Paris current challenges and realise opportunities of the 21st Agreement targets, but also exceeding them. century for all by empowering people, safeguarding the India is a signatory to the Paris Agreement under the planet, and shaping new frontiers. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Paris accord was adopted at the UN climate THE INDIAN EXPRESS, NEW DELHI 17-11-2020 conference “COP 21” held in the French capital in 2015 Jaishankar defends decision to not sign with an aim to reduce hazardous greenhouse gas emissions. RCEP Underlining that India has taken concrete action in many Shubhajit Roy areas, Modi said the country has made LED lights popular He also said that those who argue “stressing openness and and noted that this saves 38 million tonnes of carbon efficiency” do not present the full picture, and that this was dioxide emission per year. “equally a world of non-tariff barriers of subsidies and “Smoke free kitchens have been provided to over 80 state capitalism” — an oblique reference to China. million households through our Ujjwala Scheme. This is A day after the Regional Comprehensive Economic among the largest clean energy drives globally,” he said. Partnership Agreement (RCEP) was signed by 15 “There are efforts to eliminate single-use plastics; our countries — without India — External Affairs Minister S forest cover is expanding; the lion and tiger population is Jaishankar said on Monday that the impact of past pacts increasing; we aim to restore 26 million hectares of has been de-industrialisation and the consequences of degraded land by 2030; and we are encouraging a circular future ones would lock India into “global commitments” economy,” the prime minister said. — many of them not to India’s advantage. India is making next-generation infrastructure such as He also said that those who argue “stressing openness and metro networks, water-ways and more, Modi said, adding efficiency” do not present the full picture, and that this was that in addition to convenience and efficiency, they will “equally a world of non-tariff barriers of subsidies and also contribute to a cleaner environment. state capitalism” — an oblique reference to China. “We will meet our goal of 175 gigawatts of renewable “In the name of openness, we have allowed subsidised energy well before the target of 2022. Now, we are taking products and unfair production advantages from abroad to a big step ahead by seeking to achieve 450 gigawatts by prevail. And all the while, this was justified by the mantra 2030,” he said. of an open and globalised economy… The choice was to Modi also pointed out that the International Solar Alliance double down on an approach whose damaging (ISA) is among the fastest growing international consequences were already apparent; or to have the organisations, with 88 signatories. courage to think through the problem for ourselves. We With plans to mobilise billions of dollars, train thousands chose the latter,” Jaishankar said at the Deccan Dialogue of stakeholders, and promote research and development in — an event organised by MEA and Indian School of renewable energy, ISA will contribute to reducing carbon Business, Hyderabad. footprint, he said. Modi also cited the example of the Coalition for Disaster He said the outlook of Atmanirbhar Bharat is “crucial”. Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), saying 18 countries, “This approach, instead of allowing others to decide our including nine from among the G20 and four international future prospects, is a case for building strong national organisations, have already joined the coalition. capabilities and deep strengths. It is far from turning our The CDRI has started work on increasing resilience of back on the world; in fact, it is to enter the global arena critical infrastructure, he noted, and asserted that infra with cards to play, not just to provide a market for others,” damage during natural disasters is a subject that has not he said. got the attention it deserves. 11

HINDUSTAN TIMES, NEW DELHI 19-11-2020 The East Asia Summit (EAS) is the main summit in the Brics calls for equitable distribution of Indo-Pacific region, where all the powers that be gather coronavirus vaccine annually in November. It is a leaders-led forum with informality built into it. It is usually held just after the HT Correspondent second ASEAN summit of the year when the ASEAN also During the Brics Summit on Tuesday, Prime Minister meets its dialogue partners, including India. Prime Narendra Modi had called on the grouping to back the Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Xuan Phuc was the chair of move by India and South Africa to secure exemption from the EAS. intellectual property agreements for vaccines. The In the virtual format, EAS loses that informality which is proposal is already facing opposition from developed its hallmark. Leaders made prepared statements with no countries, including the US and European Union member scope of informal chatting. As the EAS coincided with states. Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had domestic Despite the currently strained India-China ties, Chinese commitments which kept him away and India was President Xi Jinping too offered to work with India on represented by the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. vaccines during the Brics Summit. Though the main threat in the region is from China, this is Ahead of the World Trade Organization (WTO) taking up rarely discussed openly in deference to ASEAN views. a proposal by India and South Africa to waive patent The promise held out at the September EAS Foreign protections for Covid-19 vaccines, the Brazil-Russia- Ministers meeting that “the free-flowing constructive India-China-South Africa (Brics) grouping has said it will dialogue on strategic issues amongst Leaders at the EAS work for “fair, equitable and affordable” distribution of in order to reinforce strategic trust and to address common vaccines. challenges” would strengthen EAS was lost. The Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights The Hanoi Declaration for the 15th Anniversary of EAS (TRIPS) Council of the WTO is expected to the take up has a mere 12 paragraphs. This is because China, backed the proposal for patent protection waivers on Friday, by Russia, introduced several ideas at the drafting stage people familiar with developments said on Wednesday. which queered the pitch. To remove these, other The Moscow Declaration adopted at the conclusion of the substantive ideas were dropped, leading to an innocuous Brics Summit said the members of the grouping “will work document. This was similar to the 10th Anniversary Kuala to ensure that, when [the vaccine is] available, it is Lumpur Declaration of 2015 and does not build on the disseminated in a fair, equitable and affordable basis”. The progress made by the EAS on a variety of functional declaration didn’t make any direct reference to the issues. If this is all that Vietnam as Chair can achieve then proposal by India and South Africa. The declaration next year, when Brunei is the Chair, even less may be recognised the importance of “extensive immunisation” in expected. preventing, containing and stopping the transmission of The EAS covers security, economy and functional aspects, the Coronavirus, and supported cooperative approaches to which are reflected in the Chairman’s Statement — a expedite research, development and production of vaccine summary and not a negotiated document. The Hanoi and therapeutics. Declaration devotes several paragraphs to regional issues Participating in an online discussion on Tuesday, external unique to ASEAN like the meeting with the ambassadors affairs minister S Jaishankar said India will do everything at Jakarta, regional connectivity and the narrowing of possible to make vaccines affordable and accessible to development gaps within ASEAN. These documents tend everyone. to look more like a donor-donee relationship document Despite the currently strained India-China ties, Chinese than a true partnership of equals, which ASEAN normally President Xi Jinping too offered to work with India on seeks. vaccines during the Brics Summit. “Chinese companies The situation emanating from the pandemic was the are working with their Russian and Brazilian partners on immediate focal point and the Chinese conundrum was phase-III clinical trials ... we are prepared to cooperate ignored by the EAS documents. One has to read between with South Africa and India as well,” he said. the lines of Dialogue Partner statements, including India’s,

to find some criticism of China. The informal THE INDIAN EXPRESS, NEW DELHI 20-11-2020 consultations at physical summits allowed a greater East Asia Summit signals India will voicing of concern regarding China. pursue bilateral pacts with ASEAN Traditionally, security aspects have been confined to countries informal discussions while the functional aspects have Written by Gurjit Singh dominated documents. This year, the leaders had In the absence of taking on the Chinese dragon, the focus documents for the regional economy, marine has been on emphasising ASEAN centrality. While this is sustainability, dealing with epidemics and the role of a given in almost every ASEAN partner’s statement, the women. Last year, the supporting documents had included reiteration in various documents this time gives the leaders’ statements on sustainability, transnational crime impression that the centrality of ASEAN is actually under and illicit drugs. Over the years, EAS has been looking challenge. more at non-traditional threats including illegal fishing, 12 humanitarian assistance, disaster relief (HADR), The agreement was signed during the seventh meeting of migration and the like. Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Cooperation In the absence of taking on the Chinese dragon, the focus Authority (APTTCA). has been on emphasising ASEAN centrality. While this is Pakistani prime minister’s adviser on commerce, Abdul a given in almost every ASEAN partner’s statement, the Razak Dawood, who is visiting Kabul, has pledged that reiteration in various documents this time gives the trade and transit problems will soon be resolved, according impression that the centrality of ASEAN is actually under to Afghanistan’s chamber of commerce and investment. challenge. This is mainly because China has dealt with the He said that two working groups in Torkham and Spin ASEAN countries individually rather than as a bloc. The Boldak crossings will be deployed to address the Quad is also contacting interested ASEAN countries problems. individually. The way ASEAN operates, it becomes An economic corridor is also expected to be established necessary for partners to act separately, like in the Indo between Kabul and Islamabad and the sides have begun Pacific and the Quad. These detract from ASEAN’s discussions on it. centrality, which is truly not what it used to be even if Abdul Karim Malikyar, deputy minister of industry and every dialogue partner continues to mention it. commerce, said that Afghanistan and Pakistan can create The EAS provides ASEAN with an opportunity to become opportunities for increasing trade between the two more realistic but internal dissensions over China wither countries and work in areas which benefit both. its resolve. Interestingly, Chinese PM Li Keqiang was the Meanwhile, the Pakistani PM’s adviser said that the trade one asking ASEAN to conclude the Code of Conduct on and transit problem in Ghulam Khan port has largely been the South China Sea. resolved and scanning of goods has been reduced. While the RCEP agreement was signed a day after the He invited the Afghan officials to visit Islamabad in EAS, the leader’s statement on the regional economy December for a trade agreement. mentions the WTO but not RCEP as it seeks a transparent, non-discriminatory and stable trade and investment AFGHANISTAN TIMES, KABUL 21-11-2020 environment to promote regional value chains (RVCs). Imran Khan’s “Historic” Visit to Kabul! This is probably in deference to India which has opted out Kazim Ali Gulzari of RCEP but is interested in being a part of the RVCs. Since 2001, the relation between Pakistan and Afghanistan Other areas of interest for India emanating from the leaders has remained quivering and the mistake caused trouble not documents are regional connectivity with a perceptible only to a single country but to the region as a whole. shift to the maritime sphere, macroeconomic and financial Countries of the world, with much bigger problems, solved stability efforts in which India has not so far played a their differences in the past and are now living next to each major role. India has a role in the ideas behind the other with peace and prosperity. statement on marine sustainability since it has dealt with In last two decades, both Pakistan and Afghanistan illegal fishing and related issues and could become a part suffered irreparable loss because of terrorism and now is of the proposed regional cooperation for mobility of the time that the neighbors, despite having differences, skilled labour and services. These need to be better must find a common interest at micro and macro levels. covered by a reviewed India-ASEAN FTA. The blame game in the past benefited others and brought India has an important role envisaged in the statement on all the worst in these countries. Both the countries are dealing with epidemics, both in its ability to provide suffering from menace of terrorism, corruption, economic capacity building and crucial manufacturing bases for hurdles, distrust and interference by spoilers who never pharmaceuticals as part of resilient supply chains for want them to come closer and resolve the issues being medical supplies in the region. These need to be leveraged faced by them. directly with ASEAN countries. It is imperative that both the countries must learn from the past mistakes and work for the peace and tranquility in the The India-Japan-Australia and India-Australia-France region. Pakistan and Afghanistan should fight the agreements to pursue value chains in the region can draw conspiracies together for the better future of their people. sustenance from these documents and move ahead with The founder of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, once interested ASEAN countries since, like China, India too said: “Our object should be peace within, and peace will now put priority to bilateral relationships with select without. We want to live peacefully and maintain cordial ASEAN countries while maintaining its overall friendly relations with our immediate neighbors and with commitment to ASEAN as a community. the world at large.” Deteriorating Security Situation in Afghanistan OUTLOOK AFGHANISTAN, KABUL 18-11-2020 Recently, the security situation has deteriorated Afghanistan, Pakistan Sign Customs significantly in Afghanistan. Afghan government is unable Assistance Agreement to defeat terrorism alone. Most of the Afghans are of the (1TV NEWS) view that it is never ending war and everybody must wait KABUL - Afghanistan and Pakistan on Tuesday signed an for their turn to be killed in cold blood. Every passing day agreement on customs assistance. innocent people are being killed indiscriminately. Though, Taliban denied recent major attacks in Afghanistan on 13 civilian but analysts believe that Taliban were the group deepening the fraternal bilateral relations between involved in the attack to have upper hand in peace talks. Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Afghan peace process, and In last couple of years, thousands of security forces as well regional economic development and connectivity.” The as civilian have been killed. It happens at a time when statement further added: “The people of Pakistan and thousands of International security forces’ boots are still Afghanistan are linked through immutable bonds of on the ground. Though the out-going US president, Donald history, faith, culture, kinship, values and traditions. The Trump, has ordered further draw-down of US forces prime minister’s visit will help foster a stronger and multi- before he leaves office on January 20, 2021. According to faceted relationship between the two brotherly countries.” CNN report, the Pentagon has issued a notice to Imran Khan’s first visit to Afghanistan would certainly commanders known as a “warning order” to begin help in economic prosperity, progress and development in planning to draw-down the number of troops in the region. Afghanistan to 2,500 troops by Jan 15, the officials said. Since the very inception, Pakistani prime minister was Currently, there are approximately 4,500 US troops in very blunt about Afghanistan’s policy and suggested that Afghanistan. there is no military solution in Afghanistan. On many At this critical juncture, the role of Pakistan in helping to occasions, he stated: “Peace in Afghanistan is peace in achieve peace and tranquility in Afghanistan is of Pakistan.” While meeting with President Ashraf Ghani in immense importance. Pakistan has played a significant June 2019, he distinctly indicated, “Whatever Afghans role in bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table by feel good for themselves, Pakistan will stand by their involving all the stakeholders, and ensuring influx of decision.” billions of dollars in the health, education and Undoubtedly, Imran Khan has been taking some bold infrastructure in Afghanistan and by providing trade route decisions regarding his Afghan policy since assuming to Afghanistan via Gwadar Port. office such as pressurizing Taliban to join Intra-Afghan Afghan government must not only expect from Pakistan to peace talks, fencing border to stop militant penetration etc. solve all the crises in Afghanistan, It should also play its It must be noted here that Pakistan had critical role in the role in solving the intrinsic issues, such as political US-Taliban peace agreement in February 2020. instability and insecurity. In order to perpetually address During his Kabul visit, addressing a joint press conference the crisis, President Ghani must move forward with the with president Ghani, the Pakistani prime minister said consent of the major stakeholders in the country. It will be that Pakistan has played its role to indulge Taliban in impossible for President Ghani to achieve the desired Afghan peace talk, adding that despite the talks, violence outcome without involving all the parties in the conflict. has increased in Afghanistan. Analysts are of the view that this is the last opportunity “Pakistan is a country after Afghanistan that has more that the government must avail for lasting stability and interest in peace in Afghanistan,” he added. Reiterating prosperity in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s support regarding peace in Afghanistan, he On the other hand, Afghanistan can benefit from game said: “We want peace for people of Afghanistan which are changing mega projects in the region like China-Pakistan suffering since the past four decades.” President Ghani, on Economic Corridor (CPEC). Moreover, the Afghanistan- the occasion called Khan’s visit to Kabul as “historic”, Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) would also adding that, Pakistan’s Prime Minister has come with a boost Afghan economy. message that “violence is not the answer to the current The Pakistani Prime minister, Imran Khan, once said that situation.” the trade and commerce between Pakistan and “The demand of Afghan people is a comprehensive Afghanistan, not only share economic interest but will also ceasefire,” Ghani said. revive our ancient brotherhood. During ancient Kushan As the Pakistani prime minister once said that lets not Gandara, Peshawar was its capital from 1st to 3rd century shadow of past darken the door step of futures, President AD, the region as far as Afghanistan and China all traded Ghani should seize the opportunity to enhance gracious under single currency. Besides that Peshawar and Kabul relation with Pakistan to uphold the maximum benefit were considered two sister cities from ancient periods to from mega regional projects, CPEC, by waving the time immemorial. Sharing culture, tradition, history, friendship hand with Pakistan for the long-term Afghan economy and brotherhood. economic interest. Imran Khan’s Visit to Kabul China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) “Pakistan-Afghanistan are two inseparable brothers”, Afghanistan has shown a deep willingness to participate in Imran Khan CPEC since 2016 even via official channels. Afghanistan Pakistani Prime minister, Imran Khan, visited Kabul on would get benefit from a development project like CPEC. Thursday, November 19, 2020. It was his first visit to On the other hand, if Afghanistan is officially invited to Kabul since taking office in 2018. Mr. Khan’s delegation CPEC, China and Pakistan stand to benefit immensely. included the foreign minister and other senior officials. Pakistan will also benefit from better connectivity from The Pakistani foreign ministry before the visit said in a Afghanistan to Central Asia. Afghanistan anxiously wants statement: “The Prime Minister’s program includes tete-e- to improve its infrastructure and boost its economy by tete with President Ashraf Ghani, delegation-level talks, gaining access to Chinese investors. Therefore, the and joint press stake-out. The focus would be on further 14 inclusion of Afghanistan in the CPEC would be game the Prime Minister’s visit to Kabul and its important changer for Afghanistan. outcomes. He also thanked Foreign Minister Qureshi for Moreover, Afghan transit trade via Gwadar has already his participation in the Geneva Conference and started on January 2020, under the APTTA. By this reaffirmation of Pakistan’s support for reconstruction and agreement, Afghanistan can import and export goods via economic development of Afghanistan. Pakistani land routes. APTTA is a bilateral trade While reaffirming resolve to closely follow-up on the agreement signed in 2010 by Pakistan and Afghanistan Prime Minister’s visit to Kabul, the two Foreign Ministers that calls for greater facilitation in the movement of goods agreed to pursue cooperation in relevant fields under the between the two countries. agreed mechanism of APAPPS. Conclusion In a brief conclusion, Afghans want to get rid of the current AFGHANISTAN TIMES, KABUL 22-11-2020 mishaps by all imaginable means. Peace in Afghanistan Pompeo meets Afghan, Taliban negotiators, means peace in the region. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan hopes ‘successful peace talks’ should focus on ground realities by adopting practical The need for a ceasefire stressed with weight on the approaches, otherwise the entire region in general and both importance of respect for diversity, including preserving the countries in particular would be distracted from real human rights during and post peace process. path which leads to a long-lasting peace, prosperity and KABUL: The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo held tranquility in the region. separate meetings with the delegations from Afghanistan and Taliban group in the Qatari capital city of Doha. AFGHANISTAN TIMES, KABUL 27-11-2020 Pompeo expressed hope for a “successful peace Afghanistan, Pakistan officials discuss negotiation”. strengthening bilateral He said during the meeting that took place late Saturday AT News that Washington would cooperate with the Afghan peace KABUL: Afghan Foreign Minister Haneef Atmar met his negotiations as much as possible. Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmmod Qureshi on the Fawzia Koofi, a member of the Afghan negotiation team, sidelines of the OIC council of Foreign Minster’s meeting, said the meeting emphasized on the ceasefire. and both sides exchanged views on Afghan peace process In the meeting the Afghan the negotiation delegation and measure to further strengthening Afghanistan- stressed on the need for a ceasefire while talks between Pakistan bilateral relations. two sides continued. “We emphasized on the importance “Had an important meeting with Qureshi and the of respect for diversity including preserving human rights delegation on the sideline of the OIC in Niamey focusing during and post peace process,” Koofi said. on the next steps in peace, security, refugee return, Meanwhile, Taliban’s political spokesman Mohammad regional connectivity and economic cooperation following Naeem, said that the insurgent team spoke about the the successful Kabul visit of Honourable Pakistan Prime importance of Taliban-US peace agreement, removal of Minister Imran Khand,” Atmar said. Taliban leaders from US black list and the release of those Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi extended condolences insurgents who are still in jail. to his Afghan counterpart over recent terrorist attacks in Pompeo started a tour to seven states in Europe and the Kabul and Bamiyan and reiterated Pakistan’s Middle East after his boss Donald Trump lost the condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations, presidential election. Pompeo met Qatari Emir and foreign Pakistan Foreign Ministry said in a statement. minister in Doha. Both sides also stressed the importance of reduction in Delegations from Afghanistan and Taliban are in Qatar violence leading to ceasefire to save lives and advance since September 12 to talk about peace ways, but they are peace efforts. yet to agree on an agenda and procedure for the main talks. Referring to the recent successful visit of Prime Minister The US envoy for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Imran Khan to Kabul, Qureshi conveyed that Pakistan Khalilzad was also part of Pompeo’s team in his tour to the remained committed to deepening bilateral cooperation in region. diverse fields. Qureshi assured Atmar that Pakistan will continue to OUTLOOK AFGHANISTAN, KABUL 22-11-2020 facilitate the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. Erdogan Meets Abdullah, Vows Support Noting the recent progress in Intra-Afghan negotiations, to Afghan Peace he also emphasised the need to remain vigilant about the TOLO News role of ‘spoilers’ who did not wish to see return of peace ISTANBUL - Abdullah Abdullah, head of the High in the region. Council for National Reconciliation, on Friday met with Qureshi stressed that peace negotiations represented a historic opportunity, which must be seized by the Afghan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul and exchanged views on the Afghan peace process, the talks in leadership to establish enduring peace and stability in Doha and bilateral relations. Afghanistan and the region. Appreciating Pakistan’s sincere efforts in support of the Afghan peace process, Mr. Atmar expressed gratitude for 15

Erdogan said that his country supports the peace that is THE DAILY STAR, DHAKA 16-11-2020 supported by the people of Afghanistan, Abdullah’s office Bangladesh’s expectations from the Biden said in a statement. government He said that the two countries have time-tested relations Although the US is the largest export destination for strengthened by common culture and values. Bangladesh, we have to pay approximately 15.6 Erdogan said Turkey supports the ongoing peace efforts in percent as duty for exporting RMG to the US. Afghanistan and wants an end to violence in the country. Fahmida Khatun Abdullah said the relations between the two countries are As the world awaits US President-elect Joe Biden's formal based on common values and will remain as such. inauguration in January 2021, discussions on the He highlighted the role of Turkey in Afghanistan’s issues, implications of his domestic and international policies are active presence in ensuring security, its economic and mounting. In Bangladesh too, there are many predictions. cultural assistance and the Istanbul process, according to Needless to say, expecting any Bangladesh specific the statement. measure is a bit far-fetched. Bangladesh is unlikely to be on the radar of the new US administration as it has already Abdullah said Afghanistan wants Turkey’s continued a crowded agenda to fulfil. However, a number of global support to the country’s efforts for achieving an enduring policies, which may be dealt with differently by the Biden peace. administration, will have implications for Bangladesh. Abdullah traveled to Turkey this week as part of his The first one is the decision on the Generalised System of regional tour to strengthen regional consensus on Afghan Preference (GSP), under which countries are granted duty peace. Over the last month, he has visited Pakistan, Iran free access to the exporting country. GSP is the largest and and Uzbekistan. oldest US trade preference programme that promotes economic development of countries through elimination of OUTLOOK AFGHANISTAN, KABUL 29-11-2020 duties on various products. This also aims to provide opportunities for many of the world's poorest countries to Saudi Arabia Renews Support to Afghan use trade to grow their economies and come out of poverty. Peace Process From this perspective, Bangladesh has been a well- (Pajhwok) deserved candidate for the US GSP facility. Bangladesh is currently a lower middle-income country by the World KABUL - Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar Bank's category and a least developed country (LDC) has held a meeting with his Saudi Counterpart Prince according to the United Nation's classification. It will Faisal Bin-e- Farhan Al Saud on the sidelines of the 47th graduate from the LDC category by 2024 with a grace Conference of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of period of three more years. After 2027, Bangladesh will Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Niger’s capital city, cease to enjoy the privileges provided to the LDCs. So, Niamey. trade preferences will be extremely useful for Bangladesh Minister Atmar spoke with Prince Faisal about the to prepare itself for a smooth graduation. Since the US is importance of the role of Saudi scholars in securing peace the largest export destination of Bangladesh, such facilities and ending the war in Afghanistan, highlighting the role would be quite useful for Bangladesh. At present, the that the Islamic scholars play in securing world and European Union provides GSP facility to Bangladesh's Afghan peace. export under its "Everything But Arms" initiative. While congratulating the successful of the Afghanistan Unfortunately, the US suspended GSP for Bangladesh on Conference in Geneva, the Saudi Foreign Minister called June 27, 2013, effective from September 1, 2013. The Saudi Arabia a supporter and fundamental partner of peace decision was based on labour rights and safety issues in Afghanistan. following the collapse of the Rana Plaza building on April Speaking about the importance of the regional consensus 24, 2013 where several readymade garments (RMG) on peace in Afghanistan, Prince Faisal assured Minister factories were located. Since the Rana Plaza tragedy, Atmar that his country would not refrain from any Bangladesh has made significant improvements towards cooperation for the success of the Afghan peace process. meeting several compliance related issues in the RMG sector. However, Bangladesh could not make it to the list Prince Faisal invited the Afghan Minister of Foreign of GSP beneficiary countries when President Barack Affairs to visit Saudi Arabia and talk about the expansion Obama signed the Trade Preferences Extension Act of of bilateral cooperation and the peace process in 2015. The Act, signed on June 29, 2015, authorised the Afghanistan with prominent members of the Saudi GSP through December 31, 2017 and made GSP government. retroactive from July 31, 2013. Bangladesh's South Asian Thanking the Saudi government for its continued support neighbours Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan to the government and the Afghan peace process, Atmar and Sri Lanka were among the GSP beneficiaries. In June accepted Prince Faisal’s invitation and pledged to visit 2019, India's GSP benefits were terminated by the US. Saudi Arabia in the near future, given the prevalence of the Of course, the US granted GSP to Bangladesh for only less coronavirus. than one percent of its total exports. RMG, which is 16

Bangladesh's major export to the US, is not covered under in Vietnam and Malaysia and transport equipment in Japan GSP. Therefore, Bangladesh has to pay approximately would have been increased due to this deal. 15.6 percent as duty for exporting RMG to the US. In Bangladesh will be worried of prospective trade diversion 2005, at the ministerial meeting of the World Trade due to the TPP. Through extensive tariff elimination Organisation (WTO) in Hong Kong, the US agreed to amongst themselves, the TPP countries will have an provide duty-free, quota-free access (DFQF) to 97 percent advantage over non-TPP countries. RMG exports are tariff lines. However, RMG was on the "three percent feared to be the direct victims of this. With TPP in place, exclusion list" of the US. Then in 2013, at the ninth WTO Vietnam will have greater preference in the US market ministerial conference in Bali, the development package compared to Bangladesh. This is also true for other export stipulated that developed countries, which were yet to items of Bangladesh, such as frozen food and agricultural provide DFQF to the LDCs, would do so for more than 97 products. percent tariff lines before the tenth WTO ministerial Another area of loss is foreign investment. For investors, conference. Sadly, the Doha Round discussion has it will be profitable to invest in TPP member countries, gradually lost its momentum, with major players such as since they can have preferential access to export products the US withdrawing itself from multilateral trade to these countries. For example, if investors wanted to negotiations under the Trump administration. invest in pharmaceuticals in Bangladesh to export to the In order to improve bilateral trade relations, Bangladesh global market, they will not find it attractive to invest. signed the Trade and Investment Cooperation Framework Two other areas where Bangladesh expects US leadership Agreement (TICFA) with the US, hoping that the TICFA and commitment is investment in vaccine innovation and could be a vehicle for GSP retention. Bangladesh and the its availability for overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic, US were to engage in discussion on trade and labour and a return to the Paris Climate Agreement. To control related issues including the GSP plan. However, not much the outbreak of the pandemic effectively, Bangladeshi progress has been made in this case also. people need access to vaccines free of cost. Incoming Meanwhile, between 2015 and 2020, Bangladesh has President Biden has announced his plan for dealing with further strengthened its compliances in the RMG sector. the pandemic. Hopefully, something good will come out Buyers have been working with RMG manufacturers to of his commitments. In the same tune, US commitment improve compliance. A number of measures have been towards the Paris Agreement is crucial for climate undertaken through collaboration with Bangladeshi vulnerable countries such as Bangladesh. entrepreneurs, for example, the Accord on Fire and On the whole, expectations from the Biden government are Building Safety, the Alliance of Bangladesh Worker high, but only time can tell how far they will be Safety and the Partnership for Cleaner Textile. Major materialised. Clearly, Bangladesh has no reason to expect compliance measures have been undertaken to ensure the too much since policies are not taken in isolation—they safety of factories and workers. The labour laws of the are taken keeping in mind the global geo-political balance. country have been amended and the right to form trade unions in factories, including in the special economic THE DAILY OBSERVER, DHAKA 17-11-2020 zones, has been approved. The minimum wage of RMG India wants more Feni River water, workers has been raised in an attempt to make it Teesta water sharing not on agenda comparable to other competing countries. Since Shahnaj Begum compliance is not a one-off measure, this work still The Tripura State of India wants to lift more water from continues. The other policy that will have impacts on Bangladesh is the Feni River and it will be the prime agenda at the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) meeting prior the Prime the revival of the US-led mega trade deal, the Trans- Minister level meeting between Bangladesh and India in Pacific Partnership (TPP), which was signed on October 5, December. 2015. This trade deal was abandoned by the Trump "Presently they (India) are withdrawing 1.82 cusecs (cubic administration in January 2017. Twelve members of the feet per second) of water from the Feni River, however, deal—the US, Canada, Japan, Chile, Peru, New Zealand, they need more from here. They want to strike the final Australia, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore— deal on the issue," a senior official of the Water Resources cover about 40 percent of global trade and one-third of the Ministry told the Daily Observer on Monday preferring global economy. TPP was the largest ever trade agreement anonymity. among countries after the Uruguay Round of the WTO. According to the Water Resources Ministry, both sides By integrating trade among themselves, TPP signatory will discuss water-related issues, including resolving countries expected to enhance their economic growth and issues over sharing waters of the much-talked-about create jobs in their respective countries. It was estimated Teesta and Feni rivers and also Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, that the TPP could expand the economies of TPP members Gumti, Dharla, Dudhkumar and other common rivers. by USD 285 billion by 2025. Among them Vietnam, "Unfortunately, Teesta is not an agenda here, we Malaysia and New Zealand would have benefitted the (Bangladesh side) may table the issue but not as an most in terms of GDP growth. Production and export of agenda..like others JRC meeting in last two decades," the electrical equipment, textiles, construction and machinery official said. 17

Both the government is going to take preparations to hold been awaiting approval for long due to reluctance of the the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) meeting prior to the Indian authorities, the Ministry sources said. Prime Minister level meeting between Bangladesh and As per the Mujib-Indira Treaty of 1974, the midstream of India and exchanging views and sharing different data in the rivers forms the border between the two countries. But this regard but Teesta is a insignificant issue here. as the rivers have shifted their courses inside Bangladesh "Issues like construction of river embankment to prevent territory, Bangladeshis are being deprived of their erosion, two-km stretch of the un-demarcated Mahurirchar cultivable land, which has fallen on the Indian side land and other unresolved matters will also be discussed at following erosion, according to sources in the Bangladesh the meeting," said officials. Water Development Board (WDB). The sources further said that the Indian hinted that Sources said it has become difficult to protect river banks agreements and memorandums of understanding from erosion along the border in Rajshahi, (MoUs) on water-related issues will also be discussed, Chapainwabganj, Rangpur, Kurigram and Sylhet districts. keeping in mind Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh The rivers constituting the border often change their Hasina's visit to India in October last year. course due to erosion inside Bangladesh territory, creating Bangladesh and India have signed a memorandum of problems for the people living along the frontiers. understanding (MoU) on October 5 in the presence of Despite the Despite the finalisation of all formalities after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladeshi a survey, the Indian side has refused to sign the final Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when the latter was on a agreement on a two-km stretch of the undemarcated visit to India. Mahurirchar land for long, sources said. "Through this MoU Bangladesh allowed India to withdraw "Draft agreements on water-sharing of the Teesta and Feni 1.82 cusecs (cubic feet per second) of water from the Feni rivers are ready, and they will be implemented only after River," official added. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina being signed by senior officials of India," a senior official signed the deal on humanitarian point of view. said. The withdrawal of 1.82 cusecs of the water of the river are utilised by Tripura State in supplying drinking water to THE DAILY OBSERVER, DHAKA 25-11-2020 Sabroom town, which faces an acute crisis of drinking BD-India to work together in data privacy water. However, they wants to use it for agriculture framework purpose, he said. Staff Correspondent India claimed that the 116 km long Feni River originates Bangladesh and India will work together on common in South Tripura district and, flowing through Sabroom framework to ensure privacy of data on internet-based town, Khagrachhori enters Bangladesh. social media mostly operating from western countries. According to the Ministry, the Feni River annually has an When the concern of data privacy on social media rose average of 1,878 cusecs of water flow, which declines to globally, State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak on 794 cusecs in the dry season. Tuesday proposed to the Indian envoy to make a common India and Bangladesh share as many as 54 rivers and framework on data protection from sub-regional level. there's only one agreement between them - to share the Indian High Commissioner visited ICT Division and waters of the Ganges River that was signed in December discussed with the officers of different agencies of the 1996. department including Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority. Bangladesh and India also agreed to exchange data and During the call on, State Minister Palak also mentioned prepare the frameworks for interim water-sharing agreements of six more transboundary rivers - Manu, that neighbouring countries can tap potentials of start-up eco-system through business to business matchmaking to Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla, and Dudhkumar. take opportunities of digital future. But all are pending as the last 37th JRC Ministerial-level Mentioning social media as part of life, Palak said the Meeting took place in New Delhi in March 2010, while the ventures (social media) are dominated by western 38th meeting was scheduled to be held in Dhaka in 2011, companies which have little knowledge of culture and but is yet to take place. social values in South Asian countries. According to sources, Bangladesh will place six agendas, "I propose we should have a common framework while India four at the meeting. including law and rules like GDPR of European Union for The last water secretary level meeting was held in Dhaka social media activities in Bimstec countries and sub- on January 10, 2011. regional group including Bangladesh, India, Bhutan and About 3,000 acres in Majorgaon, Amolshid, Nepal. The regional approach will help to move for data Lakshmibazar, Sultanpur, Senapatirchak and Manikpur in privacy on multinational internet companies like Zakiganj upazila are now part of the Indian state of Assam Facebook, Youtube and Twitter," he said. due to erosion by the Kushiyara, while 250 acres in Ballah, GDPR is a regulation that requires businesses to protect Uttarkul, Munshibazar, Rosulpur and Dighli on the banks the personal data and privacy of EU citizens for of the Surma River in Sylhet region have also been washed transactions that occur within EU member states. away to India due to erosion on the Bangladesh side. Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami The Border River Protection and Development Project that mentioned the proposal of Bangladesh ICT Minister as plans protective work alongside the Kushiyara banks has 18

'great idea' as the social media has changed landscape of Bangladesh and Pakistan have been meeting secretly in life. New York or elsewhere". Bangladesh is implementing development of hi-tech parks in 12 districts using the line of credit from India worth of THE DAILY OBSERVER, DHAKA 26-11-2020 192 million dollar, according to official data. BD establishes diplomatic ties with Besides, India will cooperate in developing professionals' Dominica skills to match make among industries and academia. The Diplomatic Correspondent project will begin in January 2021 through piloting in six Bangladesh has established diplomatic relationship with districts. India will donate Tk 250 million in the Tk 610 the Caribbean island state of Dominica, Foreign Ministry million projects. release said. "We will expand the training programme gradually across Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the UN, Rabab the country. Initially, a total of 50 thousand youths will be Fatima, and Dominica's Permanent Representative to the engaged in the cross-border training programme. We have proposed to sign an agreement during the upcoming virtual UN, Loreen Ruth Bannis-Roberts, signed a deal in this regard in New York on Tuesday. meeting of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and The contract will be finalised after completion of domestic Indian counterpart Narendra Modi regarding this," State procedures and its ratification by the two countries, foreign Minister Palak added. ministry said in a statement.

Bangladesh, under the contract, will develop friendly THE DAILY STAR, DHAKA 16-11-2020 relations with Dominica on political, economic, social, Japan offers technical help cultural, scientific and other issues of mutual interests. Shamsuddoza Sajen Though Dominica is an agriculture-based country, JAPANESE ENVOY CALLS ON PM industrialisation is happening rapidly as it is receiving Japanese ambassador Takashi Oyamada communicates to huge foreign investments while enjoying duty-free market Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman access to the US, EU and other developed countries. Japan's willingness to provide technical help to There are scopes for employment of Bangladeshis in Bangladesh when he calls on Bangabandhu at the Gono Dominica, as well as, market for readymade garment and Bhaban today. other commodities manufactured in Bangladesh. Talking to newsmen after his meeting with the PM the Besides, Bangladesh can get support on various Japanese ambassador says Japan is willing to provide international issues as the diplomatic relations has been technical help in agricultural and rural development established with the country. programmes and also in the field of industry, both big and small. Japan is also willing to undertake personnel THE BANGLADESH OBSERVER, DHAKA 29-11-2020 exchange programmes, he adds. He further informs that Dhaka wants OIC's continued support till the government of Japan is sending a preliminary survey team to Bangladesh shortly to study the feasibility of the Rohingyas are repatriated proposed bridge over Jamuna River. The giant bridge to be Observer Online Desk built with Japanese assistance will be a bridge of Bangladesh has urged the OIC member States to continue friendship between Japan and Bangladesh, in the words of political and humanitarian support to Bangladesh until Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. dignified repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar is CABINET DISCUSSES SUGAR INDUSTRY ensured. PROBLEMS Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to Organisation of The cabinet today reviews the problems of the sugar Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Bangladesh Ambassador industry in Bangladesh, including the price of sugarcane to Saudi Arabia Dr Mohammad Javed Patwary made the and distribution of sugar. The cabinet meeting, presided call at the 47th session of the Islamic Council of Foreign over by Bangabandhu, also discusses explorations and Ministers in Niamey, Niger on Saturday, reports UNB. distribution of oil and gas. Besides, problems relating to Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was supposed to food, aviation, shipping and inland navigation are also lead the Bangladesh delegation at the meeting but his visit taken up for discussion. The cabinet takes stock of the food was cancelled as he had tested positive for COVID-19 situation. The meeting held at the secretariat lasts for about hours before his departure. four hours. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen also missed the BANGLADESH DENIES TALKS WITH PAKISTAN event as he also tested positive for COVID-19. Bangladesh mission sources in New York yesterday The meeting discussed various issues including ways for categorically denied that there had been any talks between supporting the Rohingya case at the International Court of Bangladesh and Pakistan, direct or secret, and firmly Justice (ICJ), according to Bangladesh Embassy in maintained that there would be no such talks except on the Riyadh. basis of sovereign equality. They were commenting on Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.1 million Rohingyas in Pakistani President Bhutto's interview with the Cox's Bazar district. Washington Post in which he said, "Representatives of The Gambia filed a more than 500-page Memorial, which also includes more than 5000 pages of supporting material, 19 in its lawsuit against Myanmar at the ICJ in The Hague, Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International making its case for how the Government of Myanmar is Cooperation in the UAE, delivered a speech where she responsible for genocide against Rohingya. referred to the activities that Abu Dhabi carried out during In November 2019, The Gambia opened a case at the ICJ, its chairmanship of the 46th Session of the ICFM, noting also known as the World Court, against Myanmar for that her country has learned from the Organization the failing to prevent or punish genocide against Rohingya importance of advancement in diverse issues. Muslims. Al-Hashemy handed over the chairmanship of the Council On January 23, 2020, the ICJ unanimously indicated to the Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Niger. legally binding provisional measures, requiring the Speeches were also delivered by the foreign ministers of Government of Myanmar to take all steps within its power Tunisia, Senegal, Turkey, on behalf of the Arab, African to prevent the commission of all acts of genocide, such as and Asian groups, in addition to the speech of the African killing, causing serious mental or bodily harm, and other Union, the guest of this Session. acts listed in the Genocide Convention. The OIC CFM was opened on Friday by Mahamadou SPOTLIGHT, KATHMANDU 20-11-2020 Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger, who affirmed Nepal-India Agree to Strengthen that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is important Cooperation in Railway Sector to its member states, and that his country plays an active NEW SPOTLIGHT ONLINE role in the Organization. Railway JWG discusses running train services on He also extended his appreciation to the Secretary General Jaynagar-Kurtha Cross Border Rail link. of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. The 4th India-Nepal Joint Working Group meeting on Yousef Al-Othaimeen for the work he did for the Railway Cooperation agreed to remain engaged closely to Organization. strengthen cooperation in the railway sector. On his part, Dr. Al-Othaimeen said that the choice of the theme for the session, "United against Terrorism for Peace The JWG reviewed the cross border rail link projects that are between Jaynagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani- and Development", is a strong reminder that "terrorism is Biratnagar under advance implementation. Both sides the single most serious threat to the region and the world, discussed the technical preparedness of the completed 34 given its negative impact on growth rates and cooperation km long section of the railway line between Jaynagar in ties, in addition to worsening Human Development Indices India and Kurtha in Nepal for the purpose of running (HDI) ranking." passenger train services, including the Standard Operating He also valued the role assigned to the OIC Sawt al-Hikma Procedures (SOP) that need to be put in place for (Voice of Wisdom) Center, which acts in coordination resumption of passenger train services by Nepal Railway with the International Islamic Fiqh Academy to bring Company (NRC). reason to bear and promote moderation and tolerance. The section, originally a narrow gauge built by British The Secretary General offered his gratitude to His India, was upgraded by Government of India to broad Excellency the President of the Republic of Niger for his gauge at a cost of over INR 380 cr (NR 6080 million). gracious patronage of the meeting, and also thanked the Government of Nepal has recently procured two DEMU people and government of the republic of Niger for the train sets from India for running on this railway link. Both organization of the meeting and the warm hospitality. sides also discussed the mutual facilitation and He extended his appreciation to all African member states coordination required for completion of the work on for their keen involvement and support of the work led by the OIC. remaining sections from Kurtha to Bilajpura, currently under construction by Government of India at a cost of Al-Othaimeen also commended the dedicated efforts the INR 200 cr (NR 3200 million). United Arab Emirates (UAE) exerted during its tenure, as In a video-conferencing held tody, the Indian side was led the Chair of the esteemed Council's 46th session, and the by Dr Manoj Singh, Executive Director (Traffic efforts the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia deploys in its Transportation-F), Ministry of Railways, Government of capacity as the host country of the OIC and chair of the India and Nepali side was led by Gopal Prasad Sigdel, 14th Islamic Summit. Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure He expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation for the and Transport of Government of Nepal. care and attention given to the Organization's activities in Both sides further agreed to expedite the work for their entirety, under the patronage of the Custodian of the completion of the other ongoing cross-border railway Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, project between Jogbani in India and Biratnagar in Nepal and His Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister under a grant assistance of INR 374 cr (NR 5884 million). Mohammed bin Salman, may they be under Allah's The JWG Co-Chairs agreed to extend cooperation in the protection forever. railway sector, including in the capacity building and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Foreign Minister of training of Nepali railway personnel in India and in Nepal the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and its representative as as per the requirements of Nepal. Chair of the Islamic Summit, said that the Kingdom has According to a press release issued by the Embassy of donated a piece of land for the construction of the India, Kathmandu, other stakeholders who participated permanent building of the OIC General Secretariat. 20 from both sides included senior officials from Indian visit offering prayers at Pashupatinath Temple. In his visit, Railway, Ministry of External Affairs, Embassy of India he spent most of the time to enhance and strengthen in Kathmandu, Konkan Railways and IRCON on the relations with its traditional ally Nepal Army and to visit Indian side and Director General, Department of Railway places of religious, cultural and civilization importance. (DoRw), General Manager of Nepal Railway Company Missing Civilizational Connection (NRC), officials from Ministry of Home and Foreign Following the political change of 2006 brought under Affairs of Government of Nepal from Nepali side. India-mediated 12-point agreement, Nepal entered into the peace process ending 12 years long bloody Maoist SPOTLIGHT, KATHMANDU 26-11-2020 insurgency. NEPAL-INDIA High-level Exchange As per the agreement, Nepal has made many changes, By Keshab Poudel including declaring Nepal as a republican, federal and After two earlier visits to Nepal by senior Indian officials, secular state, promulgating a new constitution, laws and Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla is set to regulations and unbundling Nepal’s religious, cultural and make a highly significant visit core civilization. As two other senior officials from India, Indian Foreign Along with removing monarchy, the Hindu Kingdom was Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla is paying an official also removed completely creating new state structures and visit to Nepal giving importance to India’s historical and removing the fundamentals of Nepal’s common civilization linkages and connections with Nepal. civilization. Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla’s With major political parties and its leader concentrating message to Nepal remains the same: attach high their efforts on power politics, Nepal’s historical, cultural significance to India’s civilizational, religious and cultural and civilizational linkages have been badly shaken. With linkages with Nepal. no faith in religion, Nepalese political leaders even mis- “India has historical and civilizational linkages with interpreted the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Nepal. In recent years, bilateral cooperation has Modi to Pashupatinath -- his personal visit and worship strengthened, with several major infrastructure and cross- were interpreted differently. border connectivity projects completed with India’s Instead of ushering new era for Nepal and India, the assistance. My visit provides an opportunity to further incidents that occurred after the promulgation of new advance our bilateral ties,” said foreign secretary Harsh constitution has not only closed Nepal’s chapter with Vardhan Shringla. monarchy and Hindu religion but also broken its Foreign Secretary of India Harsh Vardhan Shringla’s traditional and friendly relations with India. schedule is to visit Nepal on 26-27 November 2020. This National elections and formation of government by Nepal will be the first visit of the Foreign Secretary to Nepal after Communist Party under the leadership of K,P. Sharma Oli he assumed the office. has changed nothing to drastically improve bilateral The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high- relations between the two countries. level exchanges between the two countries and the priority As erosion of Nepal’s civilization connection with India India attaches to its relations with Nepal. During the visit, continues, problems surfaced. The culmination of that the Foreign Secretary will meet his counterpart and other point was the publication of new map by Nepal. Nepalese dignitaries to discuss a wide ranging bilateral Harping nationalist slogans in each and every issue, cooperation between the two countries. Nepal’s political leaders have been mostly dismantling the Born and grown up in Kalingpong and Darjeeling of West bonds of relations between Nepal and India politicizing all Bengal, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla the important aspects. knows the core values of two countries. He can make a Nepal’s Side difference in reconnecting civilizational, cultural and With so many connecting factors with India, including religious relations between the two countries. shared civilization, religion, culture, history and A career diplomat of India’s highly dignified professional geography, Nepal cannot ignore the deep rooted relations Foreign Service, Foreign Scretary Shringla is known for with India. For long, India also ignore this reality existed his diplomatic capacities and caliber. Nepal’s new Foreign between the two countries. Bound so intricately with India, Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal is also a very capable and Nepal has a very limited space in handling the relations professional diplomat, with wide and extensive knowledge with other countries. of civilization, culture and religion, heading Ministry of However, Nepalese leaders are always underestimating Foreign Affairs. them. Nepal often uses its relations with China to Although the first high level visit by chief of India’s nodal counterbalance India’s deep rooted relations. Just a day intelligence agency Samant Goel had generated certain after the visit of Indian Army Chief, Prime Minister KP noises and controversies due to miscommunication by Sharma Oli carried out an onsite visit of Kimathanka Nepal’s prime minister’s office, the second visit of Indian checkpoint and North-South highway. North-South Koshi Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane went well. highway is an important road of the country to connect Showing India’s highly important civilizational, religious, China, India and Nepal,” said PM Oli. cultural and historical connection with Nepal, Indian Knowing PM Oli’s mind on the relations with India, his Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane started his advisors and advisors too are yet to work to reconnect the 21 relations. Gopal Khanal, Consultant Editor of Government between the two countries would be resolved through owned The Rising Nepal, writes “this situation is not the dialogue. outcome of Prime Minister Oli's diplomacy of pleasing Dr. Rajan Bhattarai, Foreign Affairs Advisor to Prime India, but a result of India's need to maintain friendly Minister Oli, said that there is a tradition of conferring relations with Nepal. honorary rank of General on the Army Chiefs of the two “Some are hell-bent on discrediting Oli's nationalism and countries. patriotism through fabricated news and narratives. But, The Thaw such attempts have gone down the tube time and again. It is unlikely that they will succeed in future, too. Many After months of jingoism, Oli attempted to mend fences political analysts have nurtured their flawed views that with a call to Prime Minister Modi on the eve of India will never hold talks with Prime Minister Oli on the Independence Day. "We look forward to further disputed boundary and will instead take tough measures strengthening of India Nepal ties, based on our shared like that of blockade but they have proved themselves culture and history," wrote Indian PM Narendra Modi wrong.” responding to PM Oli. “Prime Minister Oli's resolute stand on the boundary issue That was followed by a meeting between Nepal’s foreign with neighboring India and the latter's realization has of secretary and India’s ambassador to Nepal to review late created positive atmosphere for holding formal progress of India-aided projects in that country. bilateral meeting with it focusing on the substantial There have been back-channel talks between the two agenda. India launched cartographic aggression by countries since then, but New Delhi is yet to concede to incorporating Nepal’s Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Nepal’s request for foreign secretary-level talks to resolve Lipulek in its map. Nepal responded to it with 'tit for tat' the border disputes between the two countries. diplomacy, forcing Indians to come to the negotiating table Different Past after months of verbal blame games.” Even PM Oli’s other advisors hold the same view as During the monarchial Nepal, all Kings of Nepal used to Khanal given their endorsement of the publication of the give high importance to cultural, religious and article. civilizational connections with India. The level of state to Narrative of Nepal India Relations state relations cannot make any difference to foster, Unlike other countries, Nepal and India have peculiarly strengthen and flourish civilizational connections between different narratives based on tradition, culture, religion the two countries. and civilization. As Krishna said I am mighty as Himalaya As a Hindu King, Nepal’s monarch also maintains Nepal’s and pure as Ganga. linkage with spiritual sites of India. Despite signing Surrounded by Himalayas, which are the major sources of international conventions, the monarch used to send a water of the Gangas, Nepal is the source of water which Musk to Jaganathpuri annually to maintain the spiritual purifies not only people but also vast areas of land in south. sanctity of temples. Similarly, India continues to supply Nepal and India have certain unique types of relations. sandalwood to Pashupati Temple to perform the puja. Exchange of the Honorary General title of the armies by Former King Gyanendra Shah said in his state visit to India chiefs of both the armies of Nepal and India is one in 2002 that Nepal-India relations is not only confined to example. As Himalayas and Ganga rivers spiritually and diplomatic practices and formal treaties. Our relations are religiously unite Nepal and India, our common civilization based upon centuries old shared, common civilization, shows our destiny. philosophy, culture and relations. Thus our relations are COAS General Naravane had started his first Nepal visit based on the deep understanding of our values and aiming to revive Nepal-India’s cultural, religious and civilization. Our relations are above the formal and treaty civilization linkages -- he paid a visit to Pashuptinath based relations. Temple and Kumari Temples in Hanuman Dhoka. Although secular India continues to maintain its obligation Along with others, General Naravane, a Hindu, preferred towards Nepalese Hindu temples, secular Nepal has visiting Pashupatinth, a highly sacred temple of Hindus all discontinued its traditions needed to give continuity to over the world. However, the leaders of communist retain civilizational continuity. government did not show any gesture allowing him inside the temple to perform the puja. At a time when India has started to give priority to its As the Pashupatinath Temple has been closed only to civilizational, cultural and religious connectivity to Nepal, avoid crowed, nothing can prevent them to allow highly the two countries’ relations are also likely to change. important dignitaries from India to go inside. It is the As American Professor late Leo Rose in his book Nepal personal right of every Hindu to pay respect to Profile of a Himalayan Kingdom said, a perception held Pashuaptinath and General Naravane is not an exception. by a small group of elites cannot change culture, religion As Prime Minister Oli has shown his public posture of a and value penetrated deep inside at the root. He argued that kind, he came with a different posture in formal meetings cultural and value-related phenomenon existing below the at his residence. elite level is highly significant to determine Nepal’s Prime Minister Oli told General that there was a good relations with India. friendship between Nepal and India and that the issues 22

SPOTLIGHT, KATHMANDU 27-11-2020 In a separate ceremony following the meeting, Foreign Foreign Secretaries Of Nepal And India Secretary Shringla handed over 2000 vials of Remdesivir Discussed And Reviewed Various Aspects injection to Foreign Minister Gyawali for treatment of Covid-19 patients. Of The Bilateral Ties This follows on earlier Covid related support by By New Spotlight Online Government of India to Nepal covering essential Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, commenced medicines, equipment and capacity building since April his two-day official visit to Nepal today. During the course 2020. He further assured India's continued support to of the day, Foreign Secretary met Bharat Raj Paudyal, Nepal in providing Covid-related assistance. Foreign Secretary of Nepal and called on President of Nepal, Bidya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister of Nepal, THE KATHMANDU POST, KATHMANDU 20-11-2020 K.P. Sharma Oli and Foreign Minister of Nepal, Pradeep Not to be left behind, China also sending Kumar Gyawali. top official to Nepal after visits from India According to a press release issued by Naveen Kumar First Anil Giri Secretary (Press),the Embassy of India, Kathmandu. the According to experts, the visit of a senior member of the meetings were conducted in a cordial and positive Chinese Cabinet will send a strong message of the atmosphere. In their meeting, the two Foreign Secretaries diplomatic and strategic importance Nepal has for the discussed and reviewed various aspects of the bilateral ties rising global power. between the two countries. Two days after India’s top diplomat completes his visit to “They expressed satisfaction at the substantial progress Nepal, China’s defence minister is scheduled to come made in different sectors of cooperation despite the calling. constraints of the pandemic. The Nepali side appreciated Although, officially, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is Indian Government's active facilitation in ensuring smooth tight-lipped, two senior officials at the Prime Minister’s and unhindered cross border flow of trade and commerce Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the Post and active implementation of development projects during that China’s State Councilor and Defence Minister Wei this time,” reports the press release. Fenghe is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu on November They also discussed the boundary matters and exchanged 29 for a day-long visit. views on completing the boundary work in the remaining Wei’s arrival will follow three back to back high-level segments. The two Foreign Secretaries agreed to maintain visits from India within the last one and a half months and the renewed momentum in high-level bilateral at a time when the power struggle within the ruling Nepal engagements and to further strengthen the traditionally Communist Party (NCP) is reaching its peak. close, friendly and multifaceted partnership between the Immediately after Indian Foreign Secretary Harsha two countries. Vardhan Shringla returns to New Delhi after completing Foreign Secretary called on President Bidya Devi the two-day Nepal visit on November 27, the senior-most Bhandari and conveyed greetings on behalf of President of minister of Li Keqiang Cabinet in China, Wei will land in India. They discussed the close relationship between both Kathmandu, two senior officials at the Prime Minister’s countries and ways to further strengthen it. Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the Post. During his call on the Prime Minister of Nepal, Foreign Secretary conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Narendra However, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sewa Lamsal said: “No concrete information to share now”. Modi. He apprised the Prime Minister of his productive A Chinese Embassy spokesperson also told the Post that meetings with Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali he does not have information related to the visit. and Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal. “During the recent meeting between Prime Minister KP Foreign Secretary underscored the consensus between Sharma Oli and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Hou both sides to maintain the momentum in bilateral Yanqui on Tuesday evening, the visit of the senior most engagements; strengthen people-to-people linkages, make Chinese minister was fixed,” said a source at the Prime tangible progress on substantive and strategic bilateral Minister’s office. initiatives and issues of mutual interest. Diplomats and experts view the increasing high-level During Foreign Secretary’s call on the Foreign Minister of exchanges from the south and the north as evidence of the Nepal, they had a useful exchange of views on enhancing increasing strategic rivalry between them inside Nepal. the bilateral relationship and the next steps to be taken in The emerging global power China, which has a serious maintaining the trajectory of exchanges and cooperation. border dispute with Nepal’s southern neighbour India, is Foreign Secretary briefed Foreign Minister about the keeping a very close eye on Nepal’s unfolding political, notable progress recorded by India in our response to the diplomatic and military development, according to Geja Covid challenge. Sharma Wagle, a security analyst and columnist for Foreign Secretary conveyed an invitation, from External Kantipur, the Post’s sister publication. Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, to Foreign Minister “Of late, the Chinese have been very proactive politically Pradeep Gyawali to visit India for the next Joint and diplomatically, and militarily assertive in Nepal,” said Commission Meeting. Wagle. “The visit right after Indian foreign secretary’s 23 visit to Kathmandu is diplomatically meaningful and According to the China’s Ministry of Defense, Wei is highly important militarily.” currently a member of the 19th CPC Central Committee, a Leaders of the ruling party also attach great importance to member of the CPC Central Military Committee, a Wei’s visit at the end of the month. member of the Central Military Committee of the People's At a time when a series of high-level visits from India Republic of China (PRC), State Councilor, a member of particularly by heads of two security agencies took place the Leading Party Members' Group of the State Council, within one month, a worried Beijing is sending its senior- and defence minister. He holds the rank of general. most military official to Kathmandu to balance the visit of As such, he will come with an authority to make Beijing's Manoj Mukund Naravane, the army chief of India, and position clear on a number of issues it attaches importance Samant Goel, head of India’s external spy agency, a to. central committee member of the ruling party leader told “Beijing is also not happy with the status of other bilateral the Post. projects including those agreed and signed during the visit Wei will be the senior most Chinese official to visit Nepal of President Xi to Nepal last year,” the ruling party leader after the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in October said. last year. At the same time, the dispute inside the party is escalating During Xi’s visit, Nepal and China had decided to elevate and that worries the Chinese more, the leader added. their traditional “comprehensive partnership” to “strategic Time and again, when internal wranglings in the Nepal partnership” and the Chinese president had also proposed Communist Party reach a peak, Chinese ambassador to close defence cooperation between Nepal and China Nepal Hou Yanqui has been meeting with top ruling party during his visit. leaders as Beijing favours political stability in Nepal, “This may be the high-level follow-up visit to expedite the observers say. defence cooperation agreed last year during the visit of “The ideological proximity has brought two countries President Xi,” said an official from Nepal’s Defence together since the formation of the Oli government and the Ministry on condition of anonymity. Chinese are worried due to the prolonged dispute and According to former Nepali ambassador to China Mahesh discord inside the ruling communist party,” said former Maskey, Beijing is particularly worried about the ongoing ambassador Maskey. dispute inside the ruling party and also wants to know Another worry for them is the need for clarity regarding Nepal’s position vis-a-vis the recent strategic alliance Nepal’s position following India’s entry into the Indo- between India and the United States. Pacific orbit led by the US including the quadrilateral In the last week of October, during the visit of US security dialogue, also known as the Quad, according to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to New Delhi, India and Maskey. the US clinched strategic pacts and reached some This is a view that is widely shared. important understanding on security matters. “Both India and China have a kind of strategic rivalry to According to the ruling party leader, the reason behind expand their influence in Nepal as per their own national Wei’s visit is that China is not happy with the present Oli interests,” said Wagle. “Therefore, they are visiting administration for failing to identify projects under the Kathmandu and conveying their strategic messages to the Belt and Road Initiative, a multi-billion dollar high political, diplomatic, and military levels of Nepal.” infrastructure project led by China in its vicinity. Nepal signed a framework agreement of Belt and Road SPOTLIGHT, KATHMANDU 29-11-2020 Initiative in 2017 but both sides have failed to identify and Chinese State Councilor And Defense negotiate a single project in the last three and a half years. Minster General Wei Fenghe Agrees To With no movement on a single project to the funding stage, the framework agreement was automatically renewed for Continue Support To Nepal Army another three years in May, according to the Ministry of New Spotlight Online Foreign Affairs. General Wei Fenghe, State Councilor and Defense Wei, a close confidant of Chinese President Xi, will, Minister of the People's Republic of China, who is in ostensibly, attend a programme in Kathmandu to mark the Kathmandu on a one-day “Working Visit” to Nepal has 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties participated in various programs organized at the Army between Nepal and China. Headquarters this afternoon. “This is a kind of stop-over visit,” said a Foreign Ministry Upon his arrival, General Weiwas presented with a Guard official. “After completing the Nepal visit, Wei will go on of Honour at the Army Headquarters. General Wei then to visit some other Asian countries.” paid an office call on to General Purna Chandra Thapa, As of now, it is tentatively agreed that Wei will pay a Chief of the Army Staff, Nepali Army at the latter’s office. courtesy call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari and On that occasion, the distinguished visitor, General Wei separately hold talks with Prime Minister Oli, who is in and General Thapa held a cordial discussion on various charge of the Defence Ministry, and Chief of Army Staff issues of bilateral interest.A representative from the General Purna Chandra Thapa during his short stay in Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also present during the Nepal. discussion. 24

After the office call, General Wei Fenghe and his Despite Beijing’s growing concerns vis-a-vis the rift in the delegation were given a short presentation on the history Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and the Nepali Congress’ and roles of the Nepali Army. Bilateral discussions were newfound rhetoric over land encroachment by China in the then held at the delegation level mainly on issues Humla region, Wei did not touch upon any political pertaining to resumption of training and student exchange matters during his meeting with Prime Minister and program and follow up on defense assistance that have Minister for Defence Oli. been impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Since Beijing’s message had been already According to a press release issued by Public Relations communicated, his arrival means the assertion,” said a and Information Directorate of Nepal Army, General Wei source familiar with the development, who did not wish to and the delegation viewed both the proposals positively be named citing the sensitivity of the matter. “In and affirmed that the bilateral cooperation should resume diplomacy, it’s more symbolism, less is said.” as soon as possible, including exchange of high level According to the sources, the Chinese advance team—two visits. General Wei also pledged to provide additional from the Chinese Military Commission and one from the assistance to the Nepali Army in fighting the Covid-19 International Department of the Chinese Communist pandemic. Party—had met with Oli, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the other chair of the ruling party, Home Minister Ram Bahadur THE KATHMANDU POST, KATHMANDU 30-11-2020 Thapa, Sher Bahadur Deuba, the leader of the main Chinese stopover militarily significant and opposition, and senior officials from various agencies. politically symbolic The team had communicated China’s various political and security concerns, the sources told the Post. Anil Giri The Chinese team had arrived just two days before Indian Officially, it is a continuation of exchanges between the Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla landed in armies of Nepal and China, but insiders say Wei’s visit is Kathmandu on a two-day visit. reaffirmation of the messages an advance team from the During their meeting with Deuba, the sources said, the north delivered last week. Chinese team expressed their concerns about the border Chinese stopover militarily significant and politically encroachment issue in Humla, which the Nepali Congress symbolic has been fiercely raising, largely based on a report by Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe in a meeting with Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, the party’s Provincial Assembly Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Photo Courtesy: Prime member in Karnali. Minister's Secretariat The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu, on November 13, He came. He met. And he left. had even written to the Nepali Congress, expressing its Chinese State Councillor and Defence Minister Wei displeasure at the ways the issue was being raised. A few Fenghe on Sunday landed in Kathmandu for a daylong days before, the Global Times, the Chinese government’s stopover during which he held a whirlwind of meetings mouthpiece, had also implicated the Congress party as the with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, also the defence main institution behind “fabricated reports” on Chinese minister, President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Nepal Army encroachment. Chief Purna Chandra Thapa before flying straight to Confirming the visit of the Chinese advance team, a ruling Pakistan in the evening. party leader told the Post that during their meetings with The major takeaway of Wei’s visit, according to officials, the top leadership of the ruling party, they communicated is an understanding on resuming Chinese supplies of that China is in favour of political stability in Nepal and various non-lethal military aid to Nepal, which had been that it wants to see continuation of the present halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Nepal Army establishment in Kathmandu. said Wei also carried the message of his government that “The team members communicated Beijing’s view that it it is positive about resumption of training and student has a high-level understanding with the present NCP exchange programmes and following up on defence leadership and that it wants to see the continuity of the assistance that have been impacted in the wake of the present regime in Kathmandu,” said the leader familiar pandemic. with the visit and the meetings, who requested anonymity There, however, is more to this than meets the eye. because he was not allowed to speak to the media. The visit of Wei, who is also a general in the Chinese Upon his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, where People’s Liberation Army, was aimed at reasserting what he was welcomed by Home Minister Thapa, Wei said his was actually already communicated to the Nepali visit was aimed at implementing bilateral agreements leadership, especially Prime Minister Oli, also the chair of reached between China and Nepal. the ruling Nepal Communist Party, according to at least “My visit is aimed at enhancing mutual military assistance two high-level sources. and strengthening the existing ties between the two The sources said that ahead of Wei’s visit to Kathmandu, countries,” said Wei in a brief comment to the Rastriya a three-member high-level Chinese team had arrived in Samachar Samiti news agency. "Ties between China and Kathmandu on November 24 and communicated Beijing's Nepal are strong and I am here to take this relationship to concerns to the top political leadership of Nepal’s ruling new heights. I am confident about having a result-oriented and opposition parties. visit.” 25

Though Prime Minister Oli as the defence minister is steadfast progress on socio-economic fronts made in such Wei’s counterpart, the Chinese official first headed to the a short span of time.” Nepal Army headquarters where he received a guard of According to Bhattarai, the prime minister also honour before holding the delegation-level talks. appreciated the way China managed to take the Covid-19 “Bilateral discussions at the delegation level were held pandemic under control. mainly on issues pertaining to resumption of training and Bhattarai said Wei, in response, appreciated Nepal’s student exchange programmes and follow up on defence commitment to one-China policy and said that Nepal and assistance impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said China share trouble-free relations and are ready to the Nepal Army in a statement. “Wei and the delegation contribute to each other's development and prosperity. viewed both the proposals positively and affirmed that Apart from its interest in Nepal’s political matters, which bilateral cooperation should resume as soon as possible, is also evident from the Chinese embassy’s overt including exchange of high-level visits. Wei also pledged engagements with the ruling party leadership, Beijing has to provide additional assistance to the Nepal Army in concerns about the sluggish implementation of projects fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.” under its Belt and Road Initiative, to which Nepal signed Discussions on signing of the protocol for the agreements up back in 2016. Analysts in interviews over the past few worth around 300 million RMB (approximately Rs5.4 fews told the Post that Beijing is also keenly watching the billion) which were reached during two high-level visits geopolitical engagements in the region, including an last year by Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokhrel, who understanding between the United States and India to then held the defence portfolio, in October, and General counter China. Thapa, in June, according to the Nepal Army. “Basically these supports are related to construction and THE NEWS, ISLAMABAD 17-11-2020 engineering equipment and logistics for Nepali Kabul urged to look beyond settled issue peacekeepers, among others,” Brigadier General Santosh of Durand Line Ballav Paudyal, spokesperson for the Nepal Army, told the Our Correspondent Post. Islamabad: The Afghan narrative on the Durand Line was Wei is the senior most Chinese official to arrive since crafted to lay claim to Pakistan’s Pashtun belt despite the Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Kathmandu in fact that the treaty was willingly signed by Amir of October last year, the first by the Chinese head of state in Afghanistan Abdur Rahman Khan in 1893 and the border 23 years. Wei is the second Chinese defence minister to was duly demarcated under the supervision of Afghan and visit Nepal in the last two decades, after Chang Wanquan’ British officials. The Durand Line is a settled matter and trip to Kathmandu in May 2017. both Pakistan and Afghanistan need to look beyond the Chang, who was the first Chinese defence minister to border issue to strengthen their mercurial bilateral arrive in Kathmandu in 16 years, led a 19-member relations. delegation for a three-day visit. Chang's visit had taken This was the crux of the thoughts shared by experts of Pak- place on the eve of a planned military exercise between the Afghan affairs in a roundtable conference organised by the Nepal Army and the People’s Liberation Army, the first Institute of Policy Studies here. The keynote speakers between the two countries. included well-known author Juma Khan Sufi, researcher Wei’s visit also comes days after a visit by Indian Foreign and historian Dr Lutfur Rahman and Ambassador (r) Ayaz Secretary Shringla who concluded his two-day Nepal trip Wazir. The roundtable was chaired by Khalid Rahman, on Friday. Shringla’s arrival in Nepal was preceded by two back-to-back visits from the south—by the chiefs of Indian Executive President IPS, and moderated by Brigadier (r) Said Nazir Mohmand. Army and India’s foreign spy agency early this month and The speakers were of the view that the Afghan narrative in the third week of November, respectively. on the Durand Line was built on a myth while Pakistan’s Wei’s brief but hasty dash to Nepal, with a 20- member narrative was based on verifiable evidence and history of delegation, comes also as a reminder of Chinese Premier British India. Wen Jiabao’s half-day stopover in 2012. Juma Khan Sufi debunked the claim of Afghan nationalists After spending a little over two hours at the Army that Amir Abdur Rahman was under duress when he inked headquarters, Wei headed to Baluwatar for a meeting with the treaty with British India. The author questioned the Oli. authenticity of ‘Pata Khazana’, supposedly the oldest During the meeting, Oli reiterated Nepal’s commitment to Pashto poetry book that was “discovered” in 1944, and one-China policy and assured Wei that Nepali land will believed the “discovery” of the book was meant to never be allowed to be used against China, according to substantiate the ‘Pashtunistan’ narrative crafted by Abdul Rajan Bhattarai, Oli’s foreign relations adviser. Haye Habibi and Gul Mohmand, Afghan literary figures, “The prime minister said that Nepal is committed to to fan Pashtun nationalism across the Pak-Afghan border. implementing the agreements reached during the visits of This helped Kabul to enjoy leverage in the former FATA President Bhandari and his to China as well as President and NWFP regions. Xi’s to Nepal,” Bhattarai told the Post. “The prime He stated that the Durand Line issue was created to justify minister also said that Nepal wants to learn from China’s meddling in the internal matters of Pakistan by subsequent 26

Afghan governments. The speaker believed the Peshawar Bajwa took place right at the moment when Prime Minister valley, and not Kabul, has been the epicenter of Pashtun Imran Khan was in Afghanistan on one-day official visit. culture and history. Dr Lutfur Rahman was of the view that the mutually DAWN, ISLAMABAD 21-11-2020 signed Durand Line treaty is for perpetuity and had already China backs Pakistan after Modi`s tirade established the border between Afghanistan and British By Baqir Sajjad Syed India. Thus, it cannot be terminated unilaterally according ISLAMABAD: China on Friday rushed to shield Pakistan to international laws. He opined that Amir Habibullah, from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s fresh who succeeded Amir Abdur Rahman, also endorsed in allegations by recalling `positive contributions` made by 1905 the treaty which demarcated the “sphere of Islamabad against global terrorism. influence” of the British Raj at that time. `China appreciates the positive contribution by Pakistan to With the help of copies of the original maps that he the international counter-terrorism cause, firmly supports claimed are rare to find in Pakistan, the historian Pakistan in cracking down terrorist forces. Attempts that underlined the fact that the whole Pak-Afghan border, aim to sabotage #CPEC are doomed to fail,` Chinese excluding a 22-mile area, was demarcated by boundary Foreign Ministry spokesman Lijian Zhao said hours after commissions formed after the treaty was signed. Mr Modi claimed a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) plot in Ayaz Wazir underscored the need for having amicable occupied Kashmir had been thwarted. bilateral relations with Afghanistan as Pakistan has aided Beijing, which calls itself Pakistan`s `all-weather ally`, has the Afghans time and again. He deplored the volatile in the past also defended Pakistan from Indian allegations. nature of Pak-Afghan relations and hoped both countries Besides the strategic alliance between the two countries, would take measures that could bridge the gulf of mistrust. they are together undertaking the China-Pakistan Said Nazir said the time has come for Pakistan to distance Economic Corridor (CPEC), the multi-billion dollar itself from the yoke of Indo-Pak hyphenation and consider infrastructure development scheme, which is also the itself a part of Central Asia. He added that the flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative. ‘Pashtunistan’ slogan is outdated and must not be taken Mr Lijian`s specific reference to the CPEC also seriously. underscored the importance China attaches to the project Concluding the session, Khalid Rahman stressed the and its success and security. importance of genuine and unbiased research in the `Neutralising of 4 terrorists belonging to Pakistanbased ongoing war of narratives. He said countries need to look terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed and the presence at history for a better understanding of issues and healthier of large cache of weapons and explosives with them future relations. indicates that their efforts to wreak major havoc and In the end, the updated fourth edition of Juma Khan Sufi’s destruction have once again been thwarted,` Mr Modi said Faraib-e-Na-Tamaam, published by IPS Press, was in a tweet. presented to the key participants. `Our security forces have once again displayed utmost bravery and professionalism. Thanks to their alertness, THE NEWS, ISLAMABAD 20-11-2020 they have defeated a nefarious plot to target grassroots US hails Pak role in Afghan peace efforts level democratic exercises in Jammu and Kashmir,` he Our Correspondent further said. RAWALPINDI: US Charge d’ Affaires to Pakistan Ms According to the Indian media, the tweets followed a Angela Aggeler Thursday called on Chief of the Army meeting chaired by PM Modi in which intelligence inputs Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Matters of warned of a terrorist plot on the Mumbai attacks mutual interest, including regional security situation anniversary. particularly the Afghan peace process, came under The Indian allegations came days after Pakistan unveiled discussion during the meeting. evidence of India`s sponsorship of terrorism in Pakistan The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s contributions and shared specific details in this regard with the United to conflict prevention in the region and relentless support Nations, the five permanent members of UN Security provided in the Afghan peace process. The dignitary also Council, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. assured Pakistan of continued US assistance for the Some believe that the Indian allegations, from their highest common cause of peace in Afghanistan. DG ISPR Major level, were meant to neutralise the impact of the `Pakistan General Babar Iftikhar said, “#US Charge d’ Affaires met dossier` launched over the last weekend. #COAS. Regional security sit, Afg Peace Process The Foreign Office `categorically` rejected what it said discussed. were `groundless allegations`. “Visiting dignitary appreciated Pak’s contributions 4 `We view these as part of India`s desperate attempts to conflict prevention in region &relentless support provided divert international attention from its state-terrorism in in Afg Peace Process, assured US cont assistance 4 IIOJK [Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir] common cause of peace in Afg,” he said. and state-sponsorship of terrorism against Pakistan. It is The meeting between US Charge’ d Affairs Angela evident that India has stepped up anti-Pakistan Aggeler and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed propaganda, following presentation of the Dossier by 27

Pakistan providing irrefutable evidence of India`s state- Similarly Pakistan’s exports to Thailand increased by sponsorship of terrorism,` the FO said. 41.45 per cent in 2019. It recalled that the dossier presented by Pakistan had “Pakistan exported aquatic animals, garments and textiles `extensively` documented evidence of India`s `active to Thailand,” he said, adding that Pakistan ranked 36th in planning, promoting, aiding, abetting, financing and Thailand’s global investment, while it is number 2 in execution of terrorist activities against Pakistan`. South Asia. The FO underscored that bland denials and regurgitation The Thai envoy said that nine meetings had been held of old litany of charges by the Indian side would not between the two countries so far for increasing bilateral change f acts. trade volume. It said that India`s false narrative about cross-border He informed the meeting that very recently Pakistan’s terrorism could not be salvaged through such allegations. Electro-Polymers Private Limited and Thai Stanley The FO also reminded about India executing `false-flag Electric Public Company Limited had inked a historic operations` in occupied Kashmir and on Indian territory to partnership by signing international tripartite joint venture malign Pakistan before the world. with Japan, Thailand and Pakistan. `We have consistently sensitized the international Mr Chauvachata said in recent years trade between the two community about the possibility of India resorting yet countries had shown tremendous improvement. In 2016, again to a false flag operation, and we take this opportunity the volume of two-way trade was around $1bn that surged to forewarn the world again,` the statement said.Calling on to $1.7bn in 2018. From 2016 to 2018, Pakistan’s exports the world to hold India accountable for its support for to Thailand increased from $110 million to $225m terrorism in Pakistan, the FO said that India`s `use of whereas its imports from Thailand went up from $920m to terrorism as an instrument of state policy` violated $1.4bn, he said. international law, UN sanctions regime and international The QCCI’s senior vice president Abdullah Achakzai and counter-terrorism conventions. vice president Akhtar Kakar informed the meeting that `Pakistan calls upon the UN counter-terrorism bodies to trade between the two countries had been badly affected proceed on the basis of evidence provided by Pakistan and by the coronavirus pandemic and asked the Thai urge India to renounce use of terrorism as an instrument of authorities to accept the Covid-19 test reports of Pakistani state policy, dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism it has traders. established to inflict terrorism on Pakistan, and stop the They requested the Thai consul general to extend multiple use of other countries` soil for its terrorist activities visa validation up to six years. directed against Pakistan,` the FO further said. The dossier had also revealed India`s planning for THE NATION, ISLAMABAD 26-11-2020 sabotaging the CPEC. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Time to counter India’s regional designs Qureshi, while presenting the dossier before the press, had Senator Rehman Malik said that Delhi had sponsored raising of a 700-member We have been witnessing multiple changes in the world militia for targeting the CPEC that worked under 10 RAW for the past few months. Foes of yesterday are friends of personnel. today. India is very actively playing its role in starting Military spokesman Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar had then said from the USA to the Middle East. Now, the Indian-Israeli that $60 million was spent by India on raising the anti- bond is getting stronger and stronger day by day. It looks CPEC militia. like Israel will have its bases in the Middle East on our West and it is already a defence partner with India. The DAWN, ISLAMABAD 17-11-2020 real-time satellite military monitoring of Pakistan and Thai envoy stresses need to boost trade China is a cause for real alarm in the region. Pakistan and with Pakistan China need to raise this illegal monitoring and enhancing Saleem Shahid the fifth-generation warfare of India. Israel used to be a QUETTA: Thailand’s Consul Gene-ral in Karachi Thatree country of persona non grata for Muslims and the Muslims Chauvachata has said that his country’s trade with from the Middle East used to consider it a sin to eat the Pakistan increased to $1.46 billion last year and stressed dates produced in Israel. The products made in Israel were the need to strengthen bilateral economic ties. banned and Israel had got its ingress in the Middle Eastern During a meeting with senior vice president Abdullah market via France and Germany, just by changing the Achakzai, vice president Akhtar Kakar and other leaders labels on the goods with the name of the European of the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) countries. The trap thrown by President Donald Trump here on Monday, he said more efforts were needed to using intelligence collected by Israel on Saudi Arabia and further boost bilateral trade and strengthen economic ties Qatar was used against each other and two neighbouring between Pakistan and Thailand. friends turned into enemies. UAE, having close ties also He said that Thailand exported automobiles, crude oil, joined Saudi Arabia. Iran and Saudi relations had been chemicals, rubber products, machinery and polymer, etc. tense for many years. The relations between Iran and the and services worth $1,174.25 million to Pakistan. UAE had also been bad over a dispute on an island, which UAE alleged Iran to have forcefully and illegally occupied. The world powers used ‘fear technology’ very 28 tactfully and this confrontation between Iran and Saudi public record and Modi is dragging the US into the conflict Arabia and the UAE has become more intense. between USA and China which will bring a serious highly Turkey stopped the food supply of Israel in the Suez Canal modern military conflict which would engulf not only the and although this dispute was resolved, yet mighty Israel region but also the whole world. I foresee that India, with did not forgive Turkey. Turkey was manipulated and the support of Daesh, want to replicate the Afghan like pitched against UAE in 2020 exhibition voting and though bloodshed in China and Pakistan and it needs to be UAE won even though Pakistan did not vote in favour of checked as it can trigger nuclear war in this region. I am UAE; this was the basic reason that UAE got annoyed. very closely watching the recent developments in the Pakistan made mistakes like we had made a mistake by Middle East and South Asia and feel that we have already jumping in the US war against USSR when the Soviet been isolated except for China, our dependable friend in tanks rolled into Afghanistan in 1979, threatening the free this region. We need to counter this isolation on an SOS world’s frontiers. Pakistan was lured in to stand by the basis in the odd developing situation. We have to either USA and fought one of the most significant guerrilla wars, take the help of the West to end our isolation or to forge which landed Pakistan in hot water and we are suffering our relations with a bloc of countries having common since then. This war in Afghanistan brought in security and economic interests. Earlier, Pakistan Kalashnikov culture and the burden of millions of Afghan wholeheartedly supported the US war on terror, even by refugees, which to date remains an unbearable burden on turning a blind eye to the violation of Pakistan’s Pakistan’s economy. One of the most devastating impacts sovereignty by many drone attacks and the provision of on the politics of the country was to push the country in Shamsi airbase and logistic support at the cost of our the hands of religious extremists which radicalised most of innocent dying children and their parents. Yet Pakistan, in the youth into ferocious Jihadists. Ultimately, they turned good faith, continued to face the war on terror and out to be a threat to Pakistan’s internal stability and sacrificed more than 60000 civilians and troops. It was a plunging its economy into decline. compromise for the sake of the war on terror. We even lost The USA abruptly left war-ridden Afghanistan in the our Eastern part of the country through an international hands of 30 thousand trained Jihadis and in a short period conspiracy but the USA did not play its positive role to these American trained Jihadis turned into Taliban and save Pakistan from disintegration despite our political and Osama Bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri took them military alliance with it. The USA committed support to under their umbrella called Al-Qaeda. rehabilitate FATA but it remained limited to the non- This support to the USA cost Pakistan very heavily both in performed promises. terms of human lives and economy and while we were I have made some suggestions to the US president-elect to trying to recover from this setback, the tragic incident of consider treating Pakistan at par with India and the USA 9/11 dragged us back into the American war on terror as discrimination may come to end. He has previous we once again decided to support the US. knowledge of the issues of South Asia, being former US Despite none of the alleged culprits of 9/ 11 incidence was Vice President, and had closely worked with both Pakistan a Pakistani or Afghani and nor were they trained or and Afghanistan. According to reports, the President-elect incubated in Pakistan or Afghanistan, yet, these were has picked most of his cabinet who had earlier worked suspiciously branded as Al-Qaida’s sympathisers, having with him and most of them have earlier worked with our its base camps in Afghanistan. India, which had been PPP government at the level of Deputy Secretary of State playing as a Soviet surrogate till the end of war, nurturing and others of similar level in other important departments. and promoting terrorism through covert operations in the Here are my proposals which I have given to the president- region got a golden chance to launch a proxy war against elect. My letter along with these proposals have been Pakistan using the Afghan soil and took Afghanistan in already received in his office. grip by pumping in billions of dollars just to create seven PROPOSALS bases along the Pak-Afghan border thus launching hybrid a. The USA may like to withdraw its complaint against war continues against Pakistan. Pakistan to FATF as it is not based on facts on the ground Pakistan is now confronted with hybrid warfare on and it has adversely assailed our economy. multiple fronts, unleashed against Pakistan by India, with b. USA’s humanitarian intervention asking Prime Minister continued support to Daesh, under the full gaze of the Modi to lift the curfew in Kashmir with immediate effect international bodies and the UN. Yet, India remains and support Kashmiris to get their right of self- unanswerable. If left unchecked, India, under the direction determination by having a date announced by India as per of its Prime Minister Modi is all set to plunge the world the resolution of UNSC. into WW-III. I have requested the US President-elect, Mr c. India is misleading the USA about the ground situation Joe Biden, through a letter on November 24, 2020, to regarding CPEC whereas it is a peaceful and simple kindly revisit Indo-US relations as the recent military developmental project to enhance its trade with the partnership with India is highly detrimental to Pakistan as neighbouring countries including China. Hence, the it has been continuously suffering from the day we decided people of Pakistan will be happy if it is supported rather to stand by the side of the USA against USSR and than opposing like President Donald Trump. subsequently the American war on terror. The suffering in d. The sabotaging role of India in the Afghan peace terms of irreversible human and finical loss is a matter of processes may kindly be examined and India is asked to 29 refrain from derailing the peace process in Afghanistan for As the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, the secretary its intelligence-driven objectives. general had witnessed Pakistan’s operations against e. Prime Minister Modi is fully promoting its ideology of terrorist outfits and appreciated the sacrifices Pakistan had Hindutva through RSS and killing innocent Muslims made in successfully defeating terrorism, he explained. which is a matter of public record, that goes against all Since 2014, Pakistan has lost 83,000 civilians and soldiers norms of the new world order, which looks for religious in the fight against terrorism, which also caused a massive harmony. setback to the country’s economic and social development f. The USA had enlisted Prime Minister Modi/India as a — to the tune of $126 billion. top 10 religious extremist, but later, took him off the list, While Pakistan has successfully eradicated terrorist outfits encouraging and emboldening him to continue his crimes from its soil, cross-border terrorist attacks from against humanity with impunity. The list may be ungoverned spaces in Afghanistan have escalated over the judiciously revisited and if found culpable, Prime Minister past few months. He said: “We knew of India’s hand in Modi may be placed back on the blacklist. such attacks. We now have gathered irrefutable evidence While I have suggested the above to the US president-elect that India is engaged in a systematic campaign to and I would like to advise our Foreign Office to consider destabilise Pakistan through terrorist attacks, promotion of my above points as a point of negotiation with the new US secession and subversion in what is called Hybrid/5th administration. generation war.” Quoting from the dossier, Ambassador Akram explained DAWN, ISLAMABAD 26-11-2020 that the Indian campaign against Pakistan includes Dossier on India’s terrorism shared with promotion/ sponsorship of listed terrorist organisations, UN Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA), which had been uprooted from Pakistan, to conduct Anwar Iqbal cross-border attacks; sponsorship of Baloch insurgents UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has handed over a dossier inter alia to disrupt the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor on India’s terror campaign to United Nations Secretary (CPEC); merging TTP splinter groups and creating a General Antonio Guterres, urging him to prevail on Delhi coalition between the TTP and the Baloch secessionists; to desist from its illegal and aggressive activities. providing weapons, ammunition and IEDs to these groups; The UN secretary general promised to “study the dossier raising a special force of 700 to sabotage CPEC; training and take appropriate action”, said Pakistan’s envoy to the anti-Pakistan terrorists in 66 identified camps in UN Munir Akram who presented the dossier to the UN Afghanistan and 21 in India; tasking terrorists with chief on Tuesday. conducting targeted killings of important Pakistani Pakistan reserved the right to “act in self-defence” against personalities; setting up a dedicated cell to subvert CPEC India’s unending aggressions, Ambassador Akram projects with Rs500 million to subvert Pakistan’s progress warned. and economic strength and organising a new militia in Pakistan also plans to draw the attention of relevant UN Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province called “Daesh- bodies, including the Security Council, to India’s Pakistan” by India’s spy agency Research and Analysis sponsorship of terrorism. Wing (RAW). While addressing a press conference later at Pakistan Ambassador Akram said the dossier also contains Mission, Mr Akram explained how India’s irresponsible evidence of Indian subversive actions in Azad Jammu and behaviour could jeopardise the entire region. Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and in Karachi. Guterres promises Pakistan’s envoy ‘appropriate action’ India, he said, was seeking to utilise UNSC mechanisms Asked why major world powers were underplaying the to defame Pakistan by portraying itself as a victim of consequences of a simmering conflict in a nuclearised terrorism. “It is abusing the Financial Action Task Force region, the Pakistani envoy to the UN said: “There is (FATF) to damage Pakistan’s economy.” complacency because there has been a deterrence between India’s hybrid war was accompanied by threats of India and Pakistan since the 1988 nuclear tests. aggression against Pakistan, and daily violations of the “But the situation may not remain as stable as people ceasefire along the Line of Controls (LoC) in disputed assume because of India’s involvement in terrorist Jammu and Kashmir, he added. “India’s terrorist and activities against Pakistan,” he warned. “That’s why subversion campaigns are being directed from the highest Pakistan wants the international community not to ignore levels of the Indian leadership,” he said. the threat of a potential conflict between two nuclear- armed states.” THE NATION, ISLAMABAD 17-11-2020 In his meeting with Mr Guterres, Ambassador Akram explained to the UN chief how India was violating Pakistan shares proofs of Indian terror international law, the UN Charter and UNSC resolutions with P5 envoys by stoking terrorism inside Pakistan. “We have urged the SHAFQAT ALI secretary general to play his role in persuading India to halt ISLAMABAD - Pakistan yesterday briefed the P-5 envoys its terror and subversive campaign against Pakistan,” he about the growing involvement of India in terrorism said. targeting the neighbours, especially Pakistan. 30

Pakistan provided evidences to envoys of the UN Security international community by hypocritically levelling Council permanent members on Indian involvement in terrorism-related allegations against Pakistan. fanning terrorism inside its territory, a foreign ministry “It has also conducted false flag operations in IIOJK statement said. (Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu Kashmir) and inside “The ambassadors were briefed at the FO about India’s India to malign Pakistan. That façade has now been plans to destabilise Pakistan. A dossier containing the removed and the world can see the real face of India – one proof was provided to them,” said Foreign Office blackened by its decades-long state-terrorism in IIOJK and spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri. He said the envoys state-sponsored terrorism and destabilization efforts in were told that India’s action and adventurism was a threat Pakistan,” the spokesperson said. to the regional peace. The most familiar and undeniable face of India’s state- The P-5 envoys were urged to take up the issue with their sponsorship of terrorism against Pakistan, he said, was respective governments for the sake of peace in the region Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav — caught red-handed in and the world. Over the weekend, Foreign Minister Shah March 2016. Mehmood Qureshi had held a joint news conference with “His complicity in subversion, sabotage and terrorism in Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Major Pakistan is part of the incontrovertible evidence against General Babar Iftikhar and shared “irrefutable evidence” India. The world is also familiar with “saffron terror” of India’s policy of state-sponsored terrorism. orchestrated and unleashed by the RSS-BJP zealots “I have spoken about this on several forums and now it is against Muslims in India and against Pakistan. time that the national and international community know Masterminds of Mecca Masjid, Ajmer Dargah, and about this. I have credible information and irrefutable Samjhota Express terrorist cases, like Swami evidence to prove my claims,” he had said. Aseemanand, have been granted full state protection and He said that India’s intelligence agencies were harbouring acquitted in complete travesty of justice after having banned organisations such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, confessed to India’s National Investigation Agency,” he Balochistan Liberation Army and Jamaat-ul-Ahrar. said. FO rejects India’s bland denial to dossier on state- The spokesperson said that open threats to Pakistan by sponsored terrorism Indian civilian and military leaders, India’s sinister design “They were flushed out of Pakistan but now they are being to subvert CPEC and public statements by noted Indian provided with weapons, improvised explosive devices and politicians and senior security officials on ‘teaching ammunition. They have been instructed to target police Pakistan’ a lesson through use of terrorism constitute officials, Ulema (clerics), and other notables,” he added. further incriminating evidence. He said India was targeting the China-Pakistan Economic “The presence of ISIL and AQIS in India as highlighted Corridor and its intelligence agencies had formed a cell to in recent UN reports indicate that India is emerging as a disrupt CPEC projects. hotbed of UN designated international terrorist Major General Babar Iftikhar, the spokesperson for the organizations and posing a great risk to the region. Pakistan Army, presented the details of the evidence. The recent revelations by FINCEN files illustrate how “India embraced all banned outfits soon after they were India uses its financial system for money laundering and uprooted from Pakistan,” he remarked. other illegal activities such as terrorism financing — Meanwhile yesterday, Pakistan categorically rejected the brazenly and with impunity,” he said. Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ denial of the Chaudhri said that use of terrorism as an instrument of irrefutable evidence provided by Pakistan on Indian state state policy by India made it culpable under international sponsorship of terrorism. law, UN sanctions regime, and international counter- “Fully exposed, India has typically resorted to sophistry, terrorism conventions. obfuscation and re-fabrication. Bland denials and “It is the collective responsibility of the world community regurgitation of old litany of charges, however, will not to hold India to account and take practical steps to proceed change facts,” said FO spokesperson Zahid Hafeez against the Indian nationals involved in patronage of Chaudhri in a statement. terrorist entities,” he said. He said the dossier presented by Pakistan extensively The spokesperson said Pakistan expected the UN counter- documented India’s active planning, promoting, aiding, terrorism bodies “to proceed on the basis of concrete abetting, financing and execution of terrorist activities evidence provided by Pakistan and urge India to renounce against Pakistan. use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy. The UN “Since 2001, Pakistan has faced more than 19,000 must also play its part in dismantling of the Indian terrorist terrorist attacks on its soil and suffered 83,000 causalities. infrastructure, details of which have been provided in the The direct economic losses have been upward of US $ 126 Dossier.” billion. As a result of India’s sponsorship of terrorism, from across our borders, Pakistan continues to suffer DAWN, ISLAMABAD 21-11-2020 immensely,” he added. PM in Kabul Chaudhri said India had mischievously masqueraded as a PRIME MINISTER Imran Khan`s daylong visit to Kabul ‘victim’ of terrorism and sought to mislead the on Thursday has come at a time when a question mark hangs over the Afghan peace process, and when the US is 31 in the middle of a presidential transition. The latter his country would continue working with Pakistan for development has to be considered because it remains to be peace and stability in the region. seen how a Biden White House handles the Afghanistan In a statement, the envoy appreciated the successful file, specifically the key question of foreign troops` exit conclusion of the 2020 Afghanistan Conference in from the country. The fact is that the Pak-Afghan bilateral Geneva. “Japan welcomes the Afghanistan peace relationship has for the past several decades been viewed negotiations and strongly hopes that they will lead to peace through the lens of the Afghan internal conflict, therefore and stability in Afghanistan and the region. any improvement in ties is linked to peace and stability in We highly appreciate the significant effort by the Afghanistan. Mr Khan`s meetings with Afghan President government of Pakistan to facilitate the Afghan peace Ashraf Ghani remained cordial, and both leaders reiterated process." He said he looked forward to continuing working their commitment to peace as well as strengthening the with Pakistan to reinforce peace and stability in the region, bilateral relationship. Mr Khan offered this country`s full including through various proceeding projects of counter- support when he told the Afghan side that if `Pakistan can terrorism and strengthening border security, and support help, please let us know`. Engagement at the highest level for the host communities of Afghan refugees in the between Islamabad and Kabul is essential for improved northwest region of Pakistan, especially in the fields of bilateral relations, as well as peace in the region. health, education, water and sanitation. Too often spoilers have tried to drive a wedge between both capitals, which has prevented the relationship from THE NEWS, ISLAMABAD 16-11-2020 developing to its full potential. Moreover, there are CAR regionalism and Pakistan elements within the Kabul establishment that have no love Prof Shabir Ahmad Khan lost for Pakistan, and are constantly blaming this country Regionalism refers to institutional cooperation amongst for Afghanistan`s internal woes. While it is true that countries of a region. Any country has to be first regionally Pakistan has some leverage with the Afghan Taliban, integrated if it has to efficiently integrate globally. blaming this country alone for Afghanistan`s problems is This is particularly true for the landlocked but unwarranted. That country has been ruined by decades of geographically important Central Asian Republics (CARs) involvement in its internal affairs by external forces, – Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and including the superpowers of the day, as well as failure of Tajikistan. Though geographically Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Afghan political and tribal elites to accept each other. Western China, Mongolia and the above mentioned former However, if the relationship is to move forward, both Soviet states have been declared part of the Central Asian Islamabad and Kabul must build trust; regular exchanges region by many studies, this small piece of work takes the between the respective leaderships can help reduce the above-mentioned five countries as CARs. These republics trust deficit and address areas of concern. are closely linked and connected by a common language, Coming to the Afghan peace process, Donald Trump, in culture, religion, economic structure and history which his final few months in the White House, has announced a make these republics interdependent for stability and fresh drawdown of US troops. While the move has been economic development. The exception of Tajikistan or criticised by some in the American establishment, as well Turkic and Persianite identity never remained a source of as Nato, the world will have to wait till Joe Biden assumes division internally throughout the region’s history. This the US presidency to see what direction Washington will factor might have been used by external powers to divide, take vis-à-vis Afghanistan. Mr Biden has said that he too wane and rule.Since independence in late 1991, CARs favours a troop withdrawal, but wants to move more were inclined to regional cooperation and took initiatives slowly. Indeed, this is a critical time for the Afghan peace for regional integration such as creation of a joint Council process. Any major discrepancy in American policy may of Defence Ministers for greater security cooperation in affect the peace deal the US signed with the Afghan 1995 and a treaty between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Taliban in February, and a chaotic withdrawal of foreign Kyrgyzstan for creating a single economic space in 1994 troops may plunge Afghanistan back into civil war. named as the Central Asian Union. Tajikistan also joined Foreign forces, primarily America, must ensure that the in 1998 while Turkmenistan following a policy of positive withdrawal is orderly, while Afghan stakeholders neutrality did not. In 2001, this structure was renamed as especially the government and the Taliban must put in the Central Asian Economic Cooperation Organisation greater efforts for an internal peace deal. and also invited Afghanistan to join as observer. This body ceased to exist in 2005 by merging into the wider Eurasian THE NEWS, ISLAMABAD 26-11-2020 integration structures and Central Asian Leaders would Pakistan’s role for Afghan peace critical: not meet, sit together and discuss Central Asian issues Japanese envoy without the presence of external powers for the next Staff Correspondent thirteen years. Islamabad: Ambassador of Japan Matsuda Kuninori has There are obvious reasons for the lack of regional underlined the importance of the ongoing Afghanistan cooperation, despite these serious efforts by CARs. First peace negotiations and the critical role of Pakistan and said and foremost, the circumstances related to the political, social and economic transition in the immediate post- Soviet period demanded more focus on nation- and state- 32 building and consolidation of new political and economic offered its services to host sessions of intra-Afghan systems through constitution-making, institution-building dialogue and is ready to extend its railway and energy and legislation which pre-occupied these states. projects via Afghanistan to Pakistan, Turkmenistan has A steep economic decline was pervasive in Central Asia, been playing a positive neutral role since the 1990s while though varied from state to state depending on resource Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are desperate for peace in the and related market access during the 1990s. Secondly, the country to see their electricity export project to Pakistan intense regional and extra-regional powers’ focus on the materialized. CARs have influence and can neutralize and region due to its resource base with competing interests exert pressure in Northern Afghanistan to insulate and agendas to draw CARs into their own orbits different groups from spoilers. Pakistan has influence in complicated regionalization. Third, unrest in Afghanistan, the southern belt of Afghanistan, and both CARs and Tajikistan and explosions in Tashkent during the 1990s Pakistan can be instrumental in achieving sustainable increased the cross-border terrorism threat which resulted peace in Afghanistan. in tight and close borders within Central Asia, hampering The Central Asian-Pakistan integration via Afghanistan regional cooperation. through TAPI, CASA, Uzbekistan’s Railway and Energy However, after almost three decades, CARs have achieved Projects and highways will be more than enough for much as far as political and economic consolidation is Afghanistan to sustain its economy, to effectively address concerned and therefore they have been looking beyond the issue of narcotics and to substantially reduce its national borders and have been able to assert themselves dependence on foreign aid. Pakistan is naturally faced and refocus on regional cooperation. They have been towards Central Asia because South Asia offers almost addressing regional issues from a regional perspective. nothing to Pakistan in terms of regional integration until Since the change of leadership particularly in Uzbekistan the Kashmir dispute is resolved according to UN and Kazakhstan, radical institutional reforms have been resolutions. The Sino-Pakistan strategic and economic undertaken by both the states in every sector which partnership under the BRI and CPEC and the Pakistan- demand cooperation from other regional states resulting in Russia entente and growing strategic and economic a renewed focus on regionalism. cooperation reinforce Central Asia-Pakistan integration In 2018, all five CARs adopted a resolution on regional via Afghanistan. The North-South Corridor can be cooperation in the UN General Assembly. On the initiative developed from Central Russia, via Central Asia – of Uzbekistan’s president, heads of five CARs met in Afghanistan – Pakistan to Iran, South Asia, Indian Ocean Astana in 2018 after a break of 13 long years. In November and beyond instead of land-Sea (Caspian)- land and Sea 2019, the Summit of CARs was held in Tashkent and this (Arabian). year in Bishkek. This forum has become a regular annual Though CPEC provides an alternate route for access to activity and CARs have meaningfully addressed the issues Central Asia via the KKH, the historical and most of border management, water sharing, transportation and economic access to Central Asia is via Afghanistan. The economic cooperation mainly through this “Consultative western route of CPEC provides additional connectivity to Forum”. CARs have been able to adopt a common CARs via Afghanistan-Torkham, Ghulam Khan and approach to the common economic and security Chaman along Pak-Afghan border. Pakistan therefore challenges faced by the Central Asian region. In addition welcomes the new regionalism in Central Asia and to their consolidated statehood, Sino-Russian considers itself a part of the region and the process. In fact, collaboration for Eurasian Integration, of which Central Unesco’s 1978 definition declares Pakistan a Central Asia makes the heartland, through cross-border Asian country geographically. The new regionalism in the connectivity infrastructure, compel CARs for greater heartland of Eurasia also bode well for the effective cooperation by coordinating political and economic implementation of integration plans under the BRI and the policies to reap full benefits of the process. Eurasian Union. Two factors are decisive in Eurasian Integration – Russo- The China-Iran agreement effectively kicked India out of Chinese collaboration and technological developments. the race for Central Asia and also provides opportunities These two elements remained absent during the last 100 to Pakistan for enhanced regional cooperation. According years since Mackinder presented his ‘Heartland Theory’ in to one source, China will invest $600 billion in Iran during 1904 initially. Eurasian powers remained divided for the the next 25 years as per the recent agreement signed most part of the last century while their cooperation and between the two countries. It is obvious that Iran will join jointly working for Eurasian Integration may ultimately CPEC creating a win-win situation as far as regional shift a big portion of global trade from the sea lines of commerce and trade is concerned. Beijing’s presence in communication to continental trade corridors resulting Tehran will substantially reduce Washington’s pressure on from high-speed railways, pipelines and highways. Iran. There is a realization in CARs to play an active positive The US’s influence in the region has been waning due to role in ensuring sustainable peace in Afghanistan. CARs self-proclaimed challenges such as countering China’s are ultimate stakeholders in the peace of Afghanistan as it growing influence in the region, Iran’s rivalry, and provides the shortest outlet to the region in the southern deteriorated relations with Russia which still enjoys a direction. Kazakhstan has appointed a special greater say in Central Asia due to the Tsarist and Soviet representative for Afghanistan, Uzbekistan has sincerely legacies. II - ECONOMIC, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS

Subject Newspapers/Periodicals Date Page INDIA Economic Recovery 1. It’s critical to sustain demand, prevent The Tribune, 33 disruptions Chandigarh 28-11-2020 Editorial International Trade and Cooperation 2. India’s trade policy: Keep China out Hindustan Times, 33 New Delhi Editorial 16-11-2020

3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhutanese The Tribune, 33 PM launch RuPay Ph-II Chandigarh 21-11-2020 - PTI 4. India set to resume talks on free trade The Pioneer, 34 New Delhi agreements with EU, US 22-11-2020

- IANS 5. On economic growth, there is much we can The Indian Express, 34 learn from our past and from Pakistan New Delhi 21-11-2020 By Amartya Lahiri Inflation 6. Wholesale inflation rises to 8-month high in The Tribune, 35 Chandigarh October 17-11-2020

- PTI GDP 7. Oxford Economics revises downwards The Pioneer, 35 India growth forecast New Delhi 20-11-2020

- PTI AFGHANISTAN International Trade and Cooperation 8. Afghanistan, Siemens Energy Sign Outlook Afghanistan, 36 Cooperation Agreement Kabul 17-11-2020 - 1TV NEWS 9. EU Pledges €1.5bn to Afghanistan During Outlook Afghanistan, 36 2021-25 Kabul 25-11-2020 Pajhwok 10. EU Provides €10m for Afghan Refugees Outlook Afghanistan, 37 Pajhwok Kabul 28-11-2020

BANGLADESH International Trade and Cooperation 11. 3 Bangladesh gets $256.5m Green Climate The Daily News, 37 Fund 7 Dhaka 18-11-2020 By Md Fazlur Rahman 12. Japan-Bangladesh economic ties The Daily Observer, 38 By Md Abdus Sobhan Dhaka 22-11-2020 13. South Korea to provide $50m in budget The Daily Observer, 39 support Dhaka 26-11-2020 By Jagaran Chakma Remittances 14. Record $1.2b remittance flows in 15 days of The Daily Star, 40 Nov Dhaka 17-11-2020 Star Business Report Pharma Industry 15. Country’s pharmaceutical industry keeps The Daily Observer, 40 booming Dhaka 18-11-2020 Editorial Exports 16. Bangladesh export may reach $1.2b to The Bangladesh Observer, 41 ASEAN market in 4 years Dhaka 22-11-2020 - Observer Online Desk NEPAL Economy 17. Economic diplomacy for Nepal The Kathmandu Post, 41 Surya P Subedi Kathmandu 29-11-2020 International Trade and Cooperation 18. World bank provides Nepal Rs.42 billion to Spotlight, 43 support urban development and financial Kathmandu 18-11-2020 sector stability By New Spotlight Online 19. Asian Development Bank approves $150m The Kathmandu Post, 43 loan to upgrade two international airports in Kathmandu 20-11-2020 Nepal

- Post Report 20. ADB approves $160 million loan to upgrade Spotlight, 44 power grids in Nepal Kathmandu 27-11-2020 By New Spotlight Online

Exports 21. Higher tea prices push up Nepal’s export The Kathmandu Post, 44 earnings Kathmandu 18-11-2020 Krishana Prasain SRI LANKA Budget 22. Pre-Budget Report: SL needs massive Daily Mirror, 45 response to the economic crisis Colombo 16-11-2020

Reuters 23. A Budget for the future Daily News, 47 Colombo Editorial 19-11-2020 24. Budget 2021 fails to impress Moody’s Daily Mirror, 48 Colombo 24-11-2020

International Trade and Cooperation 25. BOI inks US$ 300 mn agreement with Daily News, 49 Chinese Tyre manufacturer Colombo 20-11-2020 Finance 26. ADB allocates US$ 220 mn funding for Daily Mirror, 50 healthcare projects in Sri Lanka Colombo 25-11-2020 27. Tokyo Cement invests US$ 12 mn to Daily News, 50 increase capacity Colombo 25-11-2020 Finance PAKISTAN Economy 28. The blue economy The News, 50 Islamabad By Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri 16-11-2020 International Trade and Cooperation 29. Dawood visits Afghanistan to boost trade, The Nation, 52 Islamabad investment cooperation 18-11-2020 Staff Report 30. Pakistan achieves trade surplus of $210 The Nation, 52 million with Italy in 2019-20 Islamabad 18-11-2020 - APP 31. ADB raises Rs1.83bn bond for Pakistan Dawn, 53 Islamabad By Khaleeq Kiani 19-11-2020

32. Pakistan, China sign $14mln deals The News, 53 Islamabad Staff Correspondent 20-11-2020 33. Sino-Pak agri coop to boost national The Nation, 54 economy: Envoy Islamabad 22-11-2020 - INP 34. Pakistan, Germany ink financing The Nation, 54 agreements worth €18.5 million Islamabad 28-11-2020 By Imran Ali Kundi Privatization 35. Govt nods 97pc divestment in Heavy The News, 55 Electrical Complex Islamabad 17-11-2020 By Israr Khan 36. The future of e-commerce The News, 55 Islamabad By Dr Imran Batada 17-11-2020 FDI 37. FDI jumps 68pc in October Dawn, 57 Islamabad By Staff Reporter 17-11-2020

GDP 38. Pakistan saw negative economic growth The News, 57 first time after 1952: State Bank Islamabad 19-11-2020 By Erum Zaidi CPEC 39. CPEC a win-win situation for Pakistan, The Nation, 58 China Islamabad 26-11-2020 By Staff Reporter

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THE TRIBUNE, CHANDIGARH 28-11-2020 a price in terms of global credibility. It is rare for a country It’s critical to sustain demand, prevent to walk out of a free trade agreement (FTA) which it disruptions engaged with from the moment of inception. Yet, it is a powerful signal that India henceforth will adhere to a INDIAN economy, which had sunk to a record low during strategic trade policy that breaks with its past ad hoc mix the lockdown months and contracted by 7.5 per cent in the of generous market access and arbitrary protectionism. July-September quarter, is on the road to recovery — And all of this comes with minimal economic costs as stronger than expected, according to RBI Governor India has FTAs with all but three RCEP members. Shaktikanta Das. After a GDP contraction of 23.9 per cent Any new trade policy, admittedly, remains a road under during April-June, the ongoing quarter has witnessed construction. Over the next few years, the Narendra Modi green shoots: in October, a key manufacturing index rose government must show it has an alternative trade strategy to 58.9, the highest since mid-2008; the GST collections and the capacity to implement it. Some elements of a new crossed the Rs 1 lakh crore mark for the first time in the policy are evident. One, the spadework for new bilateral current financial year; the country’s power consumption trade deals with the United States, the United Kingdom grew by over 13 per cent compared to the corresponding and others that emphasise forward-looking areas such as month last year. However, the revival of industrial and digital sectors and immigration has begun. Two, India has commercial activities is attributable less to a series of joined nascent bodies such as the Supply Chain Resilience Atmanirbhar Bharat stimulus packages announced by the Initiative and begun holding talks for technology- Centre than to other factors — easing of restrictions, investment coalitions in 5G telecom and pharmaceuticals. pandemic fatigue, the festive season. All these have the same principle in common — they It’s the resilience of consumers and investors that has exclude China. spurred demand of late. Those who were saving and India’s new external economic policy is far from perfect. scrimping after the outbreak of Covid-19 are now Its new bilateral investment draft treaty has no serious spending to meet their pent-up needs and wants. But the takers. On the other hand, many of its new domestic increased consumption may reach saturation soon. Das has economic reforms mesh squarely with a 21st-century trade sounded a note of caution about ‘the sustainability of strategy. But the shadow of RCEP will only go away when demand after the festivals and a possible reassessment of India’s new trade posture results in something tangible market expectations surrounding the vaccine.’

Exports remain a major cause for concern. India has not THE TRIBUNE, CHANDIGARH 21-11-2020 been able to capitalise on the US-China trade war to cement its place in the global supply chain. The decision Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to stay out of the China-backed Regional Comprehensive Bhutanese PM launch RuPay Ph-II Economic Partnership (RCEP) has deprived India of PTI access to a huge market with reduced tariffs, which could Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with his Bhutanese have been beneficial in the post-Covid scenario. The counterpart Lotay Tshering, on Friday launched RuPay RCEP, the world’s biggest trade agreement, accounts for card Phase-II that will allow Bhutanese card holders to 40 per cent of the global GDP and 50 per cent of the access the RuPay network in India. world’s population. With the US and Europe continuing to In his speech via video conferencing, Modi spoke about grapple with the pandemic, India’s export options have the deep cooperation between the countries in a gamut of shrunk considerably. On the domestic front, the fields, including ISRO's preparation to launch Bhutanese government needs to act fast to resolve the banking crisis. satellites into space and BSNL's agreement with Bhutan The unrest and uncertainty in the agriculture sector — the regarding third international internet gateway. He also mainstay of the country’s rural economy — over the assured India’s support to Bhutan in meeting its contentious farm laws, also warrant immediate attention. requirements to tackle Covid. The disruptions, if not prevented, may derail the engine of growth. The implementation of Phase-I of RuPay cards in Bhutan has enabled visitors from India to access ATMs and Point HINDUSTAN TIMES, NEW DELHI 16-11-2020 of Sale (PoS) terminals across Bhutan. The MEA said India and Bhutan shared a special partnership, anchored in India’s trade policy: Keep China out mutual understanding and respect, reinforced by a shared The shadow of RCEP will only go away when India’s new cultural heritage and strong people-to-people links. trade posture results in something tangible New Delhi turned its back on the Regional Comprehensive PM talks about deep, expanding cooperation Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade agreement, which In his speech via video conferencing, Modi spoke about was signed this weekend the deep cooperation between the countries in a gamut of The prime directive in India’s trade policy today is simple fields, including ISRO's preparation to launch Bhutanese — sign nothing that opens the door to Chinese products. satellites into space and BSNL's agreement with Bhutan That is why New Delhi turned its back on the Regional regarding third international internet gateway. Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade agreement, which was signed this weekend. India will pay 34

THE PIONEER, NEW DELHI 22-11-2020 THE INDIAN EXPRESS, NEW DELHI 21-11-2020 India set to resume talks on free trade On economic growth, there is much we can agreements with EU, US learn from our past and from Pakistan IANS Amartya Lahiri India, which has not signed any trade agreement since The 73 years of post-Independence India has generated a 2012, will soon revive talks on the possible free trade lot of evidence across different political-economic agreement (FTA) with the European Union and the US. regimes. This period has also provided us with the Even as the Narendra Modi Government opted out of the contrasting experiences of India and Pakistan, two Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), countries that share history, geography and socio-cultural it is keen on inking trade deals with other economic blocs, mores. a highly placed source said, adding that India could gain What drives economic growth? It is a question that significantly amid a growing anti-China sentiment in preoccupies policymakers, academics, commentators and many parts of the world. analysts. The answers, unfortunately, are elusive. The EU is India’s largest trading partner accounting for Examining the experiences of different countries may 11.1 per cent of total Indian trade, on par with the US and seem like a promising approach. However, generalising ahead of China (10.7 per cent). from specific experiences can be misleading since ground conditions vary hugely across countries. “We are positive that FTAs with the EU and US will There are two ways to avoid the pitfalls of generalising benefit India and talks will be resumed,” Gopal Krishna from specific cases. The first is to examine the same Agarwal, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s national country over time to look for changes in outcomes at spokesperson on economic affairs, said. “India is not specific points in time. If one can correlate the changes in opposed to trade agreements with other countries, though outcomes with measurable policies or events, then one can now that seems to be the popular notion after we exited the potentially draw some conclusions. A second approach is RCEP, we understand the need to remain globally and to compare countries with shared history, culture and regionally integrated,” Agarwal added. geography. If there are stark differences in outcomes After intense negotiations for an FTA with the EU, talks between them, then there may be some policy lessons to have been stalled since 2013 after differences on various be drawn. issues could not be ironed out. The Indian subcontinent provides lessons from both Other Asian nations looking at trade deals with the west, approaches. The 73 years of post-Independence India has Vietnam has already inked one generated a lot of evidence across different political- Vietnam, which is emerging as a formidable competition economic regimes. This period has also provided us with to many economies, has already signed at a trade pact with the contrasting experiences of India and Pakistan, two the EU. ”The European economy needs now every countries that share history, geography and socio-cultural opportunity to restore its strength after the crisis triggered mores. by the coronavirus,” Ursula von der Leyen, President of Analysing India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per the European Commission, said in a statement. person (in 2011 dollars, purchasing power parity) since “India should not waste time now. It must act fast before 1950 reveals five distinct economic phases. The first phase other countries seal the deals,” Federation of Indian Export was the period 1950-65. This was the Nehruvian period of Organisations (FIEO) president S.K. Saraf told state-led industrialisation. While there was creeping Indianarrative.com. “We must revive talks on the stalled protectionism during this phase on account of a balance of FTAs and other trade pacts to cash in on the changing payments crisis in 1956, the economy on the whole geopolitical order. The current anti-China sentiment in remained fairly open. Starting in 1950 with a GDP per Europe could help India at this point and we must not person of US$841, annual per person GDP growth waste an opportunity.” averaged 2 per cent during this period. This translated to Typically, trade agreements including the one with aggregate annual GDP growth of around 4 per cent since Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have not the population was growing at close to 2 per cent. worked in India’s favour but experts opined that New The second phase of post-Independence India was the Delhi must remain engaged with other countries not only Indira Gandhi-led years, 1965-84. This period was an to boost trade but also to be heard in the global community. unmitigated economic disaster with negative per capita growth. India’s per capita GDP in 1984 was US$1041 Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla’s seven-day trip to which was lower than its 1965 level of US$1134: The Europe just a few weeks ago is being seen as an important average Indian in 1984 was 8 per cent poorer than the development in this direction. On Thursday the first stand- average Indian in 1965. The phase was marked with alone India-Luxembourg summit between Prime Minister increasing state control of the economy, nationalisation of Narendra Modi and his counterpart Xavier Bettel was held industry, closing of the economy to trade through tariff and via video conferencing, where the former underlined the non-tariff barriers, and a systematic weakening of need to expand trade and economic co-operation between institutions. India and the EU.

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The third phase is 1984-91 when the Rajiv Gandhi decades. Bizarrely, her administration appears to have government ushered in the first round of economic reforms escaped the virulent criticisms that have been directed at by liberalising capital goods imports as well as starting the Nehru years. Third, the Rajiv Gandhi government industrial de-licensing. These reforms were rewarded by a deserves way more credit for ushering in the first growth growth take-off. India’s annual per capita GDP growth turnaround of the economy. In some senses, the post-1991 averaged 3.1 per cent while aggregate GDP grew at 5.2 per reforms were a consolidation of a process that began under cent during 1984-91. the Rajiv Gandhi government. The period 1991-2004 is typically classified as the The trends also suggest four general takeaways. First, liberalisation phase, during which India dismantled much openness to trade and private enterprise usually has of its industrial licensing infrastructure and accelerated the positive effects on growth. Second, rapacious and removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. The exploitative democratic systems do not necessarily reform effort was reflected in the 4.9 per cent annual per promote growth. Pakistan in the 1950s, 1990 and post- capita GDP growth during 1991-2004. Viewed in 2010 is a good example. Third, the socio-economic conjunction with the reforms that were introduced in the environment surrounding religious fundamentalism may 1984-91 phase, this period is perhaps better classified as a be inimical to growth. Fourth, degradation of institutions period of reform consolidation. that regulate, arbitrate and enforce laws can be costly. India embarked on a distinctive phase of faster growth There may be lessons in these for Indian policymakers. post-2004 on the back of large investments in infrastructure. Per person GDP growth in the period 2004- THE TRIBUNE, CHANDIGARH 17-11-2020 2015 averaged 7.7 per cent. The corresponding aggregate Wholesale inflation rises to 8-month high GDP growth averaged 9 per cent. The rapid growth pick- in October up was financed through the public-private partnership PTI model for infrastructure investment. This came at a cost, The wholesale price-based inflation rose to an eight-month as a number of these infrastructure projects later caused high of 1.48% in October, as manufactured products problems in the banking sector on account of burgeoning turned costlier, with experts saying the RBI will keep NPAs, a problem that continues till today. interest rates on hold in its policy review next month. The To put India’s economic record in perspective, it is useful WPI inflation was at 1.32% in September and zero per cent to compare with Pakistan. In 1950, Pakistan’s per person in October last year. GDP was US$1268, which was almost 50 per cent greater This is the highest level of wholesale price index-based than India that year. However, in the backdrop of sustained (WPI) inflation since February, when it was at 2.26%. political uncertainty and upheaval, Pakistan stagnated Highest since February throughout the 1950s while a politically stable India grew. The wholesale price-based inflation rose to an eight-month As a result, by 1960, India had almost caught up with high of 1.48% in October, as manufactured products Pakistan in per capita GDP terms with the per capita turned costlier income gap having shrunk to 15 per cent. Unfortunately, The WPI inflation was at 1.32% in September and zero per from 1964, India went into two decades of economic cent in October last year stagnation while Pakistan, under the military rule of Ayub This is the highest level of wholesale price index-based Khan, opened up to foreign capital which funded a period inflation since February, when it was at 2.26% of rapid industrialisation and economic growth, albeit at While food article prices softened in October, the cost of worsening inequality. By 1984, Pakistan’s per manufactured items witnessed hardening of prices capita income was more than double that of India’s. While food article prices softened in October, Pakistan’s slowdown began in the 1980s during the manufactured items witnessed hardening of prices, military regime of Zia-u-Haq. Zia enabled and according to the data released by the Commerce and institutionalised Islamic nationalism in Pakistan. This Industry Ministry. Food inflation in October stood at period coincided with the reforms in India. As a result, the 6.37%, as against 8.17% in the previous month. income gap between the countries began narrowing sharply. Nevertheless, it wasn’t till as recently as 2010 that The rate of price rise in vegetables and potato remained high at 25.23% and 107.70%, respectively, during the India’s per capita GDP finally overtook Pakistan. Put month. differently, starting in 1985, it took 25 years of faster growth for India to finally undo the damage inflicted by THE PIONEER, NEW DELHI 20-11-2020 the inward-looking, anti-industry, anti-trade and anti- foreign capital economic regime that was erected by the Oxford Economics revises downwards Indira Gandhi government. India growth forecast From the specific perspective of India, the trends reveal PTI three key facts. First, India did reasonably well during the Global forecasting firm Oxford Economics on Thursday Nehru era. This is at odds with the increasingly strident revised downwards its India growth forecast over the recent criticisms of the Nehru years. Second, the biggest medium term to an average 4.5 per cent over 2020-25, damage to the Indian economy was done during the Indira from its pre-pandemic projection of 6.5 per cent. Gandhi years, which saw negative growth over two 36

In a research note, it said India’s post-COVID-19 scars President Ashraf Ghani that energy is not only important could be among the worst in the world. for infrastructure, but for all developments and “We forecast India’s growth equilibrium to worsen investments. substantially over the medium term, with potential growth “We will build an Afghanistan where citizens can look averaging just 4.5 per cent over 2020-2025 in our latest forward to reliable power, not only for their homes and baseline, as opposed to our pre-virus forecast of 6.5 per offices, but to ensure that their products, whether cent,” Oxford Economics said. agriculture, industrial, or services, can rely on sustained, It said an adequate and well-designed fiscal stimulus 24-hour energy, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” the would halve this impact by limiting deterioration in pre- president said. COVID-19 headwinds. “But, given the low likelihood of such a comprehensive OUTLOOK AFGHANISTAN, KABUL 25-11-2020 response, we project India’s GDP per capita to be 12 per EU Pledges €1.5bn to Afghanistan During cent below our pre-virus baseline even in 2025, implying 2021-25 the largest amount of scarring among major economies (Pajhwok) globally,” Oxford Economics said. KABUL - The European Union (EU) on Tuesday pledged It added that the Indian government has announced various €1.2 billion in aid to Afghanistan over the period 2021– schemes and reforms this year, with an eye on the medium- 2025 at the 2020 Geneva Conference titled “Peace, to-long-term growth. Prosperity and Self-Reliance”. “However, its policy implementation track record is mixed and is likely to have been weakened further by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, recent social and institutional developments that detract JosepBorrell, speaking at the opening session of the from its capacity to focus on economic policymaking,” the conference, said: “With intra-Afghan peace negotiations global forecasting firm said. having started, but terrible violence still causing great Beyond 2020, Oxford Economics said India remains one suffering for the Afghan people.” of the most rapidly growing economies in our baseline. He said Afghanistan was at a crossroads and the Afghan “But, that is not enough to preclude a large medium-term people could count on the European Union’s support for a output loss in the wake of COVID-19,” it said. prosperous and peaceful future for their country, but their Oxford Economics said that even after the pandemic is support relied on democracy, human rights, and social contained, India’s economy will have to deal with its progress being protected. aftermath. Commissioner for International Partnerships,

JuttaUrpilainen, who announced the EU’s pledge at the OUTLOOK AFGHANISTAN, KABUL 17-11-2020 conference and participated in a side event on anti- Afghanistan, Siemens Energy Sign corruption, said: “A pledge of €1.2 billion for the next four Cooperation Agreement years illustrates our commitment to the Afghan people.” 1TV NEWS He said the EU assistance will support the Afghan KABUL - Afghanistan and German giant Siemens Energy authorities’ agenda for democratic, sustainable signed an agreement of cooperation to boost the war-torn development and modernisation, helping to lift people out country’s energy sector. of poverty, improve governance, reduce corruption and The agreement was signed between the Ministry of enhance the daily lives of the Afghan people. Finance, National Water Affairs Regulation Authority and Commissioner for Crisis Management, JanezLenarčič, national electricity company Breshna and Siemens Energy who co-hosted a side event on sustainable peace building, in the presence of President Ashraf Ghani. as well as a high-level meeting on international Ataullah Nasib, head of Afghanistan Investment humanitarian law and the protection of civilians in Facilitation Unit, said that the agreement aims to help Afghanistan ahead of the conference, said: “We are Afghanistan access new sources of revenue as a platform boosting our humanitarian aid to help those most in need. for electricity transit, use local resources for electricity While it must never become a political instrument, production, and create modern and sustainable system for humanitarian assistance, International Humanitarian Law power production. and protection of civilians must be central in the ongoing He said that currently, 28 percent of people in Afghanistan Afghan Peace Process negotiations. The protection of have access to electricity and it is expected to rise to 65 civilian lives and respect of International Humanitarian percent by 2032. Law in conflict cannot wait for the end of the peace Meanwhile, COE of Siemens Energy, Christian Bruch, negotiations. It must begin now.” said that the company will help Afghanistan produce Significant but conditional support electricity from renewable energy sources and turn the The significant financial commitment demonstrates that country into a hub of exporting renewable energy to the the EU is unwavering in its determination to promote a region. peaceful, democratic, sovereign and prosperous Afghanistan, deserved and long awaited by its people, and 37 makes clear that EU development assistance is based on The three-year project will be implemented across the clear conditions and principles. country and is expected to benefit some 370,000 Afghan These conditions are laid out in a paper co-authored by the refugees and Pakistani host communities. EU and other key international partners of the country, EU Delegation to Pakistan Ambassador Androulla which combined provide 80% of international assistance Kaminara and UNHCR’s Representative Noriko Yoshida to Afghanistan. As reiterated by High signed the agreement at a ceremony here. Representative/Vice-President Borrelland Commissioner Since July 2018, the EU has contributed €37 million from Urpilainenat the Conference, the EU’s support to its development budget and €10 million from its Afghanistan is conditional upon an inclusive, Afghan- humanitarian resources to support the Afghan refugees owned, Afghan-led peace process that builds on the and their host communities, in particular through political and social achievements of the last 19 years. UNHCR’s regional programmes. Preserving democratic pluralism, the constitutional order, In May 2020, the EU announced a €150 million package institutional transparency and accountability, and the rule to support Pakistan’s efforts in addressing the short-term of law, further promoting human rights and fundamental and long-term public health and socio-economic effects of freedoms, especially for women, children and minorities the COVID-19 pandemic, including this new funding of and including freedom of media, and pursuing sustainable €10 million for UNHCR. peace, development and prosperity, are essential for In the health sector, it will boost health initiatives by Afghanistan’s future. helping to provide personal protective equipment, medical Many of the principles for EU and international support supplies and other relief items to health facilities in support are reflected in the Joint Political Communiqué and the of refugees and host communities. Community outreach Afghanistan Partnership Framework, which were adopted on the prevention and response to COVID-19 will also be at the Conference. strengthened. The EU’s development assistance is subject to adoption of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework along the THE DAILY NEWS, DHAKA 18-11-2020 lines proposed by the European Commission on 2 June. Bangladesh gets $256.5m Green Climate Alongside development support, the EU will also continue Fund to provide impartial, life-saving humanitarian assistance, Md Fazlur Rahman boosting the coronavirus response as well as assisting Bangladesh has received $256.5 million from the global victims of conflict and forced displacement, including Green Climate Fund to promote private sector investment with emergency food provision, protection services to through large scale adoption of energy-efficient address gender-based violence, the education of children, technologies in the textile and garment sectors. as well as advocacy for respect of International This is the first concessional credit line for Bangladesh, Humanitarian Law by all parties to the conflict. and the first private sector financing from the GCF in the In 2016, the EU similarly pledged Afghanistan €1.2 billion country, the Infrastructure Development Company Ltd euros over a four-year period. Actual payments in 2016– (Idcol) said yesterday. 2020 exceeded €1.75 billion. The fund was approved at the board meeting of the GCF In 2002–2020, the European Union has committed in total on November 13. more than €5.1 billion to Afghanistan. The GCF is a fund established within the framework of the The EU has been among the most generous humanitarian United Nations Framework Convention on Climate donors to Afghanistan. Total EU humanitarian assistance Change as an operating entity of the financial mechanism in the country since 1994 amounts to almost €1 billion. to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation

practices to counter climate change. OUTLOOK AFGHANISTAN, KABUL 28-11-2020 The Idcol, as the direct access entity (DAE) of the GCF, EU Provides €10m for Afghan Refugees received the approval of the funding proposal for the (Pajhwok) programme titled "Promoting private sector investment PESHAWAR - The European Union (EU) is providing through large scale adoption of energy-saving €10 million to boost UNHCR’s assistance for Afghan technologies and equipment for Textile and Readymade refugees and their host communities in Pakistan. Garment sectors of Bangladesh". The funding will focus on mitigating the short and It is the largest approved funding proposal for any DAE of medium-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the the GCF accredited globally, the Idcol said in a press Afghan refugees. release. UNHCR would use the funding to expand its health Under the programme, Idcol will get $250 million response as well as improve water, sanitation and hygiene concessional loan for a tenure of 20 years with a grace (WASH) facilities in refugee and host communities. period of five years for financing energy-efficient Another important component of the new project will be equipment. implementing activities that help protect and empower Another $6.5 million will come as technical assistance vulnerable Afghan refugees and host communities, (grant) to develop enabling environment by covering areas including through livelihood opportunities. such as capacity building, awareness, support in loan 38 disbursal and monitoring and evaluation of the programme enabling environment and ultimately to reduce 14.5 parameters. million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in emissions. Out of $250 million loan, $100 million will be utilised to Set up in 1997, Idcol is a government-owned non-bank finance textile sector energy efficiency projects, while financial institution working to catalyse private sector $150 million will be channeled to four local financial investment in the areas such as renewable energy and institutions for financing energy efficiency projects in the infrastructure. RMG sector. The total programme size will be $423.50 million, THE DAILY OBSERVER, DHAKA 22-11-2020 including co-financing from Idcol, local financiers and the Japan-Bangladesh economic ties project sponsors, Idcol said. Md Abdus Sobhan "This programme is a remarkable success for Idcol in Japan and Bangladesh are Asian countries whose relations terms of accessing climate change fund to pave the path are friendly, last longing, committed and reliable for the country to achieve its Sustainable Development development partners. To maximize the benefits in terms Goals (SDGs)." of faster economic growth and poverty reduction, Japan It is a massive achievement for the country, and Idcol as a and Bangladesh will need to strengthen bilateral economic lot of requirements have to meet, and due diligences have cooperation in several areas, particularly in trade and to be carried out to get the fund from the GCF, said businesses. The bilateral economic and trade relations Mahmood Malik, executive director of Idcol. between Japan and Bangladesh are old enough and they The fund for the garment sector would be distributed have strong historical and cultural relation--they share through three banks and one non-bank financial many similar facts. Japan and Bangladesh flags are seen institution, he said. cross- pinned in the image, symbolizing the best friendship Lenders would get the fund at a flat rate of 1.75 per cent between the two nations. Since its independence in 1971, for 20 years. Industries would get the loans at 4.75 per Bangladesh has consistently maintained good relations cent, Malik said. with Japan and the people of Bangladesh have a strong The Sustainable & Renewable Energy Development affinity and love towards Japan. Authority is also implementing a component of the As a citizen, the Japanese have some special qualities; they programme to strengthen the regulatory and institutional are extremely hardworking, meticulous, and thoughtful in framework at the national level to overcome the their deeds. They are very time-conscious and believe in operational constraints related to implementing energy themselves first before they believe others. As rice-eating efficiency and conservation in the country. nations, there are many other things in common between Presently, the industrial sector in Bangladesh accounts for our two countries. The Japanese love our handicrafts and 47.8 per cent of commercial energy consumption. Textile value our family traditions. They admire our simplicity of and RMG account for approximately 38 per cent of the life and praise us for our resilience in facing natural total energy consumption in the industrial sector. disasters and calamities. The readymade garment sector is the largest industrial Japan always fulfils her economic interest in Bangladesh contributor in CO2 emissions at 15.4 per cent, followed by through investment. As a developing country, Bangladesh the textile sector at 12.4 per cent, according to the GCF welcomes the flow of foreign investment in the country website. hoping for the introduction of new technology to help "These sectors are not operating efficiently because of improve the job market and the economic growth. Now it continuous usage of old and badly maintained machines is the fastest growing economy in the Asia pacific region coupled with poor energy management." and Japan is one of the largest investors and donors in If the current industrial energy intensity persists, along Bangladesh. In 1961, Japan, for the first time, invested in with the economic growth outlook in the medium to long Bangladesh; a joint venture textile mills. The number term, Bangladesh will face severe difficulties in managing Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh has grown rising energy demands and achieving its GHG emission more than triple time since 2008 reaching around 310 as reduction targets under the Paris Agreement, the GCF said. of December 2019. Textile and garment manufacturers face several barriers to Quoting JETRO officials in China, at least 34 Japanese investing in energy efficiency including inadequate companies operating in china have shown interest to financial incentives, lack of technical expertise and the relocate their units to Bangladesh because of attractiveness lack of an enabling environment. as an investor- friendly destination. Nearly 70.3 percent The sectors must overcome these barriers so that Japanese companies in Bangladesh plan to expand their Bangladesh can meet its nationally determined business in Bangladesh according to study. According to contributions target of 15 per cent GHG emission data from the Bank of Japan FDI inflows to Bangladesh by reduction compared to a business-as-usual scenario by manufacturing companies increased from US$3 million to 2030, the Fund said. US$ 27 million in 2018. Japan will make its largest The programme provides an integrated package of investment in Asia at Narayanganj Arihazar economic concessional financing for textile and RMG zone and Bangladesh's economic landscape will transform manufacturers, and technical assistance to create an in a few years with adequate support from Japanese government. 39

Japan is one of major sources of Foreign Direct Investment Maruhisa Group of Japan involved in Textile business and in Bangladesh and also a significant source of owner of Maruhisa Pacific Co Ltd in Adamjee EPZ, development aid to Bangladesh. According to statistics, up Narayanganj. to June, 2018 Japanese companies registered with BIDA In this Covid-19 pandemic time, with love and respect to of invest more than US$2003.53 Million. Japanese sister City, Naruto City, Japan as a gesture of deep investment in Bangladesh ranks 4th among the foreign friendship has sent some health safety items for investing countries after the USA, UK and Malaysia. At Narayanganj City Corporation. It will be considered a present, more than two hundred projects with Japanese remarkable occasion for the Bangladesh as well as the role investment or joint venture operating in Bangladesh. It is of Japan embassy in Bangladesh and also milestone in known that Bangladesh, geo-strategically located at the Japan- Bangladesh bilateral relationship. junction of East Asia and South Asia, may emerge as the An important characteristic of Bangladesh's relationship most important hub apart from India for Japan. with Japan is the way in which the diversification of From that point of view, transport network improvement, bilateral economic relationship has been grown. With the stable power supply, urban development, blue economy passing of time, the solid foundation of friendship and development, economic zone development, and private cooperation built during the last fifty years will be further sector development such as financial accessibility strengthening in future for mutual benefits. promotion are the areas where Japan wishes to cooperate under its BIG-B initiative, The Mass Rapid transit project, THE DAILY STAR, DHAKA 26-11-2020 Expansion of Dhaka's Hazarat Shajal International South Korea to provide $50m in budget Airport, The Moheshkhali Materbari integrated support infrastructure initiative (MIDI), an Energy Hub will be a Jagaran Chakma game changer of Bangladesh. There is ample scope to South Korea has agreed to provide $50 million in budget invest in Bangladesh particularly in the sector like support to Bangladesh to help the country continue its fight infrastructure, energy, agro processing, and textile and in against the coronavirus pandemic. service from Japan. In June, Bangladesh had urged the South Korean Japan is one of the important trading partners of government for financial aid amid the crisis. Bangladesh. Bangladesh exports agro products, And recently, the South Korean embassy in Dhaka readymade garments, woollen goods, carpets, handicrafts, informed both the finance and the foreign affairs ministries paper and paper products, leather goods, and silverware that Seoul has accepted Bangladesh's request. and ornaments. Bangladesh's imports from Japan include As such, the government of South Korea will provide $50 vehicles and spare parts, electronic goods, machinery and million loan under the Economic Development equipment, iron and steel products, photographic goods, Cooperation Fund to help Bangladesh address the Covid- medical equipment fabric and industrial raw materials. 19 fallout. There is an ample scope of collaborating in trade sector by The embassy has requested the government to complete introducing Japanese production process or integrating the official procedures needed to finalise the loan product development by exporting raw materials in Japan. agreement, which will be disbursed through Korea Japan has been one of major destinations for Bangladeshi Eximbank. goods. "I am confident that this provision will lend adequate In recent years, shoes, prawns, garments and leather goods support for Bangladesh's fight against the Covid-19," said are major export products to Japan. Bangladesh is trying Lee Jang-keun, South Korean ambassador to Bangladesh, to diversify export and develop more export oriented in the letter. industries. These very constructive measures will improve "I would like to assure you of Korea's firm solidarity with the existing situation and open up a new window of the people of Bangladesh in this joint fight against the opportunities for trade and investment between two pandemic." preferential countries. Bangladesh exported goods worth Bangladesh has so far received more than $2 billion as US$1365.74 million to Japan in the2018-2019 fiscal year & US$ 1200.78 million in 2019-20 fiscal year. Similarly, financial support from its various multilateral and bilateral partners to recover from the economic downturn. Bangladesh imported goods worth US$1852.50 million This includes aid from the World Bank, the International from Japan in 2018-2019 fiscal year & US$ 1294.91 Monetary Fund, and the Asian Development Bank. million in July- May of 2019-2020 fiscal year. The IMF is providing $732 million as emergency Every change begins with a vision and a decision to take assistance, the largest financial support provided by any action. Often an important social or managerial change entity to Bangladesh to deal with the Covid-19 fallout. begins with a single entrepreneurial change. In this The ADB provided $608 million as budget support and context, a Friendship City MOU was signed Between technical assistance, and the fund has already been Naruto City of Japan with Narayanganj City Corporation deposited to the government treasury. on 28th January, 2020 in presence of the Hon LGED The ADB extended the support to Bangladesh to help the Minister, Mr Tajul Islam; it was the first of its kind for any country address its immediate public health requirements. city in Bangladesh. This friendship sister city agreement was first initiated by Mr Kiminobu Hiraishi, chairman of 40

The Manila-based lender funded the immediate Experts hope the trend would continue in the coming procurement of equipment and supplies needed for testing months given the global economic scenario and the and upgrading the country's medical infrastructure. initiatives taken by the government. It also helped develop a system and community capacities Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal has expressed his for surveillance, prevention and response to the pandemic. gratitude to the expatriates. The WB is providing more than $600 million to help the He said the global economy faced a significant economic country take preventive measures amid the global crisis suddenly because of the Covid-19. During the pandemic. pandemic, the migrant workers have emerged as the Of the assistance, $100 million was used to help drivers of the economy by sending their hard-earned Bangladesh prevent, detect, and respond to the Covid-19 money, he said. pandemic and strengthen its national system for public The government introduced a 2-per cent cash incentive for health emergencies. the remittances sent through legal channels in the last The remaining $500 million is for providing budget fiscal year. Soon, remittances started to increase, Kamal support for different projects. said. The government has sought $1 billion from the Japan "At the time, many people started to say that it [the International Cooperation Agency (Jica). Officials of the incentive] would not be effective and the flow would not Economic Relations Division said they were hopeful about sustain," he said in the press release. getting support from the Jica. Even, international organisations expressed doubt about Besides, the government is seeking financial assistance the remittance flow, he said. from its development partners to procure Covid-19 "But the flow of remittance since the announcement of the vaccines as soon as it hits the international market. incentive has proved their predictions wrong, and it proved The ministry estimates that Bangladesh might need once again that we were right," the minister said. between $1.65 billion and $2 billion to vaccinate the 165 "Achieving more than $2 billion in remittance in a single million people in the country. month is rare in Bangladesh's history," he said. The ERD sought $500 million from the WB, $500 million Diversion of remittances from informal to formal channels from the ADB, $500 million from Japan and $200 million due to the difficulty of carrying money under travel from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to restrictions amid the pandemic and damages inflicted by purchase, store, transport and distribute the vaccines. the recent floods helped Bangladesh bring the remittance Bangladesh needs external financing to implement its $14 flow back to the positive territory in 2020, according to a billion stimulus packages introduced to help its people recent statement of the World Bank. cope with the losses caused by the pandemic. The In April, the multinational lender had said money sent by packages are equivalent to 4.03 per cent of the GDP. the migrant workers to Bangladesh is projected at $14 billion for 2020, a fall likely of about 22 per cent because THE DAILY STAR, DHAKA 17-11-2020 of the fallouts of the pandemic. Record $1.2b remittance flows in 15 days The rising flow from May led the WB to forecast on of Nov October 30 that inbound remittance would accelerate by about 8 per cent to $19.8 billion this year. Star Business Report Bangladesh is forecast to have posted the highest year-on- Bangladesh earned a record $1.2 billion in remittance in year remittance growth of 53.5 per cent among the top 49 the first 15 days in November, the finance ministry said recipient-countries in the third quarter of 2020. yesterday, despite grim forecasts made at the height of the Bangladesh received $18.3 billion in remittance in 2019. pandemic about the money sent by migrant workers. Remittance is an important pillar of Bangladesh's Even amid the coronavirus pandemic, the surge in economy and the second-largest source foreign currency remittance has kept its pace, the ministry said in a press after exports, accounting for 5.8 per cent of gross domestic release. In just 12 days this month, expatriates sent more product last year. than $1 billion.

"This is a rare event in the history of Bangladesh," it said. THE DAILY OBSERVER, DHAKA 18-11-2020 From July 1 to November 12, remittance inflow stood at $9.69 billion, up 43.42 per cent from $6.89 billion year- Country’s pharmaceutical industry keeps on-year. booming- Editorial The migrant workers remitted $2.11 billion in October, Bangladesh pharmaceutical market has been witnessing which was way higher than $1.64 billion flown to the commendable growth in recent years, according to a report country in the same month a year ago. of Dublin based market insight and analysis firm, Research October's receipts were the third-highest monthly flow in and Markets. The report titled, "Bangladesh history, behind July's $2.59 billion and September's $2.15 Pharmaceutical Market Future Opportunity Outlook 2025" billion. predicts, the pharmaceutical market of Bangladesh is to The increasing trend of remittances has given a massive surpass $6 billion by 2025--with an absolute growth of 114 respite to the government to manage its external sector per cent from its 2019 levels. It also indicates about a from the ongoing economic hardship. 41 compound annual growth rate of more than 12 per cent They also suggested organising single country product during the 2019-2025 for the industry. fairs frequently while Bangladeshi companies need to set However, biotech pioneers of our pharmaceutical industry up branches there. are considered as a valuable tool for the overall Chaired by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, the improvement and efficacy of the market. A majority of the webinar was attended by Bangladesh Ambassadors and growth is contributed by local companies. In recent times, High Commissioners posted to the South East Asian local pharmaceutical companies have been contributing countries, different Chambers of Commerce having more than 90 per cent of the overall available medicines in business interests with the ASEAN countries, the market. According to the statistics, the local market representatives from various exporters' associations and size of the sector was about Tk 25,000 crore in 2019. In high officials of foreign and commerce ministries; and 2012, it stood at about Tk 9,390 and in 2017 it hit Tk Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission. 18,755.6 crore. Currently this industry contributes 1.83 per Professor of economics department of Dhaka university cent to the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Dr. Selim Raihan presented the keynote paper titled It is encouraging to note that Bangladeshi medicines are "Expanding Bangladesh’s Business Ties with the ASEAN gaining more share of the global market. Manufacturing Countries". capacity of companies is increasing, and they are In his opening remarks, the foreign secretary said expanding their facilities and investing in research and historically and traditionally, Bangladesh has had very development. Moreover, quality and global image of our close commercial and cultural links to the South East medicines are better than many other countries. The Asian countries due to its geographic as well as strategic industry is one of the few sectors that maintain growth complementarities. amid the C- 19 triggered economic and health crises, while Ambassador Masud said that performance on the South many other major export sectors have been shrunken. East Asian front has to be much better to attain the Because of improvements in product quality and policy Bangladesh government's set goal of $60 billion export support, pharmaceutical shipments soared 4.49 per cent to figure by the turn of the year. $136 million in fiscal year 2019-20. In his keynote paper Dr. Selim Raihan pointed out that Currently, the demand for healthcare services is growing Bangladesh stands to gain significantly through at about 21 per cent annually in the country. Moreover, integration with the South East Asian countries which will local pharmaceutical market still have immense potential allow Dhaka to focus on export oriented manufacturing in the healthcare sector, since Bangladeshis still spend strategy and encourage export diversification. around $2.04 billion abroad annually for medical Observing that presently Bangladesh’s exports to ASEAN treatment, which is 1.94 per cent of the country's GDP. The countries are significantly low, he said, product notable change that attracted the world towards diversification followed by market and need assessments Bangladesh is a series of innovations coupled with positive in those countries will Bangladesh accelerate the desired outcome from research and development. integration process. The government has been playing a significant role in the BGMEA President Dr. Rubana Huq said, by 2030, rapid growth of the pharmaceutical market by providing ASEAN as a bloc would be the 4th largest economy in the favourable conditions for easy drug approval, production world and to enter that market Bangladesh should and marketing of new products. It has also focused on negotiate signing an FTA with a Rules of Origin clause reducing the country's dependence on the import of raw favourable to the ASEAN. materials. Industrial park in Munshiganj will help in the While delivering the closing remarks, MCCI President production of patented and already opened active Nihad Kabir supported the idea of a pro-active trade pharmaceuticals ingredients. If the country's policy. pharmaceutical industry gets full support from all stake Additional Secretary (East) Ministry of Foreign Affairs holders it can potentially turn into a major export industry. Ambassador Mashfee Binte Shams suggested that the Thus, contribute significantly in the country's economy. missions in the South East Asian countries should forge strategic partnership with prominent trade bodies and THE BANGLADESH OBSERVER, DHAKA 22-11-2020 chambers in the host country to organize single country Bangladesh export may reach $1.2b to fair not only in the capital city but also in the most vibrant ASEAN market in 4 years commercial cities. Observer Online Desk The meeting decided that from now on regular Speakers at a webinar organized by foreign ministry in consultations would take place between the Ministry and Dhaka on Sunday observed that Bangladesh's export the chambers on trade and vestment facilitation issues. volume can reach up to $1.2 billion from the present $60 THE KATHMANDU POST, KATHMANDU 29-11-2020 million to ASEAN countries if technical and non-tariff barriers are addressed, reports BSS. Economic diplomacy for Nepal They noted that Bangladesh has high potential to enter the Surya P Subedi ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) market It is about knowing how to exploit unique characteristics specially with its world standard pharmaceuticals or comparative advantage. products. 42

Economic diplomacy is about knowing how to exploit a looking to deposit their money in a safe, neutral country. country’s unique characteristics or comparative advantage With its traditional image of a relatively neutral country, to maximise the benefits for its people, and put in place Nepal would be an attractive venue for people to transfer sound policies designed to achieve these objectives. Nepal their savings. is a country rich in water resources and other assets such If properly developed within an acceptable level of an as Himalayan medicinal herbs, and it has a huge potential international legal framework and managed and regulated for the development of tourism and other services sectors. well, it can become a sizeable source of revenue The country is well placed to attract foreign investment to generation. International experience has shown that those harness its natural resources and develop its services sector who are well off wish to spread their wealth by depositing since it has achieved some degree of political stability. it in bank accounts in different safe and secure locations. To begin with, under the rules of the World Trade There is nothing to prevent Nepal as a sovereign nation Organisation (WTO), Nepali products enjoy duty-free and from providing the financial services that the rich require. quota-free access in international markets. What is more, For this, Nepal should have political stability, maintain the WTO has decided to grant a waiver for service sector strict and strong equilibrium with both its neighbours, products from the least developed countries to the markets present itself as a safe and neutral venue to do business in, of both developing and developed countries. In other have a robust framework of laws designed to protect words, economic diplomacy should be about exploiting investments, and regulate the financial services industry such opportunities offered by international law for a least- according to international standards. developed country such as Nepal. Based on the experience of a number of countries, it can Land-locked countries be said that the most influential factors for foreign Land-locked countries have felt disadvantaged, but their investors when choosing a country for investment are: status may actually become a blessing in disguise for Unhindered access to customers both at home and abroad; highland land-locked countries such as Nepal, as people Political stability; Impartial implementation of the rule of from low lying areas begin to strive for a place or space in law; Independent judiciary; Adequate infrastructure; such countries. Sound regulatory regime; Competitive tax regime; Quality of labour; Control of corruption; Transparency in decision Nepal will not have to erect coastal defences spending making. Nepal should address each of these components billions of dollars to cope with sea-level rise, nor will it seriously. have to manage population transfer from one area to another to save them from the negative impact of sea-level Attracting outsourcing business from other more advanced rise. Nepal will not have to deal with the El Niño effect or countries, not only from the West but also from the consequences of a tsunami. Highland land-locked neighbouring countries such as China and India, is another states may be perceived as safer places for investment, activity which will stimulate Nepal’s economy. With residence and business than low-lying countries such as rapidly growing prosperity and a rising middle class in Bangladesh or the Maldives. both our immediate neighbours each with a population of more than one billion, Nepal has a huge readymade market Exploiting the traditional image of a neutral and non- at her doorstep. aligned country, Nepal could develop itself into a regional hub of international legal and international relations Centre of attention institutions. It can take a cue from the Netherlands which Heightened competition for influence in Nepal among its has developed its capital city, The Hague, as the legal immediate neighbours and other major powers can benefit capital of the world, exploiting initially its status as a the development of the country. Competition among other relatively neutral country. nations for Nepal’s natural and other resources and for the Switzerland is another example. The city of Geneva has development of the tourism sector should increase its benefitted so much not only as a centre of financial bargaining power and bring in more revenue. For a country services but also as the home of so many international like Nepal, it is helpful to be the centre of attention and a institutions. Nearly two-thirds of the actual business place for healthy competition. activities of the United Nations are carried out by its Nepal is blessed so much by nature with so much beauty, agencies located in Geneva. If the physical infrastructure biodiversity and natural resources, including water of Nepal were to be improved in cities like Kathmandu and resources. It is the country of Mt Everest, the Buddha and Pokhara, Nepal would be well placed to develop these Pashupatinath. The country is the cradle of Hindu and cities as regional hubs of international legal and Buddhist civilisations, and it has served as a bridge international relations activities such as regional between Indian and Chinese civilisations for millennia, arbitration centres and regional think tanks. spreading the message of peace, universalism, Another possibility would be to develop Nepal as a multiculturalism and tolerance. Therefore, there is every financial services centre along the lines of Switzerland, prospect of more prosperity for Nepal, provided that the Andorra, Jersey, or even the Isle of Man. As people in country is able to put in place sensible policies designed to Nepal’s neighbouring countries grow richer, they will be exploit its comparative advantage and geostrategic status. 43

SPOTLIGHT, KATHMANDU 18-11-2020 of the pandemic’s impacts. The operation will also help World Bank Provides Nepal Rs.42 Billion build capital, insurance, venture capital and private equity To Support Urban Development And and disaster risk financing markets through regulatory reforms. This will help open new investment opportunities Financial Sector Stability for market actors and crowd-in private financing. By New Spotlight Online The operation also focuses on expanding access to finance Government of Nepal and World Bank sign financing for households, women and firms through regulatory and agreements of $350 million (around Rs. 42 billion) to other reforms that will attract additional inflows of support urban development and financial sector stability in international finance and mobilize digital services, credit Nepal to boost economic recovery infrastructure and literacy programs. Kathmandu, November 18, 2020 – The Government of “The World Bank is committed to support the government Nepal and the World Bank signed two separate agreements in implementing its relief, recovery, and resilience plan to today that will help strengthen urban governance and the meet urgent demand while focusing on long-term goals financial sector in Nepal in support of the country’s and opportunities to rebuild stronger and better from the COVID-19 resilience and recovery efforts. pandemic,” stated Faris Hadad-Zervos, World Bank The agreements for the Nepal Urban Governance and Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Infrastructure Project and the Finance for Growth “Through the new projects, we look forward to working Development Policy Credit were signed by Finance with the government to strengthen institutions for effective Secretary Mr. Sishir Kumar Dhungana on behalf of the service delivery as part of the federalism implementation Government of Nepal, and the World Bank Country process and build a resilient financial sector to boost Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Mr. Faris economic recovery.” Hadad-Zervos. Dr. Ramesh Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Urban “We are thankful to the World Bank for the support in Development, Mr. Shreekrishna Nepal, Joint Secretary, strengthening urban development and improving financial Ministry of Finance, Mr. Maniram Gelal, Director sector stability in Nepal,” stated Sishir Kumar Dhungana, General, Department of Urban Development and Building Secretary, Ministry of Finance. “The projects support Construction, Ms. Lada Strelkova, World Bank Operation Nepal’s implementation of federalism and the financial Manager for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Mr. Bigyan sector reform agenda, while contributing to the Pradhan, World Bank Senior Operation Officer and other government’s recovery efforts from the COVID-19 officials were also present at the signing ceremony. crisis.” The $150 million (around Rs. 18 billion) Nepal Urban THE KATHMANDU POST, KATHMANDU 20-11-2020 Governance and Infrastructure Project will support Asian Development Bank approves $150m municipalities located in two strategic urban clusters: loan to upgrade two international airports Eastern-Terai region (Provinces 1 and 2) and Western region (Gandaki Province and Lumbini Province). in Nepal Through Nepal’s’ first dedicated Urban Sector support, the Post Report project will finance strategic infrastructure in the targeted This will be the largest funding package the multilateral cities, based on the priorities of the municipalities and their agency has given to Nepal's civil aviation sector so far. citizens. The project will also support capacity building for The Asian Development Bank has approved a $150 the municipalities for improved urban management and million concessional loan to improve the capacity of with strong focus on citizen engagement, enabling targeted Tribhuvan International Airport and Gautam Buddha municipalities to better plan, manage and execute service Airport in Nepal. delivery and urban management activities. This will be the largest funding package the multilateral The project will finance small scale labor intensive public agency has given to Nepal's civil aviation sector so far. The works, thus supporting economic recovery and creating Nepal government will chip in $48 million for the temporary jobs for at least 20,000 people across the improvement project. country, including women and other vulnerable groups. Tourism is a major source of economic activity in Nepal. The project also includes a contingency emergency In 2019, tourism generated an estimated $2.05 billion, response component to allow for reallocation of project which accounted for 6.7 percent of gross domestic funds to support response and recovery in case of a product. national emergency. Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the Similarly, recognizing several initiatives and strong country’s only international airport and a major hub for commitment of the Government of Nepal in strengthening domestic air transport. The Gautam Buddha International financial sector stability, diversifying financial solutions Airport in Lumbini will serve as an alternate international and increasing access to financial services, the Bank air transport facility for Nepal. Lumbini is the birthplace offered the $200 million (around Rs. 24 billion) Finance of the Buddha and is a pilgrimage and major tourist for Growth operation as a budgetary support. It will destination. support enhanced supervision of risks confronting the According to an Asian Development Bank official, $60 banking and financial institutions, especially in the context million will be spent on building a state-of-the-art 44 international terminal building, known as Terminal 2 (T2), 350,000 electricity consumers in the Kathmandu Valley. at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa. An electricity distribution system command and control Another $100 million has been earmarked for building a center in Kathmandu will also be constructed. parallel taxiway at the southern side of the runway of Awareness-raising activities on the safe and efficient use Tribhuvan International Airport and a new hangar apron of electricity for electricity consumers, including women facility at the eastern side of the runway. and disadvantaged groups, will be conducted. The project The total cost of the project, including value added tax, is will strengthen the institutional capacity of NEA in $198 million. implementing its comprehensive corporate development “Asian Development Bank’s support will improve plan, train its staff in managing the automated grid Tribhuvan International Airport’s safety, capacity, and substations, and improve financial sustainability and operational efficiency. In addition, the new international corporate financial reporting. terminal in Gautam Buddha International Airport will play a key role in boosting regional tourism in and around THE KATHMANDU POST, KATHMANDU 18-11-2020 Lumbini,” said Asian Development Bank Senior Higher tea prices push up Nepal’s Transport Specialist for South Asia Kai Wei Yeo. export earnings “The project will help revive the country’s tourism Krishana Prasain industry and address the long-term negative effects of the Tea exports see a steep jump of 150 percent to Rs2.18 Covid-19 pandemic.” billion. Shipments in the first quarter of the last fiscal year The loan will support the construction of a parallel taxiway extension and hangar aprons at Tribhuvan International amounted to Rs871 million. Export earnings from listed products swelled 23 percent in Airport, and a new international terminal building at the first quarter, largely as a result of tea prices climbing Gautam Buddha International Airport to increase capacity. to record highs, traders said. The price of Nepali teas Another key component of the project is minimizing jumped by 40-60 percent on strong buyer demand and a climate change impacts. This will be carried out by using huge shortfall in India. clean energy materials, such as solar panels and installing Nepal exported goods listed in the Nepal Trade Integrated energy-efficient lighting at the new airport terminal Strategy (NTIS) worth Rs9.22 billion during the three- building. month period from mid-July to mid-October, up from THE KATHMANDU POST, KATHMANDU 27-11-2020 Rs7.49 billion in the same period last year. ADB Approves $160 Million Loan To Traders said part of the reason for the jump in export figures was the resumption of cargo movement after the Upgrade Power Grids In Nepal end of the Covid-19 lockdown. By New Spotlight Online Amrit Lamsal, under-secretary at the Ministry of Industry, The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $156 Commerce and Supplies, said that the production of million concessional loan to modernize power agricultural products like tea and large cardamom declined transmission and distribution systems in Nepal. in India and other South Asian countries, leading to greater While majority of Nepal’s population has access to grid- demand for Nepali products. supplied electricity, there is a need to increase the capacity Nepali products filled the gap created by production losses and reach of power distribution networks to meet current in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, he said. and future demands, improve reliability and quality of The ministry is planning to establish a single-window supply, and reduce losses. The Electricity Grid system to streamline trade and ease frontier formalities. Modernization Project will finance the automation of grid Lamsal said that the ministry would introduce a Trade and substations throughout the country, modernize distribution Investment programme with the support of the European and transmission systems in various areas, complete the Union, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock installation of smart meters in the Kathmandu Valley, and Development and the Trade and Export Promotion Centre. support sector reform and institutional strengthening of the The programme will help entrepreneurship development, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).ADB link. and provide support for collective trade marks and “ADB has been actively involved in major policy and technological enhancement. institutional reforms in the power sector, and this project Unless productivity is increased, exports cannot be is a continuation of our support to provide reliable and expanded; and the ministry is working to increase efficient electricity supply in the country,” said ADB productivity, he added. Principal Energy Specialist Jiwan Acharya. “Moreover, NTIS products are reviewed every five years. The ministry this project will position Nepal to be better prepared in its will review the listed products this year and identify new post-pandemic economic rebuilding.” potential products, Lamsal said. The project will, among others, automate 34 existing grid “We will be including products that have high export substations, install 220-kilovolt (kV) and 132-kV potential and provide financial advantage. The ministry automated grid substations, construct a total of 113 will name the products by studying the data provided by kilometers (km) of new transmission lines, upgrade 144 the centre,” he said. km of existing transmission lines with efficient conductors, and expand the installation of smart meters for 45

“We are doing a feasibility study to establish a ginger Exports of medicinal herbs increased by 43.8 percent to processing plant so that the product can be exported Rs355 million from Rs247 million. directly from Nepal to third countries which will benefit Leather exports declined by 68 percent to Rs21 million in farmers,” he said. the first three months of this fiscal year from Rs68 million According to Lamsal, the major market for NTIS listed in the same period in the last fiscal year. farm products is India. Europe and the United States are the largest buyers of NTIS listed handicraft goods. DAILY MIRROR, COLOMBO 16-11-2020 Exports of tea, cardamom, ginger, pashmina, medicinal Pre-Budget Report: SL needs massive and aromatic plants and carpets increased during the first response to the economic crisis three months of the fiscal year while shipments of yarn, Reuters fabric and textile, footwear and leather dropped. Given that Sri Lanka is facing a massive economic crisis, Tea exports saw a steep jump of 150 percent to Rs2.18 it is extremely urgent that Budget 2021 reflects the billion. Shipments in the first quarter of the last fiscal year changes that must be made to get the economy onto a amounted to Rs871 million. sustainable track. The crisis, rather than simply a Exports of Nepal’s tea have increased both in quantity and temporary, one-off effect of the COVID-19 pandemic value, said tea traders. Demand for Nepali tea is at a peak expose long-standing trends both in the global economy due to shortages created in the Indian market after and Sri Lanka’s economy. The question is whether the production was hit by heavy rain. upcoming budget will adequately respond to this reality. Deepak Khanal, director and spokesperson for the National Tea and Coffee Development Board, said that To make sense of the budget, we must grasp Sri Lanka’s longer economic trajectory and how it fits into the global exports of remaining stocks, immense demand and context. increased consumption of tea in India boosted shipments Sri Lanka’s economic model since 1977 has promoted the of the Nepali product. country’s integration into the global economy. J.R. Tea accounted for 7 percent of total exports. Tea traders Jayewardene advocated the open economy over Sri reaped a bonanza following a drop in output in the key Lanka’s previous import substitution regime. growing countries, India and Sri Lanka, and increased The regime led by Sirimavo Bandaranaike was unable to demand in the global market. break Sri Lanka out of its dependency, which it inherited Cardamom shipments rose by 16.6 percent to Rs1.47 from Colonialism. By the 1970s, during a similar global billion from Rs1.26 billion in the same period last year. economic downturn to the one we are facing now, the The Large Cardamom Entrepreneurs Association of Nepal Bandaranaike government was forced to commit to expects shipments to swell by 40-50 percent with good austerity and rationing. production this year compared to last year. Jayewardene’s Neo-Liberal policy appeared to offer relief Nirmal Bhattarai, immediate past president of the from these restrictions. He promised people the horizon of association, said that export figures swelled as stocks that untapped global markets. Now, more than forty years later, were in storage for four to five months due to the pandemic however, the reality has settled in. and lockdown were being dispatched, and production had It is becoming clear that the open economy policy worked also increased. primarily for the richest Sri Lankans. Even then it could Cardamom is being exported at Rs800 per kg currently, only function in a relatively prosperous global but traders expect the price to reach Rs1,000 per kg soon environment. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its due to a drop in production in India and Bhutan and rise in economic fallout, it appears that global moment is closing consumption. fast. According to Bhattarai, 90 percent of the domestic Neoliberal Decades cardamom harvest is exported to India, and the rest to the Although COVID-19 triggered the latest crisis, we must Middle East. return to the era of “hyper-globalisation” to understand Exports of pashmina soared by 35.9 percent to Rs771 why the structural trends eventually led to the current million during the review period from Rs567 million. Pashmina traders said that products that had been in breakdown. During the 1990s, after the The Soviet Union was defeated and the US appeared triumphant after the storage were being shipped in the past three months. Cold War, a lot of rhetoric emerged about fast-moving Textile shipments fell by 8.4 percent to Rs2 billion in the changes in the global economy. IT, the shipping container first quarter of the current fiscal year from Rs2.2 billion in revolution, and more were celebrated as achievements of the same period in the last fiscal year. irreversible global integration. These changes were Carpet shipments saw an increment of 4.3 percent to Rs2 reflected in the fact that while global GDP increased by billion in the first three months compared to Rs1.95 billion approximately 3% annually, global trade growth tripled in in the same period in the last fiscal year. Ginger exports some years, growing by approximately 6.5% annually in during the review period jumped sharply by 34.6 percent the 1990s (World Trade Organisation). The global to Rs173 million from Rs127 million last year. economy in this period was built on three main pillars: free The export of footwear decreased to Rs185 million from trade, financialisation, and privatisation. Rs186 million. 46

In terms of trade, the global economy was far less stable (Finance Ministry Annual Report 2019). Thus, Sri Lanka than it appeared. For one thing, it relied on growing will find it difficult, if not impossible, to negotiate the exports from places such as China to sustain US debt- kinds of settlements it can pursue with bilateral creditors, driven consumption. US consumers took on massive including countries like China. The question is, what will amounts of debt, even as real wages stagnated. The period finance capital do now that global investment is shrinking? looked relatively bright for export-producing countries How and when will the brute economic factors impact such as Sri Lanka. They repressed workers’ wages while continuing speculation on future profits in stock markets looking for Western markets that could consume the goods around the world, especially the looming bubble in the they were producing because workers in those countries US? The IMF projects that the global economy will themselves could not afford them. In 2008, the first bubble contract by 4.4% and the World Trade Organisation popped, and it became clear that US consumer debt was (WTO) projects global trade to fall by 9.2% in 2020. If unsustainable. The housing market collapsed. Americans global trade grew three times as fast as global GDP during faced the biggest economic crisis at the time since the the decade of hyper-globalisation in the 1990s, it is Great Depression of the 1930s. declining more than twice as fast as the shrinking global "The citizenry should be vigilant about the country’s economy. economic survival and the long-term rebuilding of society. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and They should demand that the budget reflects the scale of Development (UNCTAD), global flows for Foreign Direct the crisis, and at the very least addresses working people’s Investment (FDI) is projected to fall by 40% this year and welfare as the primary way of getting Sri Lanka’s domestic are not likely to recover until 2022. In other words, the economy back on track" model of export-led growth with FDI support has to be The next pillar of the global economy, financialisation, rejected due to the global economic realities. exacerbated the collapse. Although globalisation The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout have advocates promised a wave of foreign direct investment accelerated the trends outlined above. The world is for poorer countries such as Sri Lanka, the reality is much descending into another severe economic depression. This of it remained concentrated among Western countries and is characteristic of a capitalist crisis long in the making and a select few Asian countries such as China. Instead, that has been pushed over the cliff by the pandemic. because of deregulation and the emphasis on promoting Consequently, the global order is going through capital markets, financial speculators brought money in tremendous changes. China is for the moment the and quickly took money out of countries. exception, having controlled the spread of COVID-19 Much of the speculative investment was in real estate and within its borders. It has been able to continue with other areas of the economy that failed to create sustainable positive GDP growth for 2020 on the order of 4%. foundations. “Hot money” triggered explosive shocks However, despite its large domestic market along with its such as the Mexican debt crisis of 1982, the Asian major Belt and Road initiative abroad over the recent Financial Crisis of 1997, the Argentinian crisis of 2000, years, its surplus capital requires investment possibilities and now the most recent crisis triggered by the COVID-19 around the world, and there are likely to be fewer takers pandemic. Sri Lanka similarly saw a wave of financial with the depression. As the pent-up demand for its speculation from the late 2000s onward. This has consumer products slows, with the continuing fall in contributed to the sovereign debt bubble that looks set to global trade, pressures are likely to mount on China’s burst. economy as well. This trend relates to the third pillar of the global economy, The solutions unfortunately so far appear to be further privatising public assets as a proposed solution to consolidation of competing for regional blocs such as the recurring crises. US and China, and the polarisation of the rest of the world Because of unsustainable debt in both Western countries along these lines. The geopolitical question still appears and “emerging economies,” powerful global institutions relatively distant though for most people attempting to such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the recover from the immediate economic shock. The question World Bank (WB) initially proposed painful structural then is, how is the Sri Lankan economy experiencing the adjustment measures. They pushed “austerity” as a way of ongoing effects of the current depression? And what are enabling countries to settle their debts. Social services the local consequences for both the possibility of a social- were slashed, and in places like Greece after the 2008 democratic solution and the danger of a fascist solution to crash and the resulting Euro crisis, unemployment the crisis? skyrocketed. National Economy Great Shift The challenges for Sri Lanka are extremely urgent. Given While the IMF and WB have recently begun backing away that the country is experiencing so much pressure, it is from their recommendations, realising that the cure is necessary to disaggregate the consequences in terms of worse than the disease, they are still quietly backing “fiscal two major issues: 1) the external-facing economy and 2) consolidation” in countries such as Sri Lanka. By the end the internal-facing economy. of 2019, a total 47% of Sri Lanka’s external debt was Sri Lanka is facing an unprecedented debt crisis. In the raised in financial markets, and mostly large private recent past, Sri Lanka’s total debt as a proportion of GDP institutional investors such as hedge funds own this debt 47 was 87% in 2019 (Finance Ministry) and is likely to rise with food systems disrupted by the pandemic and the to nearly 100% over the coming year. depression. As a consequence, Sri Lanka will have to pay One solution to the revenue question is wealth and approximately 6% to 7% of GDP on interest alone without property taxes. The government will have to find revenue including the capital repayment, which becomes the lion’s from other sources, and given the significant popular share of the 10% of GDP in expected government revenue pressure, it is likely to experience if it attempts to raid in 2020 and 2021. Government revenue was already under working people’s assets, such as distributing 20% of the pressure before the crisis and that trend looks set to EPF funds, it will most likely have to look elsewhere. accelerate. The external sector in particular, with Austerity is no solution to the current crisis, especially approximately 50% of government debt owed to external when the very real possibility of famine among vulnerable sources and imports in Sri Lanka, historically twice the groups exist. At the same time, the government is afraid of value of exports is likely to put tremendous pressure, alienating its elite business constituencies. But the reality including fears of default. These dynamics have is that when capitalism experiences this level of crisis, the accelerated with foreign earnings from tourism reduced to only solution is to dramatically reorganise production, to zero, and a great fall in foreign remittances, both of which prevent capitalists from cannibalising each other’s market supported the trade imbalance in recent times. These shares and further depressing the economy. That will pressures on the external sector have become evident with require an incredible level of state intervention to promote rating agencies, the voice of global capital, downgrading investment and subsidise domestic demand. Sri Lanka’s debt to junk bond status and Sri Lanka having The question is whether this intervention will involve and to look to bilateral and multilateral donors for support. expand popular support, along the lines of a social- Rolling over past debt with new debt has become difficult, democratic solution, or whether it will become a fascist if not impossible. solution designed to crush dissent while dispossessing "Jayewardene’s Neo-Liberal policy appeared to offer marginalised groups, such as minorities. The danger is relief from these restrictions. He promised people the clear. It is only a matter of time before the ruling class is horizon of untapped global markets. Now, more than forty forced to choose. The upcoming budget will have massive years later, however, the reality has settled in" implications for Sri Lanka’s near to long-term trajectory In the meantime, Sri Lanka’s economy is likely to contract and time are ticking. by between 5-10%. Earlier estimates in the year were The government has a choice: Either 1) it pursues dramatic ignored or downplayed by the government. The Central measures, including wealth taxes and unprecedented Bank claimed that exports have rebounded to 947 million deficit spending to increase investment with a new set of dollars in August 2020, just 9% below August 2019, but priorities focusing on people’s real needs and to get the this was most likely due to excess inventory and pent-up economy going again or 2) it provokes an even worse fall demand due to logistical disruptions during the previous by wasting precious time and pursuing dilettantish months. Since then, the awareness of the larger crisis is proposals for foreign investment and export-led growth, becoming clearer to policymakers. Sri Lanka gets around which will supposedly appear out of thin air. 80% of its revenue from indirect taxes such as the The citizenry should be vigilant about the country’s consumption-based VAT tax, which means that as the economic survival and thethe long-term rebuilding of economy declines and people spend less, government society. They should demand that the budget reflectsthe revenue will also decline. Moreover, import duties which scale of the crisis, and at the very least addresses working are a significant chunk of revenue are under pressure due people’swelfare as the primary way of getting Sri Lanka’s to import restrictions to try and contain the external shock domestic economy back ontrack. to the foreign reserves that are needed for debt repayment. That is the first step to meeting the unanticipated external Without more investment, the negative effects will challenges that will involve further global manoeuvring; accumulate, further slowing down future growth despite both among the existing hegemonic powers and the rosier estimates for next year. In India, for example, Southern countries, which may yet be able to demand a between April and June 2020, investment declined by 53% just and fair alternative to the collapsing neoliberal order. compared to the previous year (The Wire). The Census and Statistics Department of Sri Lanka has yet to release data DAILY NEWS, COLOMBO 19-11-2020 for the 2nd Quarter, having delayed it to December 15th, A Budget for the future-Editorial but it is clear that investment has most likely experienced Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa would have found a similar shock in Sri Lanka. This combined with declining himself in an unenviable position entrusted as Finance consumer demand due to job layoffs is likely to create a Minister to present the country’s 75th Budget vicious cycle for the domestic economy. With private (coincidentally on the eve of his 75th Birthday) in such an actors unlikely to invest during a depression, the only way adverse economic climate where a deadly pandemic had out is government spending combined with renewed taken a heavy toll of the epicentres of the economy. efforts to reallocate capital among vital sectors of the That he emerged from the gloom and salvaged the economy, especially for greater investment in agriculture, situation says much for the resourcefulness and far sighted which currently contributes to only 7% of GDP. Such policies of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in adjusting to investment in agriculture is also critical for food security, 48 emergencies in devising economic strategies to stand up to offenders to part with their Black Money, whatever the the worst challenge facing the country. incentives offered, short of prosecution is not known, The Budget, contrary to gloomy predictions, spewed out particularly when drug trafficking offences carries the no demons that would have pushed the public further death penalty. against the wall. On the contrary, the public at large have Budget 2021 also showcases the President’s vision for a been bestowed with benefits at a time the Government technology-oriented workforce and a development would have been excused for not indulging in such outlook in all spheres. New universities are to be luxuries. established in each district targeting specific areas of high Beginning January next year, the Estate community will demand for employment opportunities. receive their long delayed Rs. 1,000 per day wage Earlier, higher education bursaries were confined only to bonanza. In the face of the massive economic setback university students. Now those undergoing vocational brought about by the collapse of all revenue generating training too will be entitled to a grant of Rs. 4,000 per sources in the wake of COVID-19, the Government had month which also goes to show the accent placed on not skimped on funds for development work or technical education by the Government. expenditure on social welfare. President Rajapaksa’s goal for self-sufficiency in food A sum of Rs. 3 billion has been earmarked to provide production and the gradual doing-away with imports is television/Internet facilities to rural schools to enable also reflected in Budget 2021 with a wide array students to follow educational programmes. The concessions and subsidies granted to the farmers and Government will also continue with concessions to the Small and Medium Scale industries engaged in local goods Small and Medium Scale industries and the public servants production. Business organisations engaged in agriculture, announced during the initial outbreak of the virus. The fisheries, livestock and farming industries will be maximum interest charged on Housing Loans to public exempted from taxes for the next five years. servants granted by the banks will continue to fetch the In furtherance to the accent laid on local production, a low 7 percent interest rate. Both the public and private proposal was also made to requisition all uncultivated land sector employees will receive the added bonanza of having in the country and put them to productive use. their compulsory retirement age extended to 60 years No doubt the Coronavirus will continue to hang like a (from the present 55 years). Sword of Damocles that will affect budgetary projections Coming at a time when incomes have shrunk and take- somewhat. Hence, the need for a collective effort to meet home pays halved, this indeed will be a God-send to those the challenges, so that the public may enjoy the benefits of on the fringe of retirement. This may also compliment the Budget 2021. popular school of thought that the best productive years of an employee is when he/she reaches a mature age after the DAILY MIRROR, COLOMBO 24-11-2020 accumulated years of experience and skills. Budget 2021 fails to impress Moody’s The limiting of the personal income-tax threshold to Rs. • Says budget’s growth focus won’t provide 250,000 a month on earnings from employment, rent and meaningful boost to output interest etc. too is a salutary move indeed. The Budget • Adds that increased spending will add to country’s claims to have abolished withholding-tax on all interest. fiscal pressure, which is credit negative The authorities should clarify whether this applies to • Expects govt. to face challenges in rationalising interest of depositors in commercial banks who had seen spending and delivering fiscal consolidation post- their interest rates being slashed drastically. coronavirus We make this point since a sizable majority of these • Says elevated repayment risks will continue to depositors are retirees solely dependent on their bank raise pressure on the govt.’s external and liquidity interest to survive - their medications and other needs in position old age being of particular concern. Hopefully, the Budget Moody’s Investors Service in a report issued yesterday debate would shed more light in this regard. The decision said, “Sri Lanka’s 2021 budget highlights the ongoing taken to get tough with legal action to be taken against the fiscal challenges and is unlikely to significantly boost ETI owners if they continue to default their depositors is growth,”indicating that the change of opinion between the also a sound decision that would win for the Government government and the rating agencies at large over the the approbation of the thousands of depositors left in the country’s growth path, will continue post budget. lurch and would act as a strong deterrent against rogue Moody’s said the budget’s growth focus will not provide finance companies in the future. meaningful boost to the output while the increased The Budgetary proposal to ferret out Black Money and spending will add to the fiscal pressure, which is a credit channel this into the mainstream economy had been tried negative. before under various Governments. How successful the The government projected the fiscal deficit at 8.8 percent move had been is not known. The extent of the Black of the gross domestic product (GDP) for 2021 reinforcing Money now in circulation was recently exposed following its commitment to a medium term fiscal consolidation path the arrest of kingpins in the narcotics trade running into to bring the deficit down to 4.0 percent by 2025 backed by several billions of rupees and this was said to be only the continuous economic growth. tip of the iceberg. How the Government will rope in the 49

Moody’s showed that the budget 2021 calls for Rs.3.6 Sri Lanka expects to expand the economy by 5.5 percent trillion in expenditure, a 26 percent of increase from the in 2021 from a contraction in 2020, but Moody’s appears estimate for 2020, but failed to say that the government is to be struggling to see a world beyond COVID-19. proposing to cut fiscal profligacy by way of reducing the “We expect Sri Lanka’s economy to contract by more than recurrent expenditure to 14.4 percent of the expected GDP 3 percent in 2020, with prospects for a gradual rebound in in 2021 from 15.3 percent of GDP in 2020. 2021 increasingly at risk given renewed virus flare-ups “We expect the government to face challenges in and lockdown measures globally.” rationalizing government spending and delivering fiscal The budget 2021 was hailed across local business circles, consolidation post-coronavirus, as a large interest bill, first for giving them the much-needed predictability via rigid public sector wages, and subsidies and transfers keep maintaining the tax policy and second, the policies recurring government spending elevated,” the rating enunciated for enterprise renaissance, which could bode agency wrote. well for job creation, stronger domestic industrial base, Further, the overall expenditure for 2021 is higher because market access, and higher income generation. the budget has allocated 6.1 percent of GDP for public Moody’s in September downgraded Sri Lanka by two investments, which has the potential to generate revenues notches Caa1, from B2, citing wide budget deficits, slow in the future, compared to 2.6 percent in 2020. reforms and weak institutions. “But despite the focus of the development-oriented budget on reviving economic growth and reducing poverty, the DAILY NEWS, COLOMBO 20-11-2020 benefits will be limited by the magnitude of the pandemic- BOI inks US$ 300 mn agreement with driven hit to demand for Sri Lankan exports and the Chinese Tyre manufacturer collapse in tourism activity. Finance Domestic demand is also likely to remain sluggish given The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka signed an agreement still-subdued business and consumer confidence, and with a leading Chinese Tyre manufacturer in the world, ongoing import restrictions affecting industries such as Shandong Haohua Tire Co. Ltd to set up a project to construction and manufacturing,” Moody’s said. manufacture tyres for the export market. However, analysts point out that this is precisely why the Shandong will be established in 121 acres of land in the government needs to loosen its purse strings to support the Industrial Park within the Hambantota International Port. revival of the economy beset by the pandemic, and help The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has the private sector navigate through the pandemic until it offered this land extent to the to this Chinese giant can stand on its feet. company as their first -ever foreign direct investment In fact, this is the same policy practiced elsewhere—both within the Industrial park. In the first phase, the company developed and developing economies around the world— is targeting an annual production of 9 million tyres to be which are often referred to as ‘government stimulus shipped to 45,000 containers. packages.’ The government last week proposed to extend This significant investment will boost the rubber based the debt moratorium on the tourism sector by a further six manufacturing industry of the country, while creating new months till end of September, partly via Treasury path ways to the export markets. guarantees, in what could be the longest debt relief This high profile project has been qualified under the afforded by any government in the world. provisions of the “Strategic Development Act” with an It appears that according to analysts at Moody’s, the envisaged foreign direct investment of US$ 300 million. government spending to ride out the worst crisis since the Exports are expected to commence within three years. Great Depression, is financially imprudent and therefore Presently Sri Lanka gains US$ 01 billion worth of export credit negative. earnings through the Rubber industry. Their narrative, as explicit as it could be is to tighten the Shandong will manufacture semi steel radial tyres and all government purse strings no matter how much suffering steel radial tyres needed for trucks, buses and passenger the pandemic inflicts on the domestic economy. cars creating job opportunities for nearly 2,000 people. Presenting the same chart on foreign debt obligations falling in due every year through 2025, the rating agency The inflows of the skills and the technology to the local youth through this investment will be another unique repeated its claim that Sri Lanka on average has about US$ advantage for the country. Small and medium scale rubber 4.5 billion in debt repayments and, “elevated repayment plantation industry employees will be benefited through risks will continue to raise pressure on the government’s this new development. external and liquidity position as the recovery in major It’s expected that the Hambantota Port will become more sources of foreign exchange earnings is likely to be slow, productive with this establishment and thereby generate keeping the country’s international reserves position thin.” revenue while achieving the economic goal of the country. However, raising debt denominated in foreign currency Shandong’s presence in Sri Lanka being a world leader in could become relatively easier than prior to the pandemic manufacturing tyres to the world shows, the growing as global yields hover near zero levels. A convincing attractiveness of Sri Lanka as a destination for investment. growth story backed by political stability and higher The agreement was signed on behalf of the BOI by growth could draw foreign investors towards bonds. Susantha Ratnayake, Chairman and on behalf of the 50

Company Cao Mingzhang and Xu Jiancun from global health crisis while co-financing and funding from Hambantota International Port Group. The other other sources are also to be explored. dignitaries present were Rohitha Abeygunawardena In terms of sector shares, the indicative assistance pipeline (Minister of Ports and Shipping), D. V. Chanaka (State shows continued focus on transport (30.5 percent), Minister of Aviation and Export Zone Development), and education (25.3 percent), energy (15.4 percent), health Kanaka Herath (State Minister of Company Estate (12.4 percent), water and other urban infrastructure and Reforms, Tea and Rubber Estates Related Crops services (11.2 percent), and agriculture (5.2 percent). Cultivation and Factories Modernization and Tea and Sri Lanka, categorised as a Group C developing member Rubber Export Promotion). country, is only eligible for regular ordinary capital The Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister of resources lending. Youth and Sports Namal Rajapaksa, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong and the Chairman from DAILY NEWS, COLOMBO 25-11-2020 shandong Haohua- from China, Wang Keqiang joined this Tokyo Cement invests US$ 12 mn to occasion via online video Conferencing. increase capacity

Finance DAILY MIRROR, COLOMBO 25-11-2020 Tokyo Cement Company (Lanka) PLC recently entered ADB allocates US$ 220 mn funding for into an investment expansion agreement with the BOI, healthcare projects in Sri Lanka reflecting their appreciation towards The Government’s As per new COBP, Indicative resources available for farsighted decision to encourage the local manufacturing commitment for 2021–2023 for sovereign operations sector. total to US$ 2.07bn The company announced plans to increase local The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has allocated US$ production capacity by a further 1 million Metric Tons 220 million worth of funds to build Sri Lanka’s health with an investment of US$ 12 million. The investment system capacity and resilience under the recently unveiled received the green light by the Chairman and the Board of country operations business plan (COBP) for 2021–2023. Directors of Tokyo Cement Group, as a show of According to the plan, ADB is committing additional confidence towards the President and the Prime Ministers’ financing of US$ 20 million to the Health System bold decision to encourage and uplift local manufacturers. Enhancement Project in 2021. With the introduction of restrictions on unnecessary The funds are in addition to the already committed US$ 50 imports, the economy has been able to curtail the outflow million—including the US$12.5 million grant for the of valuable foreign exchange, enabling local project during this year. manufacturers in almost every sector to pursue their long- The project is expected to contribute to the government’s term growth plans with greater confidence. Tokyo development objective to ensure a healthier nation by Cement’s decision to boost production, directly reflects supporting the development of a more responsive and this positive outlook, encouraged by the Government’s comprehensive primary healthcare (PHC) system in the pragmatic policy stance. country. The new investment will significantly enhance local value Under the new COBP, ADB also added a new project— creation; with the addition of more direct and indirect Health Sector Development Project— to develop Sri employment opportunities, compounded by the thousands Lanka’s healthcare sector by committing US $200 million of ancillary product and service suppliers supported in 2023. through local cement manufacturing, setting off a ripple In addition, ADB is also committing US$1 million as a effect of economic benefits as envisaged by the technical grant in 2022, and further US$ 1 million as Government. standby in 2023, for preparation and implementation of the The added capital will push up the installed capacity at the Health Sector Development Project. Tokyo Cement Factory in Trincomalee, reinstating the According to the COBP, the indicative resources available Company’s readiness to cater to the future growth in for commitment for 2021–2023 for sovereign operations demand of the local construction industry. With an 18- total to US$ 2.07 billion. month expansion plan Tokyo Cement will increase the The cumulative lending programme comprising firm production of TOKYO SUPER, NIPPON CEMENT and projects for the period is estimated at US$ 1.78 billion (14 NIPPON CEMENT PRO, market leading brands of percent under-programming) or US$ 2.00 billion if Ordinary Portland and Blended Hydraulic Cements, using standby projects were included (3 percent under- state-of-the-art advanced technology. programming). However, it noted that the final allocation would depend THE NEWS, ISLAMABAD 16-11-2020 on sector portfolio performance, absorptive capacity, The blue economy availability of resources, and project readiness. Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri The COBP maintains flexibility to respond to government The long list of ‘immediate’ economic concerns has all but priorities and the evolving situation stemming from the overridden the fact that this outgoing year was supposed to be the ‘year of the blue economy’. So, as 2020 is coming 51 to a close, it is important to ask why a blue economy political pressure and partly due to lack of capacities; and matters to Pakistan and what the country needs to do to use iv) the absence of a tourism infrastructure. its blue resources for economic revival. The last of these has been partly addressed with the A blue economy related to the traditional ocean-related construction of the Makran Coastal Highway. But a lot economic activities such as fisheries, tourism and more needs to be done. The second and the first are closely maritime transport – and new and emerging opportunities connected: if Islamabad can ensure that the Baloch have such as offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, seabed the final word on any development taking place in their extractive activities and marine-biotechnology etc. This native areas then, of course, the insurgency will eventually latter set of activities certainly seems too fancy for us to die down. This would in turn enable the provincial tap in the short run but we are not putting even our government to focus on coastal development. traditional oceanic-linked resources to their best use. This, admittedly, is easier said than done. Devising an Marine transport is the single largest component of inclusive, participatory and people-first model of Pakistan’s existing blue economy. It carries 95 percent of development is something that successive federal Pakistan’s external trade – as well as transit of goods to governments have persistently failed to achieve. If and from Afghanistan. Two state-sector port handling Pakistan can jump over this hurdle without getting hurt in entities – the Port Qasim Authority and Karachi Port Trust the process, imagine the revenue that coastal resorts and – so far have an annual revenue of more than Rs20 billion. domestic cruise ship travel can bring. Also imagine the This can be increased manifold if we can connect our ports revenue that can be earned by allowing the private sector to the landlocked Central Asian States. to run domestic and international cruise ships – just like Is that connection even possible? After these states won the ones we used for ferrying pilgrims to Saudi Arabia independence with the collapse of Soviet Union in 1991, before the 1990s. many in Pakistan thought we could serve as a conduit of Gwadar also has the potential to be a center for refueling trade for them – but the ceaseless conflict in Afghanistan /bunkering, transshipment, ship repair and ship building as has been a major stumbling block. The other major hurdle it is almost equidistant from the Suez Canal and the Straits has been the lack of infrastructure needed to handle the of Malacca – two highly busy shipping lanes. It is also cargo going to and coming from these states. located right next to one of the busiest sea trade routes in Even if we could magically manage to have all this the world. One, however, really wonders as to why has infrastructure overnight, we cannot have profitable Gwadar failed to realize its multiple potentials. communication links with Central Asia unless we have the Here is a possible explanation. The Gwadar Port was compatible rail gauge and custom arrangements. completed and first leased out to a Singaporean company We also need to improve the capacity of the Pakistan in 2007 (and later to a Chinese one in 2013). For six years, National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) which owns all the it was not connected to mainland Pakistan. Now, however, 11 ships registered in Pakistan. As of now, the PNSC that problem has been addressed thanks to the Makran handles only five percent of the cargo freight to and from Coastal Highway and the road network built under CPEC. Pakistan. Given that the total annual cost of the cargo Pakistan has also provided land for a free trade zone (FTZ) freight coming to and leaving Pakistan stands at $5 billion, in Gwadar to Chinese port operators who, in the first Pakistan-registered ships are earning only $0.25 billion of phase, are developing an FTZ on 60 acres. In the second this amount. Without increasing the PNSC’s capacity, phase, the FTZ is to be expanded to another 2260 acres but therefore, most of the benefits of an increased transit trade this phase was conditional upon Pakistan fulfilling certain passing through Pakistan will accrue to foreign sea-liners. obligations – such giving the Chinese company the right In a welcome step, however, the Ministry of Maritime to construct a road that links the FTZ with the Makran Affairs (MOMA) has recently announced a new shipping Coastal Highway and the Gwadar new airport, and to policy, offering generous tax breaks and privileges to exempt the FTZ from customs, income tax and sales tax investors who register their ships in Pakistani. The policy till 2040. is yet to show results but its medium-to-long term goal The latter exemption has been allowed finally in 2020 – should be to retrieve a large part of the freight costs being after a delay of seven long years. The construction of the earned by foreign sea-liners from Pakistani ports. road has also been given a go-ahead recently. The delay in Pakistan also under-utilizes its 1000-kilometer long coast fulfilling these obligations has had the inevitable impact – – most of which lies in a pristine state in Balochistan. a delay in construction of the FTZ. Our policymakers Whereas the coast east of Karachi is deltaic and, therefore, needed to understand that no new ports in the world have is unsuitable for luxury sea cruises, the coast in succeeded without having an FTZ of their own. Balochistan has a lot of potential in this regard. The four Likewise, even though the port was ready 13 years ago, major hurdles that stand in the way of any progress in this Pakistan has not decided even now whether it is meant for regard are: i) a low-intensity but persisting insurgency in its own foreign trade or if it will be used as a transshipment parts of southern Balochistan; ii) the resentment among the port – one that connects trading countries in different parts Baloch population over centrally-controlled development; of the world just as Dubai Port does. In any case, it cannot iii) reluctance among the provincial bureaucracy to carry but be a transshipment port for now because it is situated out any meaningful developmental project, partly due to in an economically isolated region which has no manufacturing activity of its own. 52

But, worryingly, Pakistan has had no transshipment policy this month. Apart from the Adviser to PM on Commerce, until a few months ago when MOMA finally came up with the delegation includes high-level officials from the a draft. Similarly, the Ministry of Commerce and the FBR Ministries of Commerce and Maritime, Federal Board of have still not allowed de-stuffing and cross-stuffing – Revenue (Customs) and State Bank of Pakistan. shifting of cargo from one container to another – which The adviser met a number of dignitaries representing a attract shipping lines and are necessary for the success of cross-section of Afghan government. The Adviser to PM now ports. called on the Afghan President and discussed wide range The details of Pakistan’s missing preparedness for a blue of issues pertaining to trade and economic integration. He economy in general and for the success of the Gwadar Port also met Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the High in particular are pretty long but perhaps a couple more Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR), and thanked examples will illustrate this point clearly. him for his support. He also called on the Speaker of Da The electricity that powers Gwadar comes from Iran but it Afghan Wolesi Jirga and the Governor of Da Afghanistan is neither sufficient nor commercially viable for meeting Bank. the rising demand in and around Gwadar. On the other The 7th Meeting of the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade hand, Nepra is yet to approve the tariff for two power Cooperation Authority (APTTCA) was held in Kabul after plants of 330MW each to be installed by a Chinese a break of more than four years. During the official talks, company in Gwadar. extensive and fruitful deliberations were held on the whole The delay in completion of the FTZ due to our negligence spectrum of bilateral trade and investment relations has put us in a vicious cycle. Tariffs cannot be approved to including formalising of the informal cross-border trade. Chinese generators because once it is approved, a Chinese The Adviser hoped that the visit would mark the beginning company would take two years to install a 330MW power of a new era of trade and investment cooperation between plant. As the FTZ is nonfunctional, we would have to pay the two countries. This would lead to integration of the two capacity payment charges to the company for not using the economies and move the bilateral trade to a more formal electricity. On the other hand, without this electricity, the and documented arrangement. This deepening of trade and FTZ will not kick-off. Investment relations between the two countries would also The success of the Gwadar Port, similarly, depends upon enhance trade Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan and the construction of breakwater (a structure needed to beyond, to the Central Asian Countries. protect an anchorage from the effects of both rough weather and longshore drift). This is estimated to cost THE NATION, ISLAMABAD 18-11-2020 Rs35 billion. The port also needs dredging (removal of Pakistan achieves trade surplus of $210 mud, sediments etc) which is estimated to cost another million with Italy in 2019-20 Rs2.5 billion. Pakistan has not yet decided how to fund APP these activities – through a public sector development ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has achieved a trade surplus of program, through a joint venture with the Chinese $210 million with Italy during the year 2019-20 as the company that is running the port or through a joint venture bilateral trade kept on increasing despite COVID-19 and with another party. The delay in making this decision, in lockdowns. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2019-20, Pakistan`s the meanwhile, is causing a delay in the port becoming exports to Italy stood at $731 million and imports at $521 fully operational. million. Credit should be given to MOMA for doing its bit. The major exports to Italy include textile, leather, rice, and However, the ‘year of the blue economy’ would certainly ethanol, a senior official of Ministry of Commerce told have been more meaningful if we could have APP here on Tuesday. He said that now Pakistan is market accomplished some of these tasks in 2020. leader in rice and it holds 38 per cent share in Italian rice

market and “We exported rice worth $62 million during THE NATION, ISLAMABAD 18-11-2020 the period under review”. He informed that Thailand holds Dawood visits Afghanistan to boost trade, 12 per cent share with $19 million export and adding that investment cooperation the India at number three holds 10 per cent with 17 million Staff Report in Italian market. The senior official said that the Pakistan ISLAMABAD- Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce embassy in Italy has also shared the strategy to promote and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood led an official Pakistani products in Italian market. Replying to a delegation to Afghanistan from November 16-17, 2020, question he said that Italian investment in Pakistan in June for discussions on bilateral trade, Afghanistan-Pakistan 2020 increased 45 per cent against the corresponding Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), Preferential Trade period. Agreement (PTA) and investment-related matters between He said that in value terms, the rice export remained $51.9 the two countries. million in last year and it has been increased to $56.4 The visit was preceded by last month’s visit by million in FY 2019-20. The Italian FDI came mainly in Afghanistan’s acting Minister of Industry and Commerce, energy, Pharmaceutical, chemicals and Information Nisar Ahmad Ghoriani, to Pakistan where he conveyed the technology sector to enhance the business to business special invitation of the Afghan President to visit Kabul relation between both the countries, he said. He added that 53 major investment came in energy sector from Italian dialogue with the government to achieve the best possible companies. outcome.” While talking on exchange of agriculture technology “The Pakistan rupee-linked Karakoram bond floated by between the two sides, he said that recently Pak-Italy ADB is an excellent initiative,” said Adviser to Prime Textile Technology Centre has been established with Minister on Finance and Revenue Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Italian cooperation at National Textile University, adding that it will have significant mutually beneficial Faisalabad. The senior official of the ministry said the outcomes for Pakistan and ADB. technology centre has been equipped with state of the art State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Reza Baqir also Italian textile machinery that would help in improving appreciated the ADB’s team over the bond ADB’s support textile processing especially finishing and final look of for Pakistan’s financial and economic development. textile products. He said that technological up gradation “ADB’s inaugural issue of Pakistan rupee-linked of textile sector is necessary to stay competitive in the Karakoram bonds will help deepen the capital markets of world textile market after more demand of textiles Pakistan while channeling funding to vital economic products in post COVID-19 pandemic scenario. The senior sectors,” he said. official said the Italy has plans to invest in renewable The ADB appreciated the support provided by the SBP to energy sector of Pakistan. The embassy of Pakistan, Rome facilitate coordination with the government to successfully is facilitating these new investment projects, he said. start this programme. ADB is a regular borrower in the While he informed that Italy is the 8th largest economy of mainstream international bond markets and has also led the world with $ 2 trillion Gross Domestic Products (GDP) issuances in developing Asian countries as part of its and it is the 3rd largest economy in the European Union efforts to promote local currency bond markets as an (EU) after Germany and France. He said It is Pakistan`s alternative to bank lending. ADB has already issued local 9th top export destination and it hosts largest Pakistani currency bonds in Indian rupees, Kazakhstani tenge and diaspora in the EU. He informed that in 2018-19 Pakistan Mongolian togrog in 2020. had trade deficit of $164 million with Italy. He said that Meanwhile, the ADB’s Vice-President Shixin Chen Italy is facing hard times due to the economic effects of reaffirmed full support for Pakistan’s development efforts the pandemic. and coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic response during a series of virtual meetings with senior Pakistan DAWN, ISLAMABAD 19-11-2020 government officials. ADB raises Rs1.83bn bond for Pakistan Khaleeq Kiani THE NEWS, ISLAMABAD 20-11-2020 ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has Pakistan, China sign $14mln deals raised Rs1.83 billion ($11.4 million) local currency Staff Correspondent ‘Karakoram bonds’ and promised its continued support for LAHORE: Pakistan and China signed agreements worth Pakistan’s development efforts and Covid-19 pandemic $14 million during the recently held Pakistan Industrial response. Expo 2020, a statement said on Thursday. This is a first issue of local currency ‘Karakoram bonds’ This was the fourth edition of the expo arranged by the by a multilateral development bank of which Pakistan is a Everest International, playing the role of a bridge between member, said the ADB in a statement. Pakistani and Chinese entrepreneurs and attracting certain A Karakoram is an offshore bond denominated in Pakistan investment and technology from foreign countries, rupees and settled in US dollars, listed on a major stock especially China, it added. exchange and settled through an international central During the three-day event, more than 2,000 professional securities depository. Pakistani businessmen participated and 448 match The international bond issue pays a 7.50 per cent semi- meetings were arranged on the spot, which let exhibitors annual coupon and matures in August 2023. The bonds from China to join B2B meetings with Pakistani clients were arranged by Citigroup Global Markets and sold to face-to-face. European asset managers, the statement said, adding the Delegations of multiple chambers and associations net proceeds from the sale of the bond issue will be participated in the event, including Constructors included in ADB’s ordinary capital resources. Association of Pakistan, Sahiwal Chamber of Commerce Previously, ADB had no local currency loans in Pakistan, and Industry, Sargodha Chamber of Commerce and but this option will be offered in future projects as an Industry, Swabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alternative to dollar borrowing. It is anticipated that Hardware Merchants of Pakistan, Chakwal Chamber of ADB’s local currency loans will be a boost to private Commerce and Industry, and Peshawar Chamber and sector development in Pakistan. Commerce and Industry. “Engineering local currency solutions is both an art and a The event was launched in an innovative model of “Online science,” said ADB Treasurer Pierre Van Peteghem. “Not + Offline”. All exhibits were physically showed and all only must we marry investor demand with market B2B meetings were held online via terminal equipment, conditions to achieve optimal currency and interest rates, which was installed on every booth, the statement said. but we must also dedicate time and resources to a close 54

The organiser followed the SOPs all the time, set are going to celebrate the 70th years of diplomatic relation, sanitisation gate, sprayer, temperature testers and arranged a very important milestone in our relationship,” he added. alcohol wet tissues and sanitiser for every booth. Other experts at the webinar said, Pakistan and China Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry show strong will to boost agricultural cooperation. (PCJCCI) President S M Naveed inaugurated and According to a report carried by China Economic Net, appreciated the Chinese businessmen working in Pakistan Zhang Qin, Vice President of China National Seed for putting up a superb show in which companies of the Association, said, the Chinese government encourages two countries showcased their potentials. private enterprises to enter into international cooperation Everest International Chief Executive Officer Yousaf Fa in the seed industry. said that they had started this exhibition in Pakistan to She also gave an example of Biocentury Transgene further strengthen the bilateral trade relations and helping (China) Co., Ltd, a private enterprise, which has entered the indigenous industries of both the sides to grow further. Pakistan and cooperated with Pakistani local enterprises. Muhammad Azeem Khan, Chairman of Pakistan THE NATION, ISLAMABAD 22-11-2020 Agricultural Research Council (PARC), confirmed that Sino-Pak agri coop to boost national under CPEC Phase II, the Pakistani government would provide facilities to Chinese agricultural enterprises. economy: Envoy

INP THE NATION, ISLAMABAD 28-11-2020 ISLAMABAD - Pakistan-China agriculture cooperation is vital and would strengthen the economy of Pakistan, said Pakistan, Germany ink financing Pakistani ambassador to China Moin ul Haque yesterday. agreements worth €18.5 million Participating in a webinar organized by China Economic Imran Ali Kundi Net, he said Pakistan is a leading country in the production ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Germany on Friday signed of wheat, cotton, rice, sugarcane, lentils, mangoes and financing agreements worth €18.5 million in field of milk and fourth largest producer of milk. energy, health & climate change. The ambassador said that agriculture contributes more The government of Pakistan, represented by the Ministry than 80 percent to Pakistan’s GDP and provides more than of Economic Affairs, and the Government of Germany, 30 percent of the national labour force. through German Development Bank-KfW, signed three He further said the agricultural cooperation was grant-in-aid agreements with a cumulative value of 18.5 extensively discussed in an important bilateral meeting million euros. Under these agreements, the Government of held between two foreign ministers in Hainan in August, Germany will provide support to the Government of 2020. Pakistan for health facilities and combating polio in the “The production of quality seeds, the productivity of country, along with services towards mitigating energy various crops strengthening an agro-based industry to issues. bring in value addition, manufacturing pesticides, and The agreements were signed by Noor Ahmed, Secretary, setting up gold chain networks were discussed.” Ministry of Economic Affairs, and Sebastian Jacobi, The Ambassador said that recently China has adopted its Country Director, German Development Ban-KfW 14th five-year plan for 2021 to 2025 in which the field of Pakistan. Under the ‘Women Employment in Private modern agriculture has given high value. Health Sector’, KfW will provide a grant of 12 million “I believe that Pakistan can make optimum use of China’s exclusively for the establishment of women’s health past achievements and its future agricultural development clinics in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab to promote schemes to address our weakness and consolidate our self-employment of women in the health sector, and strength in the agriculture sector,” Moin said. training of qualified women to run clinics. For ‘Polio eradication’, the Government of Germany, through KfW, China’s unprecedented success in combating poverty and will provide an additional grant of 5 million to augment bringing more than 800 million people out of poverty is the existing support for polio eradication. This will help indeed a miracle of recent times, helping communities to the government of Pakistan to finance polio vaccines and improve livelihood by developing their local agricultural meet the costs for vaccination campaigns for products. implementation of Pakistan’s National Polio Emergency He conveyed his sincere gratitude to China Economic Net Action Plan. for providing valuable support in strengthening economic Under the climate change/energy component, a grant of and commercial relations between China and Pakistan, 1.5 million is provided to Pakistan to implement from sponsoring mangoes festival, organizing various accompanying services for the Harpo Hydropower Project conferences and seminars to recently hosting the Pakistani in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. These accompanying government Pavilion in Shanghai,” the ambassador stated. measures will be carried out at the project site in support He hoped that two embassies and two governments could of the main Harpo Hydropower Project to ensure the work together to have some concrete results and project sustainability. The accompanying services shall achievements in the field of agriculture as next year they 55 comprise assistance to strengthen the power utility i.e. the and new product development, which would eventually Gilgit-Baltistan Power Department as well as enhance its profitability and market share in housing accompanying investments in the social infrastructure mortgage for middle and low income groups of the society. including relevant consulting measures. The CCoP accepted the proposal for moving ahead with Historically, Pakistan and Germany have enjoyed warm the transaction structure for divestment. friendly relations since the establishment of diplomatic The CCoP also constituted a committee to improve the ties in 1951. Earlier this year, the Government of transaction structure for Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) in Germany, through KfW, signed agreements with the consultation with the appointed financial/transaction government of Pakistan to provide 27 million euros for adviser for further incorporation of market requirements. Gharo Substation in the province of Sindh and 6 million The CCoP also approved the recommendation of the for the Regional Infrastructure Project in Khyber Privatization Commission Board to open, operate and Pakhtunkhwa. Noor Ahmed thanked the Country Director, close accounts in scheduled banks for the execution of KfW for providing grant-in-aid assistance to Pakistan privatisation transactions, including other operations in worth 18.5 million euros. compliance with the central bank’s guidelines. The meeting was told that out of the 27 properties the bid THE NEWS, ISLAMABAD 17-11-2020 price for 23 had been received. The financial adviser was asked to recommend a way forward on two unsold Govt nods 97pc divestment in Heavy properties in Multan and Rahim Yar Khan. The committee Electrical Complex also directed to engage the chief secretaries of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab to resolve pending issues Israr Khan relating to two properties in Swat and Lahore. ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation The CCoP also constituted a committee to look into on Monday approved divestment of majority stake in state- various sectoral issues related to the privatisation of owned Heavy Electrical Complex and transaction National Power Parks Management Company. The structure for sale of the House Building Finance Company. committee will meet within week to deliberate on the way forward. This committee will specify issues and set up The cabinet committee meeting, presided over by Adviser guidelines for addressing all the pending issues with to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Hafeez relevant quarters. Shaikh, approved the transaction structure for the The CCoP approved the guidelines for all concerned divestment of 96.6 percent shares of Heavy Electrical ministries/ divisions to ensure that the management of Complex (HEC). public sector enterprises, falling under the domain of the The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) directed Privatization Commission, runs smoothly. The guidelines the ministry of industries and production for the amicable direct all concerned to comply with the model checklist of and earliest resolution of issues related to regular the actions that may be taken/ should not be taken by an employees of HEC. There are 238 employees working at enterprise on the privatization list, as well as other HEC and out of which 213 are casual workers and instructions issued by the Privatization Commission for remaining are officers. each transaction from time to time. The Privatisation Commission failed to sell HEC several The CCoP directed officials to resolve all the issues before times in the past, but now it renewed efforts to accomplish the initiation of privatisation process. The committee the task, according to sources. The government will keep approved a model questionnaire that would help in the share of Benazir scheme in the HEC intact, they said. gathering all the relevant information regarding the entity that has been approved for privatisation. Sources said the power division had showed interest in All ministries/divisions and state-owned enterprises – getting control of HEC. Now things are moving towards having assets in the privatisation list – will provide divestment, they said. However, it is not yet known how information required in the model questionnaire to the much interest the private sector will show to take over Privatization Commission within 30 days from the date control. such request reaches the relevant department. The meeting also approved the transaction structure for the privatisation of the House Building Finance Company THE NEWS, ISLAMABAD 17-11-2020 (HBFCL). The power division was also asked to consider extending the validity of type testing licence of Heavy The future of e-commerce Mechanical Complex. Dr Imran Batada The decision was already taken in August, but was not Pakistan has been on a mission for years to shake up its ratified by the cabinet for want of some additional economy and create a cost-effective agenda to achieve information regarding the profitability and other issues of broad commercialization. To some extent. the emerging IT the entity. The meeting was told that if the transaction sector, growth in population and the growth of people proceeds ahead, the new investor can bring in capital, using the internet have supported this mission. operational expertise, capacity enhancement of HBFCL 56

The development of e-commerce in the whole world has observe a 25 percent increase in the exportation of made it possible for economic development. E-commerce information technology. globally has grown enormously in the past twenty years E-commerce could contribute majorly in improving the with growth rates of sales standing at 13 percent, which livelihoods of people as well as building competitive equates to sales that were worth an estimated $2.9 trillion. enterprise and increasing its share in global trade. These figures are expected to reach $4.5 trillion by 2021. However, with regard to increasing Pakistan’s global trade Online shopping reached growth of 12 percent in 2017 and closing the digital divide that is currently a barrier with a worth of $1.3 billion. There have been several between developed and less developed areas of the world, studies which confirm that 18 percent of all online retail there are essential things that need to be put in place which sales in Pakistan took place in 2018. Forecasts show that will enhance the competence both subjectively and by 2040 it is expected that 95 percent of all retail sales and materially. purchases will be made and facilitated online. Therefore, Pakistan is one of the few economies left where E-commerce has grown phenomenally worldwide over the digital representation can change the growth of the past few years, but most of these sales were made by economy quickly. If we take just a glance at the figures domestic buyers purchasing from domestic sellers. there is huge optimism for the future of e-commerce in However, purchasing from foreign sellers has recently Pakistan. The number of local e-commerce sellers gained traction as the share of buyers has climbed from 15- increased by 2.6 times from 2017-2018 and e-commerce 21 percent. Approximately, 25 percent of shopping payments increased by 2.3 times in the year. worldwide is now taking place online, with China recording a colossal 440 million online consumers. The sales of international and local e-commerce sellers are shown in the SBP’s Annual Report on the State of E-commerce is growing steadily in Pakistan. The industry Economy 2017-18, and confirms that there were Rs20.7 in 2018 was estimated to be at Rs99.3 billion which was a billion in 2017, which was a growth of 93.7 percent in good increase from 2017 when the figures were Rs51.8 2018 reaching a massive Rs40.1 billion. It is worth noting billion which is a healthy year-on-year growth of 92 that these figures are devoid of cash on delivery and postal percent. With a population of 208 million and several sales which made up at least 55 percent of the total of the financial inclusion solutions, Pakistan is one of the largest e-commerce at this time in Pakistan. unrealized markets of e-commerce in the world. The e-commerce industry in 2018 was said to be worth Most stores gain sales from their mobile web store/e- Rs99.3 billion which is a massive increase from Rs51.8 commerce platforms. This is one thing that has immense billion in 2017, which equates to a yearly growth of 92 potential in Pakistan and is something that can improve percent. Payments by prepaid, credit and debit cards as and grow. However, e-commerce in Pakistan has not well as bank transfers and mobile wallets grew immensely reached a level where digital wallets or money can be used in 2018 by 93.7 percent to reach Rs40.1 billion compared and become the more preferred form of payment instead to 2017 when this figure was Rs20.7 billion. Cash is still of cash. the most used payment method and makes up 60 percent There are many things that have stopped Pakistan from of the transactions. realizing its own potential and developing their own e- According to a report released by the UNDP in 2017, the commerce systems. The two obvious factors are the lack population of Pakistan is approximately 208 million with of literacy that is required to create a transaction from start about 64 percent of the population aged 29 and under – to finish and the lack of financial inclusion. PayPal, which meaning that the country will continue to be young for at is the preferred digital method of payment worldwide, is least 30 years. not even available in Pakistan. The youth of today are far happier to embrace technology Amazon and eBay are also excluded from Pakistan; these in a way the older generation never will, and the promotion global giants could potentially offer so much to the and regulation of e-commerce will be more significant in economy and lifestyle of those living there. Having their terms of providing employment opportunities for 130 own similar websites would benefit many sectors and million over the next 30 years. businesses in Pakistan, particularly as the by-products would be sure to have a trickledown effect. By increasing use of digital financial services only, Pakistan can increase GDP by $36 billion and by 2025 E-Commerce in Pakistan would give the country a sector create up to four million jobs. that would help residents work towards a national perception of wealth and with the untapped potential this Over the past 20 years Pakistan has created a strong is something that would benefit the people. It can provide communication and information sector. In the past two Pakistan with the ideal way to cover a vast distance as they decades, it has developed a strong information and cover the process of social and economic development communications sector by liberalizing the transmitting coupled with technological development in a short space sector to help create expansion of the IT technology of time. One report says that by 2022 Pakistan could enabled service industry. 57

In the UNCTAD’s B2C E-commerce Index of 2018, Meanwhile, total foreign investment net of foreign Pakistan was ranked 117/151 countries with regard to its portfolio and public investments into the country declined e-commerce willingness valued at 32.34. There has been a more than 64pc or $698.2m to $425m compared to $1.12 surge in the number of online sellers and local e-commerce billion in the same period last fiscal year. The sharp platforms plus online payment facilities being offered by decline in total foreign investment was mainly due to banks and the larger mobile phone service providers. outflows from equity and debt securities to the tune of $161.2m and $598m, respectively during the four months There has also been rapid growth of internet users and under review. subscribers. PTA data has reported that there were 32.22 million broadband subscribers in 2015; the latest figures Foreign investors, in the last three quarters, have dumped show 78 million broadband subscribers. There has also their holdings in stocks as well as government-backed been a huge increase in 3G/4G users which stood at 76 securities due to Covid-19, lower interest rates and an million by the end of last year. appreciation of the rupee against dollar. One indication that is optimistic and promising is the Commenting on the outflow from equities, Mohammad cellular subscriptions – there were a total of 165 million Sohail of Topline Securities said `foreigners have been net cellular users and subscribers by the end of last year and seHers in Pakistan market since last few years. Better this was up by 50 million on figures recorded in 2015. returns in developed markets and slowdown in economic growth resulting in offshore funds selling listed equities.

DAWN, ISLAMABAD 17-11-2020 THE NEWS, ISLAMABAD 19-11-2020 FDI jumps 68pc in October Pakistan saw negative economic growth By Our Staff Reporter first time after 1952: State Bank KARACHI: Foreign direct investment (FDI) in to the country jumped by 67.9 per cent month on-month to Erum Zaidi $317.3 million in October compared to $189m in KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) estimated September, latest data released by the State Bank of that Pakistan’s real GDP has contracted by 0.4 percent in Pakistan showed on Monday. the fiscal year 2019-20, making it the first time since the Inflows in October were highest in 10 months since fiscal year 1951-52 that the country recorded a negative peaking at $493.03m in December, 2019. economic growth. Year-on-year, FDI increased by 150.9pc to $317.3m from The central bank, in its annual report on the state of $126.49m in October 2019. Pakistan’s economy fiscal year 2019-20, said that the main reason for the negative economic growth was due to the Despite higher FDI inflows in October, the overall coronavirus pandemic and its disastrous effects on investment into the country remained poor compared to business activities. other South Asian economies as the total quantum was still the smallest in the region. The central bank expects the economy to grow in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 percent for the current fiscal year of 2020/21 The highest inflow came from China. In fact, inflows from as it says there has been a visible rebound in economic China, at $332m, made up for almost 45pc of the total activity after easing in mobility restrictions. inflows during the first four months of the current fiscal year. China has been a major contributor of foreign “The economy is poised to resume the trajectory of inflows through FDI for the last few years and is the recovery on which it had embarked prior to the COVID- biggest trade partner of Pakistan. 19 outbreak,” the SBP said in the annual state of Pakistan’s economy report on Wednesday. Moreover, Pakistan received $74m from Malta unchanged from the previous year. The country also received $51.5m However, an expected increase in power and gas tariffs from Netherlands, and $44m from Hong Kong. In together with resurgence in wheat and sugar prices would addition, the country received $37m and $25.7m from the pose an upside risk to energy and food inflation. UK and United States respectively. In contrast, the non-food-non-energy segment of Financial experts believe that the inflow during the current consumer inflation is expected to ease further, as chances financial year is better than last year and encouraging as of a significant pick-up in domestic demand remain low the country was able to attract inflows despite Covid-19. due to weak financial position of businesses and households, it said. However, they also believe that the inflows would not increase further during the current financial year, as The SBP expects headline inflation to fall within the range Covid-19 continues to grip the global economies. of 7-9 percent in FY2021. 58

THE NATION, ISLAMABAD 26-11-2020 He said Pakistan has become an attractive market for the Chinese investors. CPEC a win-win situation for Pakistan, China The Minister said that under the CPEC 11 special economic zones are being established which will promote Staff Reporter industrialisation in the country. ISLAMABAD - Minister for Information and He said we plan to uplift our semi-conductor industry and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz said China-Pakistan Economic bring value addition to our products with the cooperation Corridor (CPEC) project is a win-win project of China- of Chinese friends. Pakistan economic cooperation. Addressing a seminar on The Minister said we have approached the Chinese CPEC in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said besides companies to shift their solar panel manufacturing units to diversifying Chinese supply lines CPEC will prove to be Pakistan. catalyst for socio-economic development of Pakistan. The Minister said CPEC is a game changer project not only for The Minister said that renewable energy resources are Pakistan, but also for the entire region, based on the idea replacing conventional energy resources. of shared development. Citing example of Tesla, the Minister said that China is He said CPEC is a manifestation of China’s special making renewable batteries for Tesla and through this relationship with Pakistan. undertaking China is advancing in this sector worldwide. He said under this project, Gwadar is going to become a Fawad added that Pakistan going to make joint venture hub of economic activities with Middle East and North with Chinese companies for solar panels manufacturing in Africa. Pakistan. With formation of solar panels in the country, Pakistan can take solar energy in downtrodden and far off He said major initiatives of CPEC include construction of areas of the country, he added. road networks, extending from Gwadar Port to Khunjerab Pass, up-gradation of ML-1, power projects of 10,000 He said Pakistan is among four leading countries of the megawatts and Gwadar-Nawabshah pipeline to transport world with consumption of motorcycles in the country. gas from Iran. Motorcycles market is boosting in Pakistan, said Minister Shibli Faraz said CPEC is estimated to generate Rs six to for Science, adding, that total registration of vehicles in eight billion per annum just in taxes as roads and bridges Pakistan is estimated three million, out of which, two toll. He said overall, 2.3 million jobs are expected to be million are motorcycles. created between 2015-2030, resulting in more than 2.5 per To contain transportation requirements, Pakistan is going cent annual rise in GDP. to launch three wheelers in the country to address He said CPEC has made a remarkable progress in the first transportation issues in the country, said Minister for phase. He said majority of the projects planned in the Science and Technology. construction, infrastructure and energy sectors have been He said, we are inviting Chinese companies in Pakistan to carried out successfully and many are in the execution make chemicals locally with assistance of Chinese stage. companies through value added experience and He said the second stage will further focus on technology sharing mechanism. industrialisation, agriculture, modernization and socio- There are no trade barriers in Pakistan and Pakistan economic development. providing vast potential for trade and investment to He said the projects in the existing and newly established Chinese companies to work jointly and these undertakings areas will enhance the capacity of Pakistan ultimately will provide equal opportunities for both the countries, improving the economic competitiveness of Pakistan. said Fawad Chaudhry. He said it is dispensable to counter the negative He said citing surgical market value of Sialkot, he said that propaganda aimed at the success of the projects and total volume of Sialkot’s surgical equipment is 400 million bilateral ties. dollars and Western countries with value addition in these surgical equipments are earning billions of dollars. He said the benefits of CPEC will reach the gross roots level and benefit Pakistan’s population. Addressing the seminar, Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry said the CPEC has a huge future.