BUSINESS Sunday 12 August 2018 PAGE | 18 PAGE | 19 Investors sue Japan & US to meet Tesla’s Musk over again on trade in go-private tweets September: Motegi

Mideast tops global ranking for energy self-sufficiency ratio SATISH KANADY Alongside increasing the fastest growing region in in electricity generation reached THE PENINSULA its production, the terms of Total Primary Energy over 80 percent in 2016. In Supply (TPES). Over the period Jordan, this change has come DOHA: With energy production Middle East is also from 1971 to 2016, TPES grew on swiftly, with natural gas gener- more than 2.5 times as large as the fastest growing average by 7 percent per year. In ating just 48 percent of the elec- its demand, the Middle East has region in terms of 2016, this supply is almost exclu- tricity in 2015, as a result of the the highest energy self-suffi- Total Primary Energy sively based on oil and natural government promoting the fuel ciency ratio in the world. The gas. Natural gas has partially dis- swap. region produced nearly 15 Supply (TPES). Over placed oil, more than doubling Over the last four decades, percent of global energy in 2016, the period from 1971 its share between 1971 and 2016. total final consumption an increase from just over 13 to 2016, TPES grew on Key factors driving the rapid expanded in all sectors, partic- percent for the previous five average by 7%/ year. development of natural gas in the ularly industry and transport, years. This growth is largely Middle East are power gener- which increased twenty fold. In driven by oil and gas, where the ation and the petrochemical 2016 oil accounted for 95 Middle East produced 34 percent faster growth compared to the 5 sector. This is illustrated by the percent, 37 percent and 16 of global oil, and nearly 17 percent increase seen in 2015, share of oil in electricity pro- percent of final consumption in percent of the world’s gas. The IEA’s ‘World Energy Balance duction continuing to shrink, transport, industry and resi- Middle East’s global share of Report 2018’ noted. starting with 54 percent in 1971 dential, respectively. natural gas production has Meanwhile, natural gas pro- and reaching 28 percent in 2016. Oil is responsible for 47 increased every year since 1997. duction in Qatar was fairly In contrast, the share of percent of total energy con- With 33 percent of the Middle steady with 1 percent growth in natural gas in electricity pro- sumption in the Middle East. Also East’s natural gas production, 2016 compared to 3 percent in duction continually increased, in 2016, natural gas met 55 Iran maintained its position as 2015. In 2016, the major growth from 27 percent to 69 percent in percent and 47 percent of final the region’s largest producer of in oil production was seen in Iran production continued to decline oil production, with a 39 percent the same period. In 2016, natural consumption in industry and res- natural gas in 2016, closely fol- and Iraq, with 33 percent and 28 in Syria (-5 percent) in 2016, drop due to political unrest and gas continued to provide almost idential, respectively. lowed by Qatar at 30 percent of percent respectively. Other though not as drastically as in the halting of oil and gas activ- all the electricity generated in Electricity tripled its share in the regional production. Iran’s notable growth in oil production 2015 - with a nearly 40 percent ities in 2015. Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab final energy consumption from natural gas production increased was seen in Qatar and Kuwait, decline. Similarly, Yemen also Alongside increasing its pro- Emirates, and in Oman. In Iran 5.6 percent in 1971 to 15.5 percent by 9 percent in 2016, indicating each with 4 percent. Oil saw a dramatic deterioration of duction, the Middle East is also and Jordan, natural gas’s share in 2016. Cheniere signs 25-year LNG China’s banking World Bank to issue world’s regulator voices first-ever blockchain bond sales deal with Taiwan’s CPC support for more AFP REUTERS lending WASHINGTON: The World REUTERS TAIPEI: US liquefied natural gas Bank is taking a step into the (LNG) company Cheniere Energy brave new world of digital Inc said on Friday it had signed SHANGHAI: China’s banking finance to sell the first-ever a 25-year deal to supply and insurance regulator said bond to be issued entirely using Taiwan’s CPC Corp, which CPC it will facilitate the trans- blockchain technology, the valued at roughly $25bn. mission of monetary policy by bank announced on Friday. Cheniere said it will sell 2 supporting more lending by More than just funds, the million tonnes of LNG per year financial institutions. World Bank aims to gain expe- on a delivered basis to the state- The China Banking and rience using blockchain -- a owned oil and gas company, Insurance Regulatory Com- digital public registry of trans- starting in 2021. It said the pur- mission (CBIRC) said in a actions -- that could lead to “a chase price will be pegged to the statement that it would guide golden future” for financial Henry Hub monthly average, financial institutions to services for developing nations, “Today, we believe that plus a fee. expand financing, including a bank official told AFP. emerging technologies, equally A CPC spokesman said the to qualified private com- The technology is most offer transformative, yet $25bn figure was based on panies and small businesses. often associated with crypto- prudent possibilities for us to current prices. CPC’s company It would encourage them to currencies which often raise continue to innovate, respond statement on Saturday did not A logo of CPC Corporation on a canopy at a gas station in Taipei, balance the promotion of suspicion about their reliability to investor needs and provide a monetary figure for Taiwan. economic growth with con- and volatility, as well as their strengthen markets.” the deal. trolling risks. use for criminal purposes. The transaction is the “Most importantly, it helps particularly given the Trump at Sabine Pass, with an The move comes amid a But because there as yet is brainchild of the World Bank’s to further achieve the diversifi- administration’s focus on trade investment decision expected period of greater uncertainty no central bank-backed digital innovation lab, which has been cation of LNG sources and sta- with Asia, the source said. next year. for the Chinese economy, in currency in existence, the two- working on the issue for nearly bility of energy supply into the The CPC deal, which is Taiwan is the world’s fifth part because of an intensifying year blockchain bond will rely a year, together with the Com- Taiwan market that are among through Cheniere’s marketing biggest importer of LNG, trade conflict between China on real-world money: Aus- monwealth Bank of Australia. CPC’s key objectives,” CPC arm, is not tied to a particular shipping in almost 16.8 million and the United States. tralian dollars. The institution also part- Chairman Tai Chein said in a project or liquefaction train. tonnes in 2017, according to the The regulator took special The Washington-based nered with Microsoft, which statement yesterday. Cheniere said the International Gas Union, giving note of loans for infrastructure development lender aims to will ensure the platform and Chein said that LNG buyers agreement ties up a portion of the island a global import projects. In July, preliminary raise about Aus$50m ($36m), software are “solid, bug free, see Qatar, Australia and the its portfolio volume on a long- market share of almost 6 statistics indicated that new although it could be double that and have no vulnerabilities to United States as leading sup- term basis with a investment percent. infrastructure loans were 172.4 if more investors get involved attack,” said Paul Snaith, pliers in the future. grade counterparty. The The deal comes just a day billion yuan, an increase of before the bond is finalized the manager of the World Bank’s The deal is also viewed as company also retains the ability before Taiwan President Tsai 46.9 billion yuan over the week of August 20. Treasury Operations Capital an important part of Taiwan’s to use those volumes to support Ing-wen embarks on an month before, it said. “Since our first bond trans- Markets. efforts to reduce its trade a future train or expansion overseas trip to visit diplomatic The statement follows action in 1947, innovation and He said use of blockchain surplus with the United States, project. allies via transit stops in the comments by People’s Bank investor satisfaction have been could improve transparency, according to a source familiar Cheniere announced in May United States, which will be in of China on Friday that it important hallmarks of our since it is public, and cut down with the government’s thinking. that it was moving ahead with Los Angeles and Houston, would maintain a neutral and success with leveraging capital on transaction time since the The contract is a significant a third liquefaction train at its where many Taiwan business- prudent monetary policy and markets for development,” bonds eventually will be boost to Taiwan’s trade rela- Corpus Christi project. It is cur- people work in the energy enhance flexibility in yuan World Bank Treasurer Arunma exchanged instantaneously for tions with the United States, rently marketing its sixth train sector. exchange rate levels. Oteh (pictured) said. cash. 18 BUSINESS SUNDAY 12 AUGUST 2018

Fitch upgrades MarketWatch Over 250 businesses to take Greece’s debt rating to ‘BB-’ part in ‘Made at Home’ expo QSE FTSE100 DOW BRENT AFP 9,886.86 7,665.05 25,363.81 $67.65 MOHAMMAD SHOEB The expo is organised through QDB’s website. The reg- -74.69PTS −76.72 PTS −145.42 PTS +0.84 THE PENINSULA to enhance home- istration fee payment is accepted WASHINGTON: Credit 0.75% 0.99% 0.57% Dow & Brent before going to press based businesses by card only, and no cash ratings agency Fitch on DOHA: The deadline for the to support the local payment is accepted. The fee Friday upgraded Greece’s submission of applications to paid is non-refundable if the sovereign debt one notch to participate in the upcoming economy, improve participant decides to withdrew, ‘BB-’ from ‘B’ due to the ‘Made at Home Exhibition 2018’ the entrepreneur’s and the participation is non- recent deal with Europe to for home based businesses is skills in presenting transferable. Trading products provide “substantial” debt Erdogan slams approaching fast, and only a less and marketing their are not allowed. relief. than week’s time left to apply. Participate with the selected Athens in June reached The official last date for the products. products that are confirmed by an agreement with its euro interest rates as submission of applications is the organisers. Prices of products area creditors, allowing a August 16, 2018, which means, provides a market place for should be in line with Ministry 10-year extension for ‘tool of exploitation’ aspirants are effectively left with home-based business to present of Economy and Commerce repaying much of its debts, only five days to express their and sell their products and pricing regulations. which, at a 180 percent of interests to participate at the services. The number of home-based GDP, are still the highest in AFP a collapsing currency. The lira coveted event. The expo, which In addition, it also provides businesses has increased sharply the European Union. The tumbled 16 percent against the is dedicated to only home based a platform to share the in the country showing that agreement will also allow ISTANBUL: Turkish President dollar on Friday. US President local micro-enterprises, is knowledge and experience Qatar is progressing fast in the Greece to exit its financial Recep Tayyip Erdogan Donald Trump said Friday he schedule to take place from among the entrepreneurs. field of self-sufficiency. A total bailout programme on yesterday branded interest had doubled tariffs on steel and October 14 to 20, 2018 at Doha The expo targets all the of 250 home-based businesses August 20. rates a “tool of exploitation” aluminium from Turkey. Exhibition and Convention home based businesses that are are expected to participate in this “We expect fiscal per- which should be kept as low as “We are never accepting Center (DECC). licensed by the Ministry of year’s ‘Made at Home’ exhibition, formance to remain sound possible. this order which declared eco- The second-edition of the Economy and Commerce except which is around 74 percent more over the post-program “Interest rates should be nomic war to the entire world event is also being held under the trading business. than the last years. In the last period,” the agency said, kept to a minumum because and which held countries to the patronage of H E Sheikha Al The terms and conditions to year’s edition of the exhibition, noting that the long-troubled they are a tool of exploitation ransom through sanction Mayassah bint Hamad Bin participate at the exhibition 144 home-based businesses had economy posted a budget that makes the poor poorer and threats,” he added, referring to Khalifa Al Thani by Qatar Devel- includes that the applicant participated. surplus of 0.8 percent of GDP the rich richer,” Erdogan said the US administration. opment Bank (QDB), Qatar should be Qatari national with a Rising number of home- last year, up from 0.6 percent in a speech in the Black Sea city Erdogan said high foreign Chamber (QC) and Nama. valid commercial registration or based businesses demonstrate the year before. of Rize. exchange rates were the means The expo is organised to homebased commercial licenses, that the culture of entrepre- Fitch said Greece should The nominally inde- used in plots against Turkey. enhance home-based businesses according to information neurship is gaining momentum see “sustained growth,” amid pendent central bank has He said his government to support the local economy, available at QDB’s official in Qatar as a result of various reduced political risks, while defied pressure over the last had taken measures in improve the entrepreneur’s skills website. measures taken by the different other fiscal measures adopted few weeks to hike interest rates response, and would continue in presenting and marketing The interested parties can government agencies, including by lawmakers are due to take in the face of high inflation and to do so. their products. The event also apply for registration online the QDB. effect through 2020. Investors sue Tesla’s Musk US budget deficit totals $76.9bn in July

AP over go-private tweets The monthly budget to combat the 2008 financial Through the first 10 months report showed that crisis and Great Recession, the of this year, revenues have AFP WASHINGTON: The federal over the past 10 worst economic downturn since totaled $2.77 trillion while government racked up a $76.9bn months, corporate the Great Depression of the spending has totaled $3.45 NEW YORK: Two investors deficit in July, with increased 1930s. trillion, both record amounts for filed suit against Tesla CEO Elon government spending and tax taxes are down 20 President Donald Trump suc- the first 10 months of a budget Musk (pictured) and the electric cuts keeping the country on track percent - $55bn - from ceeded in getting Congress in year. car company after he tweeted to record its biggest annual the same period a December to pass a tax cut of $1.5 The increases in spending for he wanted to take the firm deficit in six years. year ago. trillion over the next decade, ful- the 10-month period included private, causing the share price The Treasury Department filling a longtime Republican goal $36bn more for Social Security to inflate and short-selling reported on Friday that in the of cutting the corporate tax rate. and $26bn more for Medicare, investors to lose millions. first 10 months of this budget It reduced the rate from 35 to 21 the government’s two biggest On Tuesday, Musk said he year, the deficit totaled $684bn, which ends September 30, the percent although most corpora- benefit programmes, reflecting could finance the buyout of up 20.8 percent from the same administration is now projecting tions had used various methods rising costs as the baby boomer Tesla, founded in 2003, at a short-sellers.” He said he had to period last year. a deficit of $890bnn. That would to reduce the actual rate they generation retires. Defense large premium to current valu- buy around 3,000 Tesla shares Revenues are up only 1 be up 33.7 percent from last paid under the previous law to spending was up $27bn. ation, at a price of $420 a share. on Wednesday, the day after percent this year, the increase year’s deficit of $665.8bn. below the 35 percent figure. Interest on the national debt As a result, Tesla shares Musk’s tweets, to limit his losses. held back by a big drop in cor- The administration’s July Friday’s monthly budget was up $50bn. Half that amount jumped 11 percent, causing so- William Chamberlain, porate tax payments. estimates project that the deficit report showed that over the past went to the higher payments called short-sellers who have another investor, also filed suit Spending is up 4.4 percent, will top $1 trillion in 2019, 10 months, corporate taxes are Treasury is making on securities been betting on the stock crashing with accusations of artificial reflecting a big boost Congress climbing to $1.1 trillion that year, down 20 percent - $55bn - from that guard against increases in for years to lose millions. Short- inflation. He said Musk and approved earlier this year for and remaining above $1 trillion the same period a year ago. inflation, and the other half selling involves borrowing over- Tesla “artificially drove the price domestic and military programs for three years. The December tax legislation reflecting rising interest rates priced shares in the belief that of Tesla shares up as much as and the rising costs of financing The only other period when also cut individual taxes although and a growing amount of debt their price will decline, so they $45.47 from their August 6, 2018 the debt. the federal government ran def- Democrats have said most of that that must be financed. can be sold and then bought back closing price ($341.99).” The Trump administration icits above $1 trillion was for four benefit will be seen by the The $76.9bn deficit for the at a lower price. The US Securities and last month sharply revised years from 2009 through 2011. wealthiest taxpayers. So far this month of July compared to a Kalman Isaacs, one of the Exchange Commission regulator upward its deficit estimates, pro- That’s when the Obama admin- year, individual tax receipts are deficit of $42.9bn in July 2017. investors who filed suit, claimed contacted Tesla to inquire jecting annual deficits will once istration was using tax cuts and up 2 percent as a result of more The government has run a Musk’s tweets were “designed whether Musk’s statements again top $1 trillion next year. increased spending, along with people working as unem- deficit in July in 62 of the past to completely decimate were factual. For the current budget year, support for the banking system, ployment continues to fall. 64 years. Business ties with Iran not harming any other country: China

REUTERS business with Iran would be In a statement released late cooperation in the fields of barred from the United States. on Friday, China’s foreign min- business, trade and energy, which BEIJING: China’s business and China has already defended istry reiterated its opposition to is reasonable, fair and lawful,” it energy ties with Iran do not harm its commercial relations with Iran unilateral sanctions and “long- said. the interests of any other country, as open and transparent as US armed jurisdiction”. “This does not violate United the country’s Foreign Ministry sanctions on Iran took effect “For a long time, China and Nations Security Council resolu- said, after US President Donald despite pleas from Washington’s Iran have had open, transparent tions or China’s promised inter- Trump said companies doing allies. and normal commercial national obligations, nor does it harm the interests of any other country, and should be respected China’s CNPC takes over Total’s share and protected,” the ministry added. Using sanctions at the in big Iran gas project: Iranian agency slightest pretext or to threaten REUTERS anyone won’t resolve the But the French company had were among those lifted under problem, it said. DUBAI: China’s state-owned said it would pull out unless it a 2015 deal between world “Only dialogue and negotia- energy major CNPC has taken secured a US sanctions waiver, powers and Tehran on curbing tions are the true path to over the share in Iran’s multi- and Gholamreza Manouchehri, Iran’s nuclear programme. resolving the issue,” the ministry billion dollar South Pars gas deputy head of the National US President Donald Trump added. project held by France’s Total, Iranian Oil Company, said in abandoned the deal in May. China, Iran’s top oil customer, the Iranian state news agency June that if Total were to walk Washington is planning to buys roughly 650,000 barrels a Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (left) and China’s IRNA reported yesterday. away, then CNPC would take impose heavier sanctions in day of crude oil from Tehran, or Foreign Minister Wang Yi shake hands at a bilateral meeting on Total signed a contract in over. November aimed at Iran’s oil 7 percent of China’s total crude 2017 to develop Phase II of South “China National Petroleum sector. oil imports. At current market the sidelines of the Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Singapore, Pars field with an initial Corp (CNPC) has replaced Total There was no immediate rates, the imports are worth some earlier this month. investment of $1bn, marking the of France with an 80.1 percent confirmation of the IRNA report $15bn a year. first major Western energy stake in the phase 11 of the South by CNPC, which earlier held a State energy firms CNPC and continue to respect the nuclear cannot risk their US business. investment in the country after Pars (gas field),” IRNA quoted 30 percent stake in the project Sinopec have invested billions of deal, have promised to try to Few American companies do sanctions were lifted in 2016. Mohammad Mostafavi, director and has now taken over Total’s dollars in key Iranian oil fields lessen the blow of sanctions and much business in Iran so the South Pars has the world’s of investment of Iran’s state oil 50.1 percent share, according to such as Yadavaran and North to urge their firms not to pull out. impact of sanctions mainly stems biggest natural gas reserves ever firm NIOC, as saying. IRNA. The remainder is held by Azadegan and have been sending But that has proven difficult, from Washington’s ability to found in one place. The renewed US sanctions Iran’s Petropars. oil to China. European countries, and European companies have block European and Asian firms hoping to persuade Tehran to quit Iran, arguing that they from trading there. SUNDAY 12 AUGUST 2018 BUSINESS 19 Vietnam emerges as Asia’s newest ‘tiger’ economy: QNB THE PENINSULA Vietnam’s GDP growth $220bn according to the latest Brookings Institute think tank in science and other subjects, leaves Vietnam exposed to the raced ahead by 7.1% data from the International Mon- the US highlights that it has been ranked Vietnam an impressive cross-fire of a US-China trade DOHA: Asia’s original fast- etary Fund (IMF). the ability to build on these solid 8th out of 72 participating coun- war (along with Asian other growing ‘tiger’ economies in the y/y in the first six Vietnam’s economic success foundations through good pol- tries; ahead of many leading economies enmeshed in the elec- 1970s and 1980s were Hong months of 2018; the is noteworthy as it comes at a icies is what really sets Vietnam OECD economies. tronics global supply chain such Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and economy’s fastest time when many developing apart. Third, investments in human as Taiwan and South Korea) in South Korea. The baton then growth since 2011. economies are struggling to Three factors in particular capital have been supported by the short term. Longer-term, passed to a new generation of match the success of Asia’s earlier have been critical. First, while progress in improving the coun- Vietnam’s competitive advantage fast growers: Thailand, Indo- ‘tigers’ and sustain rapid eco- many in the West are questioning try’s business climate. Vietnam will necessarily fade as the nesia, Malaysia and, more manufacturing boom are surging nomic growth through manufac- the benefits of free trade, has steadily moved up in both the country climbs the development recently, India. Asia’s latest ‘tiger’ exports. Monthly trade statistics turing and export booms. India’s Vietnam has zealously pursued World Economic Forum’s com- ladder and wage rates and living however, is Vietnam with the can be highly volatile but the export sector for example has trade liberalisation on both a petitiveness index and also the standards improve. latest data showing its economy latest data show goods exports laboured in recent years despite multilateral and bilateral basis. World Bank’s ease of doing New drivers of economic roaring in 2018 as it emerges as up over 20 percent y/y in the first a vibrant economy in other Vietnam, for example, has business survey. Investments in development will need to found one of the world’s fastest half of the year, following growth respects. By contrast, Vietnam recently concluded a free trade physical infrastructure such as to ensure that Asia’s newest ‘tiger’ growing economies, QNB noted of over 17 percent in 2017 as a has seen trade soar to nearly 100 agreement with the European power generation, roads and economy does not risk extinction in its weekly ‘economic whole. percent of GDP; up from around Union which eliminates nearly bridges and container port in a few years. There are clear commentary’. Manufacturing and export 60 percent in 2005 and 75 all tariffs between the two. Trade capacity have been vital in sup- reasons for optimism however. A range of indicators show success has been driven by Viet- percent as recently as 2014. agreements have dramatically porting Vietnam’s rich human Vietnam’s high PISA scores Vietnam’s booming economy. nam’s ability to attract large The foundation of Vietnam’s lowered the external tariffs its capital. suggest that the country should GDP growth raced ahead by 7.1 foreign direct investment (FDI) success is obvious: favourable exports face, helping integrate Impressive as Vietnam’s be able to move up the global percent y/y in the first six months inflows into sectors such as demographics and low wage Vietnam into the global economy recent economic achievements value chain more easily than of 2018; the economy’s fastest clothing, footwear and, above all, rates. Political stability also helps and further accelerating FDI have been, the country cannot most emerging markets. Pros- growth since 2011. The manu- electronics. It is now estimated as does the country’s geo- investments. afford to rest on its laurels. The pects for rapid growth in the facturing sector is leading the for example that one in 10 smart- graphical location. Vietnam is Second, Vietnam’s invest- very nature of its success brings service sector are also fair with charge with output up 13.1 phones worldwide are now also close to major global supply ments in human capital i.e. edu- with it vulnerabilities and future tourism a prime candidate to help percent y/y in the first half of the made in Vietnam. Latest data chains, particularly in electronics, cation have been impressive, challenges. As already high- drive economic growth over the year. Construction is also playing show FDI inflows also booming. which have emerged over the last helping the country maximise its lighted, FDI has been largely con- longer-term. In fact, with the a strong supporting role with These were worth an estimated decade or so. demographic potential. A stand centrated in the textiles and elec- latest data showing tourist output in that sector up 7.9 $13bn in H1 2018 with a 11 But these factors are far from out is that the OECD’s latest Pro- tronics sectors. The jobs created arrivals up nearly 25 percent y/y percent y/y over the same period. percent y/y growth. To put these specific to Vietnam and so only gramme for International Student by these investments tend to be in June, this growth engine is According to QNB analysts, FDI inflows in context, Vietnam’s explain a portion of its success. Assessment (PISA), which tests relatively low-skill and low-wage already helping the country the counterpart to Vietnam’s GDP in 2017 was worth around Recent research from the high school students in maths, with little value added. This power ahead.

Japan & US to meet again on trade in September: Motegi REUTERS promote Japan-US trade by Motegi also said he and both sides agreed to explore They fall within broader bilateral working out gaps between the Lighthizer exchanged views on ways to fill the gap between their economic discussions led by Vice WASHINGTON: Japan’s two nations and expand areas to individual trade areas but positions and to promote trade President Mike Pence and Economy Minister Toshimitsu cooperate based on shared nothing had been decided. between the United States and Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso. Motegi (pictured) said he had understanding,” Motegi told The US Trade Representa- Japan, and expand areas of coop- US President Donald Trump had productive trade talks with reporters. tive’s office said in a statement eration based on common wants a bilateral free trade US Trade Representative Robert “We will continue talks and that the two sides had “frank dis- understanding,” USTR said, agreement but Tokyo is wary Lighthizer and that they planned proceed further at next meeting cussions” on their respective adding that the next round of because such an agreement to meet again in September. we plan to hold in September,” views about trade and “consultations” would be held would boost pressure to open He said both acknowledged he said. He said the atmosphere investment, and achieved a sometime in September. sensitive markets such as the importance of expanding of the meeting with Lighthizer better understanding of each The talks launched a round agriculture. Trans-Pacific Partnership deal trade between the two nations. was “very good” and other’s positions. of what the two sides call “free, Japan has urged Washington after Trump withdrew the US “We agreed to seek ways to “energetic”. “Based on these discussions, fair and reciprocal” negotiations. to return to the multilateral from the trade pact last year.

BREAK TIME CROSSWORD NOVO Pearl Qatar ROYAL PLAZA VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER The Meg (2D/Action) 11:30am 11:50am 02:00pm 2:40pm 04:30pm Bad Cat (2D/Comedy) 2:00 & 4:15pm 5:30pm 07:00pm 8:20pm 09:30pm 11:10pm 11:59pm; The Meg (2D/ Oru Pazhaya Bomb Kadha (2D/Malayalam) 2:30pm; ATMOS) 11:00am 1:30pm 4:00pm 6:30pm 9:00pm 11:30pm; The Duck Duck Goose (2D/Animation) 2:30, 3:30 & 5:15pm Spy Who Dumped Me (2D/Action) 10:30am 01:00pm 03:30pm The Meg (2D/Action) 5:15; 7:00; 9:15, 11:30 & 11:30pm; 06:00pm 08:30pm 11:00pm; Mission Impossible 6 (2D/Action) Kusina King - (2D/Tagalog) 7:15pm 11:30am 02:30pm 05:30pm 08:30pm 10:30pm 11:30pm; Duck Duck Mission Impossible (Action) 9:00; Goose (2D/Animation) 10:00am 2:00pm 6:00pm Srinivasa Kalyanam (2D/Telugu) 11:15pm; Bad Cat (2D/Comedy) 12:00pm 4:00pm 8:00pm Khalawees - (2D/Arabic) 6:00pm; Blindspotting (2D/Comedy) 7:45pm; Khalawees - (2D/Arabic) 10:00am, 2:30& 7:00pm; The Catcher Was A Spy (2D/Biography) 9:30pm; Harb Karmoz (Arabic) 12:00pm 4:30pm 9:00pm 11:30pm Red Bad (2D/Adventure) 11:15pm The First Purge (2D/Horror) 12:30pm & 7:15pm Mamma Mia (2D) 10:00am & 4:45pm Ocean’s Eight (2D/Action) 1:00 & 6:00pm Skyscrapper (2D/Action) 2:30, 9:15 & 11:30pm ASIAN TOWN The Meg (3D/IMAX/Action) 10:30am 01:00pm 03:30pm 06:00pm 08:30pm 11:00pm Oru Pazhaya Bomb Kadha (2D/Malayalam) 12:30, 1:30, 4:15, 5:15, 7:00, 8:00, 9:45, 10:45pm Koode (Malayalam) 1:00, 3:45,9:00 & 11:45pm; Srin- MALL ivasa Kalyanam (2D/Telugu) 3:00pm; Karwaan (Hindi) 12:30 & 5:45pm; Lashtam Pashtam (2D/Hindi) 6:30pm Lashtam Pashtam (2D/Hindi) 2:00pm; Bad Cat (2D/Comedy) 2:00 ROXY & 4:00pm; Duck Duck Goose (2D/Animation) 2:30, 4:15 & 6:00pm; Srinivasa Kalyanam (2D/Telugu) 3:30pm; The Meg (2D/Action) Harb Karmoz (Arabic) 10:30am, 1:10, 6:40, 11:00 & 11:50pm 5:30, 7:30; 9:30 & 11:30pm; Khalawees - (2D/Arabic) 6:00pm; The Hotel Transylvania 3 12:30, 2:40, 5:00, & 7:10pm; Lashtam Pashtam (2D/ Catcher Was A Spy (2D/Biography) 7:45 & 9:30pm; Blindspotting Hindi) 12:30 & 6:00pm; Mission Impossible (Action) 3:20 & 9:10pm (2D/Comedy) 9:30pm; Kusina King - (2D/Tagalog) 7:45pm; Red Oru Pazhaya Bomb Kadha (2D/Malayalam) 8:30 & 3:00pm Bad (2D/Adventure) 11:15pm; Oru Pazhaya Bomb Kadha (2D/ Srinivasa Kalyanam (2D/Telugu) 3:30 & 6:40pm; The Meg (2D/Action) Malayalam) 11:30pm 12:45, 12:30, 3:00, 5:30, 6:30, 8:00, 10:30pm & 0:20am LANDMARK AL KHOR The Meg (2D/Action) 2:30, 5:30; 7:30; 9:30 & 11:30pm; Duck Duck Goose (2D/Animation) 2:30, 4:15 & 6:00pm The Meg (2D/Action) 11:00am, 1:30, 4:00, 6:30, 9:30 & 11:00pm Bad Cat (2D/Comedy) 2:30 & 4:00pm Mission Impossible (Action) 11:00am, 2:00, 5:00, 8:00 & 11:00pm Oru Pazhaya Bomb Kadha (2D/Malayalam) 4:30 & 11:15pm Oru Pazhaya Bomb Kadha (2D/Malayalam) 2:45 & 8:30pm Kusina King - (2D/Tagalog) 7:00pm; Lashtam Pashtam (2D/Hindi) Koode (Malayalam) 11:45am, 5:30 & 11:15pm 9:00pm; Red Bad (2D/Adventure) 11:00pm; The Catcher Was A Spy (2D/Biography) 7:45pm; Khalawees - (2D/Arabic) 9:30pm Note: Programme is subject to change without prior notice. FLIK Mirqab

Catcher Was A Spy 11:25am; Bad Cat (2D/Comedy) 1:40 & 5:40pm; Duck Duck Goose (2D/Animation) 12:25, 3:40 & 6:30pm; Hotel Tran- sylvania 3 10:20am & 4:25pm; Kusina King - (2D/Tagalog) 2:55 & 7:40pm; The Meg (2D/Action) 11:50am, 2:10; 4:40, 5:10, 7:00, 9:30, 11;50pm & 0:25am; The Meg (3D/Action) 6:10; 8:30 & 10:50pm; Mission Impossible (Action) 1:25, 3:20, 4:25, 6:20, 7:20, 9:15, 10;20pm & 0:10am; Oru Pazhaya Bomb Kadha (2D/Malayalam) 11:55am, 3:00, 6:00, 9:00pm & 12:00midnight; Skyscrapper 12:45 & 9:30pm; The Spy Who Dumped Me 10:20am & 10:00pm; Teen Titan Go 2:25 & 11:35pm

KOODE Koode (English: With) is a Indian Malayalam-language psychological drama film[1] written and directed by Anjali Menon, starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Nazriya Nazim, and Parvathy. It is a remake of the 2014 Marathi film Happy Journey.[2][3][4]