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Brazil will begin restricting the entry of citizens from countries such as China and India in an effort to combat illegal migration to the US and Canada. The new measures will apply to visitors who require visas to enter Brazil and do not have Brazil as their final destination on their air tickets. The move specifically targets migrants who transit through Brazil's international airports, apply for refugee status, and then attempt to continue northward to the US and Canada. The decision was made due to concerns about criminal organizations smuggling immigrants and trafficking people through Brazil. The tightening of restrictions follows Ecuador's temporary suspension of a visa agreement with China, as some Chinese nationals have been illegally crossing the US border after traveling through Latin America. [Extracted from the article]

The US has pledged $500 million in defense funding to the Philippines, strengthening their alliance ahead of the US presidential election. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that this investment will help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard. The US also plans to double its investment in Philippine military sites. Both countries have drawn closer under President Joe Biden and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., particularly in response to territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. The partnership between the US and the Philippines covers security and economic opportunities. [Extracted from the article]

The US has pledged $500 million in defense funding to the Philippines, strengthening their alliance ahead of the US presidential election. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that this investment will help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard. The US also plans to double its investment in Philippine military sites. Both countries have drawn closer under President Joe Biden and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., particularly in response to territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. The US has affirmed its commitment to defend the Philippines, and the maritime tensions with China have shown signs of cooling. [Extracted from the article]

The US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, has stated that the US will continue to strengthen its ties with the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of the alliance. This comes ahead of the US presidential election in November. The US is expected to announce $500 million in foreign military financing, described as "unprecedented." The relationship between the US and the Philippines has flourished under President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., particularly in the face of territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. The US has affirmed its treaty obligations and has been granted access to more military sites in the Philippines. The meeting between US and Philippine officials, known as the "2+2 meeting," is part of Biden's efforts to reinforce commitments with allies in Asia. [Extracted from the article]

The Mastercard Foundation has announced plans to invest $4.7 billion over the next decade to support education and employment in Africa. The funding will be used to improve skills, increase access to technology and entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for women and young people. The foundation aims to assist 30 million young people in finding dignified work by 2030, with a particular focus on addressing high youth unemployment rates in the region. The foundation currently deploys $1.3 billion annually on development programs, with a majority of the funding going towards initiatives in Africa. [Extracted from the article]

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen spoke in Belem, Brazil, about the economic benefits of fighting climate change. Yellen stated that reducing carbon emissions presents the greatest economic opportunity of the 21st century and could support sustainable and inclusive growth. The event was organized by the Inter-American Development Bank as part of its Amazonia Forever initiative, which aims to protect the environment and biodiversity while maintaining economic activity. Yellen also announced the launch of the Amazon Region Initiative Against Illicit Finance, which aims to disrupt criminal activity causing environmental damage in the region. [Extracted from the article]

Ecuador has temporarily suspended a visa agreement with China due to a significant increase in migration from China in recent months. The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Ecuador stated that many of these arrivals have either stayed in the country illegally or have used irregular routes to reach other destinations in the region. Some Chinese nationals have been illegally crossing the US border after traveling through Latin America, seeking economic opportunities in the US. China has expressed disappointment with Ecuador's decision, highlighting the positive impact of the visa agreement on bilateral exchanges and cooperation. [Extracted from the article]

Ecuador has temporarily suspended a visa agreement with China due to a significant increase in migration from China in recent months. The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Ecuador stated that many of the arrivals were either in an irregular immigration situation or had used irregular routes to reach other destinations in the region. Some Chinese nationals have been illegally crossing the US border after traveling through Latin America, driven by economic opportunities in the US. The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed support for the visa agreement and stated that China opposes human smuggling. [Extracted from the article]

Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto has stated that his administration will maintain an open foreign policy approach and will not take sides in the US-China rivalry. He emphasized that Indonesia aims to be friends with all countries, including the US, China, India, and Russia. Despite China being Indonesia's largest economic partner, Prabowo has also visited Japan, a key US ally, indicating a middle-of-the-road strategy in navigating the rivalry. Additionally, Prabowo pledged to implement a free lunch program for over 80 million children, which he believes will create employment opportunities, although concerns have been raised about the program's impact on the country's budget. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged France to help prevent a "new Cold War" as the European Union aligns more closely with the United States on issues such as cheap imports and national security risks. During talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, Xi emphasized the importance of upholding mutual benefits and opposing decoupling and disruptions to supply chains. Xi's visit to France is part of his efforts to convince Europeans that China offers economic opportunities amidst increasing trade tensions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also stated that the EU is prepared to use all available tools to protect its economies if China does not provide fair access to its markets. [Extracted from the article]

Incoming Taiwan president Lai Ching-te has chosen Cho Jung-tai, a veteran official who has served in the current administration, as his premier, emphasizing his commitment to continuity. Lai's decision suggests that many of President Tsai Ing-wen's key officials will retain positions in the new government, which will assume power on May 20. Tsai has focused on raising Taiwan's international profile, strengthening ties with Japan and the US, and pursuing economic opportunities in Southeast Asia. China, however, remains determined to bring Taiwan under its control and has refused to engage in talks with Tsai. [Extracted from the article]

The UK government has canceled a trial program that aimed to use hydrogen for home heating due to safety concerns raised by residents. This cancellation is another setback in the government's efforts to decarbonize heating systems. However, the government will continue to explore the possibility of blending up to 20% hydrogen into the natural gas distribution network. The government also highlighted that 11 new projects have committed to investing £400 million ($505 million) in hydrogen production for various businesses, emphasizing the economic opportunities associated with hydrogen. The government will assess other pilot projects across Europe and make a decision in 2026 regarding the role of hydrogen in home heating. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to prioritize diplomacy with Vietnam during his recent trip to the country. The two nations signed 37 agreements, including funding for a cross-border railway and joint maritime patrols. This visit comes after US President Joe Biden's trip to Vietnam, where he emphasized closer ties and signed agreements on various issues. Vietnam, caught between the US and China, is seeking economic opportunities while remaining cautious of China's influence in the South China Sea. Both countries have expressed a desire for more maritime cooperation and joint development. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to prioritize diplomacy with Vietnam during his recent trip to the country. The two nations signed 37 agreements, including funding for a cross-border railway and joint maritime patrols. This visit comes after US President Joe Biden's trip to Vietnam, where he emphasized closer ties and signed agreements on various issues. Vietnam, caught between the US and China, is seeking economic opportunities while remaining cautious of China's influence in the South China Sea. The geopolitical and economic landscape has changed since Xi's last visit in 2017, with Vietnam emerging as a winner from US-China trade tensions. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed a commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with Vietnam during his visit to the country. This comes as Vietnam is developing closer relationships with the United States and its allies. Xi emphasized the need to deepen the partnership between China and Vietnam and to build a community of common destiny. However, Vietnam faces a delicate balancing act between the US and China, as it seeks economic opportunities from its largest trading partner while also being wary of China's territorial claims in the South China Sea. The geopolitical and economic landscape has changed since Xi's last visit to Vietnam in 2017, with Vietnam benefiting from US-China trade tensions and moving closer to the US. Japan and Vietnam have also recently elevated their ties, which has not gone unnoticed by China. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese President Xi Jinping is making his first visit to Vietnam in six years to strengthen ties with the country and counter the influence of the United States. Vietnam, which has been caught in a delicate balancing act between the two superpowers, will be cautious in seeking economic opportunities from China while also being wary of its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Vietnam has adopted a more inclusive approach to growth, strengthening ties with the US and its allies, and is likely to seek reassurances from China regarding its military ambitions. [Extracted from the article]

The Global Commission on Adaptation was established to address the lack of attention given to climate change adaptation. The cost of adaptation is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2030, but the current financial system is not providing sufficient funding. The CEO of the Global Center for Adaptation argues that adaptation should be viewed as an investment rather than a sunk cost, as it presents economic opportunities. COP28 aims to establish a global adaptation goal and mobilize the necessary funding. The Global Center on Adaptation is working to bridge the funding gap, estimated to be between $130 and $400 billion per year by 2030, by exploring various sources of funding and advocating for the recycling of Special Drawing Rights. They are also addressing the psychological and societal impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable communities in the Global South. [Extracted from the article]

Chinese President Xi Jinping is making his first visit to Vietnam in six years to strengthen ties with the country and counter the influence of the United States. Vietnam, which has been cautious about China's economic and military power, is seeking economic opportunities from its biggest trading partner while maintaining a delicate balance. The visit comes as Vietnam has emerged as a winner in the US-China trade tensions and has strengthened ties with the US and its allies. Xi's trip will include discussions on economic cooperation and defense and maritime issues, with Vietnam likely seeking reassurances from China over its military ambitions. [Extracted from the article]

Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Technologies Inc., has announced plans to donate shares of the company worth up to $1.74 billion. He converted 25 million shares from unlisted Class A to listed Class C stock in preparation for a future charitable donation. Dell has already donated 249,000 shares to his family foundation, in addition to 5.2 million shares worth $350 million donated in October. The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, which supports education, health, and economic opportunity causes, reported assets of $1.6 billion at the end of the year. [Extracted from the article]

A larger-than-usual group of investors and bankers have gathered in Dubai for COP28, not primarily for altruistic reasons, but for the possibility of making a lot of money. Nikita Singhal, co-head of sustainable investment & ESG at Lazard Asset Management, believes that the climate crisis presents significant economic opportunities that are often overlooked. Singhal cites her recent trip to India, where she witnessed major corporations preparing billions of dollars for green capital expenditure, as an example of how climate change can be a financial opportunity. Additionally, Peter van der Werf, head of engagement at Dutch asset manager Robeco, sees biodiversity destruction as a profitable area for investors. While this profit-driven approach may make some climate activists uncomfortable, others argue that it is necessary to mobilize the trillions of dollars needed for the energy transition and climate adaptation. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio won his reelection with 56% of votes. Bio's nearest rival, Samura Kamara, got 41% of ballots cast at the June 24 polls, Mohamed Konneh, the head of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, said in a speech Tuesday. [Extracted from the article]

"There is no question of where congressional Republicans want to drive our country, and that's back to the sidelines on the clean energy transformation that's taking place around the world", Ali Zaidi, Biden's national climate advisor, said Tuesday in an interview with Bloomberg News. (Bloomberg) -- The White House's climate czar slammed Republican efforts to repeal portions of its signature climate law, as President Joe Biden prepares to make the historic measure central to his expected reelection bid. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- US businesses are poised to invest billions of dollars into Northern Ireland if the "Windsor" deal on post-Brexit trading arrangements leads to political stability in the region. The investment is described as ready-to-go by people with knowledge of the plans, following months of talks led by UK Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris. [Extracted from the article]

President Joe Biden chose Harris in 2021 as his point person to address the root causes of migration from Central America. (Bloomberg) -- Vice President Kamala Harris announced $950 million in contributions from companies including Target Corp. and Nestle SA aimed at addressing poverty and violence that is driving migration from Central America. [Extracted from the article]

The recommendations come with the UK already likely to be in a prolonged recession, and Sunak under pressure to roll-out more policies aimed at growing the economy and reducing the country's energy dependence. UK Review Advises "Step Change" in Approach to Climate Change (Bloomberg) -- The UK needs "a step change" in its approach to slashing carbon emissions if it is to eliminate greenhouse gases by 2050, according to a review commissioned by the government. [Extracted from the article]

Now spooked by the Ukraine war and its implications for Asia, Japan isnot only planning to raise its defense budget, but increasingly seekingcloser security ties around the world, beyond its alliance with the US. Japan has plans for a new security pact with the Philippines and moreport calls by Japanese Self-Defense Force vessels to Cambodia, even asthe latter breaks ground on a port expansion with China. (Bloomberg) -- After persuading a few traditional friends of Moscow tochastise Russia over its war in Ukraine, Japanese Prime Minister FumioKishida will now try to bring others in Asia aboard to balance a moreassertive China. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The top U.S. energy regulator released the first set of new draft rules for upgrading and expanding the country's aging electric grid to create a cleaner, more resilient network. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission proposed rules that would require regional transmission planning to consider at least 20-year impacts, including the changing power-and-demand mix and extreme weather events, according to a staff presentation released Thursday. [Extracted from the article]

Zhang said the Chinese government was finding ways to adjust to logistics and payment challenges in the "new situation", in an apparent reference to the sanctions regime. (Bloomberg) -- China's top Russia envoy urged Chinese business people in Moscow to seize economic opportunities created by the crisis, a strategy that could help soften the blow from international sanctions. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- China's top Russia envoy urged Chinese business people in Moscow to seize economic opportunities created by the crisis, a strategy that could help soften the blow from international sanctions. Zhang said the Chinese government was finding ways to adjust to logistics and payment challenges in the "new situation", in an apparent reference to the sanctions regime. [Extracted from the article]

"The economic effects of linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai via the UAE National Rail Network will extend for many years", Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, the country's finance minister and deputy ruler of Dubai, said in a statement. (Bloomberg) -- Etihad Rail, which is developing a $14 billion project to connect the sheikdoms of the United Arab Emirates, has linked up two of main business hubs with a direct train link. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The United Arab Emirates is seeking to grow economic ties with Israel to more than $1 trillion over the next decade, Economy Minister Abdulla Bin Touq said Monday, strengthening a year-old relationship that's already produced billions of dollars worth of business. The UAE announced earlier this month plans to deepen its trade ties in fast-growing economies in Asia and Africa, and draw $150 billion in foreign investment as it faces growing competition from regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Ola Electric Mobility Pvt's new electric-scooter factory aims to build 10 million two-wheelers annually, or 15% of the world's e-scooters by 2022, in an operation run and managed entirely by women. Ola's inaugural S1 e-scooter will be priced at 99,999 rupees ($1,360) to compete with traditional two-wheelers in India. Led by Bhavish Aggarwal, the e-mobility business is a follow-up to ride-hailing startup Ola, which is expected to make its debut on public markets next year. [Extracted from the article]

QZ8LVFT1UM0Z (Bloomberg) -- NBA superstar Steph Curry, who recently entered into a partnership with the fast-growing digital-asset exchange FTX, said he wants to use cryptocurrencies as a socially conscious platform. Keywords: BUSINESS; COS; INDUSTRIES; SPORTS; TEC; TECSVC EN BUSINESS COS INDUSTRIES SPORTS TEC TECSVC NBA superstar Steph Curry, who recently entered into a partnership with the fast-growing digital-asset exchange FTX, said he wants to use cryptocurrencies as a socially conscious platform. [Extracted from the article]

In a news conference later Tuesday to conclude her trip, Harris committed to a border trip but again insisted the U.S. must look abroad to curb migration. (Bloomberg) -- Vice President Kamala Harris said she'll visit the U.S. southern border but urged American lawmakers to focus on the causes of mass migration from Central America, deflecting Republican criticism after meeting with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Tuesday. [Extracted from the article]

Harris earlier Tuesday defended her approach, saying in an NBC News interview that there is "not going to be a quick fix" for the flow of people to the U.S. southern border. (Bloomberg) -- Vice President Kamala Harris said she'll visit the U.S. southern border but urged American lawmakers to focus on the causes of mass migration from Central America, deflecting Republican criticism after meeting with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Tuesday. [Extracted from the article]

They plan to discuss "ways to increase economic opportunities in Guatemala, strengthen the rule of law and deepen bilateral law enforcement cooperation", said Mazin Alfaqih, special adviser to Harris for the Northern Triangle. (Bloomberg) -- Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with the leaders of Mexico and Guatemala next week as part of the Biden administration's efforts to slow a surge of migration from Central America to the U.S. Harris will spend roughly 48 hours in the region -- on her first foreign trip since taking office -- to meet with political and community leaders, entrepreneurs, and U.S. embassy officials, according to advisers to the vice president. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has told the International Olympic Committee he's certain the 2022 Winter Olympics will be held as planned, a show of confidence that comes as the rest of the world struggles to contain Covid-19. China has sought to project confidence that the Winter Games scheduled for February next year will proceed as scheduled, with Xi telling a group of diplomats last month that his country would host "a simple, safe and splendid Olympics.". [Extracted from the article]

China has repeatedly sought to project confidence that the Winter Games scheduled for February next year will proceed as scheduled, with Xi telling a group of diplomats last month that his country would host "a simple, safe and splendid Olympics." (Bloomberg) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has told the International Olympic Committee he's certain the 2022 Winter Olympics will be held as planned, a show of confidence that comes as the rest of the world struggles to contain Covid-19. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Day two of President Joe Biden's international climate summit commences on Friday. Gates Says Cost of Green Energy Must Come Down (9:39 a.m.) Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates said clean power's biggest problem boils down to cost. [Extracted from the article]

U.S. Seeks to Drive 80% Cut in Cost of Hydrogen (8:58 a.m.) The U.S. will set a goal of reducing the cost of renewable hydrogen by 80% by 2030 making it competitive with natural gas, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said. (Bloomberg) -- Day two of President Joe Biden's international climate summit commences on Friday. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- Day two of President Joe Biden's international climate summit commences on Friday. Click here to see schedule of events for two-day summit The summit, which drew 40 heads of state, kicked off Thursday with Biden stating the nation's climate goals, which also include doubling climate aid to developing countries. Click here to catch up on Thursday's events: Biden Wants $15 Billion for EV Charging Stations Kerry Cites "Historic" Economic Opportunities (8:23 a.m.) The first day of President Joe Biden's climate summit focused on driving more carbon cuts, with warnings about the consequences of inaction. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The European Union's top trade official said that newly published details of its investment agreement with China underscore how businesses are set to benefit from increased access. The deal "rebalances the EU-China investment relationship", the bloc's Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said in a statement on Friday. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- For the first time in seven months, the trend of rising poverty in America reversed, according to a measure created by the University of Notre Dame's Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities and the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy. The overall poverty rate fell to 11.3% last month from 11.8% in December, thanks to both stimulus payments and supplemental unemployment benefits. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The European Union and China announced the political approval of an agreement to open the Chinese market further to EU investors, marking a major step in talks that began in 2013. For the EU, the deal risks irking the incoming U.S. administration, which has urged the Europeans to consult with them over China's economic practices. China ranked as the EU's second-largest trade partner in 2019 (behind the U.S.), with two-way goods commerce valued at more than 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) a day. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The European Union and China announced the political approval of an agreement to open the Chinese market further to EU investors, marking a major step in talks that began in 2013. For the EU, the deal risks irking the incoming U.S. administration, which has urged the Europeans to consult with them over China's economic practices. "China has committed to an unprecedented level of market access for EU investors, giving European businesses certainty and predictability for their operations.". [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- The European Union and China announced the political approval of a long-sought agreement to open the Chinese market further to EU investors, marking an economic victory for both sides. The EU has lambasted Trump's confrontational tactics toward China, urging engagement with Beijing in a bid to strengthen global rules. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- For decades, Asia's fast-growing economies have offered millions of young people the chance to do better than their parents. Bloomberg's Chief Asia Economics Correspondent Enda Curran reports from Hong Kong on the struggles and hopes of the "lockdown generation.". [Extracted from the article]

President Donald Trump may ask Congress for $1.2 trillion - including direct payments to Americans of $1,000 - to blunt the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The Federal Reserve will restart a financial crisis-era program to help U.S. companies borrow through the commercial paper market. But if you're an unlucky American stuck abroad, the Trump administration says don't count on government help getting home. [Extracted from the article]

(Bloomberg) -- If you're a woman wondering how long you'll have to wait for the same economic opportunities as your male counterparts, the answer could be more than two and half centuries, according to the World Economic Forum. The economic gender gap will take 257 years to close, the WEF said, even more than the 202 years it predicted in 2018. [Extracted from the article]