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Digital Transformation at Forefront of Global Trade as New Pacts Address Tech and E-Commerce

February 16, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

The critical role of emerging technologies in reshaping global trade ecosystems was the central theme at the WORLDEF Dubai 2026 forum, which drew nearly 18,000 attendees from 80 countries. The discussions coincide with new international trade agreements that are beginning to formally integrate rules for the digital economy. According to the Emirates News Agency, […]

Investment Hotspots Defy Global Trends: Tanzania, Middle East, and European Banks See FDI and M&A Boom

February 13, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

While global foreign direct investment (FDI) has faced headwinds, several key regions are emerging as powerful hubs for investment and dealmaking, driven by strategic reforms, sovereign wealth deployment, and sector-specific consolidation. Tanzania, the Middle East, and the European banking sector are all experiencing a significant uptick in M&A and investment activity, offering lucrative opportunities for […]

US and Taiwan Deepen Economic Ties with New Trade Agreement, Slashing Tariffs

February 13, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

The United States and Taiwan signed a significant trade agreement on February 13, 2026, deepening their commercial relationship and aiming to bolster supply chain resilience, particularly in high-technology sectors. Under the pact, Washington will lower tariffs on a wide range of Taiwanese exports from 20% to 15%, a move that puts Taiwan on equal footing […]

Australia and New Zealand Deepen Economic Ties with New Pact to Streamline Trade Standards

February 13, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

Australia and New Zealand have signed a new agreement to improve trade standards, a move designed to simplify business operations and cut red tape for companies operating across the Tasman Sea. The pact, announced by Australia’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources, aims to create more consistent safety and quality standards between the two nations. […]

EU Enters New Digital Trade Era as Landmark Pact with Singapore Takes Effect

February 13, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

The European Union has officially entered a new phase of its trade policy with the entry into force of the EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement (DTA) on February 1, 2026. This landmark accord represents the EU’s first-ever standalone bilateral digital trade agreement and is poised to set new international standards for the rapidly growing digital economy. […]

From Pilot to Payment: Blockchain-Based Trade Finance Goes Live with Major Banks and Fintechs Adopting Tokenized Settlements

February 13, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

Global trade finance is undergoing a seismic shift from theoretical exploration to real-world application, as major financial institutions and fintech firms are now executing live transactions using blockchain technology, smart contracts, and stablecoins. This move promises to replace centuries-old, paper-based processes with automated, near-instant settlement, addressing long-standing industry bottlenecks. The adoption surge is underscored by […]

US Unleashes Data-Driven AML Dragnet as Industry Turns to AI for Compliance Relief

February 12, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

The U.S. government has escalated its fight against financial crime with a new data-centric enforcement strategy, while the compliance industry simultaneously accelerates its adoption of AI and automation to manage the immense workload. These parallel developments highlight a new era where sophisticated data analysis by regulators is met with advanced automation by the private sector. [...]

EU and India Conclude Landmark Free Trade Agreement, Slashing Tariffs and Boosting Market Access

February 12, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

The European Union and India have concluded a landmark free trade agreement (FTA), creating a trade zone of nearly 2 billion people and aiming to double EU goods exports to India by 2032. The historic deal, announced on January 27, 2026, after negotiations resumed in 2022 following a stall since 2013, is one of the […]

Wadi Jeddah Partner with EVS Saudi Arabia 2026 to Advance National Electric Mobility Innovation

February 12, 2026

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia -Wadi Jeddah, the investment arm of King Abdulaziz University has announced a strategic partnership with EVS Saudi Arabia 2026 (2nd Edition), the Kingdom’s leading platform dedicated to electric mobility and sustainable transport. As part of this partnership, EVINEX (Electric Vehicles Innovation Next Generation) has been appointed as the National Challenge Partner for […]

Supply Chain Contracts in Flux as US Legislative Delays and Japan-China Tensions Create Global Uncertainty

February 12, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

Businesses are being forced to fundamentally reconsider their supply chain strategies and contractual agreements as geopolitical tensions and legislative uncertainty inject significant risk into international trade. According to a Discovery Alert report, escalating tensions between Japan and China are compelling Japanese companies to accelerate supply chain diversification. Japan’s heavy reliance on China for rare earth […]

Green Energy Transition Fuels Global FDI Boom, with Billions Pouring into Hydrogen and Renewables

February 12, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

A global rush to secure leadership in the green energy transition is unlocking tens of billions of dollars in foreign direct investment, reshaping economies and supply chains from Africa to Latin America. Recent announcements reveal a surge in capital flows into large-scale hydrogen, solar, and critical minerals projects as nations position themselves for a decarbonized […]

African Development Bank and BIAT Ink $50M Guarantee Facility to Boost Tunisian Trade and Support SMEs

February 12, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie (BIAT) have signed a $50 million Trade Finance Guarantee Facility to bolster Tunisia’s private sector, the AfDB announced on February 7, 2026. The agreement is designed to strengthen the import and export activities of local businesses by enhancing their access to trade finance […]

EU and US Advance Strategic Trade Pacts to Counter Tariffs and Secure Supply Chains

February 11, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

The United States and the European Union are aggressively pursuing new, strategic trade agreements designed to counter the impact of tariffs and secure critical supply chains, according to several reports. The moves signal a coordinated effort by Western powers to build resilient economic alliances amidst global competition. In Brussels, the European Parliament’s trade committee is […]

UAE and UK Spearhead New AML Strategies, Targeting Asset Recovery and Crypto Crime in 2026

February 11, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

Two of the world’s major financial hubs, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, are rolling out distinct and focused strategies to combat financial crime in 2026, targeting everything from regional policy leadership to specific domestic threats like crypto and payment fraud. In a February 10 interview with AML Intelligence, Hamid Al-Zaabi, the […]

New Japan-China Friction and U.S. Bilateralism Reshape Asian Trade Dynamics, Testing ASEAN’s Role

February 11, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

Asia’s complex trade environment is being reshaped by renewed tensions between its largest economies and a continued U.S. strategy of forging bilateral partnerships, putting regional blocs like ASEAN under increasing pressure to maintain unity and relevance. In East Asia, trade friction that began in late 2025 is expected to be influenced by the landslide election […]

Indonesia and Australia Launch Mutual Recognition Pact to Expedite Customs for Trusted Traders

February 11, 2026

Jessica Jumaway

In a significant move to streamline trade, Indonesia and Australia have implemented a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for their respective Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs, effective January 1, 2026. According to a report from Tempo.co, the agreement means that Indonesian customs and the Australian Border Force (ABF) will recognize each other’s trusted trader programs, providing […]

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