U.S. "shooting itself in the foot" with tariff hikes on China: Cuban expert

STORY: U.S. "shooting itself in the foot" with tariff hikes on China: Cuban expert SHOOTING TIME: May 27, 2024 DATELINE: May 28, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:13 LOCATION: Havana CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of streets in Havana 2. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): EDUARDO REGALADO, Senior researcher at the International Policy Research Center of Cuba STORYLINE: The U.S. narrative of "overcapacity" against China's new energy sector, along with its decision to raise tariffs on Chinese new energy products, is not only political manipulation and economic protectionism but also undermines global trend of green transition, said Eduardo Regalado, a Cuban political expert in a recent interview with Xinhua. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): EDUARDO REGALADO, Senior researcher at the International Policy Research Center of Cuba "The move has several interpretations. Firstly, it is political manipulation with the U.S. presidential elections looming. The candidates are competing using the China factor to have a greater number of votes. And

Palestinian gov't submits resignation to President Abbas: PM

STORY: Palestinian gov't submits resignation to President Abbas: PM SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 26, 2024 DATELINE: Feb. 26, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:30 LOCATION: RAMALLAH, Palestine CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh addressing the press conference 2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): MOHAMMAD SHTAYYEH, Palestinian Prime Minister 3. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh addressing the press conference STORYLINE: Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said Monday he submitted his government's resignation to President Mahmoud Abbas. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): MOHAMMAD SHTAYYEH, Palestinian Prime Minister "I submitted the government's resignation to President Mahmoud Abbas on February 20, 2024, and today I submit it in writing. This decision comes in light of the political, security, and economic developments related to the aggression against Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and the unprecedented escalation in the West Bank and Jerusalem." Shtayyeh's government was formed by a

Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa concludes

STORY: Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa concludes SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 27, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 29, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:46 LOCATION: Dakar CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the forum 2. Senegalese President Macky Sall speaking STORYLINE: The 9th edition of the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa concluded on Tuesday in Diamniadio, near Dakar, the Senegalese capital. Around 400 participants, including civil and military decision-makers, experts and researchers of the continent, took part in the forum, themed "Africa's potentials and solutions in the face of security challenges and institutional instability." Africa is progressing on the path to democracy, but is still shaken by institutional instability, said Senegalese President Macky Sall at the opening of the forum, noting that conflicts and institutional instability cost too much to Africa. Armed conflicts totally undermine Africa's efforts toward economic and social development, he said, stressin

U.S. Fed leaves interest rates unchanged amid surging Treasury yields

STORY: U.S. Fed leaves interest rates unchanged amid surging Treasury yields SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 1, 2023 DATELINE: Nov. 2, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:14 LOCATION: Washington D.C. CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the press conference 2. various of speech by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell STORYLINE: The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday left interest rates unchanged at a 22-year high of 5.25-5.5 percent, as yields on long-term U.S. Treasury bonds have spiked in recent months. "Recent indicators suggest that economic activity expanded at a strong pace in the third quarter. Job gains have moderated since earlier in the year but remain strong, and the unemployment rate has remained low. Inflation remains elevated," the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) said in a statement after concluding a two-day policy meeting. Wednesday's decision comes as the 10-year Treasury yield has risen swiftly, by nearly one percentage point, since Fed officials last raised rates in July, recently hitting 5 percent for the first ti

Norway's data regulator brings Meta privacy case to EU level

STORY: Norway's data regulator brings Meta privacy case to EU level DATELINE: Sept. 30, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:19 LOCATION: Oslo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Datatilsynet (The Norwegian Data Protection Authority) X5 2. various of Oslo Downtown X4 TORYLINE: The Norwegian Data Protection Authority (Datatilsynet) has requested a binding decision from the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) in the Meta case. "In the request, we ask that the Norwegian temporary ban on behavioral advertising on Facebook and Instagram (owned by Meta) be made permanent and extended to the entire EU/EEA (European Union/European Economic Area)," the regulator said in a statement on Thursday. In July, Datatilsynet said it considered the U.S. technology giant's behavior-based marketing practices illegal as they excessively monitored user behavior. As a result, it argued, the company must halt such practices in Norway immediately. Datatilsynet is only authorized to make a temporary decision, which will expire on

Yemen's Houthi group sacks "cabinet" amid mass protests

STORY: Yemen's Houthi group sacks "cabinet" amid mass protests DATELINE: Sept. 29, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:49 LOCATION: Sanaa CATEGORY: POLITICS/MILITARY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Houthi group holding a celebration to mark the birthday of the Muslim prophet Mohammed in the capital Sanaa. 2. various shots of Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi speaking at the celebration 3. various shots of Sanaa residents protesting on the street 4. various shots of the celebrations STORYLINE: Yemen's Houthi rebels on Wednesday sacked their "cabinet" which controls the country's north, amid the eruption of mass protests. The decision was announced by the group's leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi during a celebration to mark the birthday of the Muslim prophet Mohammed in the capital Sanaa. "The formation of a new competent cabinet will serve as a first stage of essential change ... to correct policies, serve the people, and address economic problems," the rebel leader said in a televised speech. The move came a day after wide

Arab League welcomes African Union's membership in G20

STORY: Arab League welcomes African Union's membership in G20 DATELINE: Sept. 11, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:54 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the headquarters of the Arab League STORYLINE: The Arab League (AL) on Sunday welcomed the admission of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member to the Group of 20 (G20), expressing hope that the pan-Arab organization would enjoy the same status. AL Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit welcomed in a statement the G20 leaders' decision on AU's entry into the group. On Saturday, G20 members agreed to grant permanent membership to the AU in an effort to make the group more representative. The agreement was reached at the inaugural session of the two-day G20 summit held in New Delhi, India, during the weekend. Aboul-Gheit hailed the decision as a "positive step" that will lead to mutual gains for both sides and contribute to strengthening African countries' role in global economic development. He stressed that this step will enhance Africa's

Syria doubles salaries amid fuel price hike

STORY: Syria doubles salaries amid fuel price hike DATELINE: Aug. 17, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:21 LOCATION: Damascus CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Damascus streets 2. various of a Syrian bank 3. various of Syrians waiting in the fuel queue 4. various of Syrians buying daily needs STORYLINE: Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday ordered a 100-percent salary raise as the government sharply raised fuel prices, according to the state news agency SANA. The salary increase, covering state employees, retirees, and military personnel, is the ninth since 2011 when the Syrian war broke out. The country's economy has since been mired in an economic crisis. Prior to the decision, the monthly salary of civil servants had been between around 10 and 25 U.S. dollars, depending on the Syrian pound's street value. Also on Tuesday night, the Syrian Ministry of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection raised the prices of diesel fuel for transportation and bakeries by about 180 percent, and normal-octane gasoline

Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone authorized to set up company to manage investments

STORY: Egypt's Suez Canal Economic Zone authorized to set up company to manage investments DATELINE: Aug. 4, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:05 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Egyptian cabinet headquarters 2. various of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly speaking 3. various of the Sokhna port 4. various of factories within the Suez Canal Economic Zone 5. various of the Suez Canal Economic Zone under development STORYLINE: The Egyptian government on Thursday authorized the General Authority for Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) to set up a joint-stock company called "SCZone Istithmar" to manage investments. According to a decision published by the official gazette, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has approved the move to establish the company, which is tasked with formulating strategic plans to manage the SCZone's current and future investments and set up joint development enterprises with the private sector. The company will also seek cooperation and establish partnersh

Türkiye's central bank expected to hike interest rate: media

STORY: Türkiye's central bank expected to hike interest rate: media DATELINE: July 20, 2023 LENGTH: 0:00:32 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Türkiye's central bank 2. various of Istanbul STORYLINE: Türkiye's central bank is likely to raise its main interest rate by 500 basis points to 20 percent, economists told the state-run Anadolu news agency on Wednesday. The bank's rate decision will be announced on Thursday at 2 p.m. local time (1100 GMT). Marek Drimal, an expert at Societe Generale's Emerging Markets Strategy research team, predicted that the central bank's rate decision would be compatible with its policy of gradual return to the economic orthodoxy. He forecast the bank would increase its rate to 20 percent from 15 percent, according to Anadolu. Last month, the bank, led by its new governor Hafize Gaye Erkan, raised the interest rate from 8.5 percent to 15 percent, the first such hike in more than two years. The rate hike marks a return to more orthodox mon

China's Harbin selected to host 2025 Asian Winter Games

STORY: China's Harbin selected to host 2025 Asian Winter Games DATELINE: July 8, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:51 LOCATION: Bangkok CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the congress STORYLINE: Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, was chosen by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to host the 2025 Asian Winter Games on Saturday. The OCA made the decision at its 42nd Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand. Harbin was the only candidate city for the 2025 Asian Winter Games, and its bid was approved by the OCA with a round of applause from the assembly. During the presentation by the Harbin Bid Committee to the OCA, Yu Zaiqing, vice president of the Chinese Olympic Committee and an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, said Harbin boasts stable economic growth, solid winter sports tradition and excellent winter sports facilities. "We are fully convinced that Harbin is capable of delivering an outstanding and successful edition of the Asian Winter Games, so as to contribute to t

Argentina's central bank hikes benchmark interest rate to 97 pct

STORY: Argentina's central bank hikes benchmark interest rate to 97 pct DATELINE: May 16, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:57 LOCATION: Buenos Aires CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views and markets STORYLINE: The Argentine central bank on Monday again raised the benchmark interest rate by 600 basis points, pushing the rate from 91 percent to 97 percent annually. The decision aims to promote "positive real returns on investments in local currency" and "prevent financial volatility from acting as a driver of inflation expectations," the bank said in a press release. In April, monthly inflation rose 8.4 percent compared to March, according to the bank. The decision complements a package of economic measures the government announced over the weekend to reduce inflation, stabilize the exchange rate and guarantee consistent levels of economic activity. "The central bank will continue to monitor the evolution of the general level of prices, the dynamics of the financial market, and exchange rat

Egypt raises diesel prices amid global inflationary pressures

STORY: Egypt raises diesel prices amid global inflationary pressures DATELINE: May 5, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:01 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ENERGY/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of fuel stations in Egypt STORYLINE: Egypt raised its diesel prices by one Egyptian pound to 8.25 pounds (27 U.S. cents) per liter while keeping gasoline prices unchanged, Egypt's petroleum ministry said in a statement early on Thursday. The decision by the country's Fuel Automatic Pricing Committee (FAPC) came into effect at 02:00 a.m. local time (0000 GMT) on Thursday. The decision was made "amid the ongoing increases in the prices of crude oil and petroleum products globally," the statement said. Prices of 80-octane, 92-octane, and 95-octane petrol remained at 8.75 pounds, 10.25 pounds, 11.5 pounds respectively, while the price for mazut that is used for non-electricity and bakery purposes remained at 6,000 pounds per ton, the statement added. According to Waleed Gaballah, an Egyptian economic expert, the FAPC decision w

Malaysian Central Bank raises OPR to 3 pct

STORY: Malaysian Central Bank raises OPR to 3 pct DATELINE: May 4, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:56 LOCATION: Kuala Lumpur CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Malaysian Central Bank 2. various of Malaysia's national flag and Kuala Lumpur city traffic 3. various of Kuala Lumpur street views STORYLINE: Malaysian Central Bank on Wednesday decided to increase the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to three percent. The ceiling and floor rates of the corridor of the OPR are correspondingly increased to 3.25 percent and 2.75 percent, respectively, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said in a statement. With the domestic growth prospects remaining resilient, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the BNM judged that it was time to further normalize the degree of monetary accommodation. With this decision, the MPC has withdrawn the monetary stimulus intended to address the COVID-19 crisis in promoting economic recovery. In light of the continued strength of the Malaysian economy, the MPC also re

Flight attendant from China's Taiwan sees great opportunities in mainland

STORY: Flight attendant from China's Taiwan sees great opportunities in mainland DATELINE: April 30, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:13 LOCATION: XIAMEN, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Xiamen Airlines 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): SU CHIAYU, Flight attendant 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): SU CHIAYU, Flight attendant 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): SU CHIAYU, Flight attendant STORYLINE: Su Chiayu is a flight attendant from China's Taiwan. In 2017, she took part in a recruitment test of China's Xiamen Airlines and was later recruited that year. Su said she made the decision after seeing great opportunities brought by the rapid development of the Chinese mainland. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): SU CHIAYU, Flight attendant "The reason why I chose to work here was that I'm optimistic about the economic development of the mainland. China's civil aviation industry is booming. It has grown rapidly over the past decade. China is now one of the largest and most competitive civil aviation markets in the world." After five years of wo

Diversification for transaction settlement gives countries more monetary autonomy: Indonesian economist

STORY: Diversification for transaction settlement gives countries more monetary autonomy: Indonesian economist DATELINE: April 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:30 LOCATION: Jakarta CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Indonesia related footage 2. SOUNDBITE (English): DAVID SUMUAL, Chief economist with PT Bank Central Asia Tbk. Indonesia 3. various of U.S. related footage 4. various of global economic trade related footage STORYLINE: An Indonesian economist has said the diversification for transaction settlement will give countries more monetary autonomy, in terms of financial and monetary decision-making. SOUNDBITE (English): DAVID SUMUAL, Chief economist with PT Bank Central Asia Tbk. Indonesia "In 1944, we know that the (U.S.) dollar is the anchor currency. But, (nearly) 80 years after the World War II ends, the current economic trend and investment relations have changed so much while the global monetary architecture remains practically the same. In other words, the current global monetary system does not re

Establishment of China-Honduras diplomatic ties applauded by Honduran officials

STORY: Establishment of China-Honduras diplomatic ties applauded by Honduran officials DATELINE: March 29, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:08 LOCATION: Tegucigalpa CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views in Honduras 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): GERARDO TORRES, Honduran Vice Foreign Minister 3. various of street views in Honduras 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): ANARELLA VELEZ OSEJO, Honduran Minister of Culture STORYLINE: Honduran officials have applauded the establishment of China-Honduras diplomatic ties after the two countries signed a joint communique on Sunday. Gerardo Torres, vice foreign minister of the Central American nation, said the decision is very positive and important and will bring benefits to the people of Honduras. SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): GERARDO TORRES, Honduran Vice Foreign Minister "It is a very positive and very important decision, it is something that we are sure will bring benefits to the people of Honduras. China is an economic power, it has enormous growth that has achieved really impre

Russia welcomes China's optimization of COVID-19 response

STORY: Russia welcomes China's optimization of COVID-19 response DATELINE: Jan. 13, 2023 LENGTH: 0:00:49 LOCATION: Moscow CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of streets in Moscow 2. SOUNDBITE (Russian): MARIA ZAKHAROVA, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson STORYLINE: The Russian Foreign Ministry has said that Russia "positively assesses" China's decision to optimize its COVID-19 response policies, including those regarding the cross-border movement of people and freight. When answering a question about the prospects for China's economic development after the adjustment of COVID-19 response policies on Thursday, the ministry's spokesperson Maria Zakharova, said: SOUNDBITE (Russian): MARIA ZAKHAROVA, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson "We are interested in a strong, dynamically developing China and interested in strengthening and diversifying our multifaceted practical ties. We are ready to cooperate with our partners to ensure the further intensification of Russian-Chinese trade and economic coopera

IMF approves 3-bln-USD loan to Egypt

STORY: IMF approves 3-bln-USD loan to Egypt DATELINE: Dec. 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:52 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the River Nile in Cairo 2. various of the Central Bank of Egypt 3. various of an accountant counting banknotes 4. various of national banks STORYLINE: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Friday that its executive board had approved a loan to Egypt of about 3 billion U.S. dollars over 46 months. The decision enables an immediate disbursement of about 347 million dollars to Egypt, "which will help meet the balance of payments need and provide support to the budget," the IMF said in a statement, adding the loan package is expected to encourage Egypt's international and regional partners to provide an extra 14 billion dollars to finance the most populous Arab country. According to the IMF, the financial support was granted in exchange for an economic reform program from the Egyptian government. It hopes to pave the way for "sustainable, inclusive and p

BOJ chief Fukui denies political pressure in rate decision

BOJ chief Fukui denies political pressure in rate decision

TOKYO, Japan - Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui denies at a press conference after a two-day meeting of the central bank's decision-making Policy Board on Jan. 18 that the bank had given in to political pressure in postponing a hike in its key short-term interest rate. ''Our decision this time is solely based on our careful examination of economic and price conditions. We never discussed factors other than those conditions,'' he said.

BOJ upgrades economic assessment, ultra-easy policy intact

BOJ upgrades economic assessment, ultra-easy policy intact

TOKYO, Japan - Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui speaks at a press conference March 16 on the central bank's decision to raise its economic assessment for the first time since last June on improvements in exports and production, leaving its ultra-loose monetary policy unchanged in line with analysts' expectations.

Gov't OKs creation of 57 deregulation zones

Gov't OKs creation of 57 deregulation zones

TOKYO, Japan - State Minister Yoshitada Konoike speaks at a news conference April 17 on a government decision to create 57 special economic zones subject to preferential deregulatory treatment, including eight zones where private companies are allowed to engage in farming operations. They are Japan's first deregulation zones launched as part of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's drive to push through structural reforms.

Nasdaq blames economic slump for Japan pullout

Nasdaq blames economic slump for Japan pullout

TOKYO, Japan - John Hilley, chairman and chief executive officer of Nasdaq International Inc., speaks at a press conference at a hotel in Tokyo's Minato Ward on Aug. 19 about Nasdaq's decision to pull out of Japan. He said the country's economic slump was to blame.

Panel on war dead to reach decision in 1 year

Panel on war dead to reach decision in 1 year

TOKYO, Japan - Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda addresses members of a government advisory panel tasked with finding non-controversial ways to honor Japan's war dead who met for the first time dec. 19. The panel agreed to meet monthly before reaching a conclusion in one year. The panel headed by Takashi Imai, chairman of the Federation of Economic Organizations, was set up after Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, which honors convicted war criminals along with the nation's war dead, triggered criticism from Japan's Asian neighbors.

Takenaka expects BOJ's easy-credit stance to counter deflation

Takenaka expects BOJ's easy-credit stance to counter deflation

TOKYO, Japan - Heizo Takenaka, state minister for economic and fiscal policy, holds a press conference in Tokyo on Aug. 14. Takenaka said he expects the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to take a decisive stance to counter deflation following its decision earlier in the day to further ease its grip on credit.

Koizumi picks ally Yamasaki as LDP's secretary general

Koizumi picks ally Yamasaki as LDP's secretary general

TOKYO, Japan - Junichiro Koizumi (3rd from L), newly elected president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), is surrounded by new party top executives at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo on April 25. Koizumi appointed Taro Aso (R), state minister for economic and fiscal policy, as head of the party's Policy Research Council, and Koizumi's ally Taku Yamasaki (2nd from R) as the party's secretary general, the No. 2 post. Mitsuo Horiuchi (3rd from R) became the chairman of the decision-making General Council.

2-year goal set for bad loans, but package put off

2-year goal set for bad loans, but package put off

TOKYO, Japan - Taro Aso, minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy, speaks at a news conference April 4 after a task force meeting of the government and ruling coalition. The meeting agreed to have major Japanese banks remove outstanding bad loans with high risk levels from their balance sheets in two years but put off a decision on a new package of economic measures until April 6.

Gov't, coalition put off decision on economic package

Gov't, coalition put off decision on economic package

TOKYO, Japan - Shizuka Kamei, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Council, speaks to reporters April 4 after a government task force failed to agree on a package of emergency economic measures, postponing a decision to April 6.

Sakaiya to stay on as EPA chief

Sakaiya to stay on as EPA chief

TOKYO, Japan - Economic Planning Agency (EPA) chief Taichi Sakaiya says July 3 he has accepted Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori's request to retain his post in the new cabinet to be launched July 4. ''I have made a bitter decision as I was asked to remain in office by many people,'' Sakaiya told reporters at the agency in Tokyo. Sakaiya, a bureaucrat-turned-writer, had earlier expressed a desire not to stay on as EPA chief.

Ex-Japan health minister Goto to take over as economy minister

Ex-Japan health minister Goto to take over as economy minister

Former Japanese health minister Shigeyuki Goto (C) meets the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Oct. 25, 2022, following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's decision to appoint him as economic revitalization minister. Goto will replace Daishiro Yamagiwa who stepped down after coming under fire over his ties with the Unification Church.

Ex-Japan health minister Goto to take over as economy minister

Ex-Japan health minister Goto to take over as economy minister

Former Japanese health minister Shigeyuki Goto meets the press at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Oct. 25, 2022, following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's decision to appoint him as economic revitalization minister. Goto will replace Daishiro Yamagiwa who stepped down after coming under fire over his ties with the Unification Church.

Foreign experts hail China's path to common prosperity

STORY: Foreign experts hail China's path to common prosperity DATELINE: Oct. 19, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:16 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of economic related views in China 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SUDHEENDRA KULKARNI, Former Chairman of Mumbai-based think tank Observer Research Foundation 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): PATRICK MWANGI, International affairs analyst in Kenya 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): ROBERT LAWRENCE KUHN, Chairman of the Kuhn Foundation STORYLINE: Many experts across the world have hailed China's path to common prosperity, which benefits everyone in the country instead of just a few. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SUDHEENDRA KULKARNI, Former Chairman of Mumbai-based think tank Observer Research Foundation "The goal of achieving common prosperity for all the 1.4 billion Chinese people is an audacious and a very courageous decision. There is no country in the world which has tried to achieve common prosperity for such a large population. Unless prosperity is shared by all,

U.S. monetary policy aggravates global economy: former investment banker

STORY: U.S. monetary policy aggravates global economy: former investment banker DATELINE: Sept. 23, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:00 LOCATION: Islamabad CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the U.S. 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MIR MOHAMMAD ALI KHAN, Former Wall Street investment banker 3. various of the U.S. 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): MIR MOHAMMAD ALI KHAN, Former Wall Street investment banker STORYLINE: A Pakistani expert has said that U.S. monetary policy will add fuel to the fire and aggravate the international economic situation. Mir Mohammad Ali Khan, a former Wall Street investment banker, points out that U.S. decision-makers failed to slow down the U.S. economy before it's too late. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MIR MOHAMMAD ALI KHAN, Former Wall Street investment banker "You're talking about a 40-year-high inflation, the Fed has already increased interest rates. The decision-makers are a bit worried right now because this is stagflation. So we are looking at wrong decision making that they didn't slow down the

Afghans take to streets protesting against U.S. decision on Afghanistan's assets

STORY: Afghans take to streets protesting against U.S. decision on Afghanistan's assets DATELINE: Sept. 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:18 LOCATION: Kabul CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Afghans taking to the streets protesting against the U.S. decision on Afghanistan's assets 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): LALA AGHA, Organizer of protest 3. various of protesters on the streets in Kabul 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Pashto): RAFEUALLAH, Protester 5. various of protesters on the streets in Kabul STORYLINE: Hundreds of Afghans gathered in front of the former Afghanistan Human Rights Commission office in the capital city Kabul Saturday to protest against the U.S. recent announcement regarding transferring a part of Afghanistan's national reserves to a trust in Switzerland, calling for the full release of the assets. Holding placards and banners, the protesters chanted anti-U.S. slogans, blaming the United States for the ongoing humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan. The protesters demanded the immediate, full release

U.S. sets trap for Europe, drags them into Ukrainian crisis: Egyptian expert

STORY: U.S. sets trap for Europe, drags them into Ukrainian crisis: Egyptian expert DATELINE: Sept. 12, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:16 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): MAHER AZIZ, Energy, environment, and climate change consultant and member of the World Energy Council STORYLINE: An Egyptian expert said the U.S. has double-crossed its European partners and set a trap for them through the Ukrainian crisis. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): MAHER AZIZ, Energy, environment, and climate change consultant and member of the World Energy Council "The U.S. has double-crossed its European partners and set a trap for them through the Ukrainian crisis, which drained their (European) resources -- both funds and weapons. The U.S. also pushed the Europeans to impose economic sanctions on Russia, but the tables were turned on them in a more bitter way that was reflected in the increase in prices on the European citizens who are currently revolting against the politicians and decision-makers in Europe. P

U.S. economic mismanagement burdens world with economic woes: experts

STORY: U.S. economic mismanagement burdens world with economic woes: experts DATELINE: July 30, 2022 LENGTH: 00:02:14 LOCATION: Singapore CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: various of U.S. Federal Reservevarious of street view in U.S.various of containersSOUNDBITE 1 (English): LAWRENCE LOH, Director of the Center for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of SingaporeSOUNDBITE 2 (English): JIN SONG, Adjunct professor at Nanyang Technological University of SingaporeSOUNDBITE 3 (English): LAWRENCE LOH, Director of the Center for Governance and Sustainability at the National University of Singapore STORYLINE: Analysts say the root cause of the U.S. Fed's interest rate hikes is economic mismanagement on the part of the U.S., and that the Fed's decision is further burdening the world with economic woes. The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday raised its benchmark interest rate by 75 basis points, the second in a row of that magnitude, as elevated inflation showed no clear sign of easing. SOU

U.S. new rate hike casts further shadow on Turkish economic outlook: expert

STORY: U.S. new rate hike casts further shadow on Turkish economic outlook: expert DATELINE: July 29, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:36 LOCATION: ISTANBUL, Türkiye CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the U.S. Federal Reserve building 2. various of exchange office, Information including Turkish lira and U.S. dollar value information at the exchange office in Istanbul, Türkiye 3. various of bank clerk at exchange office counting U.S. dollars in Istanbul, Türkiye 4. various of Türkiye's central bank, employees counting Turkish lira in Türkiye 5. various of people shopping at the bazaar, supermarket in Istanbul, Türkiye STORYLINE: The remaining hopes for the Turkish economy to get better sooner are vanishing fast after the latest U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate hike, Turkish economist and writer Mustafa Sonmez told Xinhua in an interview on Thursday. Sonmez made the comments after the U.S. Fed's decision to raise the interest rate by 0.75 percentage points on Wednesday in an attempt to cool down the hottest in

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

(220713) -- BRUSSELS, July 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Zdravko Maric poses for a photo holding a model of a euro coin at a signing ceremony on adoption of the euro by Croatia in Brussels, Belgium, July 12, 2022. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the European Union's Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) to integrate Croatia into the eurozone on Jan. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

(220713) -- BRUSSELS, July 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Zdravko Maric speaks at a signing ceremony on adoption of the euro by Croatia in Brussels, Belgium, July 12, 2022. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the European Union's Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) to integrate Croatia into the eurozone on Jan. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

(220713) -- BRUSSELS, July 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Zdravko Maric (L) and European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde attend a signing ceremony on adoption of the euro by Croatia in Brussels, Belgium, July 12, 2022. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the European Union's Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) to integrate Croatia into the eurozone on Jan. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

(220713) -- BRUSSELS, July 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Zdravko Maric speaks at a signing ceremony on adoption of the euro by Croatia in Brussels, Belgium, July 12, 2022. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the European Union's Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) to integrate Croatia into the eurozone on Jan. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

(220713) -- BRUSSELS, July 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Zdravko Maric poses for a photo holding a model of a euro coin at a signing ceremony on adoption of the euro by Croatia in Brussels, Belgium, July 12, 2022. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the European Union's Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) to integrate Croatia into the eurozone on Jan. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

(220713) -- BRUSSELS, July 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A pedestrian walks near a poster writing "Welcome to the Euro, Croatia!" in Brussels, Belgium, July 12, 2022. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the European Union's Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) to integrate Croatia into the eurozone on Jan. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

(220713) -- BRUSSELS, July 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A vehicle runs past a poster writing "Welcome to the Euro, Croatia!" in Brussels, Belgium, July 12, 2022. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the European Union's Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) to integrate Croatia into the eurozone on Jan. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

(220713) -- BRUSSELS, July 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A pedestrian walks near a poster writing "Welcome to the Euro, Croatia!" in Brussels, Belgium, July 12, 2022. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the European Union's Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) to integrate Croatia into the eurozone on Jan. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

BELGIUM-BRUSSELS-EU-CROATIA-EURO

(220713) -- BRUSSELS, July 13, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A pedestrian walks near a poster writing "Welcome to the Euro, Croatia!" in Brussels, Belgium, July 12, 2022. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Tuesday welcomed the decision by the European Union's Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) to integrate Croatia into the eurozone on Jan. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)

Lebanon to return Syrian refugees amid worsening economic crisis

STORY: Lebanon to return Syrian refugees amid worsening economic crisis DATELINE: July 12, 2022 LENGTH: 0:02:00 LOCATION: Beirut CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1 various of refugees 2 SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): FAISAL EL MASRI, Syrian refugee 3 various of refugees 4 SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): ADHAM KHALED, Syrian refugee STORYLINE: The Lebanese government has announced a plan to return Syrian refugees to their homeland regardless of the position of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in this regard. The decision comes as Lebanon faces an unprecedented crisis and the country can no longer bear the burden of hosting a big number of refugees, among which some are still establishing houses in different areas of the country. Faisal el Masri, a Syrian refugee, told Xinhua that he wishes to return to his country when the situation improves and he does not intend to stay in Lebanon forever. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): FAISAL EL MASRI, Syrian refugee "Now for the time being, as Syrian refugees, we thank the

Egypt raises interest rates to curb inflation

STORY: Egypt raises interest rates to curb inflation DATELINE: May 20, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:56 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. Various shots of the Central Bank of Egypt 2. Various shots of a supermarket 3. A shot of people withdrawing money from ATMs STORYLINE: The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) decided on Thursday to raise its interest rates amid a global wave of inflation and hiking prices. The CBE decided to increase the deposit rate, the lending rate, and the rate of the main operation by 200 basis points, to 11.25 percent, 12.25 percent, and 11.75 percent respectively, the bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) said in a statement following Thursday's meeting. It pointed out that the decision was driven by the global economic slowdown "due to ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine." Egypt's annual headline urban inflation increased to 13.1 percent in April, up from 10.5 percent in March, its highest monthly level since May 2019, said the MPC. Already expected by many economists and

Latest on Russia-Ukraine conflict: Ukraine bans all imports from Russia

STORY: Latest on Russia-Ukraine conflict: Ukraine bans all imports from Russia DATELINE: April 11, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:03 LOCATION: Moscow CATEGORY: MILITARY SHOTLIST: various of Kievvarious of Moscowvarious of the Russian Ka-52 attack helicopters destroyed weapons and military equipment of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (Source: Russian Ministry of Defense)a photo of Austrian Chancellor Karl NehammerUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky giving a speech on TV (FILE) STORYLINE: The Ukrainian government said on its website Sunday that the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine supported the decision to impose a full embargo on imports of goods from Russia. In the face of external sanctions, the Russian government said Sunday that it has raised its reserve fund by 273.4 billion rubles (3.4 billion U.S. dollars) to ensure economic stability. In a briefing released Sunday, Russian Defense Ministry said Russian armed forces were continuing the special military operation in Ukraine. It has also released footage of the Ru

Iran eyes economic dividends in Vienna talks

STORY: Iran eyes economic dividends in Vienna talks DATELINE: March 28, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:04 LOCATION: Tehran CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the meeting STORYLINE: Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian said Sunday that "collecting all the economic dividends and an effective removal of the sanctions" constitute a principal priority for Iran in the nuclear negotiations. Amir Abdollahian made the remarks when meeting with visiting Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Enrique Mora. Amir Abdollahian said Iran has joined the Vienna negotiations with seriousness and put forward all the initiatives required for reaching an agreement, adding that the other parties, especially the U.S. administration, should adopt a realistic approach in order to facilitate a resolution of the remaining outstanding issues, according to the foreign ministry's website. "The lack of a political decision on the part of America to remove the sanctions, to which the