Business : Page 33

Highlights: January 29, 2024 - February 2, 2024

February 5, 2024 Events of the last week.

Customers in Malaysia boycott U.S. brands, Starbucks almost empty

February 4, 2024 With many in Muslim majority Malaysia backing the Palestinian cause, there have been calls to support domestic brands instead.

Germany launches major 4-day workweek trial amid labour shortage

February 4, 2024 Germany has started a six-month four-day workweek trial that will allow employees at 45 companies across the country to work one less day per week for the same pay.

Croatia: EIB commits €400 million in green funding to modernise railways

February 3, 2024 As part of its largest ever framework loan agreement in Croatia, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €400 million contract with the Ministry of Finance for a major upgrade of the country’s railway network and rolling stock.

Number of U.S. oil rigs falls

February 2, 2024 U.S. oil rig count in the week to February 2 was 619, Baker Hughes said.

Iran begins construction of new nuclear power plant

February 2, 2024 Iran on Thursday started the construction of a 5,000 megawatt (MW) nuclear power plant in the southern province of Hormozgan, according to the Iranian Students\' News Agency (ISNA).

China's factory activity expands on exports boost

February 2, 2024 China\'s factory activity expanded in January thanks to stable growth in output, quicker logistics and the first rise in new export orders since June, helping lift business confidence to a nine-month high, a private-sector survey showed on Thursday.

China boosts industry that recycles old home appliances, furniture

February 2, 2024 The Chinese government is looking to grow the national recycling industry that targets disused or old home appliances and furniture, in a move that is expected to boost the consumption of new, green products and promote the sound development of the recycling sector.

South Africa launches first shipment of products to other AfCFTA countries

February 1, 2024 South Africa on Wednesday inaugurated the country\'s first trade shipment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Cuba postpones 400% increase in fuel prices following ‘foreign’ computer attack

February 1, 2024 A cyber attack on gas stations forced the Cuban government to postpone a planned increase in fuel prices of more than 400%, the government announced Wednesday.

Commission carried out unannounced antitrust inspections in tyres sector

February 1, 2024 The European Commission was yesterday carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the tyres industry in several Member States.

Ethiopia launches construction of local vaccine manufacturing company

January 31, 2024 The Ethiopian government has launched the construction of a vaccine manufacturing company, ShieldVax Enterprise, to stimulate local vaccine production for domestic consumption and export, local media reported.