Core Viewpoint - The appointment of Radenko Bubić as the Minister of Economy and Entrepreneurship in the Republika Srpska is expected to strengthen the connection between the business sector and government, potentially improving the business environment and accelerating economic development in the region [1] Group 1: Government Changes - The new government composition in the Republika Srpska includes significant personnel changes, notably the appointment of Radenko Bubić to replace the current minister, Vojin Mitrović [1] - Bubić is recognized as one of the most important entrepreneurs in Bosnia (Republika Srpska), having built a career in the local footwear industry [1] Group 2: Company Profile - Bubić owns the "Dermal" company, which is one of the largest shoe manufacturing enterprises in Bosnia, operating for over twenty years [1] - The Dermal company employs over 1,100 workers in the towns of Kotor Varoš and Knežavo, making it a key player in the local economy [1] - The company has been actively investing in capacity building and expanding its business scope, with products exported to international markets [1] Group 3: Political Involvement - Bubić is politically active as a member of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) and a significant local leader in Kotor Varoš [1] - His political involvement includes participation in public affairs and local politics, which may enhance the collaboration between the business sector and administrative bodies [1]

Group 1 - Bosnia and Herzegovina is expected to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), which will significantly reduce the annual cross-border transaction fees estimated at €100 million [1] - The introduction of an instant payment system in the second half of this year will enhance the domestic banking payment system, allowing for faster transactions and payments on non-working days [1] - Bosnian expatriates send nearly 60 billion marks (approximately €30 billion) back home annually, accounting for 10% of the country's GDP, making SEPA membership crucial for reducing remittance costs [1] Group 2 - The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina is preparing for a domestic instant payment system expected to be operational by the second half of 2026, enabling real-time transfers 24/7 [2] - The implementation of SEPA and the instant payment system is anticipated to benefit all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, pending the approval of relevant regulatory laws by the national parliament [2]

Group 1 - The European Union has implemented the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) at the beginning of this year, which poses significant challenges for Bosnia and Herzegovina's exporters, particularly in sectors like cement, steel, aluminum, and mineral fertilizers [1] - Bosnian exporters are required to pay carbon emission taxes, which could lead to a loss of competitiveness, especially since 72% of Bosnia's products are exported to the EU market. The most pessimistic forecast suggests a potential loss of approximately €300 million in export revenue [1] - Long-term consequences may include a substantial increase in electricity prices, with estimates suggesting a potential rise of 350% if the Electricity Transmission and Market Law is not passed [1] Group 2 - Political deadlock in Bosnia is hindering the passage of the Electricity Transmission and Market Law, which is crucial for addressing the energy sector's challenges [2] - The proposal to relocate the electricity trading center from Mostar to Burchico has faced opposition from Bosnian Croat political parties, contributing to the legislative stalemate [2] - The ongoing political divisions in Bosnia are delaying solutions, ultimately impacting the citizens who bear the consequences of these challenges [3]

Core Viewpoint - Bosnia and Herzegovina is at a critical juncture in its energy transition, moving towards a decentralized clean energy system as part of a broader European trend [1] Group 1: Energy Transition and Consumer Role - The country is opening up to modern energy systems, allowing for prosumers (households and small businesses that both produce and consume electricity) [1] - The upcoming roundtable discussion by the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) aims to enhance the flexibility of Bosnia's power system, focusing on the role of prosumers and energy storage technology reform [1] Group 2: Benefits of Prosumers and Energy Storage - Prosumers can significantly reduce peak load on the grid, improve local consumption capacity, and enhance overall energy efficiency, making this topic crucial for both professionals and all electricity consumers [1] - Battery storage systems can temporarily store excess electricity and release it during peak demand or insufficient generation, marking a key element in the transition to a decentralized, flexible, and sustainable power system [1] Group 3: Policy Recommendations - Bosnia must simplify the grid connection process for prosumers and establish incentive mechanisms for household prosumers, including subsidies, the implementation of Energy Service Company (ESCO) models, and favorable credit terms to increase public participation in the energy transition [1]

Core Viewpoint - The event held by the Ministry of Commerce's Investment Promotion Bureau and Lishui Economic and Technological Development Zone aims to promote investment opportunities in the region, focusing on sectors such as electronic information, digital economy, and intelligent manufacturing [1] Group 1: Event Overview - The investment salon featured over 10 enterprises and industry association leaders from relevant sectors [1] - Lishui Economic and Technological Development Zone presented its advantages in location, resource endowment, industrial clusters, and business environment [1] - A special promotion was conducted for the Southwest Zhejiang Science and Technology Innovation Industrial Park [1] Group 2: Participant Engagement - Attendees shared their business development status and discussed industrial cooperation and investment intentions [1] - Lishui Economic and Technological Development Zone responded to key concerns and policy suggestions raised by enterprises on-site [1] - The event aimed to facilitate precise matching and practical cooperation between the region and participating enterprises [1]

Group 1 - The meeting involved discussions on hosting the 10th China-Germany Automotive Conference and promoting investments in industries such as ice and snow, optoelectronics, and green low-carbon sectors [1] - Key participants included Liu Minqiang, Director of the Investment Promotion Bureau, Zhao Qingli, Director of Changchun Economic Cooperation Bureau, and Li Guohui, Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Changchun Automotive Economic and Technological Development Zone [1] - The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation and investment opportunities between China and Germany in the automotive sector and related industries [1][3] Group 2 - The meeting was attended by Deputy Director Yu Guangsheng and representatives from various departments including the Department of Foreign Investment Cooperation and the China International Investment Promotion Centers in Europe and Germany [3] - The focus was on collaborative efforts to boost investment and economic cooperation in the automotive industry and other sectors [3]

阿通社1月19日消息，2025年阿联酋在住房、能源、交通和数字化领域取得多项进展。全年发放住房支 持3567项，总额25.46亿迪拉姆，公民住房拥有率升至91%。能源领域推进2050年能源与水需求管理计 划，目标减耗42%—45%；交通方面推进超1700亿迪拉姆国家项目，持续提升国家综合竞争力。 ...

阿通社1月19日消息，阿布扎比港口集团与尼日利亚海事与蓝色经济部签署谅解备忘录，探索港口、物 流、海事服务及数字贸易基础设施合作。协议与阿联酋—尼日利亚CEPA相配套，旨在提升港口效率与 贸易联通性。2024年两国非石油贸易额同比增长55.3%，达43亿美元，尼日利亚经济增长前景进一步增 强合作吸引力。 ...

Group 1 - The manufacturing PMI for December 2025 is reported at 60.9, indicating continued expansion in manufacturing activities despite adverse weather conditions from Cyclone Dithwa [1] - All sub-indices contributed positively to the growth, with new orders and production indices increasing due to the food and beverage manufacturing sector [1] - Employment and purchasing inventory indices also rose, aligning with the trends of increased new orders and production activities [1] Group 2 - The services PMI for December 2025 recorded at 67.9, showing significant expansion in service activities compared to the previous month [1] - Wholesale and retail trade were the main drivers of this expansion, supported by increased business activities in personal services and accommodation, as well as food and beverage services [1] - The number of new businesses increased in December 2025, driven by improvements in wholesale and retail trade activities and enhanced financial services [2] Group 3 - Employment continued to grow in December 2025, reflecting companies' efforts to expand their workforce to meet year-end operational demands [2] - Backlogged orders increased for the second consecutive month, indicating a positive trend in business activity [2] - Future business activity expectations have turned optimistic, driven by favorable macroeconomic conditions, seasonal tourism factors, and a gradual return to normalcy following recent weather disruptions [2]

Core Viewpoint - The National Gem and Jewelry Authority (NGJA) of Sri Lanka has announced significant reforms to the taxation system for gemstone imports, which will substantially reduce the tax burden on importers and potentially impact the gemstone export market negatively [1] Tax Reform Details - Starting from January 1, 2024, gemstone importers will be required to pay an 18% VAT and a 2.5% SSCL based on the actual value of the gemstone packages, leading to a significant decrease in import volumes for 2024 and 2025 compared to 2023 [1] - To address the heavy tax burden, a simplified and more favorable tax calculation system has been introduced, where the value of precious gemstones such as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds is estimated at $900 per kilogram for tax purposes [1] - For semi-precious stones like amethyst, topaz, and garnet, the estimated value is set at $50 per kilogram, resulting in a VAT and SSCL payment of $10.25, approximately 3,200 Sri Lankan Rupees [1] Industry Development Goals - The reform aims to encourage young entrepreneurs to enter the gemstone industry, particularly in areas such as importation, cutting, polishing, and re-exporting, to further develop Sri Lanka's gemstone and jewelry sector [1]