VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: June 23, 2020

PAKISTAN

FM Qureshi urges OIC to step up efforts for lasting solution to Kashmir issue: DAWN

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to step up its efforts to facilitate a lasting solution to the Kashmir issue. "The oppressed people of India occupied Jammu and Kashmir, now more than ever, count on the OIC and the Muslim ummah. Click here to read.... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Bolton’s Tell-All Book Sheds Light on Trump’s Afghan Policy: TOLO News

Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton in his new book, "The Room Where it happened,” has covered President Donald Trump’s policy on Afghanistan, including the peace talks and Trump's insistence on a withdrawal of troops. Bolton also reveals some less well-known aspects of the Afghan peace efforts led by President Trump’s special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who held talks with the Taliban for almost 18 months which ultimately led to the signing of an agreement between the two sides on February 29 in Doha. Click here to read.... [3]

BANGLADESH

Banks, NBFIs asked to go for quick loan disbursement to CMSME sector: Dhaka Tribune

The Bangladesh Bank (BB) on Monday asked banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) for quick loan disbursement in the cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises (CMSME) sector. “The loan disbursement activities of banks and NBFIs to the CMSME sector under the stimulus package are not yet satisfactory,” said a BB circular issued on the day. Click here to read.... [4]

MYANMAR

COVID-19 increases pressure on Myanmar firms to improve governance: Myanmar Times

The COVID-19 pandemic shows that corporate governance is vital for Myanmar businesses to manage risks and improve their access to capital, as an increasingly unpredictable environment demands access to capital and loans. Companies around the world experience serious disruptions to their operations, liquidity and customer engagement. However, firms with modern corporate governance procedures are likely to mitigate adverse effects and fare relatively better given the unprecedented challenges. Click here to read.... [5]

NEPAL

As the June 30 deadline approaches, there is still no conclusion over the fate of the MCC: The Kathmandu Post

As the deadline to begin implementation of projects identified for funding under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) nears, questions are being raised about what will happen to the $500 million US assistance, the largest grant Nepal has ever received at one time. The deadline for implementation of the projects is June 30 and the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) remains divided over ratifying the MCC Nepal compact through Parliament. Click here to read.... [6]

SRI LANKA

No consensus among EC members: GL: Daily Mirror

There was no consensus among the National Election Commission members when taking decisions in respect to the elections, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Chairman Prof. G.L. Peiris said yesterday. He said the Chairman of the Commission was of another opinion while the other two commissioners held a different stance when taking the decision whether elections should be held under new regulations or previous regulations. Click here to read.... [7]