Home

Celebrating Singapore’s 60th From Swamp to Smart Nation

People Action Party - PAP Photo

By Kirtan Bhana - TDS
9 August 2025

In 2025, Singapore celebrates 60 years of independence — a landmark moment for a nation often described as a “Nation by Design.” From humble beginnings as a swampy trading outpost with no natural resources and deep ethnic divisions, Singapore has transformed into a global beacon of governance, economic dynamism, and technological innovation. Its journey, forged through visionary leadership, disciplined planning, and social cohesion, holds valuable insights for developing regions.

List of Hainan FTP's prohibited import, export goods improves transparency, openness

An inbound aircraft is under maintenance at a one-stop aircraft maintenance base in Hainan Free Trade Port in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

BEIJING, 9 August 2025 (Xinhua) -- The list of prohibited and restricted import and export goods and items in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) has greatly improved the transparency and openness of Hainan's management of its trade in goods, said Jiang Zijun, an official of the Ministry of Commerce.

With independent customs operation, Hainan Free Trade Port poised to pioneer China's high-standard opening up

An aerial drone photo taken on May 27, 2025 shows a view of the Yangpu Free Trade Port Zone under the Yangpu Economic Development Zone in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

BEIJING, 9 August 2025 (Xinhua) -- China's Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is set to launch an island-wide independent customs operation on Dec. 18, 2025, underscoring the country's wider push for high-standard opening up.

Tariff-free benefits to expand when Hainan Free Trade Port launches island-wide independent customs operation

The State Council Information Office (SCIO) holds a press conference on the development of Hainan Free Trade Port in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Pan Xu)

BEIJING, 9 August 2025 (Xinhua) -- The benefits of zero-tariff policies for businesses will be expanded after the Hainan Free Trade Port launches the island-wide independent customs operation, according to guest speakers on the latest episode of the China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

ASEAN a Celebration of Unity, Growth, and Global Partnerships

Pictured at ASEAN Day 2025 - Mr Saud Krisnawan - Indonesia, Mr Yap Wei Sin - Malaysia, Ms Noralyn Jubaria Baja - Philippines, Mr Thein Min Htun - Mynamar, Ms Ntombizodwa Lallie - South Africa, Mr Zainal Mantaha - Singapore, Mr Ekapol Poolpipat - Thailand and Mr Hoang Sy Cuong - Vietnam - (photo: TDS)

by Kirtan Bhana - TDS
8 August 2025

On a tense border between Cambodia and Thailand, a ceasefire was declared this week, brokered under the quiet but firm guidance of ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The swiftness of this diplomatic resolution is a reminder of what this 10-member bloc has come to represent: a region determined to solve its own disputes through dialogue, consensus, and cooperation.

Vietnamese, Angolan Presidents hold talks in Luanda
State President Luong Cuong stressed the fraternal ties between Vietnam and Angola as a shared invaluable asset. It serves as a solid foundation for both countries to enter a new phase of development, further foster political trust and mutual support between the two Parties and States, and deepen the solidarity and mutual understanding between their people.

At the talks between the Vietnamese and Angolan Presidents in Luanda on August 7, 2025. (Photo: VNA)

07 August 2025
VNA

Luanda (VNA) – State President Luong Cuong held talks with Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço in Luanda on August 7 morning (local time), right after an official welcome ceremony held for the Vietnamese leader.

Honoring South African Excellence in the USA

TDS
6 August 2025

We were proud to host Daniel (Danny) Petersen and his wife Antoinette Petersen as special guests of Ms. Venetia Smith, Acting Consul at the South African Consulate in Los Angeles.

Celebrating the Black, Green, and Gold of Jamaica’s Independence

By Anisha Pemjee - TDS

Pictured front row (l-r) Albert Edwards, Jamaican High Commission and Vice President of IDSA, Racquel Jenkins, founder of BOLD Beauty, Joan Thomas Edwards, High Commissioner of Jamaica and Karem Ruiz de Livieres, Embassy of Paraguay and President of IDSA with members of IDSA (photo: TDS)

6 August 2025

As Jamaica celebrates its journey of freedom and identity this Emancipation and Independence season, South Africa also pauses to honour the bravery and courage of women on 9 August, Women’s Day, a reminder of the shared legacies of resistance, resilience, and rising empowerment that connect Africa and the Caribbean.

Consolidating political trust between Vietnam and African countries to expand cooperation: State President
President Cuong assessed that in recent years, the relations between Vietnam and Middle Eastern and African countries have made clear progress, with high-level delegation exchanges taking place actively; and that there is great room for cooperation and expanding Vietnam's interests in the region.

State President Luong Cuong speaks at the working session with Vietnamese Ambassadors to African countries. (Photo: VNA)

VNA- 4 August 2025

Cairo (VNA) - State President Luong Cuong and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation had a working session with Vietnamese Ambassadors to African countries in Cairo on August 3 evening on the occasion of his state visit to Egypt.

Vietnam expects more substantive, effective ties with Arab League: President
To build on the cordial relations, President Luong Cuong called for enhanced political and diplomatic engagement to deepen trust and mutual understanding between Vietnam and AL member states.

State President Luong Cuong (L) meets with Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Cairo on August 4. (Photo: VNA)

VNA - 4 August 2025

Cairo (VNA) – State President Luong Cuong led a high-ranking delegation to the Arab League (AL) headquarters in Cairo on August 4, underscoring Vietnam’s wish to foster more substantive and effective ties with the AL and all of its member states, most of whom are long-standing friends and key economic partners.

State President’s visit to Egypt expected to open new phase of trade cooperation
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the relations between the two countries have made strides, particularly in trade and investment.

Delegates welcome State President Luong Cuong and his spouse at Cairo international airport. (Photo: VNA)

VNA - 04 August 2025

Hanoi (VNA) – The state visit by State President Luong Cuong to Egypt is expected to deepen bilateral cooperation and lay the groundwork for elevating the Vietnam- Egypt relationship to a comprehensive partnership.

President’s state visit heralds new era of partnership with Angola: diplomat
President Luong Cuong's state visit to Angola from August 6-9 is expected to serve as a platform for the two nations’ leaders to assess their cooperation over recent years and chart a new course for the future.

President Luong Cuong and his spouse Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet will pay a state visit to Angola from August 6-9. (Photo: VNA)

VNA - 5 August 2025

Hanoi (VNA) – President Luong Cuong and his spouse’s state visit to Angola from August 6-9 at the invitation of Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco and his spouse is expected to open a new development phase for the Vietnam – Angola relations, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to the African country Duong Chinh Chuc.

Page 39 of 55

Our Latest Articles

Main Menu