AGP Executive Report

Markets & Energy: Oil stayed above $100 a barrel as US-Iran shipping attacks raised fears of longer Persian Gulf disruptions, keeping physical markets tight. Trade & Sanctions: Qatar condemned Netanyahu’s reported entry into Syrian territory, calling it a sovereignty breach and urging international action. Middle East Diplomacy: Eight Muslim-majority nations backed the UK’s plan to restrict trade tied to illegal Israeli settlements, hoping for broader action. Global Finance & Tech: Iran reportedly used a barter-like oil-for-credits setup with China to bypass sanctions, including purchases of goods and military equipment. Business & Investment: Malaysia plans 67 firms at China-ASEAN Expo to expand China trade links; Sri Lanka pushed for stronger maritime regulation to attract investment. Climate & Industry: COP31’s presidency floated a global goal to cut building energy intensity by at least 20% by 2035. Politics & Courts: Ecuador sentenced ex-President Bucaram and his son in a COVID-era medical supplies corruption case. Regional Economy: Nigeria’s naira weakened at the official market amid fresh FX demand.

Trade & diplomacy: China’s services trade push is on display at the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services in Beijing, with firms from 90 countries and a summit focused on investment and matchmaking. Geopolitics & security: Latvia hosted European foreign ministers in Riga, keeping NATO’s eastern flank funding and Ukraine support at the top of the agenda. US-Europe politics: Germany’s chancellor postponed a phone call with Trump after Trump praised AfD’s election gains, underscoring fresh friction over migration and trade. Middle East trade pressure: Kuwait backed a 12-country initiative to restrict settlement-linked goods, while Britain’s settlement import ban drew wider regional support. Markets & risk: Investors are watching whether a yen surge could end the yen carry trade, with spillover concerns for global markets. Corporate leadership: Steelcase named Irene Tasi president, signaling a push on growth and customer-focused execution. Ukraine: Zelenskyy said he’s flying to Canada for his first visit there this year. Legal & consumer: Florida sued Netflix over alleged ad-tech privacy and child-targeting practices. Public services: India’s Praja Seva Andolana aims to bring government services to people’s doorsteps via regular local meetings. Environment & health: Philippines authorities are stepping up action against illegal online wildlife trade of Indonesian parrots, citing health risks from animals bypassing checks.

UAE–Germany Ties: UAE President’s Germany visit highlights deepening cooperation beyond trade, with both sides pushing future sectors like AI, clean energy, hydrogen, advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure. AI Governance: UAE’s Ministerial Council for AI reviewed the second phase of its Agentic AI project, aiming to turn AI into faster, more reliable government execution. Education Pressure: South Africa’s principals group urged education departments to cut admin burdens on school leaders, warning burnout is rising as schools juggle AI-era demands. ASEAN Cybersecurity: Thailand’s digital minister said ASEAN needs stronger cross-border cooperation and protection mechanisms to tackle digital scams and build trusted digital ecosystems. Trade & Sanctions: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the UK and 11 countries back trade sanctions targeting Israeli settlements, citing harm to a two-state path. US–Canada Trade War: Trump escalated tariffs and import bans on Canadian goods, while US lawmakers moved to expand tools against trade violations. India–US Deal: India’s commerce secretary said the trade pact is “more or less” finalised, with remaining talks on preferential market access. Global Markets/Energy: Global shares stayed cautious as Brent crude pushed past $100 amid Iran-related tensions, raising rate-hike worries. Moldova–EU Steps: Moldova’s PM discussed next steps for EU accession and a Growth Plan payment ahead of an Association Council meeting on 5 October. Regional Development: Kenya’s DP World-backed Mombasa SEZ deal aims to shift the port city toward manufacturing and exports, targeting thousands of jobs.

U.S.-Canada Trade War: Canadian retaliatory tariffs on about $20B of U.S. goods kicked in, with economists warning it could permanently reshape USMCA talks and dairy market access. Political Unity Amid Tariffs: Canada’s PM Mark Carney urged national unity as the dispute escalates, arguing the U.S. raised “unreasonable demands” and that standing still would be costlier. Education in the AI Age: New PISA-2025 results show global declines in maths, science and reading, with reading skills tied to critical thinking and “signal vs noise” in a digital world. Food Prices Under Pressure: UN data says August global food prices hit the highest since late 2022, driven by heat, drought, El Niño fears, and war-linked supply disruptions. Afghanistan Rights: The UN Human Rights Council heard renewed calls to protect Afghan civil society as Taliban restrictions deepen into “gender apartheid.” AI Governance Summit: Hungary hosted AI Summit Budapest 2026, focusing on governance, safeguards, and closing an “innovation divide.” Regional Sanctions: France, Britain, Canada and others plan national restrictions on trade with illegal Israeli West Bank settlements, citing settler violence and threats to a two-state solution. Business & Jobs: A Wisconsin senator met small businesses saying tariffs bring “chaos and uncertainty,” while a new Douglas County Fire “Safe Business” program aims to train firms for emergencies.

Taiwan–Semiconductors: TSMC says it’s accelerating global expansion to build 25 chip fabs and advanced packaging sites this year, as AI demand strains the world’s supply chain. Middle East Trade & Shipping: Iran warns the US of “economic warfare” and says it fired an advanced missile at US warships, raising fears for Strait of Hormuz shipping. UK–Israel Policy: Britain is set to announce a trade ban on goods from illegal Israeli West Bank settlements, drawing fresh political backlash. Global Digital Trade (China): China’s 5th Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou (Sept 23–27) puts AI at the center, with guest countries Malaysia and Hungary and broad international participation. Energy & Industry (Malaysia): Malaysia plans about 9 GW of gas-fired power by 2032 as coal is phased out, citing rising demand from sectors like data centres. AI for Utilities (ASEAN): Bidgely will showcase AI smart-meter analytics at Enlit Asia in Jakarta, targeting bill shock reduction, revenue protection, and better grid planning. Business & Jobs (US): The Trade Desk plans layoffs of about 15% of its global workforce to “align resources” for long-term growth. Food Security (Mauritania): President El Ghazouani inaugurates the first phase of a warehouse network for the Food Security Commission, boosting storage capacity nationwide.

Trade & Investment Spotlight (UAE): At the AIM Investment Summit in Dubai, the UAE’s foreign trade minister said non-oil foreign trade topped AED1.9tn ($517bn) and framed the emirates as a global hub built on openness, infrastructure and business-friendly rules. Global Diplomacy (Cuba/US): Cuba’s foreign minister told diplomats there are no US talks, blaming a “genocidal” blockade for $8.1bn in 2025 damages and warning 2026 could worsen after new oil curbs. Security & Regional Order (Lebanon): Lebanon’s president backed renewing UNIFIL and welcomed a French-Italian plan for a post-UNIFIL European presence to avoid a security vacuum. Human Rights Debate (Fiji): Fiji’s multi-ethnic affairs minister urged restoring the death penalty for major drug traffickers, arguing for a Singapore-style approach during constitutional review. Business & Markets (India/Tech/Finance): Shiprocket reported Q1 FY27 revenue up 34% YoY with Emerging Business +70%, while Premco Global completed a Mumbai industrial property sale for Rs 11.40 crore. Economy Watch (New Zealand): Moody’s said recovery is underway but rates caps and data-centre pressures remain risks. Aviation Trade War (US-Canada): Trump renewed pressure on Bombardier, saying it would be barred from US sales unless it builds in America. Global Education (China): China’s Institute of Global Development welcomed its first doctoral cohort, aiming to train students in applied economics and global governance.

Wildfire insurance fight: Los Angeles County sued State Farm over alleged unfair handling of 2025 wildfire claims, accusing delays, underpayments, denials and barriers to contacting adjusters. Local corruption probe: In South Africa, a businessman linked to an Emfuleni municipal fleet tender fraud case remains behind bars as police say only 7 of 18 vehicles were delivered. Trade and shipping pressure: Global shipping routes are under strain as climate impacts and conflicts disrupt chokepoints like Panama’s canal and the Suez/Hormuz corridors, raising costs and delays. Business and jobs: UAE-Germany ties got a boost as a partnership expands with trade topping €13.5bn, while Malaysia’s aviation sector convenes for a major civil aviation directors’ conference. UK migration unrest: A UK minister condemned “thuggish” anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth as police moved to control the demonstrations. Education and youth wins: Qatar reported secondary exam results with standout 100% pass rates for Qatar Banking Studies and Business Administration schools, while Malaysia highlighted young students’ international speaking wins. Energy and climate: Baku Climate Action Week returns with sessions on green transition, climate finance and youth engagement.

Middle East Security & Diplomacy: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned renewed Israeli strikes on Nabatieh and nearby towns, saying attacks hit state institutions and health facilities, and urged urgent international action. Iran–U.S. Shipping Tensions: Iran’s oil minister said exports kept moving despite war damage and a naval blockade, while Iran and the U.S. trade attacks on oil tankers as fighting continues. South Asia Politics & Economy: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari is set to return home Tuesday after a UK visit, with aides denying he left in anger; separately, a Pakistan fiscal debate argues “twin deficit” is an indicator, not the root cause. Trade War Fallout: A U.S. House Democrat warned Trump’s “erratic” tariffs are hurting Michigan with job uncertainty and lost investment as Canada–U.S. tit-for-tat tariffs escalate. Global Business & Finance: China’s major banks plan to replenish capital, raising a combined 360 billion yuan to strengthen risk buffers and support the real economy. Climate & Business: New Zealand’s climate-business leaders opened a major conference urging credible low-emissions transition commitments. Sports Governance: FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he will seek re-election in 2027 despite backlash over a failed private-investor plan. Local/Community Impact: A U.S. report highlights how a rural hospital in Lucas County drives jobs and community benefits.

Budget 2027 Focus: Malaysia’s Finance Ministry aide says the Oct 9 budget will target cost-of-living relief for middle- and lower-income groups, with STR and SARA set to be strengthened. Energy & Inflation Watch: Bank Negara Malaysia kept the overnight policy rate at 2.75%, citing contained inflation and export-led growth, while warning West Asia risks could push supply costs higher. Fuel Security: Malaysia says fuel supplies remain stable through year-end despite tighter global conditions, with elevated oil prices likely for 2–3 years. Aviation Disruption: Indonesia suspended flights at multiple airports after Mount Anak Krakatoa ash disrupted Jakarta operations, affecting thousands of passengers. Trade & Industry: Indonesia’s trade minister urged pet food makers to scale up local production and use trade deals to expand exports. Regional Finance: Afreximbank says Algeria’s Intra-African Trade Fair boosted deal momentum, with signed deals nearing $50bn. Geopolitics: Qatar, Saudi Arabia and others condemned Israeli officials’ calls for forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. Markets: Global stocks ended mixed as stronger US jobs data revived rate worries and oil stayed volatile. Security & Diplomacy: Russia’s deputy foreign minister said a Russia-US-China trilateral summit is possible, but depends on agenda substance. Human Impact: A 21-year-old Indian student’s river clean-up has gone global after Ocean Cleanup founder Boyan Slat invited him to join.

Global Economy Watch: The IMF says the world is resilient but warns of four big risks: public debt nearing 100% of GDP, ongoing energy-market pressure, stalled disinflation, and uncertainty around AI’s economic impact. Energy & Shipping Tensions: US officials link higher fuel prices to Iran’s attacks on commercial shipping, while warning that Strait of Hormuz traffic is still moving despite the risk. Food Prices: FAO reports global food prices rose in August to the highest level since late 2022, driven by weather shocks and shipping disruptions. Middle East Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM discussed de-escalation with Lebanon’s PM, stressing maritime navigation and Lebanon’s stability. Education Costs & Protests: In Syria, families are scrambling for back-to-school supplies as prices stay high; in India’s Odisha, teachers paused protests until Sept. 22 after ministerial reassurance. Jobs & Industry: UK business secretary will meet Jaguar Land Rover leaders as job-cut reports grow amid the firm’s recovery from a cyberattack. Trade & Investment: UNCTAD is pushing a “space economy” track for WIF 2026 in Doha, while Kuwait and Lesotho pledged to expand trade and investment ties.

Health Workforce & Regional Cooperation: Malaysia will chair the 17th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting starting Sept 7, aiming for more equitable, resilient health systems and stronger ASEAN health crisis preparedness. Public Health Measures: West Bengal’s health minister urged schools to adjust dress rules during peak dengue season—covering arms and legs with full sleeves and salwars—to reduce mosquito bites. Nile Water Tensions: Egypt’s water minister says operations to remove Nile encroachments are continuing, with hundreds removed and more targeted under a nationwide campaign. Diplomacy & Trade: Turkmenistan and the Netherlands discussed boosting bilateral ties and Dutch business involvement in shipbuilding, healthcare, innovative tech and methane emissions reduction. Economy & Politics: Belgium PM Bart De Wever told India’s business leaders Europe ignored warnings about overdependence, calling it a “rude awakening,” while praising Modi. Business & Infrastructure: Uzbekistan’s ambassador to India hailed India’s 7.8% growth and said the two economies are “very complementary.” Aviation & Industry: Malaysia’s GTA Holdings plans a defence-focused MRO Centre of Excellence after listing, aiming to build local capability with OEM support. Climate Watch: Research suggests human-driven warming may be intensifying El Niño’s impact as the world braces for a stronger event.

Philippines Legal/Politics: A warrant of arrest was issued for Vice President Sara Duterte, with constitutional law experts saying she has no immunity from suit like the President does. Middle East Diplomacy: Qatar rejected Iran’s legal justification for attacks on its territory, saying the claims have no basis under the UN Charter. U.S.-Iran Pressure: The U.S. moved to tighten economic pressure on Iran by sanctioning a Turkish bank and two subsidiaries. Europe Economy/Energy: Rising oil and gas prices are feeding into inflation across Europe, with energy supply fears complicating ECB policy as gas storage stays low. Ukraine Finance: Ukraine’s finance minister warned of a $32.6B external financing gap for 2027 and urged use of frozen Russian assets. Global Trade: Trump’s tariff escalation with Canada is adding uncertainty and costs for Alaska businesses, while Manitoba farmers warn of mounting trade strain. Business/Travel: Air Canada announced seven new routes and major schedule growth for summer 2027, promising 1,500 jobs and $7B+ in annual GDP impact. Local Business Support: O’ahu opened $3M in storm relief grants for small businesses, with applications starting Sept. 9. Climate/Conservation: Penguin researchers issued a climate warning, calling for decisive conservation action as habitats face rapid change. AI/Workforce: An HR and AI push highlights faster adoption and rising expectations for people-focused leadership.

Philippines Peace-Through-Development: Occidental Mindoro’s economy is cited as surging from 2.1% growth to 11.2%, with officials arguing roads, electricity and services are helping cut poverty and insurgency. Malaysia Politics: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says an earlier general election will be considered, while stressing the government’s focus on reviving the economy and fighting corruption. Energy & Industry: SPML Infra says its 104.4 kWh battery pack cleared major international safety and transport tests as it builds BESS manufacturing in Pune; Mingyang eyes deeper Malaysia expansion across offshore wind, solar, storage and hydrogen. Trade & Business Rules: Malaysia-Singapore talks highlight a push for a single-window trade system to reduce cross-border regulatory friction in the Johor-Singapore SEZ. Kenya Crackdown: President Ruto orders enforcement against foreigners running small businesses, saying Kenya needs investors who create jobs and production, not compete in hawking. Iran Sanctions Pressure: US efforts to choke Iran’s oil revenue and block sanctions evasion are said to be getting harder to withstand, as talks hinge on Strait of Hormuz shipping. ASEAN Labour: Lao officials back ASEAN cooperation to expand skills and protect workers, including labour migration and inspection. IMF Watch: Sri Lanka’s IMF team is set to visit Sept 10–23 for the EFF review and Article IV assessment.

US-Iran Tensions: Vice President JD Vance said he “wouldn’t call it a war” with Iran as fresh clashes continue and Trump weighs whether to declare the conflict over. Trade & Economy: The US trade deficit widened to $88.6bn in July, driven by higher imports of computers, semiconductors and other tech amid tariff uncertainty. AI & Weather: Google DeepMind unveiled WeatherNext 3, using live satellite imagery for sharper, hourly forecasts. Middle East Diplomacy: Iran’s president met Pakistan’s and India’s prime ministers at the SCO summit, with talks focused on restoring regional peace. Aviation Safety: India’s AAIB is investigating an Air India flight’s sudden altitude drop over Odisha; DGCA is also considering expanding random pilot testing. Business & Industry: JK Cement inaugurated JK DryChem Industries in Ras Al Khaimah to produce construction chemicals and dry-mix mortars for the UAE and beyond. Local Governance: Baton Rouge’s 100-day cleanup effort reported debris removal, blight citations and streetlight upgrades. Politics in Europe: Bulgaria’s parliament debated the Hemus motorway timeline, with a target of finishing by end-2030.

Currency & Inflation Watch: The Philippine peso slid to a fresh record low of 62.565 per dollar, with Malacañang saying the government will push growth and use programs like UPLIFT to cushion any hit to prices and investment. Energy & Markets: Oil prices jumped as Iran-related tensions escalated, lifting bond yields and inflation expectations and feeding fresh volatility across global markets. Central Banking: Malaysia’s central bank kept its Overnight Policy Rate at 2.75%, citing resilient growth but warning West Asia conflict risks and energy-cost pass-through could keep inflation elevated. Dealmaking & Investment: EIG led a €460m upsized structured credit facility for Aukera to scale European battery storage and renewables; Fortrea agreed to buy Worldwide Clinical Trials’ early-phase services for about $45m to expand early clinical capabilities. Trade & Diplomacy: Belgium’s PM Bart De Wever arrived in India to deepen trade, defence and technology ties, while Egypt’s Sisi hosted China’s Xi for a Grand Egyptian Museum tour. Business & Society: Ireland’s Guaranteed Irish teamed with FoodCloud to cut food waste and support 650+ community groups. Tech & Work: A report on offshore hiring says AI is reshaping roles rather than replacing offshore capability, with employers adopting AI at the same pace or faster than onshore teams.

Data-Center Finance: Globe Telecom says a REIT listing for its STT GDC Philippines data centers remains “on the table” as AI demand pushes capacity toward full use, while rival PLDT targets a Vitro REIT raise. Global Food & Markets: Rabobank expects global beef production to fall about 2% this year as supply tightens and trade flows shift. Cyber/Business Ops: TLS certificate lifespans are shrinking fast, pushing firms toward automated renewal and inventory-based management. Legal & Accountability: Malta jury acquits businessman Yorgen Fenech in the Daphne Caruana Galizia car-bomb murder case. Energy & Geopolitics: Venezuela’s PDVSA says Chevron joint ventures will rise to 420,000 bpd, with further growth planned; separately, US officials argue Iran is in a “death spiral” while tensions flare around the Strait of Hormuz. Climate Risk: UNEP warns warming is likely to cross 1.5°C soon, with an “overshoot, peak and decline” pathway still possible. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and Lebanon talks focus on de-escalation and maritime navigation. Local Economy: Ohio seeks a federal disaster declaration after August storms damaged dozens of counties.