Catch up on this week’s key stories from around Asia that you might have missed.
Bangladesh and Pakistan Resume Direct Trade Ties
For the first time since gaining independence in 1971, Bangladesh has resumed direct trade with Pakistan. A shipment of 50,000 tonnes of rice departed from Port Qasim in Pakistan under a government-to-government agreement.
The deal marks a significant improvement in diplomatic relations between the two nations. Bangladesh will purchase white rice from Pakistan at $499 per tonne, with the shipment delivered in two phases. The remaining 25,000 tonnes are expected to arrive by early March.
South Korea’s Birthrate Rises for the First Time in Nine Years
In a positive demographic shift, South Korea’s fertility rate rose in 2024 for the first time in nine years. The increase is attributed to more couples tying the knot after pandemic-related delays and government efforts to encourage parenthood.
Last year, the birthrate had dipped to a global low of 0.72, raising concerns about economic impacts from a rapidly aging population. The government has since implemented measures to promote marriage and childbearing, leading to a 14.9% surge in marriages—the largest since records began in 1970.
Wildfire in Japan Forces Evacuations
A massive wildfire in northern Japan’s Iwate Prefecture has damaged over 80 buildings and forced hundreds to evacuate. Military helicopters have been deployed to assist firefighting efforts in the city of Ofunato.
Local authorities report that nearly 600 residents have been evacuated, but no injuries have been reported so far. The cause of the fire remains under investigation as officials work to contain the blaze.
Apple to Resume iPhone Sales in Indonesia After Investment Deal
Apple is set to resume sales of its iPhone 16 in Indonesia following a new agreement with the government. The tech giant will invest over $300 million to establish a manufacturing plant and a research and development center near Jakarta.
The deal comes after Indonesia had previously banned the sale of the iPhone 16 due to local content requirements. Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita confirmed that Apple is obtaining the necessary certification to sell its devices in the country.
India’s Maha Kumbh Mela Concludes, Drawing Millions
The six-week-long Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, concluded in India with an estimated 663 million pilgrims participating. Devotees gathered in Prayagraj to take a holy dip at the confluence of sacred rivers, seeking spiritual cleansing.
This year’s festival was especially significant due to a rare celestial alignment that occurs once every 144 years. The event saw people from all walks of life, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, join in the celebrations.
