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Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
The Trump administration is negotiating a trade deal with Taiwan that aims to enhance U.S. semiconductor manufacturing through investment and workforce training, according to sources. Taiwanese companies, including TSMC, are expected to contribute capital and skilled workers to expand their U.S. operations. Currently, Taiwan's exports to the U.S. face a 20% tariff, which the companies hope to reduce as part of this agreement. The deal's specifics remain uncertain, but it could involve building science park infrastructure in the U.S. Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai said that the two sides are at the stage of exchanging documents to finalize details. "Until announced by President Trump, reporting about potential trade deals is speculation," said White House spokesman Kush Desai.
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Human Times
UK
The government has announced an increase in the minimum wage that will see 2.7m people receive a pay rise in April. The hourly rate for over-21s will rise to £12.71, while 18- to 20-year-olds will see their rate increase to £10.85, and under-18s and apprentices will earn £8 an hour. While the government says these changes balance worker needs with what businesses can afford, some employers warn that repeated above-inflation rises could lead to hiring freezes, reduced investment, or higher prices for customers. Jane Gratton, deputy director of public policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "There's a limit to how much additional cost employers can bear without something having to give."
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Human Times
Europe
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's semiannual report warns that aging populations have already begun to hinder economic growth in certain countries - some of which need to act now to keep slowing population growth from wreaking havoc on their long-term economic prospects. "Already today, demography is eroding growth in living standards, and it is going to be a headwind for GDP growth in the future," EBRD Chief Economist Beata Javorcik told Reuters. She also observed that post-communist nations "are getting old before getting rich." The report noted that migration at a level needed to counteract falling birth rates is not politically palatable in most places.
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Human Times
Middle East
Saudi Arabia is set to open two new alcohol stores, including one for non-Muslim staff at Aramco, as part of ongoing reforms led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. These outlets, located in Dhahran and Jeddah, mark a significant shift in the Kingdom's approach to alcohol, which has been heavily restricted for decades. The Dhahran store will cater to non-Muslims working for Aramco, while the Jeddah store will serve non-Muslim diplomats. "We do understand that some of the international travellers want to enjoy alcohol when they visit the Saudi destinations but nothing has changed yet", said Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb. The new stores are expected to open in 2026, furthering the Kingdom's efforts to attract tourists and diversify its economy.
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