Business
US-China trade talks: ‘Moving forward’ towards final agreement; Trump expresses hope for ‘comprehensive deal’ with Xi – The Times of India
The longstanding trade tensions between the United States and China might finally come to an end as the two nations are making progress on finalising the details of a trade agreement, a US official said on Sunday.“I think we’re moving forward to the final details of the type of agreement that the leaders can review and decide if they want to include together,” US trade representative Jamieson Greer said, as cited by AFP.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump US President Donald Trump had also expressed believe that the two nations will reach a “comprehensive deal” with China’s Xi Jinping, putting an end the bitter trade war between the world’s two largest economies.When asked by reporters aboard Air Force One what he hoped to take away from upcoming talks in South Korea, Trump replied, “I think we have a really good chance of making a really comprehensive deal.”The announcement comes after the latest round of trade talks in Malaysia, which began on Saturday, as both nations sought to prevent further escalation of a costly tariff dispute.“The Chinese and US delegations convened on Saturday morning for talks on economic and trade issues,” the official Xinhua news agency reported, as cited by AFP.Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is leading a delegation in Malaysia from October 24 to 27 to hold discussions with the United States, the Chinese commerce ministry said. The talks are focused on “important issues in the economic and trade relationship between China and the United States,” the ministry added.Tensions between the two countries have intensified in recent weeks. US President Donald Trump threatened 155% additional tariffs on Chinese imports. This came after Beijing’s introduction of sweeping controls on its rare earths industry earlier this month. Both countries have also imposed fees on each other’s shipments, following a US “Section 301” investigation that concluded China’s dominance in the sector was unreasonable.Trump had warned that he might cancel his anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, scheduled on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit beginning October 31. Despite the mounting tensions, the US president emphasised his goal of securing a “good” deal with China and bringing the trade war to an end.The timing of the Malaysian talks coincided with President Trump’s visit to Kuala Lumpur for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting from October 26 to 28, further highlighting the strategic importance of these discussions.
Heineken has announced a substantial investment exceeding £44 million into hundreds of its pubs across the UK, a move expected to create approximately 850 jobs.
The Dutch brewing giant’s Star Pubs operation, which manages 2,350 sites nationwide, is undertaking this significant financial commitment despite a challenging period for the pub sector.
The industry has faced considerable pressure over the past year, grappling with escalating labour costs and increases in national insurance contributions.
Concurrently, consumer spending has been constrained by concerns over inflation and rising unemployment, further impacting pub revenues. However, pubs did receive additional business rates support from the government last month, aimed at alleviating some of these financial burdens.
Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs, indicated that the investment strategy is partly designed to bolster revenues and help the group navigate the recent “sustained increases in running costs”.
This year, £44.5 million will be allocated to upgrades for 647 pubs. A notable 108 of these venues are earmarked for particularly significant cash injections, with each transformation costing at least £145,000.
Heineken clarified that while the majority of its pubs are group-owned, they are independently operated by local licensees. A key focus for this investment, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 football World Cup, will be on sports-focused venues.
The pub firm and brewer has a history of significant investment in British pubs, having pumped £328 million into the sector since 2018. Work has already commenced at 52 locations, including eight projects dedicated to reopening boarded-up pubs that have endured lengthy closures.
Mr Mountstevens also urged the government to reduce the tax burden on pubs, arguing it would ease cost pressures and foster further job creation within the industry.
He stated: “We can only do so much; the root-and-branch reform of business rates that the industry has been calling for over many years is urgently required, as well as a lowering of the burden of taxation on pubs, including VAT and beer duty.”
He concluded with a direct appeal: “We are calling on the Government to support us in bringing out the best in the Great British pub.”
GameStop’s boss Ryan Cohen says he sees potential to make eBay a much bigger rival to Amazon.
Source link
It comes as the US said on Monday it will begin to help “guide” vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz.
Source link
Tarik Skubal to undergo elbow surgery, sidelining Tigers ace for months ahead of free agency
Jake Paul breaks silence after Olivia Rodrigo’s savage SNL joke
UAE says air defences engage Iranian missiles, drones as flights diverted
-
Tech1 week agoA Brain Implant for Depression Is About to Be Tested in Humans
-
Tech1 week agoAlmost 90% of women leave tech industry within 10 years | Computer Weekly
-
Business1 week agoPakistan’s oil market is fuelling the crisis | The Express Tribune
-
Business7 days ago‘I had £20,000 stolen and had to fight a 13-month fraud reporting rule to get it back’
-
Sports6 days agoPro wrestling star Steph De Lander reveals how colleague’s advice helped lead her to title triumph at ACW
-
Entertainment1 week agoNorway joins Type 26 Frigate Programme to boost NATO naval power
-
Entertainment1 week agoMelania Trump says ABC should ‘take a stand’ on late-night host Kimmel
-
Tech6 days agoThis Ambitious Laptop Doesn’t Leave Much Room for Your Hands