ALPS Global News | Afternoon Update – March 17, 2025
Welcome to ALPS Global News, bringing you the latest updates from Malaysia, Asia, and around the world. Here are today’s top headlines:
🇲🇾 Malaysia: Halal Industry to Contribute 11% to GDP by 2030
Malaysia is strengthening its position as a global Halal industry leader, with projections showing the sector will contribute 11% to the country’s GDP by 2030, up from 7.4% in 2018. The Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 outlines key strategies, including initiatives like Maybank Islamic’s Salaam Market, Malaysia’s first B2B Halal marketplace, aimed at simplifying access to Halal-certified ingredients and products. This move is expected to boost the nation’s economy and create new business opportunities within the global Halal ecosystem.
🌍 International: Russia Insists Ukraine Must Stay Out of NATO for Peace Deal
As tensions persist between Russia and Ukraine, Russian officials have reiterated that any peace agreement must ensure Ukraine remains outside of NATO. According to Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, allowing Ukraine to join NATO would prevent any lasting peace. This reflects Russia’s long-standing stance against NATO expansion, a key factor that contributed to the ongoing conflict. The demand further complicates diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution, with global leaders closely monitoring the situation.
🌏 Asia: China Targets 5% Economic Growth Amid Challenges
China has set an ambitious economic growth target of around 5% for 2025, acknowledging the challenges it faces in unemployment, weak consumer demand, and the struggling property sector. During the National People’s Congress, officials outlined plans to increase the national deficit and introduce policies aimed at boosting domestic consumption. While China remains focused on economic stability and long-term growth, analysts suggest that achieving this target may require bold policy interventions to address structural weaknesses in the economy.
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