AGP Executive Report

US-Philippines Diplomacy: Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Manila for ASEAN foreign ministers talks and the East Asia Summit, with Washington also warning about Beijing’s “dangerous and aggressive” actions after a Filipino sailor was injured near Second Thomas Shoal. Middle East Trade & Security: Iran says it wants talks with the US, but Trump insists any meeting must be “meaningful,” as attacks around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea keep energy and shipping risks elevated. Regional Trade Deals: Jordan and the US signed a Reciprocal Trade Agreement cutting reciprocal customs duties to 10% and boosting access for Jordan’s garments and textiles, while US and Mexico resumed USMCA talks aimed at revising the pact. UK Cost-of-Living Policy: Britain’s new PM Andy Burnham unveiled a VAT cut on electricity bills to help households, framing it as a “cost-of-living government” move. Malaysia Business & Compliance: Malaysia’s digital regulator moved to revoke NSO Malaysia’s Malaysia Digital status after a local council revoked its licence, stressing full compliance. Corporate Restructuring: Ajinomoto (Malaysia) board agreed to consider a selective capital reduction plan to privatise the company under its controlling shareholder. South Africa Local Economy: A new boat and engine under the SEA programme is helping a Rewa fisherman expand his business, while officials also launched campaigns and monitoring efforts tied to water and air quality. Legal Costs Watch (UK): A study says lawsuit and tort costs are rising fast in the UK, warning the system could become the world’s most expensive by 2030.

UK Politics & Economy: Andy Burnham became Britain’s new prime minister, promising a domestic-first agenda on rough sleeping and social care, while cutting VAT on household electricity bills and pushing a tighter fiscal line; Trump also said he had a “very good conversation” with Burnham covering North Sea oil, trade and defence. Middle East Security: ASEAN foreign ministers urged an immediate halt to renewed US-Iran hostilities, warning of knock-on risks for trade, energy and food security, as Houthis threatened Saudi shipping in the Red Sea. Trade Tensions: Canada’s PM Mark Carney said Trump’s planned 50% tariffs on most Canadian imports violate CUSMA, while Canada vowed to intensify talks. AI & Tech: China’s Moonshot paused new sign-ups for its Kimi K3 model amid open-weight AI debate; Ant International raised US$1.2bn to expand cross-border payments and AI commerce. Business & Markets: US leading economic index fell 0.2% in June; Japan’s Nikkei rose on a rebound in chips. Governance & Accountability: Malaysia’s deputy PM said only the prime minister can remove ministers without resignations; in the Philippines, a court heard a corruption case where a witness said signing inspection reports was “ministerial.”

UK Politics: Andy Burnham was sworn in as the UK’s new prime minister after Keir Starmer’s resignation, promising a “circuit breaker” with a new political and economic model and a 10-year plan, while immediately speaking with US President Donald Trump on defense and security, including shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Climate & Industry: A Czech environment minister warned Europe’s climate agenda could “crush” industry as companies shift production abroad, pushing the debate on how fast to decarbonize without losing jobs. Trade & Enforcement: The US DOJ said its trade-fraud task force has topped $1 billion in recoveries and expanded customs-focused enforcement. AI & Cooperation: Ethiopia joined the WAICO AI cooperation group, signaling a push for global AI governance and safer, fairer development. Global Business & Finance: NerdWallet data found most approved business-loan applicants sought working capital for day-to-day costs, with revenue strongly tied to approval rates and loan size. Recycling Jobs: South Africa launched a plan to integrate waste pickers into the formal recycling economy via registration, digital payments, and producer-funded programs. Markets: Bitcoin jumped above $65,000 as Russia’s crypto-for-trade legislation nears final approval. EU-Asia Trade: Caobisco backed EU-Thailand free-trade talks, arguing tariff cuts could boost European confectionery exports. Sports Governance: UEFA chief Ceferin boycotted the World Cup final after disputes with FIFA over disciplinary and match operations.

ASEAN Diplomacy & Security: Malaysia’s foreign minister leads ASEAN talks in Manila, with West Asia conflict, South China Sea tensions, Gaza spillover, and Myanmar’s Five-Point Consensus on the agenda, alongside plans for ASEAN food security and the ASEAN Power Grid. Energy & Markets: Middle East strikes pushed oil above $90, rattling global stocks and reviving inflation fears as investors watch big tech earnings and rate-hike odds. Trade & Supply Chains: Malaysia reported a June trade surplus surge and stronger exports/imports, while Southern Africa firms face “new normal” supply-chain anxiety tied to geopolitics and cyber risk. Investment & Industry: S&P says Malaysia’s data-centre buildout needs over $20bn for power and equipment soon, pushing firms toward alternative capital. Circular Economy: Qatar says it recycled 63% of construction materials in 2025, cutting waste and virgin-material demand. Tech & Public Services: iFLYTEK launched GuideX for public-service task handling at WAIC. Sports Meets Business: The World Corporate Games returns to the UK, mixing competition with networking for global firms. Politics & Governance: Singapore’s Muslim affairs minister resigned over interactions with a woman, amid ongoing scrutiny of party conduct. UK Social Care: Andy Burnham says his Alzheimer’s-affected father doesn’t know he’s prime minister, as he prepares a social-care reform push. Nuclear Policy: Namibia debates a Nuclear Bill to use uranium for energy and value addition. Sports Business Deal: The NBA approved a three-team trade sending Lu Dort to Atlanta and Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas.

Philippines–US Security Ties: The US Trade and Development Agency says its critical-infrastructure push in the Philippines supports US defense priorities, spotlighting a planned Subic–Clark–Manila–Batangas cargo rail to move minerals to Subic Bay. Middle East Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun in Washington, backing a trilateral framework aimed at disarming Hezbollah and securing an Israeli withdrawal. EU–China Trade: France and Germany want a Franco-German roadmap by September to respond to China’s trade practices, including subsidies and currency concerns. UK Energy Policy: Incoming PM Andy Burnham is preparing an early push to expand North Sea oil and gas, including fast-tracking licensed projects. Climate Costs: A new report warns Bangladesh and other countries are losing the equivalent of 20+ workdays a year to extreme heat, hitting incomes and economies. West Africa Politics/Infrastructure: Sierra Leone inaugurated a Julius Maada Bio international convention centre ahead of an ECOWAS summit, with President Adama Barrow attending. Ghana Regional Trade: Ghana lifted restrictions on egg exports to Burkina Faso and resumed tomato imports after talks, with a joint technical committee planned. Global Markets: Wall Street slipped as AI-stock weakness spread, even as earnings season ramps up. Sports & Politics: Trump attended the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, while Spain’s Borja Iglesias said he’ll shake Trump’s hand if Spain win.

UK Politics: Labour’s Andy Burnham heads to Downing Street Monday, promising to tackle the cost-of-living squeeze and overstretched services while reshaping how power is shared across the country. Hungary Constitutional Crisis: Hungary’s president Tamás Sulyok has agreed to step down after signing a constitutional amendment, with Orbán warning “tyranny is now reality.” Taiwan-China Tensions: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te urged his party to resist Beijing’s “red terror,” warning Taiwan must not become “China’s Taiwan.” Asia Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet ASEAN foreign ministers in Manila, as Myanmar and the South China Sea stay high on the agenda. Security & Nuclear Debate: Japan’s defense minister says Tokyo needs a debate on nuclear weapons amid European moves to strengthen deterrence. China Anti-Corruption: China’s top watchdog is investigating a former China Development Bank president, Ouyang Weimin. Cyber & Digital Economy: Kenya temporarily restricted access to the presidential website after a cyberattack with bitcoin ransom demands. Business & Tech: Global smartphone shipments fell 4% y/y in Q2 amid a memory crisis; AI spending is projected to top $2.5T by end-2026. Sports/Trade: MLB’s Aug. 3 trade deadline looms as teams weigh playoff pushes and rebuilding bets.

Energy Security: IEA chief Fatih Birol warned global energy security is at risk if oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz don’t improve in the coming weeks, calling the disruption the worst in history. Hungary Politics: President Tamás Sulyok signed a constitutional amendment ending his mandate, a move critics say could weaken rule-of-law norms as institutions are reshaped. US Immigration/Justice: A classified DOJ filing has triggered the first use of the dormant “Alien Terrorist Removal Court,” with a judge pushing officials to resubmit a more “thoughtful” application. Middle East Diplomacy: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun heads to Washington to press for a ceasefire framework and Israel’s withdrawal from occupied areas. World Cup & Trade/Politics: Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum says she’ll attend the final after Trump’s invitation, despite ongoing security and trade tensions. Business/Tech: IBM’s software business is under pressure as AI shifts corporate spending priorities, making legacy sales harder. Africa Energy & Investment: The IEA says energy investment should keep growing in 2026 even amid conflict, with major flows into renewables, grids and efficiency. Local Development: Ghana’s transport minister says Keta Port and Ho Airport projects are on track, with an EPA permit already granted.

Middle East Diplomacy: Iraq’s PM Ali al-Zaidi signed 48 trade deals with US firms during a Washington visit, including oil and electricity cooperation with ExxonMobil, Shell and Halliburton, plus plans for a crude pipeline with Syria. Energy & Prices: Diesel prices pushed above $5 in the US as Iran-US fighting fears return, raising worries about knock-on costs across the supply chain. UK Politics: Labour’s Andy Burnham was elected party leader and is set to become prime minister on July 20, promising regional power shifts and economic renewal. Asia-Pacific Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Manila next week for ASEAN foreign ministers’ meetings and Indo-Pacific talks, aiming to deepen a “free and open Indo-Pacific” partnership. Public Health & Jobs: Malaysia approved 66,312 new non-trade-off posts for its health ministry, with billions of ringgit earmarked to staff new and upgraded facilities. Local Enforcement: Bacolod City in the Philippines shut down dozens of businesses for operating without permits, citing a push for fair competition. Tech & Trade: China reiterated support for Cambodia’s development while also promoting global AI cooperation at major conferences, as countries seek new economic partnerships.

Middle East Trade & Security: Russia warned that any closure of the Bab al Mandeb Strait would disrupt global oil trade, as tensions around Hormuz and Iran-linked risks keep shipping under pressure. Regional Diplomacy: Arab interior ministers council condemned Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan, calling them a violation of international law. U.S. Election Integrity Debate: Kentucky Gov. Beshear pushed back on repeated Trump claims of election interference, saying courts and audits have found no widespread fraud. Moldova Government Shake-up: Moldova’s PAS leaders say a new cabinet list will be released soon, with ministers ending mandates ahead of a July 21 vote of confidence. IMF Watch: The IMF wrapped up a visit to the UAE, praising economic resilience and urging continued financial-system preparedness. Business & Local Economy: Johor’s council issued a stop-business notice over a “Network School” operating beyond its licence in Forest City. Tech & AI Governance: Xi Jinping told the UN chief countries should build a just, equitable global AI governance system, while China unveiled an AI satellite “box” for global users. Sports Business: Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo said the club will not sell Julián Álvarez this summer despite Barcelona’s offer.

Ukraine-Russia Black Sea strikes: Ukraine hit Russian vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, pushing global wheat prices higher. Ukraine politics: Zelensky’s defence minister shake-up sparked protests in Kiev as parliament confirmed Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister. Global AI governance: China’s Xi called for AI cooperation and warned against AI “monopolies,” while Russia and China helped launch WAICO, a new Shanghai-based AI cooperation body. Malaysia economy & trade: Malaysia’s GDP grew 5.8% in Q2 2026; analysts highlight five regional growth centres and expect port volumes to improve. Energy security push: Malaysia studies a national petroleum reserve; Ghana’s Buipe solar project is set to start next month under its 24H+ plan. Business & markets: GameStop says physical game software is now under 12% of its business; New Zealand and Switzerland plan a trade and investment dialogue. Diplomacy & deals: India moves to secure uranium and critical minerals via agreements with Australia and Indonesia.

Markets & Tech: Wall Street slid as chip weakness outweighed upbeat data and earnings, with semiconductors dragging the Nasdaq and S&P 500; Nvidia’s CEO also pushed AI-and-robotics as a way to help Japan tackle labor shortages. AI & Business Risk: A new push for AI regulation is creating compliance headaches for companies operating across regions, while Trump Media plans a faster Truth Social “Truth API” feed for Wall Street. Energy & Industry: India invited global bids for 10 GWh advanced chemistry cell battery manufacturing under its PLI push for grid-scale storage; Kuwait’s electricity minister visited a hospital after a technician was injured repairing a transmission line. Trade & Growth: New Zealand and Switzerland agreed to set up a trade and investment dialogue; Zambia said it hopes to reach a new IMF program by year-end to unlock investment. Politics & Security: NATO said Ukraine’s defense policy should stay on track after Kyiv’s defense minister shake-up, as protests continue. Local Governance: Malaysia’s finance ministry denied misuse of 1MDB-linked recovery funds and reported fuel-subsidy savings from a federal work-from-home policy. Sports & Culture: Celtics star Jayson Tatum called a recent trade “weird,” and a new owner team in Centralia aims to keep the Monster Crawl Halloween event running.

Ukraine War Politics: Ukraine’s Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov resigned as President Zelensky reshuffled the cabinet, prompting protests in Kyiv and other cities over fears the move could unsettle military momentum. AI & Cybersecurity: South Korea plans a sovereign AI model focused on cybersecurity by year-end, while business leaders argue AI’s next phase depends on smarter users, better chips, and new models. Global Trade & Deals: The UK-India trade agreement (CETA) took effect, and the EU and India pushed cooperation on resilient value chains, market access, standards, and clean technologies. Energy & Shipping Risk: Malaysia warned businesses not to underestimate economic shocks after Iran’s renewed Strait of Hormuz closure, citing oil prices, shipping costs, and supply-chain strain. Health & Regulation: Portugal joined HealthAI’s global responsible-AI network for health, as Malaysia moves toward a MediAsas private health insurance pilot and reports rising youth type 2 diabetes. Business & Finance: Vanguard launched a short-term core bond fund; Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar heads to China for a global AI governance push; and the Brewers traded for Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. to deepen their rotation.

Argentina-UK Tensions: Argentina’s vice president escalated World Cup semifinal rhetoric against England, while coach Lionel Scaloni urged keeping politics out of sport as Atlanta boosts security. Trade & Sanctions: The UK is drafting a plan to ban all trade in goods and services tied to “illegal” Israeli settlements, with enforcement challenges acknowledged. Global Development Finance: UN chief António Guterres named Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez co-chair of the SDG Advocates group, pushing for faster SDG financing, tech transfer and partnerships. Ukraine Cabinet Shake-up: President Zelensky dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov amid a reshuffle, citing friction with military leadership. Energy & Trade Routes: Analysts warn renewed Iran-U.S. tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could raise global shipping and oil costs, with insurers and governments reassessing risk. Business & Policy: Malaysia rejected a 2% wealth tax but reported large tax refunds, while regulating BNPL as accounts and balances grow. Local Economy: Alaska’s AIDEA proposal for a Mat-Su industrial park with data centers faces trail and wildlife concerns. Sports Deadline Watch: MLB trade deadline focus intensifies ahead of Aug. 3, with teams like the Brewers finalizing a deal for Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr.

India-UK Trade: India and the UK have operationalised their free trade agreement, with Prime Minister Modi calling it a “significant moment” as CETA delivers duty-free access for nearly 99% of Indian exports and a social security deal supports professionals working temporarily in the UK. Middle East Shipping Risk: The US and Iran traded attacks as the Strait of Hormuz fight escalates, with Trump warning of threats to civilian infrastructure—raising concerns for oil prices and global shipping. Global Health: The UN warns vaccination progress is fragile: 2025 coverage improved slightly, but funding cuts, conflict and misinformation are widening gaps and leaving millions “zero-dose” children unprotected. Regional Trade Corridors: Dubai’s DMCC signed an MoU with Botswana’s exchange group to create an Africa-first sister-hub commodity corridor linking Dubai’s trading ecosystem with Gaborone. Business & Growth Signals: Malaysia’s outlook improves as stronger E&E exports and semiconductor demand lift its 2026 GDP forecast to 4.7%, while global sukuk issuance rose in 1H2026, led by local-currency markets. Transport & Tourism: A study says East England’s £4bn visitor economy is held back by poor public transport and misaligned services, hurting satisfaction and staffing. Aviation Safety: India says the Ahmedabad Air India crash probe is in its final stages, with the final report expected soon.

Trade Enforcement: The US DOJ is creating a new global trade enforcement section inside its National Fraud Division to pursue criminal import, customs and trade fraud, shifting from fines toward prosecutions. Middle East Energy & Shipping: President Trump says he’s scrapping a 20% Strait of Hormuz reimbursement fee and will pursue Gulf trade and investment deals instead, while still warning of a “full blockade” tied to Iranian ports/cargo. EV Policy: Malaysia’s MITI says it won’t reverse new rules on importing completely built-up EVs, arguing the move fits its National Automotive Policy while keeping duty and tax exemptions for locally assembled CKD EVs. Regional Security Diplomacy: Bulgaria’s defence minister says a “Coalition of the Willing” for Ukraine-Russia peace can’t move forward without a durable peace deal, noting there’s no formal legal framework yet. Business & AI Costs: A report highlights how companies are treating AI spending as a financial risk, with new budget controls emerging as firms rein in runaway usage. Global Media & Peace: Azerbaijan’s Shusha Global Media Forum wrapped up, focusing on media’s role in peace, trust, and tackling disinformation, with D-8 cooperation on a media excellence center discussed. Tourism: Bulgaria and Poland plan more year-round travel via forums and roadshows to boost bilateral tourism flows.

Trade Facilitation: The Philippines and Israel signed an Authorized Economic Operator mutual recognition deal to speed customs clearance for approved firms, cut unnecessary inspections, and boost supply-chain security. US–Philippines Investment Push: A 25-member US business delegation toured Subic Bay Freeport to scout logistics and manufacturing opportunities under the Luzon Economic Corridor. Corporate Dealmaking: AstraZeneca agreed to pay up to $1.5bn for global rights to Dizal’s lung cancer pill Zegfrovy, expanding targeted oral options for exon 20 insertion patients. Maritime Security: Russia’s drone strike on a Togo-flagged cargo ship in Ukraine’s Odesa region killed five seafarers and injured 12, with port damage reported. Energy & Markets: Oil prices rose about 3% after Middle East strikes, while China’s exports surged amid AI-driven demand. Regional Economy: Malaysia’s PM ordered follow-up help for manufacturers facing global supply-chain cost pressure, with plastics singled out as a key input for multiple industries. Digital & Logistics: Malaysia’s SKL signed an MoU with Hong Kong airport authorities to improve air cargo and connectivity, while Ethiopia approved €124.6m in concessional loans to fund budget support and digital systems. Business Environment: Qatar invited companies to submit challenges via the Sharek platform to shape policy and improve the business climate.