AGP Executive Report

Syrian Justice: A court in Damascus sentenced ousted President Bashar Assad and his brother Maher to death in absentia over crimes against humanity and war crimes, with another senior official also condemned. Energy & Trade Risk: Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb disruptions are again raising the stakes for global oil and shipping costs, pushing countries to diversify energy and cut import dependence. Business Climate in Asia: Bhutan says it has accelerated reforms to attract investment and boost domestic industry, while new data shows Bhutan’s economy grew 8.52% in 2025. Regional Growth vs Living Costs: Cyprus’ economy is forecast to expand, but inflation is expected to jump—raising the question of why households still feel squeezed. Digital Push for SMEs: Pakistan and Meta launched a Small Business Growth Academy to train 1,000+ firms in AI-enabled tools and digital marketing. AI & Commerce: A UAE study finds AI adoption is the top priority for commerce leaders as shoppers increasingly start with AI assistants. Energy Efficiency Policy: Malaysia unveiled an energy efficiency plan targeting major utility savings and emissions cuts through 2035. Global Renewables Snapshot: IRENA reports renewables hit 49.5% of installed power capacity by end-2025, with solar and wind still dominating. FIFA Politics: Infantino’s FIFA “Forward Enterprise” proposal triggered backlash from major confederations, though support has shifted back to him amid the dispute. Energy Markets: Aluminum prices jumped to a seven-week high as Middle East tensions threaten supply.

AI & Business Tech: OpenAI is rolling out premium seat options for ChatGPT Business ahead of its IPO, pricing at $125/user/month (or $100 billed annually) and pitching “power users” with 5x usage versus the standard plan. Geopolitics & Markets: BlackRock’s Geopolitical Risk Dashboard now treats U.S.-China competition over compute, access, and AI governance as a top systemic fault line for investors. Global Trade & Security: Nigeria’s Revenue Monitoring Group praised reforms at the Nigeria Customs Service, citing digital trade facilitation, reduced leakages, and tighter coordination with security agencies. Disaster Relief: The U.S. SBA reminded Illinois businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters that Sept. 8 is the deadline for low-interest disaster loans after June storms and tornadoes. Earthquake Impact: Colombia’s president said the death toll from a major earthquake has surpassed 100 as rescue efforts continue. Energy & Shipping: Oil prices jumped amid Strait of Hormuz uncertainty, with markets watching when crude flows can resume. Sports Governance: Philippine volleyball’s federation leadership was reset after a suspension, with a new board elected under the Philippine Olympic Committee’s oversight. Corporate/Finance: Armenia received an extra 5,000 duty-free EV import quotas for 2026, while New York’s builders association won a top trade group honor for the second year.

People’s Economy & Budgeting: Malaysia’s Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil says growth must show up in wallets, citing diesel subsidy retargeting and BUDI MADANI, while the Economy Ministry targets finishing 2027 development spending screening by mid-August ahead of the next Malaysia plan. ASEAN Strategy: Malaysia’s foreign minister argues ASEAN centrality should guide the region amid fragmentation, power rivalry, and geo-economic competition. Markets & Currencies: Bursa Malaysia slips at midday as investors rotate defensively; ringgit outlook looks steadier after the Fed holds rates, with West Asia tensions still supporting the dollar. Business Expansion: Ayala’s ACX Retail launches a platform to scale overseas consumer brands in the Philippines, using its logistics and real-estate reach. Finance & Inclusion: LANDBANK highlights awards for retail banking and digital services as BSP debates whether to tighten further. Global Risk Watch: AM Best warns reinsurance pricing faces pressure as capital piles up, testing underwriting discipline. Energy & Trade: Iran tensions keep oil and markets jittery, while Malaysia pushes maritime excellence with a Sept 28–Oct 2 global forum.

Philippines Business Climate: The economy is wobbling into 2H 2026 after weak Q2 growth (2.3%), with economists saying faster infrastructure spending and better budget execution are key to hitting the government’s downgraded target. Trade & Policy: The UK is consulting on deeper trade ties as the Philippines moves toward CPTPP accession, while the Philippines also banned live animal imports from parts of the Middle East after foot-and-mouth disease was detected. Red Tape Reality Check: Nearly half of Philippine businesses still report frustration with registration and closure despite a law meant to cut red tape, citing uneven digital systems and poor data sharing. Kuwait Crackdown: Kuwait published a new decree-law targeting commercial concealment, with prison and fines for unlicensed or hidden economic activity. Iran Pressure Pivot: Trump says the US is “low-keying it” with Iran—keeping economic and naval pressure while holding only “semi-negotiations.” Regional Security Talks: Egypt and Turkey discussed de-escalation and an immediate halt to escalation in the occupied territories. Local Disruptions: In Canada, a Saskatchewan auto parts firm says it lost about $20,000 to a Western Canada credit card scam targeting transport businesses.

Health & Economy: Experts warn obesity is both a public health crisis and a drag on productivity, urging prevention from childhood as treatment costs and chronic disease risks rise. US Politics & Trade: Sen. Warnock says he won limits on Trump’s tariff powers tied to the Russia-Iran sanctions law, a move aimed at restraining tariff authority. Middle East Diplomacy: Iran’s foreign minister says no US talks will start unless an interim deal is honored, while also pointing to “final stages” on a Strait of Hormuz shipping arrangement. Global Business & Tech: ICRA rebrands to reflect a shift from credit ratings into broader risk and analytics; meanwhile, Firebird expands AI infrastructure across Armenia and Kazakhstan with major tech backing. Digital & Data Centers: Malaysia’s MPOB unveils a palm-based immersion cooling fluid to cut water and energy use in data centers. Inflation Watch: China’s July consumer prices rose moderately, leaving room for pro-consumption policy. Sports & Industry: Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis is elected first president of a new professional cricketers’ association, seeking an independent voice for players. US Health Update: Hunter Biden says Joe Biden’s prostate cancer has metastasized further into bones, describing it as very painful.

Maritime Security: Kuwait’s interior minister toured islands and ports, pushing tighter coast guard, customs and port coordination and faster completion of island construction. FIFA Power Struggle: FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces renewed calls to resign as UEFA and national federations keep escalating pressure over his shelved investment plan. Iran-US Economic Pressure: Iran says the “best time” for a deal with the U.S. is now, but also lists demands tied to lifting a naval blockade and sanctions relief—signaling talks won’t be quick. Trade Bloc Push: BRICS trade ministers in Jaipur urged stronger multilateral trade links and SME support, while UAE officials demanded the Strait of Hormuz reopen amid shipping disruption fears. Colombia Security Funding: The U.S. pledged $1B to Colombia’s new right-wing government to back an aggressive anti-cartel security push. Cost of Doing Business: New research says small-business costs have jumped nearly 25% since COVID and may rise further, complicating interest-rate expectations. EU Migration Leverage: The EU’s migration chief warned Morocco cooperation may be secured using visa and trade tools after the Ceuta surge. Nigeria Economic Critique: Atiku attacked Nigeria’s economic direction using a CBN survey showing households are abandoning big-ticket purchases. Local Disruption: Roadworks in Harwich are frustrating nearby businesses with parking shortages and customer access problems.

Colombia Security Pivot: US says it will back Colombia’s new president Abelardo de la Espriella with a $1 billion security package, aiming to boost forces with tech, interoperability and coordinated operations. Regional Diplomacy: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev marked the first anniversary of the Washington peace summit, stressing trade links and the TRIPP transit route. BRICS Education & Trade: India’s education minister Pralhad Joshi pushed a “humanity-first” BRICS declaration in Bhubaneswar, while Indonesia urged rules-based trade to help MSMEs at BRICS talks in Jaipur. Food Prices: The UN’s FAO reports global food prices rose in July, led by cereals, sugar and vegetable oils. Climate & Energy Stress: Europe faces mounting economic pain as rivers dry up, disrupting transport and power systems. US Courts: A US appeals court halted Trump’s White House ballroom project, setting up another Supreme Court fight. Business & Travel Tech: Sri Lanka plans e-passports within a year, with more e-gates and a new procurement process.

Corporate Leadership & HR: Apotex HR chief Vassilieva says global teams need a “multicultural lens” and real psychological safety so local leaders can push back on central decisions. Diaspora Talent Push: Malaysia’s TalentCorp launched MyHeart Global Connect, linking 31,000 Malaysians in 144 countries with mentorship and partnerships. Business Leadership Change: Westmark Credit Union named Derik Nielsen as president/CEO, succeeding Mike Schenck after 30+ years. Deal Watch: KKR agreed to buy Medicover’s India hospital business in a deal valuing the platform around €1.2B ($1.4B). Trade & Geopolitics: The WTO says Q1 2026 world goods trade beat expectations as AI-related electronics demand offset Middle East disruption near the Strait of Hormuz. EV Market Shift: Global EV prices fell below hybrids as cheaper batteries and low-cost Chinese cars spread. Jobs & Economy: US employers cut 23,000 jobs in July; unemployment dipped as people left the labor market. Energy Access: Nigeria’s power minister says success will be measured by communities electrified, not megawatts. Local Business Pressure: Raleigh firms are adapting as consumers cut back; some long-running businesses are closing. Public Safety & Local Governance: Trenton imposed an emergency weekend business curfew after violence; Zimbabwe launched a road-safety enforcement campaign.

Philippines Economic Slowdown: The Marcos administration says Q2 growth of 2.3% is “only temporary,” blaming Middle East war fallout on inflation, fuel costs, jobs and remittances, while promising faster spending and infrastructure releases to lift momentum in the second half. Global Trade & AI Push: Malaysia is positioning for an AI-driven shift, citing its semiconductor strength and higher-value exports, while firms and investors back AI and digital growth—from ERP delivery using agentic AI to venture funding for consumer, digital, agritech and edtech startups. Health & Security in the Spotlight: South Africa faces calls for urgent action against illicit medicine trade, with warnings that illegal supply now involves healthcare practitioners; in Malaysia, Malaysia Aviation Group begins mandatory drug screening for pilots after a drug-smuggling incident. Regional Diplomacy & Energy: Romania’s interim foreign minister discusses Caspian pipeline oil flows with Kazakhstan amid Black Sea drone concerns, while Nepal frames “economic diplomacy” as central to foreign policy. Climate and Business Pressure: A heatwave is straining Europe’s economy and shifting consumer behavior, and Cote d’Ivoire’s president says growth remains “dynamic” as the country targets jobs and public services.

FIFA Power Struggle: Gianni Infantino apologized after a Morocco emergency meeting over a controversial World Cup rights stake plan, but Luis Figo says “Infantino must go,” keeping pressure on the FIFA president as the March 2027 election nears. Ukraine–Serbia Diplomacy: Serbia confirmed Zelenskyy’s Aug. 8 visit to Belgrade—his first since the full-scale invasion—highlighting shifting regional alignments. Trade Tensions: Canada’s PM Mark Carney called U.S. tariff talks “nasty,” warning the fight is about Canadian jobs and businesses. Anti-Dumping Moves: Malaysia launched an anti-dumping probe on coated steel from China, Taiwan and Vietnam, while also starting an expiry review of anti-dumping duties on steel coils from China and Vietnam. Small Business Pressure: Raleigh’s New Bern Avenue BRT construction is disrupting local shops, while New York’s labor commissioner toured Sunnyside businesses and pointed to tariff-driven cost strain. Workforce & Health: A survey-backed push argues women’s health support is a productivity issue, not just wellbeing. Digital Economy & Awards: Sarawak announced IDECS 2026 and Digital Economy Awards categories, with submissions open until Sept. 6.

FIFA Crisis: Gianni Infantino survived another storm after emergency talks in Morocco, with FIFA apologising for mistakes tied to a shelved plan to bring private investors into World Cup rights—while pressure for him to quit keeps mounting. Iran Leadership Signals: Iran’s president said communication with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is “extremely difficult,” adding to uncertainty around Iran’s top decision-making. Nigeria Security: Nigeria’s president hailed the “largest ever” single-day rescue, freeing 308 abductees from northern attacks, with details of the operation still limited. Kosovo Governance: Kosovo’s parliament convenes on the final deadline, but the president vote remains unresolved, raising fears of a constitutional gap. Business & Deals: Hearst agreed to buy Disney’s 50% stake in A+E Global Media for about $1.2bn; KKR is set to buy Medicover’s India hospital business for $1.39bn; Newmark acquired Germany’s L+P Immobilienbewertung to expand valuation services in Europe. Tech & AI: Anthropic confirmed it plans to design its own AI chips amid global supply shortages, while Saudi Arabia’s LEAP 2026 is set to spotlight AI leaders as Riyadh pushes its “Year of AI.” Trade & Travel: Gulf Air opened bookings for direct Bahrain–Kuala Lumpur flights from Sept 29, 2026, boosting regional connectivity.

South Africa Health & Environment: President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the King Nyabela Hospital in Mpumalanga, a 220-bed facility meant to serve more than 240,000 people, while Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts launched an e-waste recycling pilot in Welkom to push circular-economy waste recovery. Governance & Rule of Law: South Africa’s Justice Minister stressed respect for court rulings as essential to the rule of law, as the High Court invalidated the suspension of Public Investment Corporation CEO Patrick Dlamini—raising fresh questions about governance and process. Jobs, Skills & Women’s Economic Power: The Western Cape’s “Cabinet Meets Business 2026” focused on turning ambition into jobs and investment, and the Regenesys Women in Business conference backed an inclusive economy agenda linking government, business and academia. Youth & Social Protection: Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim said TETA will clear nearly 300 outstanding student bursary payments, and Youth in Action Expo programming targets education, skills and employment. Foreign Policy & Regional Talks: DIRCO set media briefings on South Africa’s foreign-policy priorities ahead of the 46th SADC Summit in Durban. Middle East Security: Iraq’s and Saudi’s foreign ministers discussed security and efforts to protect oil routes, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Business & Trade: Malaysia’s foreign minister met the UN resident coordinator, while Dubai’s SUMEAWORLD opened a global trade hub in Jebel Ali to consolidate sourcing and distribution across 75+ countries.

Trade & Supply Chains: The Strait of Hormuz disruption is still denting global trade, with ITC/WTO data showing sharp drops in LNG and urea exports and higher energy, shipping, and insurance costs. Energy & Markets: Azerbaijan’s Azeri Light crude price fell to $91.68 a barrel, while global gold demand held steady at 1,269 tonnes and the LBMA benchmark averaged about $4,506/oz in Q2. Asia Growth Watch: Indonesia’s Q2 growth eased to 5.3% but beat forecasts on stronger household and government spending. Business & Investment: Malaysia-EU talks are pushing for a “high-quality” free trade deal in 2027, with firms urging less red tape and better investment rules. Tech for Development: The World Bank says AI could help developing economies achieve in a decade what might take a century—if governments close gaps in power, internet, skills, and institutions. Regional Politics: Montenegro’s PM says it will reject EU-backed migrant centre plans. Diplomacy: Brazil downgraded ties with Argentina after President Milei insulted Lula. Corporate Moves: HMM launches an India–East Africa container service from September, using a hub-and-spoke route.

Food Safety Crackdown (Maharashtra): India’s Maharashtra FDA suspended Tewari Bros Mithaiwala’s licence after an Aug. 1 inspection found serious hygiene and sanitary violations. Water & Industry Planning (Kenya): Kenya began public participation on a Lake Baringo irrigation plan aimed at creating about 100,000 jobs and generating nearly Sh40bn by diverting excess water via tunnels and canals. Trade & Carbon Costs (Malaysia): Malaysia says EU-CBAM could cost its iron and steel sector RM970.7m in 2026, while framing it as a push toward lower-carbon production. Tech & Legal Fight (AI): OpenAI publicly rebutted Apple’s trade-secrets lawsuit, publishing private emails as it challenges Apple’s claims. Global Business Deal (Media): Hearst agreed to buy Disney’s 50% stake in A+E Global Media for about $1.2bn, set to close in September. Energy Demand Signal (China): China’s power grids hit new summer load records as AI infrastructure and EV charging drive sustained electricity growth. Sports Governance Pressure (FIFA): Prince Ali accused FIFA leadership of “blackmail” over withheld prize money from Jordan’s Arab Cup run. EU Migration Security (Ceuta): EU interior ministers warned about foreign “information interference” tied to images circulating during the Ceuta migration crisis.

US Trade Fight: A coalition of 25 Democratic-led states sued President Trump over new tariffs, arguing they exceed his legal authority. Middle East Diplomacy & Energy: Trump escalated rhetoric on Iran, while oil prices and global shares tracked a Wall Street rebound as investors weighed possible US-Iran talks. Corporate Governance: South Korea’s push to modernize its stewardship code is framed as the next lever to unlock undervalued markets and strengthen pension-linked oversight. AI, IP & Regulation: Malaysia’s lawmakers said copyrighted material for AI training needs copyright-holder approval and licensing terms. Tech Policy: Malaysia also invited public feedback on a national framework for its “low altitude economy,” aiming to scale drones, AAM and AI-enabled services. EV & Charging Funding: Malaysia is studying an EV sales levy to fund public charging, after incentives failed to deliver enough infrastructure. Business & Markets: Sabic completed sale of its thermoplastics business in the Americas and Europe; Indonesia reported a June trade deficit as oil and gas imports surged. Sports Business: MLB’s deadline delivered major pitching trades, including Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers, reshaping contenders’ odds. WhatsApp Product: WhatsApp is testing a separate folder for business messages to cut inbox clutter.

MLB Trade Deadline: The Phillies went for offense and bullpen help, acquiring Luis Arraez from the Giants and adding reliever Brooks Raley from the Mets, while the Red Sox landed Adley Rutschman from Baltimore in a major in-division swap. Playoff Push Moves: The Orioles traded Taylor Ward to the Mariners for prospects, the Blue Jays picked up Jose Soriano from the Angels, and the Pirates bolstered a leaky bullpen by acquiring Luke Weaver from the Mets. Global Markets & FX: The U.S. and Japan intervened to support the yen after a sharp slide, as Washington seeks stability with Tokyo. Energy & Trade: Indonesia and Thailand backed a roadmap aiming for $20B in bilateral trade by 2030, while Malaysia emphasized energy security through diversified gas and crude supply options. Regional Diplomacy: Qatar’s PM held calls with Gulf and regional partners, urging dialogue and implementation of a U.S.-Iran MoU tied to Strait of Hormuz navigation. Business & Society: Kuwait pushed reforms to improve women’s legal status rankings, and a Reuters/Ipsos poll found Democrats leading on the economy as Trump’s approval slips. Environment & Tourism: Fiji’s Savusavu faces tourism risk as landfill smoke continues, hurting the town’s image.