trade - The Latremie Post

Maharashtra Introduces Digital ‘E-Bond’ System To Modernise Import-Export Trade

**Maharashtra Introduces Historic ‘E-Bond’ System to Modernise Trade**

The Maharashtra government has taken a significant step towards modernising trade by replacing traditional paper bonds with a fully digital ‘E-Bond’ system for import-export transactions. With this reform, Maharashtra becomes the sixteenth state in India to introduce this facility, aimed at easing business operations and enhancing transparency in financial dealings.

### Boost for Trade and Industry

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule highlighted the initiative as a major relief for the state’s business and industrial sectors. Currently, Maharashtra issues nearly 3,000 to 4,000 bonds monthly, amounting to over 40,000 bonds annually for import-export activities.

“Introducing e-bonds will transform these large-scale financial transactions. While this may appear as a small procedural change, it represents an important turning point for Maharashtra’s economy,” said Bawankule.

### Simplifying Transactions and Strengthening Transparency

The new system was launched at Mantralaya, where Inspector General of Registration and Stamps, Ravindra Binwade, explained the e-bond mechanism. Officials noted that this move will simplify bond issuance at customs offices, increase efficiency in international trade, and eliminate the need for paper stamp bonds previously issued in denominations such as Rs 500.

The shift to digital bonds is expected to:

– Reduce paper usage and contribute to environmental protection
– Strengthen transparency and reduce revenue leakage
– Ensure more funds flow into the state treasury

### Maharashtra’s Push for Ease of Doing Business

The government expressed confidence that adopting a digital-first approach in revenue administration will improve Maharashtra’s Ease of Doing Business rankings.

“This initiative will accelerate trade processes and push Maharashtra’s economy forward. It is not just about convenience but also about transparency and modernisation,” added Bawankule.

With the introduction of the e-bond system, Maharashtra is poised to lead in digital trade facilitation, setting a benchmark for other states to follow.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-introduces-digital-e-bond-system-to-modernise-import-export-trade

Mumbai To Host Global Women’s Trade Summit This Weekend

Mumbai to Host Global Women’s Trade Summit on October 4-5 at The Westin, Powai

Mumbai is gearing up to host the Global Women’s Trade Summit on October 4 and 5 at The Westin, Powai. Organized by the International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry (IWFCI) India National Chapter, the event is supported by the World Trade Centre, Mumbai, and the All India Association of Industries as knowledge partners.

A pre-summit meeting took place on Friday evening at the World Trade Center, Cuffe Parade, setting the stage for the main event.

**Theme and Objectives**

Under the theme “Women as Catalysts for Global Trade and Economic Growth,” the summit aims to highlight the pivotal role women play in driving international trade and fostering inclusive economic progress.

The platform will feature an engaging lineup of panel discussions, interactive workshops, B2B meetings, and networking opportunities designed to empower women entrepreneurs and professionals.

**Key Highlights**

One of the summit’s standout features will be sessions with women leaders who have excelled in traditionally male-dominated sectors such as mining, minerals, oil, and gas. These trailblazers will share their inspiring journeys of resilience, innovation, and leadership.

Additionally, discussions will focus on how technology and AI-driven tools are transforming businesses to be more sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace.

**Words from Dr Daphne Pillai**

Dr Daphne Pillai, President of IWFCI India, emphasized the significance of the summit:

“The summit is not just a conference; it is a movement to recognize and amplify women’s voices in global trade and enterprise. Through this summit, we aim to provide a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation, enabling women entrepreneurs and professionals to expand their horizons and contribute meaningfully to global economic growth.”

**International Participation and Industry Representation**

Delegates from countries including Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Uzbekistan, South Africa, India, and the USA will attend the summit. They represent diverse industries such as supply chains, insurance, real estate, hospitality, IT services, law, and finance.

**Commitment to Empowerment**

IWFCI India reiterated that the summit reaffirms its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals as vital contributors to global trade and innovation.

Stay tuned for more updates as Mumbai prepares to welcome women leaders from across the globe to this landmark event.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-to-host-global-womens-trade-summit-this-weekend

RBI should opt for 25bps repo rate cut, says SBI

**RBI Should Opt for 25bps Repo Rate Cut, Says SBI**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 28, 2025, 04:49 PM*

A recent report by the State Bank of India (SBI) has recommended a 25 basis points (bps) cut in the repo rate ahead of the upcoming Reserve Bank of India (RBI) monetary policy meeting. This suggestion comes amid expectations of benign inflation in the near term.

However, despite SBI’s recommendation, most economists anticipate that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will maintain the status quo when it announces its decision on October 1.

### Rate Reduction: The ‘Best Possible Option’

The SBI report describes a 25bps rate cut as the “best possible option” for the RBI at this stage. Earlier this year, the central bank had already slashed the key short-term lending rate (repo) by 100bps in three installments since February, responding to a decline in consumer price index (CPI)-based inflation.

Nevertheless, some experts believe the MPC may opt to hold the current rates steady during the upcoming policy review, weighing various economic factors.

### Upcoming MPC Meeting

The MPC, headed by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, will convene from October 1 to 3 to discuss the policy rate. This meeting takes place against a backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions and recent US-imposed 50% tariffs on Indian shipments.

In its August bi-monthly monetary policy review, the central bank chose to keep rates unchanged, carefully assessing how these external factors might impact India’s economy.

### Expectations and Economic Outlook

Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA, noted that GST rationalization could reduce headline CPI inflation by 25-50 basis points during Q3 FY2026 and Q2 FY2027. She also expects that October-November 2025 could mark a new low for CPI inflation, although an upward trend may resume afterward.

Meanwhile, Dharmakirti Joshi of Crisil Limited expects a repo rate cut as early as October, citing lower-than-expected inflation numbers and sustained strong demand.

As the MPC meeting approaches, all eyes will be on the RBI’s decision and its implications for India’s monetary policy trajectory.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/sbi-recommends-25bps-repo-rate-cut-for-upcoming-rbi-mpc/story

Turkmenistan spins textile export wins with gabardine, calico, and terry products

**State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan: Textile Enterprises Offer Large Consignments**

Several textile enterprises have presented large consignments of cotton yarn and fabrics through the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan. All lots are available under payment deferment terms, with FCA delivery from Ashgabat and Turkmenabat.

—

**Currency Rates:**

| Currency | Rate |
|———-|———|
| AZN | 40.00 |
| USD | 23.50 |
| EUR | 20.00 |
| RUB | 0.00 |

—

Buy orders are welcome. For more information and to place an order, please contact the exchange.
https://www.trend.az/business/4095956.html

US lawmakers seek to ‘break the ice’ in China visit amid trade, TikTok tensions

**US House Representatives Meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing to ‘Break the Ice’ Amid Tense US-China Relations**

A delegation of US House of Representatives members met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, expressing hopes to “break the ice” as the two global superpowers seek to stabilize their strained relationship.

This rare visit by US lawmakers comes amid a week marked by tense phone calls and high-stakes negotiations between Washington and Beijing. The trip underscores ongoing efforts to ease tensions that continue to revolve around trade disputes, the future of the popular app TikTok, and escalating military tensions in the South China Sea.

Just two days prior to the meeting, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first phone call in three months. While their discussion addressed several critical issues, including trade and security, there was no breakthrough regarding TikTok — the Chinese-owned app boasting 170 million users in the United States.

The White House reported on Saturday that a potential deal is taking shape which would place control of TikTok’s algorithm into the hands of US companies. Furthermore, US citizens would hold the majority of seats on a board overseeing TikTok’s US operations, with six out of seven board members being American.

TikTok’s algorithm is crucial as it determines the content users see, and US officials have repeatedly expressed concerns about its vulnerability to manipulation by Chinese authorities.

Despite these concerns, President Trump told reporters Saturday evening that “great American patriots” are preparing to acquire TikTok’s US operations. The app was originally slated for a ban in the US this January, but Trump has issued several orders to keep it operational while negotiations with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company in China, continue.

“And they’re very smart technologically, and they will not let anything bad happen to TikTok,” Trump said.

Among the likely buyers of TikTok’s US operations is Oracle, the technology giant led by billionaire Larry Ellison, a longtime Trump supporter.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated in a Fox News interview on Saturday that the administration is “100 percent confident that a deal is done.” She added, “President Trump recognized the need to protect Americans’ privacy and data while also keeping this app open.”

Leavitt also emphasized TikTok’s importance, calling it “a vital part of our democratic process,” and predicted that the deal would be finalized “in the coming days.”

As both nations continue to navigate this complex relationship, the lawmakers’ visit and ongoing negotiations signal a cautious but hopeful step toward easing US-China tensions.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/us-lawmakers-seek-to-break-the-ice-in-china-visit-amid-trade-tiktok-tensions/articleshow/124036815.cms

US lawmakers seek to ‘break the ice’ in China visit amid trade, TikTok tensions

**US House Representatives Meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, Aim to ‘Break the Ice’ Amid Tense US-China Relations**

A delegation from the US House of Representatives met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The lawmakers conveyed their hope to “break the ice” as the two superpowers strive to make progress toward stabilizing their increasingly tense relationship.

This visit comes during a week marked by high-stakes negotiations and tense phone calls between Washington and Beijing. According to Al Jazeera, the US delegation’s trip is a rare occasion aimed at thawing frozen ties amid ongoing disputes over trade, the fate of TikTok, and escalating military tensions in the South China Sea.

Just two days prior, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first phone call in three months. While the leaders discussed several critical issues, no breakthrough was reached regarding TikTok — the immensely popular Chinese-owned app boasting 170 million users in the United States.

The White House announced on Saturday that a prospective deal would grant US companies control over TikTok’s algorithm, with US citizens holding the majority on a board overseeing the app’s US operations—six out of seven seats. The app’s algorithm, which determines what content users see, has been a point of concern for US officials who fear potential manipulation by Chinese authorities.

Despite this, President Trump told reporters on Saturday evening that “great American patriots” are planning to purchase TikTok’s US operations. Originally slated for a ban in the US in January, TikTok has instead remained operational due to repeated executive orders allowing the app to continue while negotiations with its owner, China’s ByteDance, proceed.

“And they’re very smart technologically,” Trump said of the potential buyers, “and they will not let anything bad happen to TikTok.”

Oracle, the tech giant led by billionaire and longtime Trump supporter Larry Ellison, is one of the frontrunners to acquire TikTok’s US operations.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed confidence in the deal during a Fox News interview on Saturday, stating the administration is “100 per cent confident that a deal is done.” She added, “[Trump] recognized the need to protect Americans’ privacy and data while also keeping this app open.”

Leavitt emphasized TikTok’s importance, calling it “a vital part of our democratic process,” and anticipated the agreement would be finalized “in the coming days.”

As tensions continue, this diplomatic engagement and potential TikTok deal represent crucial steps in addressing the complex challenges defining US-China relations.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/us-lawmakers-seek-to-break-the-ice-in-china-visit-amid-trade-tiktok-tensions/articleshow/124036815.cms

India likely to resolve tariffs issue with US within two months: CEA

Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaran expressed optimism on Thursday that a resolution to the tariff-related issues with the United States could be reached within the next eight to ten weeks, reported the PTI.

Speaking at an interactive session hosted by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce, Nageswaran said, “Underneath the surface, conversations are going on between the two governments. My hunch is that in the next eight to ten weeks, we will likely see a solution to the tariffs imposed by the US on Indian goods,” according to the PTI.

The United States had imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods from August in response to India’s purchase of Russian oil, bringing the total levy on certain products to 50 per cent. The CEA warned that if these tariffs remain in place, Indian exports to the US could decline.

Describing India as an aspirational lower-middle-income economy, Nageswaran highlighted that the real GDP growth for the first quarter of the current financial year stood at 7.8 per cent. He added that post-pandemic, India has outpaced many other economies in terms of recovery and growth, as per the PTI.

Nageswaran expects the manufacturing, services, and agriculture sectors to play a key role in driving economic progress over the next two years. Consumption and investment, he said, will continue to be the main pillars of growth.

He noted that India has a strong debt-to-GDP ratio, generating more GDP per US dollar of debt compared to many other countries — a sign of efficient capital utilisation. Additionally, rural demand remains resilient, while urban demand is improving.

The recent reduction in GST rates, he said, will result in more disposable income in the hands of consumers, potentially boosting urban consumption, the news agency reported.

The CEA also highlighted that credit to the MSME sector is on the rise, while lending to large industries is undergoing structural change. Resource mobilisation today is well supported by various financial channels.

India’s external sector remains solid despite global headwinds, with robust trade activity and healthy foreign exchange reserves. The current account deficit has eased to just 0.2 per cent of GDP in the first quarter of FY 2025-26.

Regarding the rupee, Nageswaran said, “The rupee is depreciating against the US dollar. But given the underlying strength of the economy, I believe the rupee is likely to stabilise and strengthen in the long term,” as per the PTI.

Outlining the government’s policy priorities, he stressed continued emphasis on capital expenditure, incentives for private investment, and systemic deregulation. Infrastructure development—particularly in ports and airports—has improved, ensuring that economic growth does not lead to overheating, he added.

Touching upon India’s trade with China, he noted that imports are largely composed of capital and intermediate goods. He urged the Indian private sector to increase investment in innovation and research and development (R&D).

On artificial intelligence (AI), Nageswaran remarked that its impact has been limited so far. He cautioned that entry-level coding jobs may be at risk, but overall employment effects are manageable—provided that workers upskill and adapt, the PTI reported.

(With PTI inputs)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/us-tariffs-on-india-india-likely-to-resolve-tariffs-issue-with-us-within-two-months-says-chief-economic-adviser-v-anantha-nageswaran-23594656