Iranian and Iraqi officials have recently announced that they are keen to develop media cooperation. Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting Director Ezzatollah Zarghami held talks with several Iraqi officials in Baghdad on Thursday and both sides emphasized on expansion of bilateral cultural and media relations. Heading an Iranian delegation, Zarghami met Iraqi Culture Minister Saadoun al-Dulaimi, where the idea of establishing an Iranian cultural center in Iraq was warmly received by the minister, Persian news agencies reported on Thursday.

Al-Dulaimi said that Iraqi TV channels...

Turkish gold sales to Iran in March soared over 30 times and gold companies said Iranians were turning to gold for savings and possibly trade as Western sanctions tighten.

Sanctions to force Iran to curb its nuclear programme have targeted its energy and banking sectors and new measures from both the United States and European Union take effect in July, aimed at strangling Tehran’s foreign earnings.

The sanctions have made neighbouring Turkey an ever more important channel for the Islamic republic. Data from Turkey’s Statistics"...

Migrant workers will soon receive a complete guide compiled in their native languages on Bahrain's labour laws and regulations in a bid to prevent exploitation, said a senior officials.

The multilingual employee guide will also create awareness among labourers coming to Bahrain, who are mostly illiterate.

It follows directives by the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) officials, who met labour welfare officials from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Turkey yesterday.

"Labour and community officers were handed out a guide format that...

President of the Macedonian Chamber of Commerce Snezana T Jovanovska has said that there are only about 200 graded hotels in the country even though there are several hundred budget hotels and other tourist accommodations, including home stays.

“The investments from such resourceful countries as Qatar would help Macedonia establish many top range hospitality facilities which would eventually draw more visitors to this side,” said Zhivka Cvetkoska.The chamber official said the well-laid road network and excellent connections with countries in the neighbourhood would give her...

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following statement can be attributed to Robert D. Hansen, president and CEO, Dow Corning Corporation & Andrew E. Tometich, president, Hemlock Semiconductor Group.

Dow Corning Corporation and the Hemlock Semiconductor Group understand that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) preliminary"......

AGCO, Your Agriculture Company (NYSE: AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, today presented its vision for agriculture in Africa at the G8 Summit in Washington, D.C. “Our mission is to provide comprehensive agricultural solutions for African farmers,” said Martin Richenhagen, Chairman, President and CEO of AGCO. “Africa offers tremendous growth opportunities in the agricultural equipment sector and AGCO is committed to growing its presence within Africa by investing in"...

The Indonesian Pulp & Paper Association (APKI) welcomes the announcement of new Natural Forest Protection Policies by Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) presented on May 15, 2012.

Misbahul Huda, Chairman of the Indonesian Pulp & Paper Association (APKI), said: "APP’s"......

An Emirati official says sanctions slapped against Iran over its nuclear energy program have had adverse effects on Dubai's economy.

"It's still moderate in terms of trade but we are closely watching the number how it is affecting the near term and the long term as well," Hani al-Hamli, secretary general of Dubai Economic Council, said on Monday.

"How much? I do not recall the numbers," he told reporters on the sidelines of a conference on financial restructuring and bankruptcy.

Last month, Director General of Dubai Customs Ahmed Butti"...

Britain and France are studying a proposed European Union ban on insuring tankers carrying Iranian oil to see how severe an impact it would have on trade with non-EU countries, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Tuesday.

Asked in parliament about a May 8 Reuters report that Britain was seeking to persuade fellow EU members to postpone a ban on insurance for cargoes of Iranian oil, Hague confirmed EU countries were discussing whether the insurance ban should apply from July 1, or later.

"The reason we are discussing that separately"...

Barrett added, "Quality vocational education can provide an essential springboard for ambitious young people by offering practical skills and experience that employers value. Equipped with these skills, the youth can look forward to a promising career. However, it is imperative that vocational education remains flexible to help adults acquire new skills amidst the changing technology and economic landscape. Additionally, well-informed, impartial career advice and guidance is central to ensuring individuals make informed choices."

Barrett's comments came during a panel discussion titled...