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Malay Mail
12 hours ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Palm oil, tourism and halal goods drive Malaysia's trade optimism with Uzbekistan, says envoy
TASHKENT, June 21 — Malaysia is optimistic about a potential increase in bilateral trade with Uzbekistan, as both countries work to deepen cooperation in new areas such as halal certification, Islamic finance, tourism, and green technology. In an interview with Bernama and RTM, here, Malaysian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Ilham Tuah Illias acknowledged a recent drop in trade volume, mainly due to import tax on palm oil. However, he expressed confidence in a potential turnaround. 'We are hopeful that trade will pick up, if both governments can agree to waive or continue waiving the (import) tax on Malaysian palm oil. This would enable Uzbek retailers here to resume sourcing their palm oil supply from Malaysia,' he said. In 2024, Malaysia–Uzbekistan trade reached RM369.8 million (US$80.9 million), making Uzbekistan Malaysia's second-largest trading partner in Central Asia. The trade balance was in Malaysia's favour at RM360.3 million (US$78.9 million). From January to April 2025, bilateral trade between both countries reached RM106 million (US$25 million). Major exports from Malaysia to Uzbekistan include palm oil, coffee, palm-based oleochemical, margarine and shortening, processed food and coconut oil, while imports from Uzbekistan comprise mainly fertilisers, fruits and textiles. Ilham Tuah said the 5.0 per cent tax on Malaysian palm oil is being reconsidered by Uzbek authorities. A continued exemption could significantly boost Malaysia's exports. 'We hope this move will encourage Uzbek buyers to continue to source their supply from Malaysia. Discussions between the relevant authorities in both countries will be essential in finding a mutually beneficial solution,' he added. The ambassador also emphasised the importance of raising public awareness in Uzbekistan about the health benefits of palm oil. 'We must continue educating the Uzbek people about the nutritional value of palm oil and counter the negative narratives promoted by certain parties,' he added. On the tourism front, Ilham Tuah highlighted that over 15,000 Uzbek tourists visited Malaysia last year — a significant increase from previous years, driven by enhanced air connectivity, including direct flights by Batik Air and Uzbekistan Airways. 'This improved connectivity benefits not only tourists but also students from Uzbekistan. Many are drawn to Malaysia's beaches, as Uzbekistan is a landlocked country,' he explained. He also noted a growing interest among Malaysian travellers in Uzbekistan, particularly for spiritual tourism. 'Many Malaysians visit Uzbekistan particularly for spiritual reasons. They love to explore the Imam Al Bukhari Mausoleum, which is currently under renovation. Once completed, it is expected to become a favourite destination for Malaysians,' he added. He noted a strong interest in the Malaysian halal certification in Uzbekistan, adding that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the relevant Uzbek authorities to further strengthen cooperation in halal certification efforts. 'This collaboration will help local products meet Malaysian halal standards, potentially opening access to broader markets that recognise our certification,' he said. To facilitate smoother trade and investment, both countries are currently exploring the possibility of establishing a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Ilham Tuah said with such a framework, Malaysia could send semi-finished goods for final processing in Uzbekistan, which has access to markets in the European Union and Eurasia. 'It's a win-win for both sides. Preferential trade agreement between Malaysia and Uzbekistan is something we are actively the relevant agencies of both countries should meet up to discuss and explore this further,' he added. Ilham Tuah also noted the growing demand in halal consumer goods and Muslimah fashion. 'Muslimah fashion is making a strong comeback here. So I encourage Malaysian women entrepreneurs to engage with their counterparts here. There is huge demand here for Muslimah fashion, cosmetics and halal products,' he concluded. — Bernama
ArabGT
6 days ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
Hydrogen Hits the Scene Hard, with BMW Leading the Way
As debates continue over the true environmental benefits of electric vehicles versus hybrid alternatives, BMW is turning its focus toward hydrogen fuel cells as a promising green solution. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Jürgen Goldner, Head of Hydrogen Technology at BMW, confirmed the company's readiness to deepen its investment in this technology, stating that 'the timing is right' for expansion. The iX5 Hydrogen, first revealed in 2024 and previously tested by Arab GT, served as the company's pilot project—proof that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles can deliver on both performance and practicality. According to Dr. Goldner, BMW is now preparing for full-scale production, with its first hydrogen-powered vehicle expected to reach the market sometime between 2028 and 2030. Also Read: BMW Manager Discusses the Groundbreaking iX5 FCEV A Strategic Alliance with Toyota A key part of BMW's hydrogen roadmap is its strengthened partnership with Toyota. Dr. Goldner highlighted that Toyota is contributing heavily to the development of the new-generation fuel cell system. By leveraging Toyota's deep expertise in hydrogen technology, BMW is positioning itself to meet the cost-efficiency targets necessary for mass production by the end of the decade. Hydrogen Cars: Performance of EVs, Convenience of Gasoline Dr. Goldner noted that hydrogen vehicles combine the best aspects of electric mobility: zero emissions, quiet operation, and quick acceleration. But unlike battery EVs, they offer the major advantage of refueling in just 3 to 4 minutes—comparable to conventional gasoline vehicles. This speed addresses one of the primary concerns many drivers have with electric cars, especially on longer trips where charging downtime becomes a significant inconvenience. Infrastructure Growth and Long-Term Strategy BMW views hydrogen not as a gamble, but as a calculated step toward a more adaptable, clean-energy future. The company is encouraged by the growing hydrogen fueling infrastructure in regions such as Europe, Japan, and South Korea. However, it acknowledges that hurdles remain, particularly in scaling up production and reducing costs. Still, the company now sees hydrogen as a 'strategic opportunity' rather than a technological risk. Public Perception: Divided but Curious The public response has been mixed. Discussions on Reddit reveal skepticism about hydrogen's viability compared to the maturing battery EV ecosystem, especially in terms of efficiency and operational costs. On the other hand, some users highlight the fast refueling times as a compelling reason to consider hydrogen, particularly in areas where charging stations are crowded or slow. In summary, BMW is betting on hydrogen as a complementary path to electrification—one that may appeal to a different kind of driver, in different kinds of markets, and in a future where flexibility could be just as important as innovation.
Telegraph
09-06-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Miliband warned that green tech project faces collapse without £4bn injection
A green technology project pioneered by Ed Miliband faces collapse without an additional £4bn in funding, industry chiefs have warned. Olivia Powis, the chief executive of the Carbon Capture and Storage Association, said the fledgling technology must receive support from Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, at her spending review on Wednesday despite having been recently awarded almost £22bn in public subsidies. It wants the money – funded by consumers and taxpayers – to expand the two carbon-capture projects already approved by Mr Miliband, the Energy Secretary, and to kick-start two more, including one in Scotland. Ms Powis said there was a 'critical need' for further funding commitments from the Government. She warned that, without the extra cash, even the two schemes approved by Mr Miliband may never go ahead. She added: 'The UK supply chain is ready to respond with the skills, innovation and capabilities needed to make UK carbon capture a world-leading industry. 'But continued government commitment and a pipeline of future projects is essential to ensure that domestic suppliers can compete, scale up and create lasting jobs across the country – otherwise we will see investors and this industry go overseas.' Approving the initial £21.7bn last autumn, Ms Reeves described it as a 'game-changing technology [that] will bring 4,000 good jobs and billions of private investment into communities across Merseyside and Teesside'. However, MPs have warned that the technology is 'unproven' and 'high-risk'. Jeremy Pocklington, the permanent secretary at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, told the public accounts committee last December that 75pc of the money to fund carbon capture would come from levies on consumer and business energy bills and the rest from taxes. Experts warn that CO2 capture may only be 50 to 60pc efficient, meaning some CO2 still enters the atmosphere. Projects backed by the Government so far include the HyNet scheme in Merseyside and Net Zero Teesside, for which contracts were signed last year. The industry wants cash to expand those projects and add another two: the Acorn project on Scotland's east coast and the Viking project based in the Humber. Mr Powis said: 'We estimate this new industry will create 50,000 new highly skilled jobs and retain another 50,000 jobs in existing industries like steel. 'It will contribute to new industries like sustainable aviation fuels, and generate a cumulative £94bn in value for the economy by 2050.' 'Even the Greens reject it' But Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, said the policy would add to consumer bills and do little for the environment. He said: 'We should scrap this technology. This is an outrageous demands for unproven technology that will make zero difference to climate change. Even the Greens reject it.' Carla Denyer MP, co-leader of the Green Party, added: 'Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is being used as green-wash by the fossil fuel industry, allowing them to continue extracting coal, oil and gas. 'This technology is a distraction from what we should be focusing on, namely, boosting renewable energy and storage, energy efficiency and home insulation programmes and working with nature and land managers to capture carbon naturally.'
Times
06-06-2025
- Business
- Times
China surpasses German engineering with world's tallest wind turbine
Other countries compete to build the tallest skyscraper, or the biggest Ferris wheel. China and Germany are more serious about their engineering: they compete for the prize of having the biggest wind turbine. One of China's two leading wind turbine companies, Dongfang Electric, announced on Friday it had completed a key test on the latest machine that, when it goes into service shortly, will break that record. Standing 340 metres from its base in the Pacific, off the coast of the country's Fujian province, to the tip of its blades when they rotate to their highest points, it will be the first wind turbine to be taller than the Eiffel Tower. Dongfang — meaning the East — said it had finished load testing a prototype blade for the turbine, itself 150 metres long. 'We're harnessing the power of tech to plant the seeds of a greener future,' it said in celebration. 'Every blade carries a low-carbon dream, ready to catch the wind and grow strong.' China under President Xi has put huge economic weight on not only an ever-expanding industrial base but also being at the forefront of green technologies. With no room for political opposition, and a heavy continuing reliance nationally on coal and other fossil fuels at the same time, there is little of the public debate around wind power that western European companies have faced. China already makes more than 80 per cent of the world's solar panels. Its low cost base — unfairly subsidised, according to western rivals — is also undercutting and starting to dominate American and European production in wind power too. A worker at the Dongfang factory operates a robotic arm At present the wind turbine claimed to be the world's highest was constructed by another Chinese company, Mingyang, and operates off the southern Chinese island of Hainan. Its hub is at the same height as Dongfang's — 185 metres off the ground — but its blades are a few metres shorter. A similarly sized turbine is already operating at the site to which the Dongfang blades are believed to be heading, the Fujian Fuzhou Offshore Wind Power Industrial Park. Its maximum capacity is 18MW of electricity, and the Hainan turbine is 20MW, which the new turbine will surpass by 6MW. According to estimates, that will be enough at average 10 metres per second windspeeds to power 55,000 homes on its own. Britain's tallest wind turbines — at the Longhill Burn Wind Farm in West Lothian, Scotland — stand up to 150m tall. The blades reach as high as 200m. How long any of these three monsters maintain their dominance is unclear. As Germany tries to reclaim its traditional global leadership in engineering — and tries to stave off Chinese competition — its companies are also building higher. A turbine being designed and built by Gicon, a German conglomerate, will stand at 363 metres from toe to the tip of the vertical blade. It, however, is based on a novel design, in which smaller blades rotate from a 300-metre high lattice structure itself influenced by the design of the Eiffel Tower. It will, however, be the second highest man-made object in Germany, after the Berlin TV Tower.
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Kemi Badenoch faces Net Zero revolt as Tory big beast James Cleverly warns her to ignore climate change 'luddites'
Kemi Badenoch will face a major pushback against her watered down environmental policies today as a potential challenger for the Tory leadership urges her to ignore climate change 'luddites'. Sir James Cleverly will use a major speech tonight to urge her to position the Conservatives to work to 'set the pace' internationally on green technology so the UK can challenge China. The former home and foreign secretary will lash out at the 'negative right' in British politics that claims 'the way things are now is just fine', as well as a 'negative left' that is 'suspicious of technology'. His intervention comes as the Tories seek to take on Reform UK, which has pledged to scrap net zero entirely and whose deputy leader, Richard Tice, has claimed there is 'no evidence' for man-made climate change, contrary to scientific consensus. But it also comes just three months after Mrs Badenoch kicked off her party's policy renewal process in March by saying it was 'impossible' to reach net zero by 2050, a target the Tories had been committed to since 2019. In a speech to the Conservative Environment Network (CEN), the former home secretary, who ran against Mrs Badenoch for the party leadership last year, is expected to urge his party to 'push further, faster and smarter' and 'set the pace' internationally on green technology. He will say: 'The 'let's not move forward' tribe is in a bidding war with the 'let's move backwards' tribe. They're both wrong.' Drawing on Britain's 'proud history of innovation', he will add: 'We can lead once again, this time in the realm of green technology. 'While government plays a role, the private sector must be the engine driving this green revolution. 'The UK is advancing rapidly in renewable energy generation, clean transport, and carbon capture. But we must push further, faster and smarter.' The intervention, Sir James's first major speech since last year's Tory leadership election, comes after Mrs Badenoch declared herself a 'net zero sceptic'. In his CEN speech, Sir James is expected to urge a different course, saying the Conservatives 'must embrace a future where environmental polities encourage investment in new technologies, support the development of new industries, and create the jobs of tomorrow'. The former foreign secretary will also call for the UK to play a leadership role on climate and export new technologies around the world. And he will warn that nations such as China could take the lead internationally if Britain steps back. Sir James will say: 'It's in our national interest to ensure no country – whether China or anyone else – monopolises the resources powering tomorrow's industries.'
