United News of Bangladesh

Javier La Rosa has been appointed to lead a broad Chevron portfolio which includes a number of the company’s key global assets. According to a Chevron press release issued on Wednesday, La Rosa’s new role as president of Base Assets and Emerging Countries (BAEC), is effective July 1 and he will be based at Chevron’s Houston headquarters.  La Rosa will be responsible for the strategic leadership and overall performance of the BAEC organization, which includes heavy oil assets in the Partitioned Zone (located between Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), San Joaquin Valley (California), and Venezuela; domestic gas assets in Bangladesh and Thailand; non-operated joint ventures in the UK, Canada and China; countries with emerging assets such as Egypt and Cyprus, and legacy assets such as Indonesia. La Rosa’s appointment follows an announcement by Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) in February this year, of the company’s efforts to simplify its organizational structure, execute faster and more effectively, and be positioned for stronger long-term competitiveness. “I am honoured to be appointed to this new role. I believe the key to advancing and maintaining partnerships is trust. Partnerships between people, companies and countries are fundamental to providing reliable, affordable and ever cleaner energy,” said La Rosa.  Google Pay arrives in Bangladesh, pushing nation closer to a cashless future In his previous role, Javier La Rosa was based in Buenos Aires, Argentina as managing director of Chevron Latin America. He has also led Chevron’s businesses in Venezuela, Brazil and Colombia, and Geothermal operations in Indonesia and the Philippines. “I leave Argentina filled with optimism for the country and the region. I am confident that we will continue to advance the tremendous opportunities we see in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale play and in the region,” he said. It’s worth mentioning that Eric Walker will continue in his role as President and Managing Director of Chevron Bangladesh.

When Israel launched strikes on Iran nearly two weeks ago, China — a longtime ally of Tehran — was quick to react, at least with words. Beijing condemned the attacks, Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Russia’s leader urging calm, and China's foreign minister reached out to his Iranian counterpart. But beyond diplomatic statements, China offered no material assistance. Despite its growing global ambitions and status as a major rival to the United States, Beijing avoided providing military support to Iran or becoming directly involved — highlighting its limited influence in the region. “Beijing lacks both the diplomatic capabilities and the risk appetite to quickly intervene in, and to think it can successfully navigate, this fast-moving and volatile situation," said Jude Blanchette, director of the China Research Center at RAND. China’s economic and energy stakes in the Middle East are significant, but its military presence is minimal, making Beijing reluctant to take risks, Blanchette noted. “The Chinese government opts to remain a measured, risk-averse actor.” Commercial interests come first Zhu Feng, dean of the School of International Relations at Nanjing University, said China sees instability in the region as a direct threat to its economy. “From China’s point of view, the Israel-Iran conflicts challenge and impact China’s business interests and economic security,” Zhu said. “This is something China absolutely does not want to see." Oil sells off as traders calmly look behind the attacks in the Middle East When Iranian lawmakers recently proposed closing the vital Strait of Hormuz, Beijing immediately voiced opposition. “China calls on the international community to step up efforts to de-escalate conflicts and prevent regional turmoil from having a greater impact on global economic development,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun. Following the ceasefire announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump took to social media, saying, “China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran,” implying that the truce would safeguard Iranian oil exports. A 2024 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that up to 90% of Iran’s oil exports go to China, providing roughly 1.2 million barrels daily — a key supply to fuel China’s industrial sector. Craig Singleton, a senior China expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, summarized China’s approach as limited to “steady oil buys and ritual calls for ‘dialogue.’” “That’s about it,” Singleton said. “No drones or missile parts, no emergency credit line. Just words calibrated to placate Tehran without rattling Riyadh or inviting U.S. sanctions.” China’s cautious response reflects the gap between its global ambitions and actual influence in the Gulf. “China’s Gulf footprint is commercial, not combat-ready,” Singleton added. “When missiles fly, its much-touted strategic partnership with Iran shrinks to statements. Beijing wants discounted Iranian oil and a ‘peace-broker’ headline, while letting Washington shoulder the hard-power risks.” Diplomatic support, but no deeper involvement Since hostilities began, Beijing has stood by Iran diplomatically while promoting talks. China, which brokered a 2023 diplomatic thaw between Iran and Saudi Arabia, has consistently called for de-escalation. At the United Nations, China, alongside Russia and Pakistan, submitted a draft resolution condemning attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and urging an immediate ceasefire. However, the proposal is expected to be vetoed by the United States. After the Israeli strikes, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, saying, “China explicitly condemned Israel's violation of Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.” Wang expressed Beijing’s willingness to maintain dialogue with Iran and “play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation.” Brent crude dips below $70 amid Iran-Israel tensions Wang also spoke with officials from Oman and Egypt, both key regional mediators. Meanwhile, Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed efforts to stabilize the region, though neither nation has directly intervened. Iran is a key player in Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative and joined the China- and Russia-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in 2023, aimed at countering Western influence. Iran also participates in joint drills with China, including this year’s “Maritime Security Belt 2025” exercise with Russia in the Gulf of Oman. On Wednesday, Beijing is set to host a meeting of SCO defense ministers. Despite Iran’s strategic role, China’s response is guided by broader priorities, according to the Soufan Center, a New York-based security think tank. In an intelligence brief, the center noted that China’s support for partners confronting the U.S. remains “limited by a complex matrix of interests, including its desire to avoid alienating major economic partners and escalating tensions with the West." Source: Agency      

If oil prices are any indication, Iran may have backed down. Crude prices plunged Monday afternoon in a historic drop, as traders interpreted Iran’s strike on a U.S. base in Qatar as a sign that Tehran was not planning the one move that could inflict real damage on the U.S.—disrupting global oil supplies by targeting crude shipments. “When the response comes and it is muted, oil drops,” explained Tom Kloza, chief market strategist at consultancy Turner Mason & Co. He described Iran’s measured retaliation as far less severe than many market participants had anticipated, calling the oil price slide comparable to some of the most significant selloffs in history. While analysts acknowledge that Iran still has the capability to escalate tensions and push oil prices higher, the immediate fears in the market appear to have eased. The likelihood of oil prices stabilizing increased further after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a complete ceasefire, though uncertainty around the situation still lingered. Scary then calm The price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the primary U.S. oil benchmark, dropped by 7.2% to $68.51 per barrel during regular trading on Monday, following Iran's announcement that it had carried out a missile strike on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a key U.S. military installation. Despite the attack, traders felt reassured after Iran stated that the strike matched the number of bombs the U.S. had dropped on Iran’s nuclear sites over the weekend — suggesting a possible willingness to reduce tensions. Brent crude dips below $70 amid Iran-Israel tensions Oil prices declined even further after President Donald Trump announced a “complete and total ceasefire” between Iran and Israel, set to take effect gradually over 24 hours. Early Tuesday, U.S. crude prices had fallen nearly 4% to $65.84 per barrel, now sitting lower than they were before the Iran-Israel conflict escalated over a week ago, when oil prices hovered just above $68 per barrel. Traders were initially on edge when oil markets opened for the week on Sunday. Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, surged 4% as traders closely monitored the situation around the Strait of Hormuz — a critical waterway along Iran’s southern coast — following demands from lawmakers in Tehran to shut it down as retaliation. A closure of the Strait would have had devastating consequences for the global economy since a significant portion of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the area. However, by early Tuesday, Brent crude had retreated to $68.06 per barrel, reflecting a 3.5% drop. This decline in oil prices benefits President Trump, who has been urging the Federal Reserve to shift its focus away from inflation concerns and start cutting interest rates. Lower oil prices could also bring relief to drivers ahead of the summer travel season, provided the downward trend holds. Even before the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, drivers were already paying more at the gas pump. According to GasBuddy surveys, the national average for gasoline reached $3.18 per gallon — an increase of about 10 cents over the past two weeks. ‘It would be suicidal’ Despite tensions, many traders were skeptical that Iran would attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, even before its limited retaliatory strike on Monday. A significant amount of Iran’s own oil — approximately 1.5 million barrels per day — passes through the Strait, and crude exports remain a vital source of revenue for Tehran, which the government would likely avoid jeopardizing. “It’s a foolish idea to think Iran would deliberately shut down the Strait,” said Tom Kloza, chief market strategist at Turner Mason & Co. “In my 50 years covering the oil sector, we’ve never seen the Strait of Hormuz successfully closed.” Vice President J.D. Vance also dismissed the idea during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, bluntly stating, “I think that would be suicidal.” At the current market rate for oil, Iran earns around $40 billion annually from crude exports passing through the Strait — representing roughly one-tenth of the country's total economic output. Hyundai’s US exports plunge amid tariff woes Yes, but… Houston-based oil analyst Andy Lipow pointed out that although history suggests Iran would avoid actions that block its own oil shipments, nations — much like individuals — don’t always act according to pure economic logic. “The big question for oil markets is whether this time will be different,” Lipow said, cautioning that political or emotional factors might drive unexpected decisions. He added that Iran has several alternatives to disrupt oil markets without fully shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. According to Lipow, Tehran could interfere with navigational systems to delay oil shipments, deploy underwater mines to force increased U.S. naval protection, or even target an oil tanker. Any of these moves would likely send shipping insurance costs soaring, driving oil prices higher. Big gamble Should market expectations prove wrong and oil prices surge again, the repercussions could be widespread. Tianjin Port advances as China’s premier smart shipping hub A sudden spike in oil prices would hit the global economy at a delicate moment. While Trump has been asserting that inflation concerns are largely over, many economists believe prices are still poised to rise, especially as the effects of his tariffs on everyday goods begin to surface. Trump himself seems aware of the risks. Posting on Truth Social Monday, he ordered: “To The Department of Energy: DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!! And I mean NOW!!!” He added, “EVERYONE, KEEP OIL PRICES DOWN. I’M WATCHING!”  

The price of Brent crude oil dropped below $70 per barrel on Monday for the first time since the latest round of hostilities between Iran and Israel began. The decline came after Iran launched retaliatory attacks on Monday in response to US airstrikes over the weekend targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities. The strikes resulted in no casualties but triggered a sharp fall in oil prices, with Brent crude losing around 8.6% as of 0900 GMT. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American military installation in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump, in a social media post, thanked Iran for providing advance notice of the attack, which he said helped avoid any casualties. Stocks rise, oil drops as Wall Street hopes for limited US retaliation on Iran “Perhaps Iran can now move toward peace and harmony in the region, and I will strongly encourage Israel to do the same,” Trump added. At the time of reporting, Brent crude was trading at $69.40 per barrel, down 8.64%. Prices were at $65 earlier this month and surged to $77 during the peak of clashes last week. Source: With inputs from Anadolu 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has finally approved a $1.3 billion disbursement of the third and fourth tranches of Bangladesh's $4.7 billion loan program. As a result, it is set to receive a significant boost to its foreign exchange reserves, with the IMF approving the disbursement of US$1.3 billion from its ongoing $4.7 billion loan program.  This amount, covering both the third and fourth tranches, is expected to be deposited into Bangladesh's account on June 26. Economist Abu Ahmed questions logic behind complying with all IMF conditions The news was confirmed by Bangladesh Bank Governor Ahsan H. Mansur on Monday night, who stated, "We are receiving $1.3 billion. It has been approved by the IMF board today." Sources from the Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance and Bangladesh Bank indicate that the approval came during a meeting of the IMF's Executive Board at its headquarters in Washington D.C., held late Monday Bangladesh time. During the meeting, reports from the third and fourth reviews of Bangladesh's loan program were presented and subsequently approved. The IMF initially approved the $4.7 billion loan proposal for Bangladesh on January 31, 2023, for a period of three and a half years.  IMF finally agrees to release $1.3bn loan tranche for Bangladesh in June At the time, the IMF stated that the loan program aimed to help Bangladesh maintain macroeconomic stability, protect vulnerable and marginalized populations, and foster inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth. The then-Awami League government had sought the loan primarily due to a widening current account deficit, depreciation of the Bangladeshi Taka, and declining foreign exchange reserves. The release of these two tranches is expected to provide much-needed support to Bangladesh's economy, which has been grappling with external sector challenges.

Hyundai motor company's vehicle exports from its US plant dropped significantly last month, according to industry data released Sunday, as the South Korean automaker steps up production realignment strategies in response to intensifying tariff pressures. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA), the company’s US production unit, exported just 14 vehicles in June, a dramatic fall from 1,303 units in the same month last year and 2,386 in May, Yonhap reported. This marked the first time HMMA’s monthly exports fell below 100 units since April 2020, during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. HMMA exported a total of 22,600 vehicles last year. Industry insiders attributed the plunge to Hyundai’s production realignment strategy aimed at minimizing the effects of Washington’s tariff policies, which currently impose a 25 percent duty on all imported vehicles. China's foreign trade demonstrates resilience despite challenging global environment Hyundai motor, which exported 637,000 vehicles to the United States last year, is reportedly considering redirecting US-produced vehicles to the domestic market rather than exporting them overseas. To reduce tariff exposure, the company previously announced plans to expand production capacity in the United States by increasing output at its Alabama and Georgia plants to meet local demand. Concurrently, it will cut production of US-bound models at Kia Corp.’s plant in Mexico. "In order to minimize the impact of US tariffs, we have implemented measures to shift Tucson production from Mexico to HMMA and moved HMMA's Canadian-bound production to Mexico," a Hyundai official said during an earnings call in April. Reflecting that shift, Hyundai shipped around 2,100 units of the Tucson crossover from Mexico in February. That number fell to 522 in March and has remained at zero since April.

Tianjin Port, recognised as one of China’s leading modern comprehensive ports and the world’s highest-grade artificial deep-water port, continues to expand its global reach. Connecting with over 500 ports across more than 200 countries and regions, it operates more than 40 sea-rail multimodal routes and 147 container shipping lines. In recent years, the port has shifted its focus towards intelligent shipping services, transforming into a comprehensive port and logistics operator. As part of the “China Up Close: Tianjin Tour,” journalists from various countries recently visited the port. The visit was co-hosted by China Global Television Network (CGTN) and the Tianjin Municipal People's Government. During the tour, journalists observed the port’s operations, which are powered entirely by clean energy. In 2019, President Xi Jinping visited Tianjin Port and instructed authorities to digitalise the facility. Since then, the port has focused on implementing digital technologies, achieving automation across several sectors, according to a port official. "We offer our partners online services through a single station, and many new methods are currently being trialled to enhance our service efficiency," said the official. Feng Miao, Manager of Operation Management at Tianjin Port, said that the port utilises its own global navigation satellite system, BeiDou (BDS), for precise positioning and navigation. Furthermore, all dispatching and instructions within the port are managed by Huawei, which has contributed to increased operational efficiency, he added. Tianjin Port handles various types of cargo, including liquid bulk, general cargo, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vehicles, and containers, facilitating seamless connections with ports worldwide. The port is also equipped to manage specialised cargo such as metal ore, coal, oil, automobiles, steel, and grain.

Bangladesh has showcased strong and growing participation in this year's China South-Asia Expo, underscoring the nation's dedication to strengthening regional cooperation and expanding economic partnerships. The expanded engagement highlights Bangladesh’s strategic efforts to promote trade, investment, and collaboration across South Asia and beyond. When asked about the changes in participation, Bhuyan Muhammad Hussain, Vice President of the China-Bangla Friendship Association, noted significant developments.  

Crude oil prices declined slightly and Asian stock markets showed mixed performance on Friday, as investors awaited signals on whether the U.S. would intervene in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. U.S. stock futures also inched down following the Juneteenth holiday closure on Wall Street. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped 24 cents to $73.64 per barrel, while global benchmark Brent crude slipped 18 cents to $76.56. Oil prices have remained volatile amid growing concerns that the Iran-Israel conflict could disrupt global crude supplies. Iran is a key oil producer and controls the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Investor sentiment remained cautious after the White House indicated former President Donald Trump may make a decision within two weeks on whether to launch strikes against Israel, though diplomatic avenues remain on the table, according to trader Anderson Alves of ActivTrades. “Tensions between Iran and Israel continued to weigh on risk appetite,” Mizuho Bank noted in a commentary. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.2% to 38,403.23 after core inflation rose to 3.7% in May, complicating policy decisions for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and the central bank. ING’s Min Joo Kang said the Bank of Japan is likely to focus more on the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on Japan’s economic recovery. China-South Asia Expo kicks off focused on trade and regional connectivity Elsewhere, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.8%, the Shanghai Composite dipped 0.1%, Australia’s ASX 200 fell 0.2%, and South Korea’s Kospi advanced 1.5%. The Bank of England kept its key interest rate steady at 4.25%, citing escalating geopolitical risks. In currency markets, the U.S. dollar eased to 145.37 yen, while the euro edged up to $1.1521. Source: With inputs froma agency 

The 9th China-South Asia Expo kicked off on Thursday in Kunming, the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, with a focus on strengthening trade ties, fostering innovation, and deepening regional cooperation. Under the theme "Solidarity and Coordination for Common Development," the five-day event has attracted participants from more than 70 countries and international organisations, including Bangladesh. All South and Southeast Asian nations participated in the event, reports CGTN. Across the expansive expo pavilions, exhibitors from the region are engaging in business matchmaking, showcasing their products, and exploring new partnerships. "China is a close friend of Bangladesh. For a very long time, China has had a lot of investments in our country. And the new interim government has also provided many opportunities for foreign investors," said Mohammad Foyshol Azad, Chairman of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB). He said investors have the opportunity to invest in the agriculture and other industrial sectors, such as the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. "We hope that in the future, the collaboration between China and Bangladesh will be even stronger and more friendly," said Azad. Alimuzzaman, an exhibitor from Bangladesh, attending the event for the first time.