United News of Bangladesh

Invest Qatar, the country’s investment promotion agency, today announced the launch of the Venture Capital (VC) Funding Module on the Invest Qatar Gateway, developed in collaboration with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). The new offering enhances startups access to capital and investment opportunities, marking a significant milestone in Qatar’s efforts to strengthen its entrepreneurship ecosystem. The new module, accessible to all Invest Qatar Gateway members, consolidates the VC discovery and application process into a single, streamlined platform. Through this module, startups can explore the investment focus areas and eligibility criteria of participating VC funds, many of which are backed by QIA through its $3 billion Fund of Funds programme . Startups can also access value-added services and support programmes and submit their pitches directly to fund managers. By centralising these resources, the platform enhances efficiency, transparency and accessibility throughout the fundraising journey. It also reflects Invest Qatar’s continued commitment to fostering innovation and supporting emerging businesses by directly connecting founders with a curated network of VC funds. In its initial phase, the module features a growing network of participating funds and ecosystem partners, including Tech Venture Fund by Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), and QIA-backed funds A-Typical Ventures, B Capital, Builders VC MENA, Deerfield, The Utopia Studio, Founders Circle Capital, Greycroft, Human Capital, Ion Pacific, Liberty City Ventures, Rasmal Ventures, Shorooq, Speedinvest and The Radical Fund. Commenting on the new launch, Dr. Hamad Rashid Al-Naimi, Chief Strategy Officer at Invest Qatar, said : “The VC Funding Module is the latest addition to the Invest Qatar Gateway, a platform we have built deliberately to streamline and simplify every stage of a founder's journey. By bringing QIA-backed funds together on a single, transparent platform, we offer startups something rare in emerging ecosystems: a clear, direct path from idea to institutional capital, with access to the networks, expertise and resources needed to scale and succeed globally.” “As Qatar’s venture capital ecosystem continues to evolve, this module will provide entrepreneurs with a centralised platform that enables them to have greater visibility of the opportunities available, and clearer pathways to connect with the relevant fund managers,” said Haya Al Ghanim, Director of Qatar Funds at QIA . “This module supports our shared mission of establishing Qatar as a leading destination for innovation and entrepreneurship.” Startups seeking access to venture capital are encouraged to visit the Invest Qatar Gateway and explore the newly launched VC Funding Module. Through the platform, entrepreneurs can review participating QIA-backed funds, assess investment criteria and formally submit their pitch to fund managers. To register, learn more or get in touch with the Invest Qatar team, please visit: https://gateway.invest.qa/  

Global stock markets showed mixed performance on Wednesday after a broad sell-off in major technology stocks spread from Asia to Wall Street, while oil prices fell amid signs of progress in talks between the United States and Iran. U.S. stock futures were mixed as investors closely watched market movements, particularly in Japan and South Korea, where stock markets had surged in recent months on the back of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom but faced sharp declines on Tuesday. In Europe, Britain’s FTSE 100 slipped 0.1% to 10,417.97 in early trading. Germany’s DAX dropped 0.8% to 24,687.18, while France’s CAC 40 gained 0.2% to 8,355.36. Asian markets delivered a mixed picture. South Korea’s Kospi index rebounded 3.3% to 8,471.02 after plunging 10% a day earlier. Shares of memory chipmaker SK Hynix rose 1%, while Samsung Electronics jumped 9.8% after suffering a 12.3% decline on Tuesday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.9% to 69,174.97, extending losses after a 3.6% drop in the previous session. Taiwan’s Taiex index, heavily influenced by technology stocks, declined 2.2%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index edged up 0.3% to 23,412.18, while China’s Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.1% to 4,110.81. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 added 0.2% to 8,808.40. The weakness in Asian markets followed losses on Wall Street, where the benchmark S&P 500 fell 1.4% on Tuesday. The tech-focused Nasdaq Composite dropped 2.2%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.1%. Technology and semiconductor stocks led the decline in the United States. Chipmaker Micron Technology tumbled 13.2%, while AI giant Nvidia lost more than 4%. James Reilly, senior markets economist at Capital Economics, said the sharp swings highlighted growing volatility in technology stocks, especially in South Korea, where retail investors are playing a larger role in the market. Meanwhile, oil prices declined as more ships resumed crossing the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent end to the Iran conflict appeared to make progress. Analysts at ING said market movements suggest investors expect oil supplies from the Persian Gulf to recover relatively quickly. However, they noted that shipping traffic through the strategic waterway remains below pre-conflict levels. Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, fell 1.6% to $75.57 per barrel. Although it has remained below $80 in recent days, prices are still higher than the roughly $70 per barrel level seen before the conflict began. U.S. benchmark crude dropped 1.8% to $71.92 per barrel. Investors are now awaiting Thursday’s release of the U.S. personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index for May, the inflation measure most closely watched by the Federal Reserve. Many economists expect the Fed to keep interest rates unchanged this year, although concerns about inflation, partly driven by global energy market disruptions, have kept bond yields elevated. In currency trading, the U.S. dollar rose to 161.74 Japanese yen from 161.55 yen, while the euro weakened to $1.1347 from $1.1382.

Asian stock markets traded mixed on Tuesday as investor caution returned amid uncertainty over efforts to end the war in Iran, cooling recent strong gains across the region. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 0.9% in early trading to 71,681.29, while analysts said the market was taking a breather after a strong rally. “We’ve had eight days of strong markets. The market was up about 12.5%, and now it has cooled off a little bit,” said Neil Newman, managing director and head of strategy at Astris Advisory Japan. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged up less than 0.1% to 8,822.10, while South Korea’s Kospi dropped sharply by 2.8% to 8,863.52. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.4% to 23,678.22, and China’s Shanghai Composite gained 0.2% to 4,170.58. On Wall Street, U.S. stocks closed mixed on Monday as oil prices eased and major technology shares fell. The S&P 500 declined 0.4%, pulling 1.8% below its recent record high after a strong run of gains in recent weeks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 148 points, or 0.3%, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.3%, dragged down by weakness in major tech stocks. Oil prices eased after weekend discussions between the United States and Iran over the ongoing conflict. U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the talks had created a “good foundation for a successful final deal.” Any resolution to the conflict could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. Iran had claimed it closed the strait, but U.S. Central Command disputed the claim. In early trading Tuesday, U.S. crude oil rose 35 cents to $74.21 per barrel, while Brent crude added 23 cents to $78.13. Bond yields also moved higher, with the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rising to 4.50% from 4.46%, as markets speculated that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates to contain inflation driven by higher energy costs. Economists expect upcoming U.S. inflation data to show consumer prices rising to 4.1% in May, up from 3.8% in April. In corporate trading, shares linked to SpaceX fell 16.4% to $154.60, marking a third straight decline after a recent surge following its stock market debut. Major tech stocks also weighed on the S&P 500, including Alphabet, Amazon and Broadcom, which each dropped between 4% and 5%. Overall, the S&P 500 lost 27.79 points to close at 7,472.79. The Dow gained 148.01 points to 51,712.71, while the Nasdaq fell 351.33 points to 26,166.60. In currency markets, the U.S. dollar edged slightly higher to 161.60 Japanese yen, while the euro traded at $1.1427.

China on Monday announced sanctions on 10 American military-related companies in response to a recent U.S. move that bars some leading Chinese tech companies from defense contracts. The Commerce Ministry said that Chinese companies would be blocked from exporting “dual-use” items to the 10 companies, which include military drone makers and some involved in rare earth mining. Dual use refers to goods that can have military as well as non-military applications. The ministry said the export ban was both to safeguard China’s national security and in response to what it called the U.S. government’s “wrongful expansion of its so-called List of Chinese Military Companies.” Separately, the Finance Ministry said that government entities would be prohibited from buying products from 46 American companies including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Missiles & Defense, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. Earlier this month, the U.S. Defense Department added several tech companies including Alibaba and Baidu to its list of firms that it says have links to the Chinese military. Baidu said the suggestion that it is a military company is “totally baseless.” The designation prevents them from getting U.S. military contracts. The Commerce Ministry said at the time that the American sanctions run counter to the consensus that Chinese leader Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump reached during Trump's visit to China in May. In Monday's announcement, the ministry said that companies or individuals in third countries are prohibited from transferring dual-use items from China to the sanctioned American firms. It also said that Chinese companies could apply for export approval for goods that are “genuinely necessary.” The 10 companies are AVEOX in Simi Valley, California; Red Cat Holdings and Teal Drones, both in South Salt Lake, Utah; IMSAR in Springville, Utah; Jaia Robotics in Bristol, Rhode Island; Ball Aerospace & Technologies in Broomfield, Colorado; Oshkosh Defense in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; L3Harris Maritime Services in Norfolk, Virginia; MP Materials in Las Vegas; and USA Rare Earth in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Yum Brands has agreed to sell Pizza Hut for a combined $2.7 billion, ending its ownership of the iconic pizza chain as the company seeks to focus on higher-performing brands amid declining sales at Pizza Hut. The parent company of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut announced Tuesday that private equity firm LongRange Capital will acquire Pizza Hut’s operations outside mainland China for approximately $1.5 billion. Pizza Hut’s mainland China business will be purchased by Yum China Holdings for about $1.2 billion. China is the chain’s second-largest market after the United States, accounting for nearly one-fifth of global sales. Yum Brands began reviewing strategic options for Pizza Hut last November after the chain continued to lag behind the company’s other restaurant brands. While Yum’s global sales increased 5 percent last year, Pizza Hut recorded a 2 percent decline. Earlier this year, Yum announced plans to shut down 250 Pizza Hut outlets in the United States. At the end of last year, the brand operated nearly 20,000 restaurants worldwide. Industry analysts said Pizza Hut has struggled for years to regain momentum amid intense competition and changing consumer preferences. Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, described Pizza Hut as the weakest performer within Yum’s portfolio, saying efforts to revive the chain and close underperforming stores had failed to return the business to sustained growth. Founded in 1958 in Wichita, Kansas, by two brothers using a $600 loan from their mother, Pizza Hut grew into the world’s largest pizza chain by sales in the early 1970s. The company became part of PepsiCo in 1977 before being spun off into what later became Yum Brands in 1997. The chain’s business model came under pressure in the 1980s as rivals such as Domino’s expanded rapidly through home delivery services. Pizza Hut’s large dine-in restaurants became less suited to evolving consumer habits. In recent years, the growth of food delivery platforms such as DoorDash and Uber Eats has further intensified competition by giving consumers access to a wider range of food options beyond pizza. Yum Brands Chief Executive Officer Chris Turner said the sale would allow Pizza Hut to pursue growth under owners with extensive restaurant industry experience. He added that LongRange Capital and Yum China are well positioned to support the brand’s future development in their respective markets. The Louisville, Kentucky-based company expects both transactions to be completed during the third quarter of the year. Yum Brands’ shares rose about 3 percent following the announcement.

Most Asian stock markets traded higher on Tuesday, with Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 briefly crossing the 70,000 mark for the first time before giving up some of its early gains following a rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ). The BOJ raised its key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 1%, taking the benchmark rate to its highest level in nearly 30 years. By early afternoon, Japan’s Nikkei 225 was up 0.6% at 69,713.05. South Korea’s Kospi continued its record-setting run, gaining 2.1% to 8,721.64. China’s Shanghai Composite edged up less than 0.1% to 4,100.53. However, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.3% to 8,892.10, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 1.3% to 24,533.35. Taiwan’s Taiex rose 0.6%, and India’s Sensex added 0.5%. Global markets rallied on Monday after the United States and Iran reached a preliminary agreement aimed at restoring the smooth flow of oil supplies. The development helped ease concerns over disruptions in global energy markets. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 climbed 1.7%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.9% to reach a record high. The technology-heavy Nasdaq surged 3.1%. Oil prices also declined after the announcement, as investors hoped the deal could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments and a major source of energy supplies for Asia. Brent crude oil dropped 4.8% on Monday, although analysts cautioned that uncertainty remains and negotiations between Washington and Tehran are expected to continue over the next two months. They also noted that even if the strait reopens as expected, it could take several months before energy exports return to normal levels. Oil prices have fallen from above $100 per barrel seen a few weeks ago during heightened tensions. Before the conflict, crude was trading near $70 a barrel. Early Tuesday, US benchmark crude oil slipped 9 cents to $80.66 per barrel, while Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 24 cents to $82.93 per barrel. Technology shares led gains on Wall Street, particularly companies linked to artificial intelligence (AI). Micron Technology jumped 10.8%, while Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) rose 7%. Nvidia, the world’s most valuable publicly traded company, gained 3.5%, providing the biggest boost to the S&P 500. Meanwhile, SpaceX, the rocket company owned by Elon Musk and parent of AI firm xAI, surged 19.6% in its second day of trading on Wall Street. In the bond market, US Treasury yields edged lower as falling oil prices reduced concerns that central banks may need to keep raising interest rates. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note slipped to 4.47% from 4.48% on Friday. In currency trading, the US dollar was little changed at 160.33 Japanese yen. The euro traded at $1.1580, slightly lower than $1.1592 in the previous session.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) has relaxed foreign exchange regulations, allowing local exporters to sell products directly to foreign consumers through international online marketplaces and digital platforms. The move is expected to expand cross-border e-commerce operations and significantly ease global market access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Bangladesh Bank launches nationwide campaign ahead of Bangla QR rollout The central bank issued a circular in this regard on Monday, stating that the initiative aims to facilitate business-to-consumer (B2C) export activities and boost the expansion of digital commerce. Under the new directives, Bangladeshi exporters can now list and display their goods on internationally recognized online marketplaces, enabling foreign buyers to make direct purchases. According to the circular, exporters will be allowed to ship small-scale goods valued up to US $5,000 per consignment under CFR (Cost and Freight) terms. Furthermore, the requirement to submit the export form has been relaxed for export shipments valued up to $1,000. However, the central bank mandated that the full payment for such exports must be received in advance through authorized banking channels or legitimate digital payment systems. To streamline cross-border e-commerce logistics, shipping documents can now be issued directly in the name of the foreign buyer, making the direct delivery process faster and more efficient. The BB guidelines also incorporate customer protection measures, allowing provisions for refunds to foreign buyers in cases of product returns, damaged goods, or quality disputes. Additionally, local businesses have been permitted to legally remit funds abroad to cover required subscription fees, registration costs, membership dues, and other service charges essential for operating on international digital platforms. Industry insiders and e-commerce stakeholders welcomed the decision, noting that local entrepreneurs previously had to rely on a complex 'Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer' (B2B and B2C) model, which required pre-shipping goods abroad to be sold via local distributors or platform warehouses. The new policy will pave the way for direct engagement with global consumers, benefiting sectors such as SMEs, handicrafts, leather goods, apparel, home decor, and agro-processed products, while accelerating product diversification and boosting foreign exchange earnings.

Asian stock markets posted strong gains on Friday while oil prices fell after US President Donald Trump said progress had been made in efforts to end the Iran war, boosting investor confidence across global markets. US stock futures also moved slightly higher following sharp gains on Wall Street. South Korea's Kospi index surged 7.8 percent to 8,370.82, recovering much of the losses linked to recent sell-offs in artificial intelligence-related stocks. The benchmark index has nearly doubled over the past six months, though it remains below its record closing high reached on June 2. Shares of Samsung Electronics jumped 11.2 percent, while chipmaker SK Hynix gained 7.2 percent. Japan's Nikkei 225 advanced 3.5 percent to 66,442.95, led by technology stocks. SoftBank Group rose 2 percent and semiconductor equipment manufacturer Tokyo Electron soared 10.3 percent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index climbed 1.8 percent to 24,689.32, while China's Shanghai Composite gained 1.6 percent to 4,050.51. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.9 percent to 8,798.10. Taiwan's Taiex added 2.6 percent and India's Sensex increased 1.2 percent. Investor sentiment improved after Trump said on Thursday that he had cancelled planned military strikes against Iran and claimed the United States had reached a significant understanding to end the conflict. He also suggested that an extension of the fragile ceasefire between the two sides could be agreed within days, although he provided few details. Markets had come under pressure earlier this week as tensions between Washington and Tehran intensified. Rising oil prices have fueled inflation concerns worldwide, particularly as the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil and gas shipments, remained largely closed. Analysts at ING said there appeared to be more encouraging signs surrounding a possible agreement this time, although they cautioned that any ceasefire extension remained uncertain and could still prove fragile. Oil prices retreated as hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough increased. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 1.7 percent to $88.87 per barrel, while US benchmark crude dropped 1.6 percent to $86.33 per barrel. Both remained significantly above pre-war levels of around $70 a barrel. On Thursday, Wall Street recorded broad-based gains. The S&P 500 rose 1.8 percent to 7,394.30, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.9 percent to 50,848.75, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 2.5 percent to 25,809.66. Technology and AI-related stocks have experienced heightened volatility in recent days amid concerns that rapid share price increases and heavy investment spending could signal a market bubble. Marvell Technology jumped 11.1 percent, while Oracle fell 8.5 percent despite reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings, as investors worried about its growing spending commitments. Investors were also watching the highly anticipated Wall Street debut of SpaceX, Elon Musk's rocket company, which is expected to become the largest initial public offering on record with plans to raise about $75 billion. In currency trading, the US dollar strengthened to 160.22 Japanese yen from 159.93 yen, while the euro slipped slightly to $1.1574 from $1.1578.

Asian shares mostly fell on Wednesday after a sharp sell-off in technology stocks on Wall Street, while global oil prices climbed following fresh U.S. airstrikes linked to escalating tensions with Iran. The U.S. military carried out attacks early Wednesday after the crash of an Army helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, an incident President Donald Trump blamed on Iran. Tehran rejected the accusation and warned it would respond, saying it “will leave no attack or threat unanswered.” The renewed escalation has raised concerns over prospects for a lasting ceasefire in a conflict that has already dragged on for more than three months. The uncertainty has further unsettled global markets, which were already under pressure from heavy selling in technology firms tied to the artificial intelligence boom. Oil prices resumed their upward trend amid fears over disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route. Brent crude rose 0.9 percent to 92.30 dollars per barrel after earlier fluctuations, having traded near 70 dollars before the conflict escalated in late February. U.S. benchmark crude gained 1 percent to 89.04 dollars per barrel. ING commodities strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey said the situation remains “highly volatile,” noting that efforts by Iran and the United States to secure a stable ceasefire and ensure free movement through the Strait remain uncertain. They also pointed out that seasonal demand typically supports higher oil prices at this time of year. In equities, U.S. futures edged lower after losses in major chipmakers including Micron Technology, Advanced Micro Devices and Marvell Technology. In Asia, South Korea’s Kospi dropped 4.7 percent to 7,720.59 after a strong rally in the previous session. Samsung Electronics fell 5.8 percent, while SK Hynix slid 6.3 percent. Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined 1.4 percent to 64,524.84 after data showed producer prices rose 6.3 percent in May, the fastest increase in more than three years. SoftBank Group shares fell 8.9 percent, while Tokyo Electron rose 5.3 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 1.1 percent to 24,296.62 and the Shanghai Composite slipped 0.7 percent to 3,980.24. Official figures showed China’s producer prices climbed 3.9 percent in May, close to a four-year high. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.2 percent to 8,624.50. Taiwan’s Taiex was down 1.6 percent in early trade, while India’s Sensex rose 0.6 percent. On Wall Street on Tuesday, the S&P 500 fell 0.3 percent, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.2 percent, and the Nasdaq composite dropped 1 percent as technology stocks led losses. Micron, Marvell Technology and AMD all declined sharply during trading. Investors are also watching upcoming U.S. inflation data, with energy prices rising due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. In currency markets, the U.S. dollar was steady at 160.36 yen, while the euro traded at 1.1550 dollars.

The Pentagon has added several major Chinese companies, including Alibaba, BYD and Baidu, to its list of companies it says have ties to China's military, making them ineligible for US defense contracts. The updated list, released Monday, expands US scrutiny beyond traditional defense firms to include some of China's best-known private-sector companies. The move reflects growing concerns in Washington that Beijing is using the expertise and technology of civilian businesses to strengthen its military capabilities. The list was established in 2021 under a congressional mandate to identify Chinese companies believed to have links to the country's military. It includes not only firms directly controlled by military authorities but also those considered to support China's defense industry. The Pentagon has previously said that China's military seeks access to advanced technologies and expertise developed by businesses, universities and research institutions that appear to operate as civilian entities. China strongly criticized the decision. The Chinese Embassy in Washington accused the United States of misusing national security concerns to target Chinese businesses and called on Washington to provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies. Alibaba and Baidu rejected the Pentagon's claims. Alibaba said it is neither a military company nor part of any military-civil fusion program. Baidu, which has expanded into artificial intelligence and autonomous driving technology, described its inclusion on the list as completely unfounded. The latest update increases the number of companies on the Pentagon's list to 188, up from about 130 last year. The list already included firms such as DJI, one of the world's leading makers of consumer drones. Although companies on the list are not banned from operating in the United States, the designation can damage their reputation and may lead to additional restrictions in the future. Following the announcement, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party described the list as a warning to American businesses, government agencies and the public. The committee argued that Chinese firms on the list should be removed from US stock exchanges and that American companies should avoid doing business with them. The Pentagon said Alibaba supports China's defense industrial base through its ties to the country's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It also cited similar links involving BYD and Baidu. BYD, one of the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturers, has become a dominant player in the global EV market. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump said he would welcome Chinese automakers such as BYD if they built factories in the United States and hired American workers. However, several US lawmakers continue to push for restrictions on Chinese-made electric vehicles. Another company newly added to the list is Unitree, known for its advanced robots that recently gained attention on the TV show America's Got Talent. The Pentagon said Unitree had received support from the Chinese government through programs designed to help innovative and globally competitive companies. BYD and Unitree did not immediately respond to requests for comment.