The United States government, in partnership with the government of the Philippines, is hosting the sixth Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) on May 2.  Government and business leaders from the United States, the Philippines, and countries across the Indo-Pacific will exchange ideas, explore regional government and business partnerships, and discuss commercial opportunities, said the Spokesperson at the US Department of State on Monday. Trump says he warned NATO ally: Spend more on defense or Russia can 'do whatever the hell they want' The IPBF will showcase high-impact private sector investment and government efforts to support market competition, job growth, and high-standard development plus greater prosperity and economic inclusion in the Indo-Pacific. The IPBF advances a vision for an Indo-Pacific region that is free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient, said the US. The Indo-Pacific region will shape the trajectory of the global economy in the 21st century.  It is the fastest growing region on the planet, accounting for 60 percent of the world economy and two-thirds of all economic growth over the last five years. US rolls out visa restriction policy on people who misuse spyware to target journalists, activists The United States said it remains a major economic partner in the Indo-Pacific.  US companies continue to be the top source of foreign direct investment in the region with nearly $1 trillion in U.S. investments, and roughly the same invested in the United States by firms in the region.  The United States also remains a major trade partner with more than $2 trillion in two-way trade. Biden warns of a 'nightmare' future for the country if Trump should win again, and lists reasons why Exports to the region and investments from the Indo-Pacific support almost 4 million U.S. jobs. "Together with our Philippines co-hosts, we are underscoring our sustained commitment to the region and highlighting the economic ties that have contributed to regional prosperity and interconnectedness," said the Spokesperson.

A new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Wednesday with a consortium of US retail, apparel, and footwear companies and industry associations to pursue much-needed relief to the predominantly female workers in their supply-chains in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) acting Assistant Administrator for Asia Javier Piedra on Wednesday announced new activities valued at more than $28 million to advance regional energy markets in South Asia.

Indo-Pacific Business Forum will be held on October 28-29 with the robust agenda featuring leaders who determine the strategic direction of the Indo-Pacific.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller will lead a delegation of Bangladesh’s business and industry leaders to the Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) on November 4 in Bangkok, Thailand.