Morning bid: China Politburo smoke signals

scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3259733/hong-kong-children-greater-risk-flu-due-low-vaccination-rate-expert-warns-world-pays-immunity-debt

1h

Hong Kong children at greater risk of flu due to low vaccination rate, expert warns as world pays ‘immunity debt’

0

22h

Lufthansa evaluates new China routes amid slow recovery in capacity: Lufthansa Airlines' capacity on routes to and from China has returned to 70% of the levels ...

reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/lufthansa-evaluates-new-china-routes-amid-slow-recovery-capacity-2024-04-19/

0

Apr 17

Las Vegas Sands’ (LVS) Sales, Earnings Beat on Macau Recovery, Singapore Gains: Las Vegas Sands Corp. reported first-quarter sales and profit that exceeded ...

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-17/sands-sales-earnings-beat-on-macau-recovery-singapore-gains

0

Apr 15

Apple iPhone sales had their biggest decline since the pandemic: Samsung has now topped Apple as the world's top smartphone seller

qz.com/apple-iphone-smartphone-sales-slump-covid-samsung-1851410066

0

Apr 16

China Industry Has Lowest Capacity Utilization Since Covid Hit: China’s factories used less of their potential in the first quarter than at any time since the ...

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-16/china-industry-has-lowest-capacity-utilization-since-covid-hit

0

0 3

scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3259193/hong-kong-lawmakers-slam-hk375-million-monthly-bill-6-covid-isolation-facilities-standby

Apr 16

Hong Kong lawmakers slam HK$3.75 million monthly bill for 6 Covid isolation facilities on standby

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-08/china-holiday-spending-rise-shows-consumption-recovery-on-track

0

Bloomberg

B

Apr 13

China Holiday Spending Rise Shows Consumption Recovery on Track: Chinese tourists spent more per trip over a holiday than in 2019 for the first time since the ...

0

Apr 12

China's exports decline 7.5% in March, imports also fall as demand slows: China's exports contracted in March after growing in the first two months of the year ...

business-standard.com/world-news/china-s-exports-decline-7-5-in-march-imports-also-fall-as-demand-slows-124041200518_1.html

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0

San Francisco Chronicle

B+

Apr 13

Chinatown night market’s second act brings high hopes and long lines: Merchants are optimistic the market will bring a much-needed economic boost to the ...

sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/chinatown-night-market-s-second-act-brings-high-19398134.php

0

Apr 11

China's commercial property segment is seeing some bright spots amid a slump in the wider realty sector

cnbc.com/2024/04/11/chinas-commercial-property-segment-is-seeing-some-bright-spots-.html

0

7

scmp.com/economy/economic-indicators/article/3258507/chinas-gender-gap-widening-post-pandemic-she-cession-still-real-threat-economy

Apr 11

China’s gender gap widening post-pandemic, with ‘she-cession’ still real threat to economy

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-20/defense-companies-are-luring-germany-s-struggling-autoworkers

0

Bloomberg

B

13m

Defense Companies Are Luring Germany’s Struggling Autoworkers

4

42m

Beijing half-marathon winner stripped of medal after 'pacesetter' plot: BANGKOK (AP) -- Organizers have revoked He Jie's first place in the Beijing Half ...

asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Sports/Beijing-half-marathon-winner-stripped-of-medal-after-pacesetter-plot

Quick Glance: China Cancels He Jie's Win in Half Marathon After Investigation

The winner of the half marathon in Beijing, He Jie, along with Ethiopians Dejene Hailu Bikila and Kenyans Robert Keter and Willy Mnangat had their results canceled after an investigation. The three African runners slowed down in the last 2 kilometers to allow the Chinese athlete to win. All trophies, medals, and bonuses will be withdrawn, and the athletes will be reported to the Chinese Athletics Association.

The race organizer, Zhongao Lupao Beijing Sports Management company, will also be disqualified from hosting the Beijing half marathon due to the lack of relevant pacer information. Xiamen Xtep Investment, a partner of Zhongao Lupao, apologized for the oversight. He was sponsored by Xtep and accepted the punishment decision. The four runners had run together but the Africans slowed down, drawing widespread skepticism.

Long-distance running races in China have faced issues with cheating and poor organization. In a 2018 half marathon in Shenzhen, 258 participants were caught cheating by taking shortcuts or using fake bibs. The incident in Beijing sparked controversy and raised concerns about the integrity of competitions in the country.

The prevalence of cheating in long-distance races highlights the need for better oversight and enforcement to maintain the fairness and credibility of sporting events. The disqualification of the winners and the race organizer sends a strong message about the consequences of unethical behavior in competitive sports.

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9

0

PCMag 20h

China Forces Apple to Delete WhatsApp, Threads, Signal From Chinese App Store: Apple removes a number of messaging apps from China's iOS App Store ...

uk.pcmag.com/social-media/151924/china-forces-apple-to-delete-whatsapp-threads-signal-from-chinese-app-store

Quick Glance: Apple removes WhatsApp and Threads in China

Apple removes Meta-owned apps under Chinese government pressure.

Apps delisted due to 'national security concerns'.

Chinese users now unable to download Western social media apps.

Apple faces declining iPhone sales in China despite branding efforts.

6

17h

G-7 Warns China Against Aiding Russia in Its War Against Ukraine: Top diplomats from the Group of Seven countries leveled one of their strongest warnings yet ...

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-19/g-7-warns-china-against-aiding-russia-in-its-war-against-ukraine

8

16h

San Francisco mayor announces the city will receive pandas from China: San Francisco is the latest U.S. city preparing to receive a pair of pandas from China ...

apnews.com/article/china-san-francisco-zoo-pandas-2657e35111579b2a4cba8b5915a71bd1

152

7h

China's foreign investment inflows fall 26.1% despite 'openness' vows: HONG KONG -- China's inbound foreign investment shrank 26.1% on the year in the ...

asia.nikkei.com/Economy/China-s-foreign-investment-inflows-fall-26.1-despite-openness-vows

23

Apr 19

Apple removes WhatsApp, Threads from China app store on government order

reut.rs/4b1k50Y

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80

14

scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3259655/huaweis-new-pura-70-series-smartphone-poses-threat-iphone-sales-china-say-analysts

11h

Huawei’s new Pura 70 series smartphone poses a threat to iPhone sales in China, say analysts

167

17h

G7 countries slam Chinese firms’ support for Russia’s defence industry: Ministers say transfer of weapons components is enabling Russia to ‘reconstitute and ...

aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/19/g7-countries-slam-chinese-firms-support-for-russias-defence-industry

646

10h

China's CATL to recycle EV batteries with Volvo Car: GUANGZHOU -- China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), the world's top supplier of ...

asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Electric-cars-in-China/China-s-CATL-to-recycle-EV-batteries-with-Volvo-Car

9

5h

Apple forced to pull Meta's WhatsApp, Threads from China’s App Store. Here’s why.

mashable.com/article/apple-removes-meta-whatsapp-threads-telegram-signal-china-app-store

17

Apr 19

Iran-Israel tensions: Which countries can influence Tehran? : Countries across the geopolitical spectrum are urging de-escalation in the Middle East as Israel ...

dw.com/en/iran-israel-tensions-which-countries-can-influence-tehran/a-68860384

Quick Glance: US imposes new sanctions on Iran's drone program

The United States imposed new sanctions Thursday on sixteen people and two entities associated with Iran’s drone program to punish Tehran for the weekend's attack on Israel.

The sanctions target executives of an engine manufacturer supplying Iran’s Shahad-131 drones, companies servicing the engines, and individuals providing the drones to Iranian proxy forces in the Middle East.

Coordinated with European allies, the new sanctions aim to disrupt Iran's missile and drone program and isolate the country globally.

President Joe Biden emphasized the US commitment to holding Iran accountable, utilizing economic tools to counter Iran's activities, as stated by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

82

13h

China’s Ambassador to Canada Cong Peiwu Leaves Post Amid Tensions: China’s ambassador to Canada has left his post after nearly five years, a period marked by ...

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-19/china-s-ambassador-to-canada-cong-leaves-post-amid-tensions

2

18h

Foreign policy of the traffic light government: Germany is only a lightweight: The Chancellor in China, the Foreign Minister in the Middle East: The government ...

spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/aussenpolitik-der-ampel-koalition-deutschland-ist-nur-ein-leichtgewicht-a-9bade0f8-5456-4538-b974-8635f3dda171

7

14h

China is leading supplier for Russian military complex – Blinken: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has criticised China for supporting Russias defence ...

pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/04/19/7452020/

webmd.com/vaccines/news/20240418/changing-entrenched-health-beliefs-not-impossible

10

7

wb.md Apr 18

Changing Entrenched Health Beliefs Is Not Impossible: Some people with deep-rooted beliefs on a wide range of health topics – from COVID vaccination to mental ...

spektrum.de/video/prionen-die-schlimmste-vorstellbare-pandemie/2213966

14

1 4

youtube.com 20h

The worst pandemic imaginable: A highly contagious prion disease is spreading among wild animals. Experts are wondering whether it can also infect people - and ...

8

2h

Interfaith conference seeks to raise awareness about Uyghur genocide: Panelists discuss the Chinese government’s forced labor, surveillance and information ...

rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/interfaith-conference-04182024174516.html

channelnewsasia.com/asia/china-opens-new-air-routes-xiamen-fuzhou-near-taiwan-islands-4276936

2

1

CNA Apr 19

China opens new air routes near Taiwanese islands: TAIPEI: China's aviation regulator said on Friday (Apr 19) it had opened new air routes to the Chinese cities ...

90

Apr 18

Chinese spies target Dutch industries to strengthen military, intelligence agency says

reuters.com/world/china/chinese-spies-target-dutch-industries-strengthen-military-intelligence-agency-2024-04-18/

26

22h

EU seeks to close production gap with China and US - Latest News: European Union leaders have debated a new “European Competitiveness Deal” aimed at helping the ...

hurriyetdailynews.com/eu-seeks-to-close-production-gap-with-china-and-us-192651

channelnewsasia.com/cna-insider/dupes-clothes-electronics-cheaper-better-branded-cosmetics-gen-z-4277556

0

CNA 5h

Dupes have become more popular with young consumers. Are they really a good bargain?

32

21h

The 16 Messages That Led to Love: Readers of the Modern Love column share the banter, emojis and wit that made them fall for each other.

nytimes.com/interactive/2024/04/17/magazine/first-messsages-love.html

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19

21 20

scmp.com/sport/football/article/3259457/footballer-buddhist-monk-swedish-ex-players-incredible-transformation-detailed-his-instagram-page

Apr 18

From footballer to Buddhist monk: Swedish ex-player’s incredible transformation detailed on his Instagram page

141

6h

FBI found it ‘alarming’ that Fauci-funded virus research at Wuhan lab would leave no trace of ‘human manipulation’

nypost.com/2024/04/19/us-news/fbi-got-tip-that-fauci-funded-virus-research-at-wuhan-lab-would-leave-no-trace-of-human-manipulation/

27

Apr 18

China Market Trouble: Beijing Aims to Curb Speculation With Reform Plan: China is seeking to end the years of speculator driven boom-and-bust trading by pivoting ...

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-18/china-aims-to-end-age-of-froth-that-has-plagued-its-stock-market

Paid articlePaid

4

1 9

scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3259689/fans-hong-kong-boy-band-mirror-upset-after-malaysia-show-cancelled-despite-ticket-exchange-and

19h

Fans of Hong Kong boy band Mirror upset after Malaysia show cancelled, despite Singapore ticket exchange and compensation offers

26

Apr 18

Margin Call Cited for Mysterious 99% Crash in China Cement Maker: China Tianrui Group Cement Co. said a sudden drop in its stock last week triggered a margin ...

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-18/margin-call-cited-for-mystery-stock-crash-in-china-cement-maker

41

Apr 18

A Trove of ByteDance Records Mistakenly Went Public. Here’s What They Say.: The records briefly surfaced in a lawsuit involving the Republican megadonor Jeff ...

52

Apr 18

IMF chief says productivity, Chinese consumer spending key to boosting global growth

reuters.com/markets/imf-chief-says-productivity-chinese-consumer-spending-key-boosting-global-growth-2024-04-18/

9

Apr 19

Volkswagen: "Just two years and everything was different": Ralf Brandstätter has the most difficult job at Volkswagen: He is supposed to save the business in ...

zeit.de/2024/17/volkswagen-china-autoindustrie-ralf-brandstaetter-meb

Paid articlePaid

21

85

scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/3259462/woman-brazil-wheels-corpse-bank-take-out-loan-dead-mans-name

Apr 18

Woman in Brazil wheels corpse into bank to take out loan in dead man’s name: A woman brought a 68-year-old man in a wheelchair into a bank branch and tried to ...

Paid articlePaid

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66

10

scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3259653/south-china-sea-will-china-hold-back-during-us-philippine-balikatan-military-drills

16h

South China Sea: will Beijing hold back during the US-Philippine Balikatan military drills?

23

Apr 18

China foreign ministry welcomes Blinken's visit to China as tensions simmer: China's foreign ministry on Thursday welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Antony ...

reut.rs/442k5LQ

3 similar articles

59

11

CNA Apr 19

At G7, Blinken seeks European support for pressure on China: CAPRI: The United States urged European powers to increase pressure on China at a G7 foreign ...

channelnewsasia.com/asia/g7-blinken-seeks-european-support-pressure-china-4276471

64

23h

Taiwan says new Chinese air routes threaten Taiwanese islands' flight safety | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

asahi.com/ajw/articles/15235284

2

Apr 18

Huawei unveils new phone lineup to ramp up the pressure on Apple: Huawei Technologies Co released its latest series of smartphones on April 18 ...

thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2024/04/18/huawei-unveils-new-phone-lineup-to-ramp-up-the-pressure-on-apple

12

1

scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3256313/tragic-death-china-teenager-encouraged-give-blood-16-times-8-months-cash-sparks-online-anger

20h

Tragic death of China teenager ‘encouraged’ to give blood 16 times in 8 months for cash sparks online anger

22

21h

Christian Drosten insulted: couple sentenced to fines: Virologist Christian Drosten was insulted while on vacation in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania ...

stern.de/panorama/verbrechen/christian-drosten-beschimpft--ehepaar-zu-geldstrafen-verurteilt-34641166.html

8

Apr 19

Apple agreement instead of Ukraine peace: We lie to ourselves about Germany's influence in the world

berliner-zeitung.de/politik-gesellschaft/apfelabkommen-statt-ukraine-frieden-wir-beluegen-uns-ueber-unseren-einfluss-in-der-welt-kommentar-li.2207284

5

Apr 18

L’Oréal Bounces Back as Europe, North America Offset China: L’Oréal SA reported better-than-expected first-quarter sales as strength in Europe and North America ...

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-18/l-oreal-bounces-back-as-europe-north-america-offset-weak-china

2

Apr 18

China steelmakers show overcapacity strain as U.S. battens import hatches: HONG KONG -- Chinese steelmakers are being weighed down by overcapacity and are ...

asia.nikkei.com/Business/Materials/China-steelmakers-show-overcapacity-strain-as-U.S.-battens-import-hatches

9

Apr 19

Apple Takes Down WhatsApp And Other Popular Messaging Apps From Chinese App Store

forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2024/04/19/apple-takes-down-whatsapp-and-other-popular-messaging-apps-from-chinese-app-store/

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9

4

scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3257512/why-china-actress-worshipped-sea-goddess-mazu-china-many-believe-liu-tao-living-protector-seafarers

Apr 19

Why China actress is worshipped as sea goddess Mazu in China, many believe Liu Tao is living protector of seafarers

19

2

scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3259636/philippine-universities-defend-foreign-students-taiwan-facing-province-blatant-racism-sinophobia

22h

Philippine universities defend mainland Chinese students on Taiwan-facing province: ‘blatant racism, Sinophobia’

14

5h

Early Solomon Islands election results show shakeup in most populous province: Daniel Suidani, ousted as premier after opposing China projects ...

rfa.org/english/news/pacific/solomon-islands-election-results-04182024231720.html

2 similar articles

0

scmp.com/news/people-culture/gender-diversity/article/3258232/china-mother-and-son-27-jailed-kidnap-stranger-girl-11-they-wanted-perfect-wife-after-childs-family

Apr 19

China mother and son, 27, jailed for kidnap of stranger girl, 11, they wanted as ‘perfect’ wife after child’s family rejected advances

14

18h

Most Seattle-area renters report big rent hikes in the past 12 months: Fifty-three percent of Seattle-area renters saw their monthly rent jump more than $100 in ...

seattletimes.com/seattle-news/data/most-seattle-area-renters-report-big-rent-hikes-in-the-past-12-months/

Quick Glance: Majority of Seattle-area Renters Report Significant Rent Increases in Past 12 Months

While rents in the Seattle area and nationally surged in the early pandemic years, the rental market seems to have calmed since 2023, providing some relief to local tenants.

However, recent survey data from the US Census Bureau suggests that the majority of renters in the Seattle area may not agree with these reports.

Out of the estimated 658,000 individuals who experienced rent hikes, approximately 113,000 had a relatively minor increase of under $100. A significantly larger group - around 306,000 - saw their rent rise between $100 and $249 per month.

Established in 2020 as a response to the pandemic, the initiative aimed to inform authorities and policymakers about the pandemic's effects on communities nationwide and offer data to support recovery post-pandemic.

4

162

scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3259512/chinas-diplomats-working-abroad-are-about-get-very-rare-pay-rise-sources-say

Apr 19

EXCLUSIVE: China’s diplomats working abroad are about to get ‘very rare’ pay rise, sources say

16

3

scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/3259730/hong-kong-education-authorities-publish-first-patriotic-materials-english-classes-schools

2h

Hong Kong education authorities publish first patriotic materials for English classes at schools

1

0

scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3259709/visiting-uk-minister-press-hong-kong-authorities-over-erosion-rights-city-after-article-23-law

17h

Visiting UK minister to press Hong Kong authorities over ‘erosion’ of rights in city after Article 23 law passed

5

Apr 18

Ricciardo says new RB F1 chassis brings "peace of mind": Daniel Ricciardo says his new RB chassis for the Chinese Grand Prix brings "peace of mind" and ...

motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-says-new-rb-f1-chassis-brings-peace-of-mind/10599977/

62

Apr 19

COVID Patient’s Infection Lasts Record 613 Days—and Accumulated Over 50 Mutations

time.com/6968880/long-covid-record-infection-mutations-netherlands/

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10

25

Metro (British newspaper)

D+

Apr 18

China’s cities are sinking – because there are too many people in them: Severe subsidence will affect around a third of China's urban population ...

metro.co.uk/2024/04/18/chinas-cities-sinking-many-people-20674871/

7 similar articles

16

7

scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3258936/david-changs-momofuku-backs-down-chilli-crunch-trademark-row-after-backlash

Apr 19

David Chang’s Momofuku backs down in chilli crunch trademark row after backlash: Momofuku, a food and restaurant brand started by food mogul David Chang ...

12

23

scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3259703/beijing-slaps-anti-dumping-tariffs-taiwans-polycarbonates-after-protracted-probe

17h

Beijing slaps anti-dumping tariffs on Taiwan’s polycarbonates after protracted probe

1 similar article

3

1

scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3259151/time-animal-abusers-china-face-proper-justice

19h

Time for animal abusers in China to face proper justice: A video posted on

4

2

scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3259678/fresh-faces-taiwans-next-cabinet-security-left-old-hands-who-know-beijings-bottom-line

4h

Fresh faces for Taiwan’s next cabinet but security left to old hands who know Beijing’s ‘bottom line’

1

Apr 19

Philippines says decision to strengthen ties with Japan, U.S. a 'sovereign choice'

japantoday.com/category/politics/philippines-says-decision-to-strengthen-ties-with-japan-us-a-&

5

Apr 18

Argentina Central Bank Chief Among Top Officials Headed to China: Argentina’s top government officials are preparing to visit China in the next few weeks as ...

0

Apr 18

Philippines, New Zealand to Boost Trade, Maritime Security Ties: The Philippines and New Zealand are working on agreements on military visits and logistics ...

bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-18/philippines-new-zealand-to-boost-trade-maritime-security-ties

techtimes.com/articles/303725/20240418/china-baidu-unveils-new-ai-tools-chatbot-creation.htm

0

1 4

Tech Times Apr 18

China's Baidu Unveils New AI Tools for Chatbot Creation: China's Baidu has unveiled new AI tools allowing people with no coding knowledge to create ...

2

Apr 19

GOP senator grills Biden's energy secretary on release of US oil reserves: 'historically low levels'

foxbusiness.com/politics/gop-senator-grills-bidens-energy-secretary-release-us-oil-reserves-historically-low-levels

6

15h

Apple pulls WhatsApp and Threads from App Store on Beijing's orders: Apple says it has removed Meta’s WhatsApp messaging app and its Threads social media app ...

apnews.com/article/china-apple-app-store-whatsapp-threads-c93227644ea310c1179071cdf14ec05d

1

Apr 18

After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air': The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time what it means for a ...

reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/after-covid-who-defines-disease-spread-through-air-2024-04-18/

6

21h

Chinese navy is operating out of Cambodia's Ream base: US think tank: The prolonged presence of 2 Chinese vessels suggests a deeper involvement than Phnom Penh ...

rfa.org/english/news/cambodia/china-ream-04192024043619.html

sacbee.com/news/business/article287758255.html

0

The Sacramento Bee

B+

6h

Popular national restaurant chain explores Chapter 11 bankruptcy: The chain has suffered since the Covid pandemic and it may need financial help to have a chance ...

Quick Glance: Red Lobster Considers Bankruptcy

The seafood chain Red Lobster is exploring a potential Chapter 11 filing to restructure its debts, based on insider insights.

Legal guidance for Red Lobster is provided by King & Spalding. The restaurant chain is contemplating terminating long-term contracts and renegotiating a variety of leases.

A sign reading “Open For Takeout & Free Delivery” is displayed outside a Red Lobster establishment in Secaucus, New Jersey, USA.

Established in 1968 in Lakeland, Florida, Red Lobster started with a single restaurant. The introduction of their famous cheese-flavored biscuits occurred in 1992, and the chain now operates hundreds of locations in the US, Canada, and international franchises.

0

1h

The push to decriminalise abortion in Britain heats up: But campaigners should be careful what they wish for

economist.com/britain/2024/04/18/the-push-to-decriminalise-abortion-in-britain-heats-up

0

1h

Lake County schools see increased absenteeism since pandemic; ‘When you change the dynamic, it changes a mindset’

chicagotribune.com/2024/04/18/lake-county-schools-see-increased-absenteeism-since-pandemic-when-you-change-the-dynamic-it-changes-a-mindset/

0

The Standard (Kenya)

standardmedia.co.ke/business/business/article/2001493560/un-tourism-ranks-east-africa-among-most-open-regions-for-travellers

2h

UN Tourism ranks East Africa among most open regions for travellers: East Africa has been ranked among the most open sub-regions in the world in terms visa ...