OCTOBERASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK9Astra Tech, the premier consumer technology holding group in the Middle East and North Africa region, has collaborated with IME Nepal to launch remittance services that ensure speedy and secure financial transfers to Nepal via the Botim Ultra app. Botim, powered by PayBy and licensed by the UAE Central Bank, will provide its consumers with a smooth means to transfer money securely to Nepal by avoiding complicated intermediaries and time-consuming procedures. This agreement provides substantial benefits for Nepalese expats looking for a simple way to transfer money back home.This strategic collaboration is critical in improving financial inclusiveness, in addition to the benefits and increased efficiency. Botim provides a secure and accessible economic lifeline to persons who might otherwise face impediments to traditional banking services by employing cutting-edge technology. Botim is committed to enabling a greater range of persons, encouraging economic engagement, and creating a more inclusive financial landscape for all with this addition."We're excited about our partnership with IME Nepal because it represents our commitment to embracing innovation in the world of finance, bringing us one step closer to making financial services more accessible to everyone," said Marc Michel, Chief Business Officer of Astra Tech. We are leveling the playing field by ensuring that everyone can securely send and receive funds regardless of banking access. Our strategic alliances are focused on empowering individuals, catalyzing economic participation, and paving the way for a more equitable and efficient future in the UAE and abroad. We're working on projects and collaborations through the Botim Ultra app to help make our ambition of making the lives of our millions of users easier a reality, and this relationship is proof of that dedication." The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT) have announced the commencement of a new $3.25 million initiative to promote digital trade in the country. The program is part of the US-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was introduced during US President Joseph Biden's visit to Vietnam last month.Vietnam Digital Trade is a three-year initiative meant to support MOIT in the implementation of policy frameworks that facilitate digital trade, particularly in consultation with the private sector. According to a press release from USAID, the project aims to reduce trade barriers and promote regulatory openness by creating laws that are responsive to private sector demands, ultimately benefiting firms of all sizes.The project will also encourage SMEs to join digital trade by providing new business models and best practices, such as product traceability. It will work with MOIT's digital trade promotion platform, Decobiz, to improve cross-border business contacts. Furthermore, the activity focuses on minority communities and female-owned enterprises to foster inclusive economic growth.USAID's Vietnam Digital Trade program will collaborate with local business associations, such as the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Vietnam E-commerce Association, to increase digital trade nationwide.ASTRA TECH TO AID NEPAL IN LAUNCHING REMITTANCE SERVICESUSAID AND VIETNAM ANNOUNCES INITIATIVES TO PROMOTE DIGITAL TRADENEWSROOM
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