The talks, involving a group described as Trump’s “Board of Peace,” focused on whether DP World could partner in overseeing logistics for humanitarian aid and commercial goods entering the Gaza Strip, according to the report.

Details of the proposed arrangement, including governance structures or timelines, were not disclosed. Reuters could not independently verify the discussions.

Any such initiative would come amid ongoing international efforts to plan for reconstruction and aid delivery in Gaza, where infrastructure has been severely damaged by conflict.

Lam’s visit, his first overseas trip since assuming the presidency on April 7, is expected to deepen bilateral ties and produce multiple cooperation agreements, reflecting what both sides have described as a new phase of relations marked by stronger political trust and expanded security and economic collaboration.

The shift comes amid rising influence of security-focused leadership in Hanoi, with Lam, a former public security chief, consolidating power in a manner observers say mirrors China’s centralized governance structure.

His leadership marks a departure from Vietnam’s traditional model of collective decision-making.Analysts say Vietnam is pursuing a dual-track strategy, maintaining engagement with Western partners while increasingly adopting China-inspired policies domestically.

This includes a growing emphasis on state-led regulation, particularly in sensitive areas such as data governance and digital infrastructure.Draft policy documents indicate Vietnam is considering tighter controls over data flows, including the creation of state-run data exchanges overseen by security authorities, reflecting China’s centralized data management system.

Western governments and technology firms have raised concerns over such measures, particularly restrictions on cross-border data transfers.Technology cooperation has also intensified. Vietnam has eased earlier reservations over Chinese involvement in its telecommunications infrastructure, including potential partnerships linked to equipment providers associated with Huawei.

Discussions are also underway regarding Chinese investment in data centres and additional 5G development.The country is simultaneously expanding its national digital identification system, integrating artificial intelligence-driven surveillance networks, in a move analysts say parallels China’s approach to social monitoring and governance.

Economically, Vietnam is increasingly adopting state-driven strategies similar to China’s model, including subsidies, large-scale infrastructure projects and greater government intervention in financial markets. Proposals under consideration include a stabilization fund to support equity markets during downturns, drawing directly on Chinese precedent.

Despite these shifts, Vietnam continues to balance its geopolitical positioning, maintaining ties with the United States and other Western partners. However, China’s growing role in trade and investment is becoming more pronounced, with bilateral economic integration reaching record levels.

Experts warn that deeper alignment with China could have broader implications for Vietnam’s economic autonomy and international relationships, particularly if governance and regulatory convergence accelerates further.

JSW Cement posts major turnaround in Q2 as rising prices, higher cement volumes, and infrastructure growth boost profitability across India’s building sector.

India’s JSW Cement recorded an impressive turnaround in its second-quarter results, reporting a solid profit driven by rising cement prices, higher dispatch volumes, and improving demand from the construction and infrastructure sectors.

The company’s financial recovery reflects the broader resurgence in India’s building materials industry, signaling renewed momentum in both urban and rural construction activity.

For the July-September quarter, JSW Cement posted a consolidated net profit of 864.3 million rupees, compared to a loss of 643.9 million rupees during the same period last year.

This significant comeback underscores how strategic pricing adjustments and higher production volumes have strengthened the company’s profitability even during a seasonally weak quarter affected by India’s monsoon season.

Despite the challenges of reduced construction activity during monsoons, JSW Cement managed to expand its sales volume by 7%. The company also benefited from a 5% average increase in cement prices, as per Ambit Research data, helping lift overall revenue by more than 17% to 14.36 billion rupees.

The steady price recovery marks a positive shift from 2024, when the sector was hit by slower construction activity and delays in infrastructure projects following India’s general elections.

JSW Cement’s turnaround aligns with the broader trend of recovery seen across India’s cement industry. Peers such as UltraTech Cement and Ambuja Cement also posted improved profits, pointing to a widespread rebound supported by the government’s continued focus on infrastructure expansion and housing development.

The company’s ability to sustain pricing power while improving volumes demonstrates effective market positioning and operational efficiency.

Industry analysts note that India’s cement demand is expected to rise steadily in the coming quarters, backed by strong public and private investment in infrastructure, real estate, and rural development.

With India’s rapid urbanization and ambitious construction projects under initiatives like “Housing for All” and “Smart Cities,” the demand for quality cement and construction materials is expected to remain robust through 2026.

Although JSW Cement’s shares dipped slightly by 0.6% on Friday and remain about 17% lower since their listing in August, investors view the company’s profit rebound as a promising indicator of long-term growth.

The firm’s strong financial performance this quarter is expected to build investor confidence as it continues to expand its production capacity and explore new regional markets.

The company’s focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and innovative construction materials also aligns with India’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting green infrastructure.

JSW Cement’s strategic emphasis on low-carbon cement production and circular economy initiatives positions it as a forward-looking player in a highly competitive industry.

With renewed market optimism and expanding infrastructure projects, JSW Cement’s latest results signal a promising phase for India’s construction and materials sector.

The combination of improved pricing, higher output, and a growing project pipeline underscores the company’s resilience and adaptability in a changing economic landscape.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the ninth Future Investment Initiative conference, reflected both nations’ shared commitment to advancing cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development.

The discussions focused on expanding collaboration across several key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and technology.

Both sides emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and building resilient supply chains that support long-term prosperity.

The dialogue also highlighted opportunities for joint ventures and investment projects that align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and Vietnam’s economic modernization agenda.

During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their countries’ determination to enhance trade exchanges and develop new pathways for private sector engagement.

Vietnam, one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, has expressed strong interest in exploring Saudi Arabia’s dynamic investment environment, particularly in renewable energy, digital transformation, and logistics.

In turn, Saudi Arabia views Vietnam as a vital gateway to Southeast Asia, offering valuable opportunities for cooperation in manufacturing, agriculture, and technology-driven industries.

Minister Faisal Alibrahim underlined Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a sustainable and diversified economy that welcomes international partnerships.

He noted that Vietnam’s technological expertise and its expanding industrial base complement the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a global hub for investment and innovation.

The meeting also explored potential cooperation in green energy initiatives, aligning with both countries’ shared vision for a more sustainable future.

Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung praised Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic transformation and its leadership in fostering international collaboration.

He expressed Vietnam’s readiness to work closely with the Kingdom in areas that promote mutual growth, including digital economy development, infrastructure expansion, and agricultural trade.

Both parties agreed to continue high-level dialogues and establish frameworks to translate their discussions into actionable projects.

In addition to his talks with the Vietnamese delegation, Minister Alibrahim held meetings with global financial leaders attending the Future Investment Initiative.

He met with International Finance Corporation Managing Director Makhtar Diop to discuss the latest economic trends and explore opportunities to enhance financial cooperation in the Kingdom.

The discussions emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and innovative financing models to accelerate development goals.

Minister Alibrahim also met with World Economic Forum President and CEO Borge Brende to exchange views on recent global economic developments and ongoing collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the WEF.

The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on issues such as digital transformation, sustainability, and global investment flows. Their dialogue underscored the Kingdom’s growing influence in shaping the future of the global economy.

The meetings reflect Saudi Arabia’s proactive approach to fostering international alliances that drive progress, promote innovation, and encourage economic diversification.

As the Kingdom continues to build bridges with global partners, the partnership with Vietnam stands out as a promising example of shared ambition and mutual benefit.

By combining Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision and investment power with Vietnam’s innovation and manufacturing capabilities, both nations are setting the stage for a new era of collaboration that supports sustainable growth, enhances regional connectivity, and contributes to global economic resilience.

This renewed partnership marks another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey to position itself as a leading global investment destination and a key driver of international cooperation.

The Crown Prince stressed the importance of ending the humanitarian suffering of Palestinians, ensuring a complete Israeli withdrawal, and advancing peace efforts in line with the two-state solution.

The cabinet reaffirmed the Kingdom’s support for ongoing regional and international initiatives aimed at strengthening global security and fostering sustainable peace.

Alongside international diplomacy, the council reviewed domestic initiatives focused on enhancing public services, improving productivity, and supporting sustainable growth.

Officials highlighted progress on government programs designed to deliver innovative solutions and benefit citizens across the Kingdom.

A key highlight was the launch of the King Salman Gate Project in Makkah, a transformative infrastructure initiative aimed at improving the experience for visitors to the Grand Mosque.

The project represents the Kingdom’s commitment to combining modern development with cultural and spiritual excellence.

Housing and real estate development were also central to the discussions. The cabinet reviewed strategies to expand housing supply, achieve market balance, and provide citizens with diverse housing options. These measures aim to attract investors, support urban growth, and enhance economic stability.

The council also celebrated Saudi Arabia’s recent achievements in education, rural development, and transport, reflecting the Kingdom’s dedication to innovation and global best practices.

The Saudi International Railway Exhibition and Conference further demonstrated this commitment, bringing together participants from over 20 countries and facilitating more than 50 agreements supporting the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services.

The Crown Prince emphasized that these initiatives reflect a balanced approach, combining leadership in global humanitarian issues with tangible progress in national development.

By addressing urgent needs abroad and advancing infrastructure and housing at home, Saudi Arabia continues to enhance quality of life for citizens while reinforcing its international influence.

Officials underscored that these efforts align with Vision 2030, promoting sustainable development, economic diversification, and international collaboration.

By integrating domestic growth with diplomatic engagement, the Kingdom aims to maintain its role as a proactive and responsible global actor, driving progress on multiple fronts.

Saudi Arabia’s achievements in diplomacy, infrastructure, and innovation demonstrate its commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity.

The government’s focus on both humanitarian leadership and domestic development exemplifies a forward-looking strategy that positions the Kingdom as a regional and international leader in governance, innovation, and social progress.