The UK and the US state of Texas will sign an agreement on Tuesday for closer trade co-operation as the government pursues state-level deals in the absence of a wider free trade agreement with the America.
The agreement will be formally signed in Westminster on Wednesday by Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Although not a trade deal, because US states do not have the power to sign them, it is similar to a preliminary agreement designed to improve co-operation between businesses in Britain and Texas and tackle regulatory barriers to trade.
“I’m delighted to welcome Governor Abbott to the UK for this landmark signing," Ms Badenoch said.
“Today’s signature with Texas marks the UK’s eighth US state-level pact, meaning UK firms now have access to states with a combined GDP of £5.3 trillion [$6.8 trillion] – equivalent to a quarter of the whole US economy.
"This shows our US state-level strategy is working and really delivering for British businesses.”
The agreement is aimed particularly at the energy sector, as well as life sciences and business services.
Even before the signing of the agreement, British businesses had already enjoyed success in Texas.
The government’s BioBridge collaboration with the Texas Medical Centre has helped 30 UK life sciences companies to grow their business in the state.
“As our ninth-largest trade partner, the United Kingdom plays a critical role in the Texas economic juggernaut," Mr Abbott said.
“Strengthening the bond between Texas and the United Kingdom is crucial for our shared economies to prosper.
“By signing this Statement of Mutual Co-operation today, we will further promote economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Texas is the economic engine of America, where entrepreneurs from around the globe can cast a vision and know they can achieve it.
"Working with our British partners, we will chart a greater path towards success and opportunity, and create an even more robust economic partnership.”
Achieving a free trade agreement with America had been part of the Conservatives’ 2019 manifesto.
But progress towards a deal has stalled, with Ms Badenoch blaming a lack of interest on the part of the current US administration.
Instead, the UK has pursued state-level deals, including with Indiana in May 2022 and most recently with Florida in November last year.
Although these agreements do not lower tariffs as a free-trade deal would, they can provide some help for businesses through recognising UK qualifications or addressing state-level regulatory issues.
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Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club race card
5pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic (PA) Prestige; Dh110,000; 1,400m
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7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap; Dh70,000; 2,200m
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
Safety 'top priority' for rival hyperloop company
The chief operating officer of Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Andres de Leon, said his company's hyperloop technology is “ready” and safe.
He said the company prioritised safety throughout its development and, last year, Munich Re, one of the world's largest reinsurance companies, announced it was ready to insure their technology.
“Our levitation, propulsion, and vacuum technology have all been developed [...] over several decades and have been deployed and tested at full scale,” he said in a statement to The National.
“Only once the system has been certified and approved will it move people,” he said.
HyperloopTT has begun designing and engineering processes for its Abu Dhabi projects and hopes to break ground soon.
With no delivery date yet announced, Mr de Leon said timelines had to be considered carefully, as government approval, permits, and regulations could create necessary delays.
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Mountain%20Boy
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
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COMPANY PROFILE
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
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- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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Planes grounded by coronavirus
British Airways: Cancels all direct flights to and from mainland China
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UAE%20FIXTURES
Liz%20Truss
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
COMPANY%20PROFILE
Tomorrow 2021
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Temple numbers
Expected completion: 2022
Height: 24 meters
Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people
Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people
First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time
First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres
Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres
Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor
The biog
First Job: Abu Dhabi Department of Petroleum in 1974
Current role: Chairperson of Al Maskari Holding since 2008
Career high: Regularly cited on Forbes list of 100 most powerful Arab Businesswomen
Achievement: Helped establish Al Maskari Medical Centre in 1969 in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region
Future plan: Will now concentrate on her charitable work
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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Fujairah 130 for 8 in 20 overs
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Sharjah 131 for 8 in 19.3 overs
(Kashif Daud 51, Umair Ali 20, Rohan Mustafa 2-17, Sabir Rao 2-26)
Key features of new policy
Pupils to learn coding and other vocational skills from Grade 6
Exams to test critical thinking and application of knowledge
A new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance, Assessment, Review and Analysis for Holistic Development) will form the standard for schools
Schools to implement online system to encouraging transparency and accountability
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