IMF Syria Recovery: The IMF agreed a technical assistance programme for Syria after a July mission, projecting double-digit growth in 2026 but warning poverty remains widespread and recovery is uneven. Budget Watch: Finland’s finance ministry unveiled a €92.2b 2027 budget proposal with a €12.9b deficit and a planned spending cut cap of €4.8b. Trade Tensions—Canada-US: Canada’s trade surplus widened in June as exports rose and imports fell, while Canada-U.S. talks resume in Washington ahead of tariff deadlines. E20 Fuel Backlash (India): India’s Punjab Assembly passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s E20 petrol rollout, citing vehicle compatibility, consumer protection, and pricing concerns; protests also continued in Delhi. Syria Growth Outlook: The IMF links Syria’s rebound to improved rainfall, agriculture recovery, expanding hydrocarbon output, electricity, trade and services—alongside refugee returns. Sustainable Energy & Water (Kenya): Kenya began public participation on a Lake Baringo irrigation plan aimed at creating ~100,000 jobs and generating nearly Sh40b in economic value. Food & Logistics (South Africa): SA freight and meat-trade groups signed a cooperation deal to tackle port, border, and veterinary logistics bottlenecks. Public Finance Oversight (South Africa): A new push for tighter budget monitoring will require six-monthly progress reporting on major projects. Business & Growth (China): China’s services trade rose 8.3% in H1 2026, led by knowledge-intensive exports.