From Foreign Waters

  New Zealand law that forbids the sale of cigarettes to anybody born after January 1, 2009, has passed its third reading, marking one of the strongest crackdowns on the tobacco industry in the world. It represents yet another step toward the government's objective of having a smoke-free nation by 2025. The number of shops across the nation that are legally allowed to sell cigarettes will drop from 6,000 to 600, according to The Guardian. The legislation, which will take effect in 2023 as New Zealand works to become "smoke-free" by 2025, passed its final reading on Tuesday night. "Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives," Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said during the law's passage on Tuesday. "The health system will be $5 billion better off because we won't have to treat the illnesses caused by smoking, such as numerous types of cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and amputations." The Smokefree Environments and Regu...

  New Zealand is facilitating the virtual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Summit because of a pandemic that has kept the global borders closed to practically all travelers for a very long time.   In her address, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stated that the Summit would chalk a path towards recovery from this crisis.    The 21 APEC leaders will discuss areas where members will cooperate on easing out border checks for trade and economic growth instead of attempting to settle longstanding disputes.   However, profound strains remain between the 21 countries. These tensions have brought up issues regarding who can join a Pacific trade alliance and whether America will get an opportunity to host future meetings.   Tensions are expected, however, during this week’s talks among the 21-economy group over Taiwan’s bid to join a regional trade pact and the United States’ bid to host the 2023 round of meetings. | @Reute...