Luxembourg – One of the first countries to set its eyes on the possibility of mining asteroids, is officially launching its Space Agency (LSA) next week, which main goal will be boosting exploration and commercial utilization of resources from near Earth objects.

Australia’s Perth Mint has unveiled this week the most expensive collector coin in the country’ history — a diamond-encrusted treasure valued at $2.5 million ($1.8m).

Bulgaria – As many as 54 sheep have died after a brown bear attack in a farm in the Rhodope Mountain in Bulgaria, the authorities said Friday.

Japan – Japan’s fishing quota for Pacific bluefin tuna, popular fish for sushi and sashimi, will remain at the current level next year after an international fisheries commission rejected Friday Tokyo’s proposal for an increase at a recent meeting.

Saudi Arabia wants oil to stay between $70 and $80 a barrel for now as the world’s biggest crude exporter strikes a balance between maximizing revenue and keeping a lid on prices until U.S. congressional elections, OPEC and industry sources said.

Egypt – State-run National Bank of Egypt (NBE) said on Wednesday it had signed a $600 million loan agreement with the China Development Bank.

United States – Some unexpected visitors have overstayed their welcome at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: rats.

Qatar – Qatar will make 10 billion euro ($11.64 billion) of direct investments into Germany in the next five years, Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad al Thani said in Berlin on Friday.

Canada – Canadian officials today announced they’ll spend nearly $10 million to improve the Yarmouth, Nova Scotia ferry terminal. The Yarmouth terminal is the landing point for The Cat ferry service out of Portland, Maine.

Addis Ababa — Ethiopia will open its logistics sector to foreign investors but cap their participation, the state investment body said on Tuesday in the latest reform to loosen the government’s control of the economy.