Economy

New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English
Economy

New Zealand leads push to keep TPP alive

Wellington, Tokyo see no need to change terms after US withdrawal

18 May 2017
Ministers from TPP signatories pose for pictures in Chile, where they held their first meeting after the U.S. pulled out of the trade pact, in March.
Economy

Japan to push for 'TPP 11' by year-end

Ministerial meeting to be held later this month in Vietnam

14 May 2017
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Politics

Australia's Great Barrier Reef under bleaching threat

Global warming deals another blow to delicate marine life

13 May 2017
Treasurer Scott Morrison says the federal budget is still projected to move into surplus in the 2020-21 fiscal year
Economy

Australia looks to dig deep for new growth

Turnbull government proposes $55 billion infrastructure buildup

10 May 2017
Japan's chief TPP negotiator, Keiichi Katakami, pushed to preserve the pact's current terms in Toronto Tuesday and Wednesday.
Economy

TPP members agree to go on minus US, but differ on terms

Countries may seek better deal now that American market opening is gone

5 May 2017
A symbol of Sydney’s real estate bubble, a luxurious cliff-top home for sale in the eastern suburb of Bronte is expected to sell for about A$6.5 million ($4.86 million). (Courtesy of The Blacket Agency)
Economy

Australia mulls ways to dilute foreign demand for property

With home prices in top cities soaring, all eyes on May national budget for solutions

3 May 2017
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Economy

Talks kick off on 'TPP 11' pact minus US

New top dog Japan aims to keep deal's terms intact

3 May 2017
Australian mining giants have turned to automation, such as unmanned dump trucks, to lower production costs.
Business

Aussie iron ore giants remain bullish despite price drop

Big miners lifting output on optimism about long-term demand from China, India

2 May 2017
Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso
Economy

Tokyo to push for TPP without US, says Aso

Japan's deputy PM confident of quick deal with 10 original signatory countries

27 April 2017
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso shake hands as they end the joint press conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on April 18.
Economy

TPP talks to get going -- with notable absentee

Japan aiming to lead, maintain rules in hope of Washington returning

27 April 2017
The Yangshan Deep Water Port in Shanghai
Economy

The long, frustrating quest for free trade in Asia

A defanged TPP and an undercooked RCEP make for a murky future

27 April 2017
A lone power shovel works at a road construction site in Yakawlang, Afghanistan.
Economy

Think the RCEP is about free trade? Think again

Beijing-led pact is aimed at saving China's own economy via the Belt and Road

27 April 2017
The Yangshan Deep Water Port in Shanghai
Economy

The long and frustrating quest for free trade in Asia

A defanged TPP and an undercooked RCEP make for a murky future

27 April 2017
A lone power shovel works at a road construction site in Yakawlang, Afghanistan.
Economy

Think the RCEP is about free trade? Think again

Beijing-led pact is aimed at saving China's own economy via the Belt and Road

27 April 2017
Former U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman
Economy

If US won't lead on trade, China will: Ex-US trade rep

Michael Froman urges engagement in Asia-Pacific to counter Beijing's influence

27 April 2017
A newly-constructed home is listed as sold on an advertising board in the Sydney suburb town.
Politics

Soaring house prices turn 'Australian dream' into nightmare

Canberra mulls tax changes as young workers are squeezed out of the market

25 April 2017
The signing ceremony for the TPP was held in February 2016.
Economy

Japan pushing to preserve agreed-on TPP framework

In resurrecting the pact without US, Tokyo hopes to avoid renegotiation

21 April 2017
Ministers from TPP signatories gather in Chile in March for their first meeting since Washington's announcement of its withdrawal from the trade pact.
Economy

Australia wants TPP despite US exit: trade minister

Canberra sees benefits for smaller businesses, easier trade and investment

20 April 2017
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill (Photo by Kenji Kawase)
Economy

Papua New Guinea's O'Neill predicts election victory

Allegations of instability and corruption are overblown, says the prime minister

6 April 2017
New Zealand Reserve Bank Gov. Graeme Wheeler
Economy

Reforms loudly proposed for New Zealand's central bank

Upcoming election is likely to signal major policy shifts

6 April 2017
Delegates gather for the Indian Ocean Rim Association Leaders' Summit 2017 in Jakarta on March 7.
Economy

Indian Ocean economic bloc plagued by uncertainty

First gathering of IORA leaders receives lackluster response

31 March 2017
A farmer herds cattle toward stockyards near the outback Queensland town of Aramac, west of Brisbane, Australia.
International relations

Brazil meat scandal opens way for Aussie beef in China

New agreement could see beef exports to mainland reach A$1bn

28 March 2017
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, right, and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang agreed to further develop bilateral and multilateral trade frameworks.
Economy

Amid doubts over US role in trade, Australia jumps at beef deal with China

Canberra need not choose between the two powers, Turnbull reiterates

25 March 2017
Island Bend Dam, part of the Snowy Mountains Scheme.(Photo courtesy National Archives of Australia)
Business

Australia revisits iconic hydro scheme as coal power wanes

Six decades after construction began, 'Snowy 2.0' drives quest for stable grid

23 March 2017
New Zealand Reserve Bank Gov. Graeme Wheeler
Economy

New Zealand central bank role under scrutiny

Departure of governor and deputy comes as critics call for revamp

22 March 2017