Economy

Large swaths of the Kashmir region have remained in a communications blackout since Aug. 5.
International relations

India's stature helps mute responses to Kashmir power grab

Pakistan seeks Security Council meeting but Russia has already backed the move

14 August 2019
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi enjoyed a landslide electoral victory in May, but building economic gloom is already casting a shadow over his government's second term. (Photo by Kosaku Mimura)
The Big Story

Modi seeks reforms to India's stuttering economy

Landslide victory gives reelected prime minister a second chance at 'Modinomics'

14 August 2019
Top Glove denied the forced labor claims, but admitted that overtime had exceeded national regulations.
Opinion

Asia Pacific companies need to face up to migrant labor problems

Investors and advocacy groups step up calls for transparency

14 August 2019
Narendra Modi visits Sri Lanka in June 2019: if connectivity initiatives have to succeed, "we must also build bridges of trust," said Modi.
Opinion

India responds to Belt and Road Initiative with infrastructure push

New Delhi does not want China to dominate its backyard so has started spending

13 August 2019
Solar panels could provide an efficient option in tropical nations requiring significant new generating capacity.
Opinion

Asia is the right place for a US 'Green New Deal'

Funding environmentally friendly projects would curb emissions and provide BRI alternative

7 August 2019
Workers at a garment factory in Bangladesh. South Korean companies, whose transfer of technical know-how helped Bangladesh become the world’s second-largest textiles exporter, are looking at the potential of other emerging sectors. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Economy

Bangladesh aims to leap beyond textiles with help from South Korea

Garment export leader expands into tech, energy and other emerging industries

31 July 2019
The government of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan cannot appeal the decision by the International Court for Settlement of Investment Disputes, but it can ask the court to review the amount of the fine.
International relations

China rescue option emerges as Pakistan slapped with $5.9bn fine

Gold and copper mine dispute brings another headache after IMF bailout deal

19 July 2019
A shopping district in Dhaka. Private consumption comprises about 75% of Bangladesh’s more than $300 billion economy. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Economy

Bangladesh enjoys foreign investment tailwind for economic boom

Japan and China lead surge as consumption-dependent growth takes step forward

12 July 2019
The decision to raise the gas price has sparked an outcry from businesses, consumer rights groups and opposition parties.
Economy

Record gas price spike puts squeeze on Bangladesh garment makers

Factory owners fret about growth stalling if they lose competitive edge

5 July 2019
A fashion store in Islamabad: Pakistan's government hopes its drive to stamp out the Taliban and restore safety will help to rebuild the economy. 
Economy

Pakistan hopes security lures business along with British royals

Prince William and Kate's planned tour shows anti-terror success is getting noticed

3 July 2019
Rickshaws ply a street in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The new VAT has caught the country largely unprepared as regards compliance. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
Economy

Bangladesh's VAT rollout confuses consumers and businesses

Government hopes new tax will raise one-third of $38.5bn revenue goal for 2020

2 July 2019
Opposition parties have attacked the Pakistani government over rising prices for consumer goods as the rupee has depreciated.
Economy

Pakistan central bank's ability to stabilize rupee questioned

Currency expected to slide further with IMF rescue

21 June 2019
Cuts to annual budgets for China-linked infrastructure projects in Pakistan come as Beijing seeks to encourage a more sustainable approach.
Belt and Road

Pakistan slashes annual funding for Belt and Road projects

Government struggles to balance finances under IMF bailout program

17 June 2019
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's party won last year's election on a pledge to eliminate corruption.
Economy

Khan avoids talk of economy after Pakistan unveils tax targets

Prime minister focuses on tackling corruption as foundation for IMF loan

13 June 2019
"As the budget unfolds and the cost of living in Pakistan rises, there will be resentment on the streets," one economist predicted.
Economy

Pakistan's Khan stuck between IMF and public with crisis budget due

Analysts warn of backlash if PM attempts 'most difficult' reforms yet

5 June 2019
Sri Lankan Army soldiers secure the area around St. Anthony's Shrine after a blast in Colombo on April 21.
Opinion

After Sri Lanka, Asia should brace itself for more IS terrorist attacks

States must counter youth radicalization with educational, social and economic plans

5 June 2019
When government officials abruptly revealed  that the drilling project had been abandoned after its failure to find any gas or oil reserves, Khan and his government faced rapidly mounting criticism.
Politics

Imran Khan under fire after Pakistan fails to find offshore oil

Critics say prime minister trying to deflect attention from massive IMF loan

3 June 2019
From left: Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad, Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina and Cambodia's Hun Sen speak at Nikkei's Future of Asia conference on May 30.
The Future of Asia 2019

Cambodia's Hun Sen quashes Chinese 'debt trap' fears

Political and business luminaries discuss Asia's future at Nikkei forum

30 May 2019
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina speaks at the Future of Asia conference on May 30. (Photo by Yuki Nakao)
The Future of Asia 2019

Bangladesh grows beyond garments to technology, PM Hasina says

Digital technology is 'reducing inequality' and 'creating opportunities'

30 May 2019
Pakistan is one of the world’s worst performers when it comes to income tax collection. Less than 1% of its population of more than 210 million pays an income tax.
Economy

Pakistan’s tax amnesty leaves doubt as wealthy keep evasive methods

Low-income workers discover bank accounts opened in their names by the rich

22 May 2019
Shopping for groceries at a store in Peshawar. Pakistan's rupee has become Asia's weakest currency in recent months.
Economy

Pakistan hikes interest rates to 5-year high after IMF deal

Inflation-fighting move takes borrowing rate to more than 12%

21 May 2019
Port of Colombo is an important strategic spot for both China and Japan. (Photo by Yuji Kuronuma)
International relations

Japan and India to develop Colombo port, countering Belt and Road

With Sri Lanka, partners take on China's expanding Indian Ocean presence

20 May 2019
A Pakistani money changer counts US dollar bills in Islamabad. Pakistan's IMF loan deal is likely to further devalue the nation's currency.
Economy

Pakistan's currency in line for further hits after IMF loan

Famously stubborn tax evaders in focus as opposition rejects deal's provisions

14 May 2019
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has made three changes in his economic team in less than a month, suggesting he has yet to set the stage for the country’s economic direction.
Economy

Pakistan appoints IMF official for new central bank governor

PM Khan's changes to economic team come amid new loan discussions

6 May 2019
Security personnel keep watch at Galle Fort, one of Sri Lanka's most popular tourist destinations, on April 24. (Photo by Amila Gamage)
Economy

Sri Lanka's tourism industry defiant after deadly attacks

Minister and merchants expect rebound, despite risk to economy and jobs

26 April 2019