Economy: News & Insights

A Chinese construction worker at the site of a Chinese-backed hotel complex in Colombo in October 2015

The Big Story

Is China's Belt and Road working? A progress report from eight countries

Beijing's infrastructure push clouded by project delays and mounting debt

28 March 2018

Massive traffic jams like this are a daily occurrence in Jakarta. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

Economy

Only bigger public investment can ease Asia's infrastructure shortages

Private funding is too small to close the gap in transport, energy and telecoms

27 March 2018

While foreign buyers have pressured Bangladeshi companies to stop using underaged workers in apparel factories, local toy factories target the domestic market. (Photo by Mahmud Hossain Opu)

Economy

Bangladesh replaces Chinese toys with local products

Domestic manufacturing surges to meet rising demand and cultural tastes

21 March 2018

Sri Lanka's southern port of Hambantota was leased to China in 2017 to ease the country's debt servicing burden. (Photo by Yuji Kuronuma)

International relations

Sri Lanka's silent port reveals China's ever tighter grip

Attempts at fiscal discipline strengthen Beijing's hand

14 March 2018

Soldiers of Sri Lanka's Special Task Force walk past damaged houses after a clash between two communities in Kandy district, Sri Lanka on March 8, 2018.

Politics

Buddhist mobs threaten Sri Lanka's fragile ethnic peace

State of emergency declared over anti-Muslim violence

11 March 2018

International relations

China and India court new Nepali leader

Railways seen to be next area of contention for superpowers

8 March 2018

A woman shows her finger after voting in national elections in the Philippines. The Southeast Asian nation ranks above the global average in women in parliament.

Politics

Once a world leader, Asia now trails in women lawmakers

Philippines, Laos and China among best in terms of females in parliament

8 March 2018

A Pakistani official hoists a national flag during the country's Independence Day. (Getty Images)

International relations

'Gray-listing' pushes Pakistan further into China's orbit

Watchdog's move to sap South Asian nation of non-China cash

6 March 2018

Japan's newborns had the lowest mortality among the 184 countries ranked by UNICEF.

International relations

Japan the safest place to give birth: UNICEF

New report calls for universal health coverage to lower infant mortality

21 February 2018

People walk past the Dhaka Stock Exchange in the Bangladeshi capital.

Economy

China and India take battle for influence to Dhaka stock market

Bangladeshi bourse's 25% stake offer highlights regional economic rivalry

19 February 2018

Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, center, smiles as he speaks during a media briefing in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Feb. 12.

Politics

China debt worries grow in Sri Lanka as ex-president regains clout

After victory in local elections, Rajapaksa calls for new national vote

16 February 2018

Economy

Japan promotes energy-saving devices in Bangladesh

Efficient gear to offset rising fossil fuel use and preserve competitiveness

16 February 2018

Large crowds at an election rally of Mahinda Rajapaksa's in Ampara town, some 350km away from Colombo (Photo courtesy of Office of Mahinda Rajapaksa)

Politics

China's shadow looms large in Sri Lanka local election

Former leader Rajapaksa attempts comeback as corruption probes falter

2 February 2018

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi speaks to the Nikkei Asian Review.

Economy

Pakistan's prime minister brushes off Chinese 'debt trap' worries

Leader says country will benefit greatly from Belt & Road infrastructure projects

1 February 2018

A boy sells umbrellas printed with Pakistan's flag at a market in Karachi last July. Safety in the city has improved dramatically.

Economy

Pakistan keeps terrorists on the run and the economy on a roll

Sweeping security push helps improve growth and business sentiment

1 February 2018

Interview

Pakistan PM brushes off worries about Chinese 'debt trap'

Abbasi stresses broad economic benefits of joint infrastructure projects

25 January 2018

An aerial view of the Haveli Bahadur Shah LNG power plant in Jhang, Pakistan

Economy

Russia seeks gas buyers in South Asia as sanctions bite

Plans include a pipeline in Pakistan and joint development with India

25 January 2018

Workers load carts at a brick factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in April 2017.

Economy

Nearly one billion Asians in vulnerable jobs, says ILO

High growth, low unemployment mask precarious work conditions for many

23 January 2018

Economy

Pakistan keeps terrorists on the run and economy on a roll

Businesses' focus shifts from bombs and kidnappings to taxes and policy

19 January 2018

Economy

Private equity comes to Bhutan

Local companies in need of capital to expand in fast-growing economy

16 January 2018

Indian students in Gauhati hold hands by the Brahmaputra River on Dec. 11 during a protest over its contamination.

Economy

Brahma Chellaney: Water shortages pose a threat to Asia's peace and stability

Soaring demand and climate change are exacerbating a fraught situation

11 January 2018

International relations

Russia seeks new gas markets in South Asia as sanctions bite

Moscow agrees pipeline deal with Pakistan and develops fields with India

8 January 2018

The Bank of Korea has joined the U.S. Federal Reserve in reversing the unconventional easy-credit policy once led by the Fed and other central banks.

Looking ahead 2018

QE unwinding is more dangerous than it appears

Asia's emerging markets remain dependent on central bank liquidity

26 December 2017

Economy

China has India surrounded in their new Great Game

One after another, Beijing is pulling South Asian governments into its orbit

21 December 2017

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen shakes hands with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in Beijing on Dec. 7.

Economy

China-Maldives trade pact catches India off guard

Deal rushed through island nation's legislature under cover of darkness

8 December 2017