Middle East

Scott Morrison's first trip overseas as Australian Prime Minister was to neighboring Indonesia in August.
International relations

Australia's canceled Israel embassy move shows country's Asian concerns

Government buckles amid backlash from Muslim-majority Indonesia and Malaysia

5 January 2019
Yachts at a dock in Dubai. Nissan's "CEO reserve" was managed out of the Middle Eastern city.
Nissan's Ghosn crisis

Ghosn's multimillion-dollar discretionary fund draws scrutiny

Managed in Dubai, Nissan's 'CEO reserve' dispensed $63m to associates

5 January 2019
Tokyo prosecutors suspect former Nissan Motor Chairman Carlos Ghosn of using the automaker's "CEO reserve" for personal payments. (Photo by Makoto Kawakami)
Nissan's Ghosn crisis

Ghosn paid 2 more acquaintances $48m with Nissan money

Payments to Middle East associates were dispensed from 'CEO reserve'

4 January 2019
The Indonesian rupiah was one of many Asian currencies that tumbled during the year, at one point hitting its lowest rate against the U.S. dollar in 20 years.
2018 in review

Emerging Asia challenged by slumping currencies throughout the year

Fed rate hikes and US-China trade war send value against greenback to new lows

30 December 2018
Then-Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn launches a new model in Abu Dhabi in 2010. (Photo by Yorihisa Ota)
Nissan's Ghosn crisis

Saudi businessman emerges as key figure in Ghosn case

Khaled Al Juffali thought to have guaranteed credit when ex-chairman suffered personal losses

28 December 2018
The government's probe into alleged corruption in a gas deal the previous administration signed with Qatar could backfire if much-needed imports are halted.
International relations

Pakistan's probe into Qatar gas deal risks worsening power cuts

PM Khan caught between pledge to rid corruption and country's energy needs

26 December 2018
Qatar is planning an ambitious new initiative with Malaysia and Turkey to serve the $2 trillion global Islamic finance market.
Economy

Qatar partners Malaysia, Turkey to conquer Islamic finance market

Gas-rich Gulf state aims to escape blockade by diversifying economy

22 December 2018
Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker has threatened to pull the airline out of the Oneworld Alliance, citing mistreatment from fellow members American Airlines and Qantas.
Transportation

Asian travelers hit by Qatar Airways threat to quit Oneworld

Gulf carrier accuses partners American Airlines and Qantas of hostility

19 December 2018
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison delivers a speech at the Sydney Institute on Saturday.
International relations

Australia recognizes West Jerusalem as Israeli capital

Prime minister says embassy will not move until city's status is settled

16 December 2018
The 2011 Fukushima disaster sill looms large over Japan's nuclear industry, which has seen rising safety costs undermine its ability to compete for overseas projects.
Business trends

Japan risks losing nuclear prowess with Turkey project abort

Plans to pursue overseas opportunities stall as safety costs tower

5 December 2018
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, and Turkey's then-Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan shake hands after agreeing to deepen cooperation in nuclear power generation in Istanbul in October 2013.
Economy

Japan to scrap Turkey nuclear project

Post-Fukushima safety measures doubled costs for Mitsubishi and partners

4 December 2018
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been making the rounds of "friendly countries" to seek a way out of economic turmoil. (Getty Images)
Economy

Pakistan turns to 'friends' after failing to secure IMF bailout

Analysts say Saudi and Chinese billions will not restore country's credibility

21 November 2018
Chinese tourists visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok. A sharp decline in Chinese visitors is forcing the Thai government to adjust its tourism strategy.
Business trends

Chiang Mai hotels up for sale as Chinese tour crowds dry up

Thailand confronts prospect of prolonged decline in mainland tourists

20 November 2018
Turkey's Yildiz Holding plans to sell its Godiva chocolate business spanning several big Asia-Pacific markets, hoping to complete a deal by the middle of next year. (Photo by Shihoko Nakaoka)
Business deals

Godiva's East Asia chocolate business up for sale

Mitsubishi Corp. and others among potential buyers from Turkey's Yildiz

16 November 2018
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in New Delhi in February.
Opinion

India should foster Iran relations despite sanctions

Growing links with US vital to counter China but New Delhi also profits from Tehran ties

9 November 2018
U.S. President Donald Trump aims to squeeze Tehran while minimizing the effects on the American economy.
International relations

Japan, India and China among 8 exempt from Iran oil ban, US says

Trump reinstates all sanctions that were lifted by Obama in 2015 deal

6 November 2018
SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son speaks at a news conference in Tokyo on Nov. 5. (Photo by Shinya Sawai)
Companies

SoftBank committed to Saudi-backed fund despite murder

Group announces 40% cut in telecom workforce to slash service fees

6 November 2018
SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son, right, and Saudi King Salman meet in Saudi Arabia in March 2017.
Companies

SoftBank defies concerns over Saudi links with new investment

Investors expected to quiz CEO on future strategy as group posts results

5 November 2018
Asia's skin care market grew 20% in the three years to 2017, thanks partly to a whitening boom.
Business trends

In vogue in Asia: Skin lightening serums, lasers and apps

Companies from Japan to Israel cash in on a growing market

2 November 2018
China’s presence in the oil tanker market is becoming increasingly strong.
Commodities

Oil tanker freight rates surge in Asia

US sanctions prompt importers to switch from Iran to Africa

31 October 2018
A worker walks over newly made pipes at a cement plant in China. Chinese demand for cement is leveling off amid a glut.
Business deals

Taiwan Cement to invest $1.1bn in new Turkey joint venture

Proximity to Europe offers chance to ease reliance on Chinese market

27 October 2018
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, center right, attends a Saudi investment conference Tuesday that was boycotted by many international business and political figures.
Economy

Saudis throw Pakistan $6bn lifeline in return for show of support

Riyadh saves face with Khan's visit amid uproar over journalist's killing

25 October 2018
Stream article image
Business trends

MUFG opens Saudi branch amid controversy

Announcement comes 3 days after bank decided against president's Riyadh trip

24 October 2018
Saudi Arabia's Future Investment Initiative conference has been marred by suspicions of government complicity in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Business deals

Sumitomo and Hyundai ink deals at Saudi Arabia's 'Davos'

Aramco and partners sign $34bn worth of memorandums

24 October 2018
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, left, and Saudi Arabian Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, chairman of the Public Investment Fund.
Companies

Masayoshi Son will not speak at Saudi conference

SoftBank CEO with close ties to Mohammed bin Salman joins wave of cancellations

23 October 2018