The simmering Thailand-Cambodia border dispute has reignited geopolitical tensions in Southeast Asia, with China positioning itself as a pivotal mediator. While the conflict’s immediate cause—di…
Economy
Bangladesh’s economic prospects discussed at Swiss-hosted business meet
Key representatives from Bangladesh’s business community joined a discussion on the country’s macroeconomic outlook, financial sector challenges, and investment opportunities at a breakfast meeting ho…
New US tariffs target Asia, but some countries stand to gain
President Trump’s new tariffs are higher than expected for most Asian economies. Moreover, most countries will face additional tariff rates on transshipments. The new announcements are silent on Singa…
Tariffquake: Why Bangladesh economy must diversify or fall
Over 800 export-oriented enterprises in Bangladesh are considered to be at “high risk” following the 35 percent reciprocal tariff imposed by the US. VISUAL: REUTERS It hasn’t been just a tremor;…
Beyond US-ASEAN Bilateral Outreach
In early July 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarked on a landmark journey to Southeast Asia, choosing Malaysia as his first stop in the Indo‑Pacific region. From July 8 to 12, Rubio took …
ADB unveils $2.3 billion plan to boost green, job-rich growth in Nepal
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday announced its new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) for Nepal covering 2025–2029, setting the framework for $2.3 billion in concessional support focused on…
Malaysia set to be ‘biggest beneficiary’ from surge in data centre investment in Apac: Barclays
Emerging markets in Asia, particularly Malaysia and India, are poised to benefit significantly from a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) in data centres. This growth is driven by increased deman…
Indonesia Offers $34 Billion in US Imports to Secure Tariff Relief
The Indonesian government has proposed boosting imports from the United States by up to $34 billion as part of ongoing negotiations aimed at securing relief from trade tariffs imposed by President Don…
From Hasina to Yunus: Bangladesh’s Reforms, Recovery, and Economic Transition
Since August 2024, Bangladesh has been led by an interim government, with Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and pioneer of microfinance, at its helm. This government was appointed after stude…
Trump’s tariff turbulence is reshaping Vietnam’s trade future
US President Donald Trump’s 46 per cent so-called ‘reciprocal’ tariff on Vietnamese exports, initially intended to be effective from 9 April 2025, has been paused for 90 days. While the pause alleviat…