Philippine-based crypto exchange Coins.ph says it is teaming up with fintech firm Circle to enable its 18 million Filipino users to enjoy better remittance services. In a statement, Coins.ph says stab…
Economy
How India and China compete in non-aligned South Asia and the Indian Ocean
China’s economic, diplomatic, and military activities in South Asia and the Indian Ocean island states have New Delhi concerned about Beijing’s growing influence in its neighborhood. In this episode o…
China’s Trade Grows in SE Asia Under BRI, as Do Concerns
Since China’s launch of the Belt and Road Initiative 10 years ago, trade with Southeast Asian nations has more than doubled. Beijing has poured billions into helping build rails, airports, ports, and …
India-China Tango Continues in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been caught in a tug of war between India and China. Most recently, a Chinese maritime research vessel, Shi Yan 6, was expected to enter Colombo for research in purposes, in collaboratio…
Malaysia unveils largest-ever budget; more investment incentives, subsidy cuts to narrow deficit
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Friday (Oct 13) announced the country’s largest-ever budget of RM393.8 billion (S$113.6 billion) in 2024, which he said would continue to fuel economic growth…
Belt and Road Initiative Turns 10: China-Laos link boosting tourism, trade, investment
Travelling at close to 160 kilometres an hour, passengers on the China-Laos Railway can go from the capital Vientiane to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang in just two hours, to the borde…
World Bank boosts Sri Lanka economic forecasts after inflation progress
The World Bank revised up its forecasts for Sri Lanka’s economy on Tuesday, noting the crisis-hit nation had made strides in reducing inflation and had benefited from tourism revenue as well as …
Southeast Asia’s Tech Boom: A Gateway for Baltic Investors
The e-Conomy report compiled by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company stated that Southeast Asia’s digital economy is forecasted to reach a gross merchandise value (GMV) of US$330 billion in 2025, …
Sri Lanka’s wait for 2nd tranche of IMF’s bailout gets longer
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Wednesday that discussions will continue to secure a staff-level agreement as Sri Lanka was unlikely to meet revenue targets after a $3 billion bailout pa…
Australia Unveils Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040
On September 6, 2023, Australia’s government announced its ‘Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040’ with the aim to deepen the country’s economic and trade engagements with the region. By 2040, Sout…