Features
_and_Russian_Dep_Pm_Alexey_Overchuk_140725_1752524933.jpg)
Russian aid agency seeking to fill USAID gaps in former Soviet Union
Imperial attitudes undermine ambitions for expanded influence.
Saudi Arabia ranks first globally in tourism revenue growth
Saudi Arabia achieved first place globally in international tourism revenue growth during the first quarter of 2025.
Ukraine seeks infrastructure investment capital, a “once in a generation” opportunity
As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, Kyiv and its partners are pithing international investors to get involved the infrastructure projects. "The time is now."
The populous, fast-growing emerging markets defying the global downturn
Analysis by Fitch Solutions’ BMI Research identifies a group of large frontier and emerging markets that are growing strongly this year, despite the expected global economic slowdown.
The decline of Persian carpet exports reflects the wider Iranian economy
Export figures reveal a catastrophic contraction from $427.4mn in 2011 to a mere $41.7mn in 2024, representing an 90% reduction in carpet sales.
_1752202224.jpg)
Ever in India’s shadow, Bangladesh needs to define its own energy path
As a country Bangladesh is at an energy crossroads. Following decades of natural‑gas dominance, its energy planners are charting a course towards a diversified power policy with the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant the jewel in the crown.
India unlikely to extradite former Bangladesh PM Hasina despite leaked audio
While the interim government of Bangladesh has accused Hasina of crimes against humanity, including state-sanctioned killings during the extraordinarily disruptive and violent student-led protests, India is under no legal obligation to extradite her.
ESG trends gaining ground across Southeast Asia – by way of ESD stocks
Across the archipelagos and peninsulas of the wider ASEAN region, ESG is no longer confined to idealistic investor presentations. It is beginning to shape investment flows, boardroom decisions and national policy frameworks.
COMMENT: Iraq's fiscal crisis exposes the perils of petro-state profligacy
Iraq's budget deficit will more than double from 4.2% of GDP this year to 9.2% by 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund.
South Asia looks southeast as trade ties strengthen to counterbalance China
This tilt has been most pronounced in India’s expanding economic outreach to Southeast Asia under its "Act East" policy, which has evolved from a diplomatic slogan to a trade and connectivity strategy.
_1752018041.jpg)
East and Southeast Asia react to Trump’s tariff delay with unease, strategic reassessment
Cynics are even claiming the US president doesn’t want to push his controversial tariffs into the spotlight as the US reels from devastating flash floods in Texas that claimed over 100 lives in recent days.
Russia’s June budget deficit widens sharply as military spending and oil revenues diverge
President Putin has lost his luck with oil prices and the budget deficit has widened sharply as budget revenues in June have fallen, but expenditure widened. Russia’s federal budget deficit surged to nearly RUB3.7tn ($41.4bn), or 1.7% of GDP.
Thirteen top officials and executives have died in suspicious circumstances since the start of the war in Ukraine
The death of Roman Starovoit, who killed himself only hours after being fired by Russian President Vladimir Putin as Russia’s transport minister, has spurred fresh talk of the life-threatening dangers of working for the Russian government.
Russian labour market crunch shows signs of easing as firms scale back hiring and wage growth
Russia’s chronic labour crisis is showing signs of beginning to ease, as new data show a slowdown in wage growth and hiring, particularly in the civilian and construction sectors, Kommersant reported this week.
Death on a volcano and a day of reckoning for Indonesia’s mountain rescue teams
Juliana Marins, 26, fell into a 600-metre ravine near the summit of Mount Rinjani during a guided hike with five other tourists. The volcano, rising 3,726 metres above sea level is one of Indonesia’s most popular but perilous trekking destinations.
Taiwan ambassador reaffirms Guatemala partnership amid China's regional expansion
Taiwan's Ambassador to Guatemala has reaffirmed the nations' "transparent, sustainable, and mutually beneficial" relationship in an interview with bne IntelliNews following Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo's visit to Taiwan on June 5.
Matcha shortage in Japan as global demand soars
The issue is not simply one of popularity. Matcha production is a highly specialised and seasonal process. It begins with shade-grown tencha leaves, which are harvested only once a year in spring.
India targets increase in edible oil refining sector by cutting import duties
India is one of the world’s major consumers of edible oil, with palm oil being the most popular. A significant portion of the country’s domestic demand is met through imports, primarily from Malaysia and Indonesia.
Sofa-beds for victory: the furniture makers charting a new path on Ukraine's domestic front
Whilst enrolled on an MBA course at Kyiv Mogyla Business School in 2016, Volodymyr Patis, head of the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Producers, had a “light-bulb moment".
Iranian hardline newspaper compares Zarif to Neville Chamberlain
Hardline Iranian newspaper Kayhan has compared former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who served from 1937 to 1940, criticising calls for renewed negotiations with the United States.