Pakistan
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.
LNG in Asia: A transitional step on the way to a greener future
As the global push for decarbonisation intensifies, liquefied natural gas - LNG - is emerging as a pivotal player in Asia’s energy transformation.
17th ECO summit in Azerbaijan: a wrap-up
The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) took place in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, with the first international visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian since Israel's bombing of the country
Russia becomes first country to formally recognise Taliban government in Afghanistan
Russia has formally recognised the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the group seized power in August 2021, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on July 4.
Where startups are born, global firms grow and capital flows — Asia in 2025
From 2017 to 2023, private equity and venture capital assets under management in Asia surged by 130%, significantly outpacing growth in Western markets.
Global banking’s new powerhouse: Asia
Asia's level of digital banking infrastructure has enabled it to challenge and even surpass traditional Western players such as Citi and HSBC in key regional markets.
ASIA BLOG: Southeast Asia should pivot away from Trump’s America and steer in the direction of Europe
Trump's confrontational approach to China, while superficially aligned with concerns within ASEAN, is neither strategic nor consultative. It is built more on spectacle than substance, more on division than dialogue.
ETF investment trends in Asia in 2025
While ETF markets in Asia have historically lagged behind those in North America and Europe in terms of depth and diversity, 2025 is witnessing a decisive maturing of the regional ETF ecosystem.
TEHRAN BLOG: British nationals stranded in Iran criticise London's lack of support
British nationals remaining in Tehran have criticised the UK government for providing no assistance or instructions following Israeli attacks on Iran.
ASIA BLOG: Which side leading Asian nations would back if Iran VS Israel escalates
In the event of an escalation, Beijing would likely call for restraint and push for a negotiated settlement. It may be doing so already behind the scenes. However, its silence or perceived tilt towards Tehran could provoke criticism from the West.
India likely to maintain neutral stance in Iran-Israel conflict
While New Delhi supports non-proliferation, it does not favour unilateral military solutions. A full-scale Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities could lead to regional chaos and spike oil prices, directly hurting Indian economic interests.
Pakistan evacuation speaks volumes as diplomats’ families, non-essential staff depart Iran
Pakistan has begun evacuating the families of its diplomatic personnel and some non-essential staff from Iran, a senior official from the Foreign Ministry confirmed on June 17.
Pakistan holds key interest rate at 11% amid oil price risks
Pakistan’s central bank has kept the interest rate unchanged at 11%, citing fresh inflationary risks due to volatile global oil prices and regional geopolitical tensions.
How Turkey became a fintech operator in Spain and Pakistan by seizing unicorn enterprise Papara
State trustee appointed to Turkish firm that owns Madrid-based neobank Rebellion Pay and reportedly took over Pakistani operator SadaPay.
What the Iran-Israel war could mean for much of Asia
From energy security and trade disruptions to political polarisation and rising tensions among Muslim-majority nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia and nuclear armed Pakistan, the consequences for Asia could reshape regional dynamics.
COMMENT: Despite Pakistan’s hostility, India builds bridges with Islamic world
New Delhi's outreach to the Islamic world has intensified in recent years, particularly towards the Gulf Cooperation Council states, which are pivotal to India's energy security, diaspora well-being, and trade balance.
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ASIA BLOG: How US tariffs are driving Asia closer to itself – and China
What’s striking right now is how ASEAN is operating on two levels. Publicly, it champions inclusivity and dialogue. Privately, it’s hedging harder than ever.
COMMENT: Asian unity in a fragmenting world boosted by the RCEP
In the face of renewed US protectionism and the use of tariffs as economic weapons, RCEP offers the Indo-Pacific region something far more strategic: a framework for resilience, integration and independence.
Pakistan’s power sector in 2025 at a critical juncture
The country recorded notable growth in solar energy deployment and added new renewable capacity, but these gains came against the backdrop of deep-rooted structural challenges
COMMENT: Asia's team lists in the Washington VS Beijing bout
While fewer in number, some Asian nations have displayed clear signs of alignment or strategic proximity to China.