Hong Kong retail sales jump in April after two months of decline
The retail sector has been under pressure from stringent restrictions imposed to curb coronavirus, however, the government expects the sector to pick up as measures are eased.
Policy Matters
Wealth distribution toned down in Japan’s government policy drafts
The new capitalism action plan instead emphasizes investment in people, including skill development and job search support for approximately one million people.
All the way on dual citizenship
A law allowing dual citizenship would go a long way in tapping the potential of people who would serve Indonesia and contribute to its development.
South Korea to lift tariff on food imports, raise LTV for first home seekers
A core measure is levying a zero quota tariff on ingredients for food, including wheat, flour, cooking oil, processed eggs and pork, until the end of this year.
More targeted policies in pipeline to boost growth for China
China's sound economic recovery momentum has been hampered by multiple shocks that were not expected and a resurgence of Covid-19 cases since late March, Minister of Finance Liu…
EU leaders back push to ban some Russian oil over war in Ukraine
The bulk of the current pipeline delivery is to Germany and Poland, which have signalled they will wean themselves off Russian supplies regardless of any European Union action.
Banks asked to convert export proceeds into taka immediately
Many exporters sell their export proceeds to banks that offer the higher rate. However, the instruction given on May 31 by Bangladesh Bank will put an end to the practice.
China makes all-out efforts to prop up foreign trade
Apart from increasing fiscal and financial support for foreign trade enterprises, the country will also seek to bolster cross-border e-commerce.
New, higher taxes pitched to incoming Marcos Jr. admin to repay Duterte’s Covid-19 debts
As of the first quarter of 2022, the debt-to-gross domestic product ratio stood at 63.5 percent, the highest since 2005.
Waiting for China’s turnaround
With other major economies weakening and even threatened with recession, China's economic recovery and return to sustained growth can make a big difference to the global economy,…