Asia

China unveils new K visa to attract global STEM talent amid U.S. immigration restrictions

The K visa simplifies entry for young professionals, eliminating job offer requirements for STEM fields 

Indonesia, EU conclude landmark trade pact after nine years of talks

Under the Indonesia-EU trade deal, tariffs on 96 percent of goods will be reduced to zero over five years

China keeps benchmark lending rates steady for fourth consecutive month in September

The one-year loan prime rate (LPR) was held at 3.0 percent on Monday, while the five-year LPR remained unchanged at 3.5 percent

Japan’s GDP grows 1 percent in Q2 2025 as exports remain resilient against U.S. tariffs

The government lowered its inflation-adjusted growth forecast for the fiscal year to 0.7 percent from 1.2 percent

India holds interest rates steady as U.S. tariffs loom over exports

Economists suggest limited easing opportunities as U.S. tariffs impact India's export landscape

China expands Silk Road Maritime Transport with 128 new shipping routes launched

Since December 2018, over 20,293 container ships have navigated these vital international routes

Sri Lanka to introduce visa fee waiver for 40 nations in major tourism push

Sri Lanka has set an ambitious target of drawing 3 million tourists and generating $5 billion in tourism revenue in 2025

South Korea, U.S. commit to reaching tariff deal before August 1 deadline

South Korea will be subject to a 25 percent reciprocal tariff unless it reaches a deal before the deadline

Japan’s manufacturing activity contracts in July due to uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs

S&P Global's PMI for manufacturing dropped to 48.8, marking a decline from June's 50.1 

South Korea’s GDP grows 0.6 percent in Q2 2025 driven by strong private consumption, exports

Private consumption increased 0.5 percent, supported by improving sentiment and a stock market rally

China’s consumer price index declines in May 2025 as export growth hits three-month low

CPI edged down 0.1 percent year on year, impacting economic outlook 

Strong Q1 growth reduces urgency for rate cuts in China

Benchmark loan rates unchanged as country faces trade challenges

New satellite launch from China: Tianping-3A 02 for enhanced radar calibration, orbital predictions

The Tianping-3A 02 satellite boosts Chinese radar imaging and supports space exploration efforts 

South Korea to establish $34.4 billion fund to support advanced industries

The funds will be offered to companies in national strategic industries in the form of cheap loans and other investments over the next five years

China aims for 5 percent growth in 2025 amid challenges from Trump tariffs

The government plans to issue $179 billion in special treasury bonds this year to finance its stimulus effort

India central bank delivers first rate cut in almost 5 years as inflation eases

The central bank cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25 percent after keeping it unchanged for eleven consecutive policy meetings

South Korea’s GDP per capita outpaces Japan and Taiwan in 2024, surpasses $36,000

The country's per capita GDP has been calculated based on a nominal growth rate of 5.9 percent

India and China to resume air travel after nearly 5 years

India noted discussions on economic concerns to promote policy transparency

China reveals major breakthroughs in gold exploration with 168 metric tons discovered 

This development is a key step in strengthening the nation's resource security 

Malaysia, Singapore launch special economic zone to boost trade and investment

The zone will offer tax incentives and include key areas in sectors such as aerospace and tourism

Indian Railways aims for net zero carbon emissions by 2030

The rail network has commissioned 487 MW of solar energy plants as of last month

Japan approves record $730 billion budget for FY 2025

The draft got greenlighted by the Cabinet, includes 8.7 trillion yen in defense spending

Bank of Korea plans additional rate cuts in 2025 as prices stabilize

Central bank slashed its policy rate last month for the second time in a row to help prop up the economy

Japan to cut 60 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2035

Officials and experts also reached a consensus on a long-term objective of achieving a 73 percent reduction by fiscal 2040