Asia

China introduces visa-free entry for tourists entering on cruise ships

China also extends visa-free travel for 11 European countries and Malaysia until the end of 2025

China’s LNG imports forecast to surpass 79 million tons in 2024, PetroChina official says

China shipped nearly 20 million tons of LNG already in the first quarter of 2023

Japan’s wholesale inflation remains at 0.9 percent in April as yen declines

Import prices in yen increased 6.4 percent annually in April and 1.4 percent compared to March

South Korea plans $7.3 billion boost to support semiconductor industry

Announcement comes after commitment of $6.94 billion in investment in AI by 2027

China’s consumer prices rise 0.3 percent in April, producer prices decline 2.5 percent

Decline in manufacturing and services activity raises recovery concerns

Japan’s current account surplus soars to record high of $162.56 million in fiscal 2023

Goods trade deficit decreased to $22.94 million, down from the previous year's $113.83 million

South Korea’s fiscal deficit hits record high of $55.07 billion in Q1 2024

This was primarily attributed to increased expenditures aimed at strengthening the ongoing economic recovery

Hanoi attracts over $1.1 billion in FDI in first four months of 2024

In April alone, 20 new FDI projects in Hanoi attracted $103.9 million

Sri Lanka forges 20-year power purchase deal with India’s Adani Green Energy

Recent power blackouts and fuel shortages during the 2022 economic crisis underscore the importance of diversifying the energy mix

ATM 2024: Dubai’s Emirates, China Cultural Centre join forces to amplify tourism opportunities

The agreement aims to enhance inbound travel from Emirates' global network to China

South Korea, Asian Development Bank sign $2 billion agreement to support development projects

The cofinancing will support projects that include climate change, transportation, energy, agriculture, ICT

Saudi Arabia and Japan to collaborate on digital economy growth, technology innovation

Both parties discussed the progress made in various digital projects and joint initiatives under the Saudi and Japanese Vision 2030 frameworks

Egypt seeks investment boost from South Korea across key sectors

Egypt to implement incentive packages to attract investments in the industrial sector

China’s Xinxing Ductile to invest $400 million in Egypt within 5 years

In April, SCZONE laid the foundation stone of the Xinxing Ductile Iron Pipes Corporation’s factory

Vietnam’s tourism sector generates $10.7 billion in revenue in four months

The sector served over 6.2 million foreign visitors and 40.5 million domestic tourists in the same period

Hong Kong’s economy grows 2.7 percent in Q1 2024

Exports see 6.7 percent growth on increased external demand

South Korea’s terms of trade extend positive 10-month streak, surge 5.9 percent in March

South Korea's trade surplus increased to $4.28 billion in March

China’s manufacturing activity expands at fastest pace in 14 months in April: PMI data

China's manufacturing sector ramped up production levels at the swiftest pace since May 2023

Japan’s industrial production grows 3.8 percent in March on vehicle production surge

Japan sees notable 9.6 percent rise in motor vehicle production in March

Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power seeks to invest $10 billion in Malaysia’s renewable energy sector

Collaboration to power up green data centers in Malaysia's industrial parks

Hong Kong’s GDP likely to grow 2.5-3.5 percent in Q1 of 2024

Mega events to propel Hong Kong's economy and tourism sector

Hong Kong home prices up 1.1 percent in March, first rise in 10 months

Higher mortgage rates, an outflow of talent and a weak market outlook impact property sales

Bank of Japan keeps interest rate unchanged, yen hits 34-year low

Recent attempts by Japanese authorities to intervene in currency markets have been ineffective