International News
EU Cracks Down on Unsustainable Supply Chains with Landmark Directive
The European Union (EU) has taken a significant step towards promoting ethical and sustainable practices in global supply chains with the adoption of a new directive on corporate due diligence. This legislation, applicable to large companies within the EU, mandates stricter accountability for environmental and human rights issues throughout their operations and supply networks, according […]
Read More
To Counter US, China Invests Big in Domestic Chip Production with US$47bn Fund
In a bold move to bolster domestic chip manufacturing and counter US restrictions on advanced technology, China launched a new state-backed semiconductor fund worth a staggering 344 billion yuan (US$47 billion), according to Asia.nikkei on May 27, 2024. This substantial investment, known as the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund Phase III (Big Fund Phase […]
Read More
Dubai Issues Golden Visa: A Luxury House Costs US$24m, Still Cheap for Chinese Buyers
Dubai’s Booming Market and Golden Visa Scheme Lure Investors from Mainland China and Hong Kong Fuelled by a thriving real estate market and a fast-track residency program, Dubai is rapidly becoming a top destination for property investors from mainland China and Hong Kong, according to industry experts. This shift in investor focus comes after years […]
Read More
Beijing Invests US$42bn to Revive Struggling Real Estate Sector, but Analysts Warn Insufficient
In a bold move to stabilise the struggling property market, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) is establishing a nationwide program offering a staggering 300 billion yuan (US$41.5 billion) in loans, as reported by CNN, 17 May 2024. Industry experts estimate this initial injection could ultimately translate into 500 billion yuan (US$69 billion) worth of […]
Read More
Japan’s Exports Surge in Value 8.3%, Led by Autos and Chips, Despite Volume Decline 3.2%
Japan’s export value surged by 8.3% to reach 8.9 trillion yen (US$57 billion) in late April, marking the fifth straight month of growth, according to official data released by the Japanese Ministry of Finance on Wednesday. However, export volume saw a decline of 3.2% compared to the previous year, as reported by NikkeiAsia on 11 […]
Read More
Asian Countries Do business with China, Lose More Than Profit, but Still Cannot Leave China
In a significant turn of events, the United States has surpassed China as the premier export destination for South Korea and Taiwan, marking a pivotal shift in Asia’s trade landscape. This development, observed in December, underscores a broader trend where Asian economies are exporting less to China as a percentage of their total exports, while […]
Read More
Thai Gov’t Raises Threshold for Reduced Transaction Fees on Property Priced from US$90k to US$258k
The Thai government has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at revitalising the country’s real estate sector. Among these measures is the approval by the Thai cabinet to increase the minimum tax rate on home and condominium transactions to 7 million baht, approximately US$209,000, as reported in a government statement released on Tuesday 9 April […]
Read More
Revised Vietnam Land Law Allowing Property Rights for Overseas Vietnamese to Boost Real Estate Market
The recently revised Land Law, which extends land use rights to overseas Vietnamese (OVs) and Vietnamese citizens living abroad, is anticipated to provide a significant impetus to the country’s real estate sector, according to Vietnamplus on 11 April 2024. Lieu Nguyen, the global ambassador for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia at the US National Association of […]
Read More
Dubai to Introduce World’s First Flying Taxi Early Next Year
Dubai, renowned for its innovation and luxury, is set to pioneer a groundbreaking advancement in urban transportation with the world’s first flying taxi. Joby Aviation, a California-based air-taxi company, has forged a partnership with the Dubai government to launch air taxi services in the city, slated to commence in 2026, with potential initial operations as […]
Read More
Chinese Developer Shimao Faces Liquidation Order Over US$200m Loan
Chinese property developer Shimao Group is facing a liquidation petition filed by China Construction Bank (Asia) over a financial obligation of HK$1.6 billion (US$204 million), according to the company’s statement released on Monday and updated by Business Times on 8 April 2024. In a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange, Shimao Group announced its […]
Read More