Businesses in Phuentsholing struggle to rebound

Phuentsholing—Despite an uptick in the number of Indian tourists visiting Phuentsholing, local businesses in the country’s commercial hub are struggling to bounce back from the pandemic’s impact. In a clear sign that Phuentsholing’s economy is still struggling to recover, hotels and other businesses report low customer footfall even during traditionally busy seasons. This is despite […]

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Sri Lanka’s new president presents first budget with focus on crisis recovery

Sri Lanka’s new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will outline the government’s revenue and policy goals in his first full-year budget on Monday, seeking to extend the country’s recovery from a financial crisis and signal its alignment with a $2.9 billion IMF bailout program. A severe drain in dollar reserves plunged the island nation into turmoil […]

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Maldives bans import of pre-rolled cigarette tubes

The Maldives has banned the import of pre-rolled cigarette tubes under a new regulation formulated by the government. The general regulation on tobacco control was published on the Government Gazette on Wednesday afternoon. The new regulation prohibits the import of pre-rolled cigarette and bidi tubes, whether it comes with filters or not, as well as empty packs […]

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Sinopec Fuel Oil Lanka strengthens SL’s bunkering sector with High Sulphur Fuel Oil

Sinopec Fuel Oil Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. (SFOL) has announced the introduction of High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) to the Sri Lankan market for bunkering, a move that is set to transform the country’s maritime fuel sector. This strategic initiative underscores Sinopec’s commitment to customer-centric solutions, addressing a significant supply gap in Sri Lanka’s bunkering industry. […]

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Hong Kong to complain to WTO on U.S. tariff decision

The Hong Kong government will proceed with launching a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the United States’ decision to levy an additional 10 per cent tariff on products from the city, an escalation analysts say is important but unlikely to sway the Trump administration. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau […]

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Singapore’s DBS flags higher margins, plans capital return

Singapore’s biggest bank DBS Group (DBSM.SI), opens new tab said it expects group net interest income to improve this year and announced a capital return dividend plan on Monday as it posted a 10% rise in fourth-quarter net profit, matching expectations. Southeast Asia’s largest bank by assets said it now expected group net interest income […]

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Bangladesh PMI rises to 65.7 driven by faster expansion in agri, construction, services sectors

The latest Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) readings for Bangladesh indicate that the country’s economy remains on an expansion trajectory for the fourth month, driven by growing exports, seasonal consumption trends, and an improved agro supply chain. The PMI for January has increased by four points from the previous month to 65.7, according to a press […]

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Tajikistan’s social insurance and pension budget surpasses 2024 target

In 2024, Tajikistan’s social insurance and pension budget received a total of 4.864 billion somoni ($448.4 million) in social taxes, exceeding the planned amount by 418.7 million somoni ($38.6 million). This was reported during a press conference of the Social Insurance and Pensions Agency under the Government of Tajikistan. The expenditure side of the agency’s […]

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