Business
– Oman’s electricity production increased 4.3% year on year during the first eight months of 2026. Total output reached 37,481.8 gigawatt-hours, compared with 35,935.3 GWh in the same period of 2025. The increase amounted to about 1,546.5 GWh. Preliminary figures
– Indonesia recorded Rp131.1 trillion, about $7.33 billion, in foreign capital inflows through early October 2026. Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara presented the figure during the government’s latest state budget briefing in Jakarta. Most foreign investment moved into government bonds and
– The African Union has formally launched the Africa Credit Rating Agency, known as AfCRA, in Mauritius. The agency will provide credit assessments for African sovereigns, companies, financial institutions and other issuers. Its launch took place in Port Louis during
TOKYO: Japan posted a current account surplus of 3.93 trillion yen, or about $24.8 billion, in February, as strong returns on overseas investments helped offset softer trade-related gains and a continued shortfall in services. Preliminary balance of payments data released by the
BEIJING: China’s foreign exchange reserves fell to $3.3421 trillion at the end of March, official data showed on April 7, as a stronger U.S. dollar and weaker prices for major global financial assets weighed on the value of the country’s reserve holdings. The
MANILA: The Asian Development Bank has launched a new multi-partner trust fund with about $25 million in initial backing to accelerate preparation of cross-border energy and transmission projects in Southeast Asia. The new vehicle, called the Regional Connectivity Fund for Energy
ANKARA: Türkiye has raised electricity and natural gas prices for households and several business categories, with the biggest increases reaching 25% and taking effect on April 4. The Energy Market Regulatory Authority said residential electricity tariffs rose 25%, while prices increased
ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates entered the world’s top 10 merchandise exporters in 2025 for the first time, ranking ninth globally after its goods exports rose to $707 billion, according to the latest World Trade Organization trade statistics. The WTO’s
SEJONG: South Korea’s food exports rose 4.0% from a year earlier in the first quarter, supported by strong overseas demand for ramyeon, snacks, beverages and fresh fruit, according to provisional government data released on April 3. Food exports reached $2.5622 billion in