Opinion | From tea to TikTok: the middleman’s return is reshaping China trade
The old Canton system is re-emerging in a new guise as the likes of TikTok and Starbucks look to middlemen to navigate a divided global economy
· Jun Yu Chan
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Newest first · UTC+11:00Can new tricks save Hong Kong’s restaurants from ‘irreversible’ Shenzhen trend?
Business models are being overhauled as food and drink sector tackles ‘irreversible’ trend of Hongkongers spending their money elsewhere
· Lam Ka-sing
The president and the public give the US economy different grades - Asia Times
Does the economy rate an A+++++, as President Donald Trump insists? Or does it deserve the C----- that much of the public has been giving it? Judging by
· Urban C. Lehner
Hong Kong’s finance sector a ray of sunshine for city’s retail property segment
Financial services providers are emerging as a new force in the city’s retail property leasing space, analysts say
· Cheryl Arcibal
Editorial | Study shows Hong Kong must do better to end illegal shark fin trade
A recent study showed products from endangered species are still entering Hong Kong’s market, revealing worrying gaps in oversight
· SCMP Editorial
A Chinese tech hub eyes 3- to 7-nanometre chip breakthroughs to beat US curbs
Province’s five-year plan backs national push for tech independence – but can it succeed?
· Frank Chen
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry strengthens UK market presence at Source Fashion London - DailyNews
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry made a strong and impactful presence at Source Fashion London 2026, held from January 13-15 at Olympia London, United Kingdom, reinforcing the country’s position as a reliable and competitive global sourcing destination.
· Gayan Abeykoon
Global Economy shows resilience amid historic trade, policy uncertainty - DailyNews
The global economy is proving more resilient than anticipated despite persistent trade tensions and policy uncertainty, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report. Global growth is projected to remain broadly steady over the next two years, easing to 2.6% in 2026 before rising to 2.7% in 2…
· Gayan Abeykoon
SPC records significant growth in 2025 - DailyNews
The State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC) recorded significant financial growth in 2025, reporting a 173 per cent increase in its contribution to the government through income and Treasury taxes. According to the SPC’s 2025 progress summary, the corporation contributed Rs.1,118 million to the state.This milestone …
· Gayan Abeykoon
NDB Bank renews partnership with Clean Ocean Force Lanka - DailyNews
NDB Bank has renewed its partnership with Clean Ocean Force Lanka, extending three vital environmental initiatives that collectively protect Sri Lanka’s coastal and marine ecosystems.
· Gayan Abeykoon
InsureMe strengthens market capability with Reinsurance Broking Licence - DailyNews
Insureme one of Sri Lanka’s leading insurance intermediary and InsurTech-enabled risk solutions provider has further strengthened its market offering with the receipt of a Reinsurance Broking Licence from the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL).
· Gayan Abeykoon
A financial contribution from UK citizen to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund - DailyNews
Richard Wood and his wife, residents living in the vicinity of the Sri Lanka High Commission in the United Kingdom (UK), have made a financial donation of £2,000 to the Government’s ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund to provide relief to the people affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
· Gayan Abeykoon
Fitch affirms SLIC General's 'CCC+' IFS and 'A+(lka)' National IFS - DailyNews
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation General Limited’s (SLIC General) ‘CCC+’ Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) Rating and ‘A+(lka)’ National IFS Rating. The Outlook on the National IFS Ratings is Stable. Fitch typically does not assign Outlooks to issuers with a rating of ‘CCC+’ or below.
· Gayan Abeykoon
मेनोपॉज: जब अर्थव्यवस्था को नुकसान पहुंचाते हैं हार्मोन
मेनोपॉज और उनसे जुड़ी समस्याओं जैसे कि नींद न आना, ध्यान न लगा पाना, माइग्रेन और लगातार थकान महसूस होने पर आज भी महिलाएं अक्सर खुलकर बात नहीं कर पाती हैं. जर्मनी में इस समय एक करोड़ से ज्यादा महिलाएं मेनोपॉज की उम्र से गुजर रही हैं और कई हार्मोनल बदलावों से जूझ रही हैं. मगर, इस बारे में बात करना इस दौर में भी एक टैबू…
· इंसा व्रेडे
Iran economy hits rock bottom amid protests
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China targets wealthy influencers with audits, fines as fiscal pressures rise
Big data is used to flag income gaps for top online stars and overseas earners, as regulators recover billions in unpaid levies amid slumping land sales and value-added tax revenue decline
· Alice Li
How Chinese corruption busters are tracking down bribes paid in cryptocurrency
A documentary on state television highlights how a senior central bank official was bribed with a digital currency
· Yuanyue Dang
Trump's feud with US Fed chair Powell rattles investors
Federal prosecutors in the United States have launched a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's testimony to Congress on the $2.5 billion (€2.14 billion) renovation of the US central bank's headquarters in Washington, DC.
· Nik Martin
China to cut relending rates, widen credit support for private sector and tech
Beyond the central bank’s rate cuts that take effect Monday, authorities will work to lower the minimum down payment for commercial property purchase loans to 30 per cent
· Ji Siqi
Secret plans, angry emails: Nexperia hearing exposes tussle over China control
The court hearing could be decisive in the tug-of-war over control of the Dutch chipmaker, which sparked supply chain worries and China tensions
· Xiaofei Xu
Malaysia’s super-rich get cold feet as Langkawi luxury car tax perks vanish
Supercar dealers report cancellations as the tax exemption removal threatens the local economy, tourism and jobs
· The Star
Mapping issues in 7 of 8 power bank rental platforms tested by Hong Kong watchdog
Consumer Council also finds significant variance in rental fees across different stations within the same platform
· Harvey Kong
Exclusive | European test pilots put China’s C919 airliner through paces in Shanghai
European Union Aviation Safety Agency test flights a crucial step in acquiring certification needed for global operation
· Frank Chen
CSE surpasses ASPI milestone - DailyNews
The Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) reached a new milestone yesterday (14) with the All-Share Price Index (ASPI) closing on 23,708.70 points breaking the previous ASPI record of 23,659.70 set on November 12, 2025.
· Gayan Abeykoon
An appeal for financial help - DailyNews
Hansi Kanchana from Opatha, Kotugoda, who has been diagnosed with leukemia, has been advised by doctors to undergo a bone marrow transplant. This is to be done at a private hospital in Colombo at a cost of Rs.15 million.
· Gayan Abeykoon
President’s Fund disburses financial assistance to disaster-affected schoolchildren - DailyNews
The disbursement of a Rs. 10,000 financial assistance grant from the President’s Fund to schoolchildren affected by the Cyclone Ditwah has now commenced.
· Gayan Abeykoon
Uganda's debt crisis deepens ahead of elections
Uganda's government recently approved a loan of 9 trillion Ugandan shillings ($2.5 billion, €2.1 billion), which has fueled concern over the country's spiraling finances and high dept-to-GDP ratio.
· Adwoa Tenkoramaa Domena, Cai Nebe, Frank Yiga
Why mortgage subsidies could be key to getting China’s consumers spending
Beijing is striving to boost household spending amid an economic slowdown. But first it needs to stabilise the housing market, scholars say
· Alice Li
Colombo Stock Exchange ASPI hits record high - DailyNews
The All Share Price Index (ASPI), the benchmark of the Colombo Stock Exchange, surged to a new all-time high of 23,708.70 points today (14), surpassing the previous record of 23,659.70 set on November 12, 2025.
· Thushan Jayasuriya
Share of young Hongkongers owning subsidised flats halves in 30 years: study
Buying a 500 sq ft private flat now costs the equivalent of 18.4 years of median household income, compared with 5.6 years in 2002, study shows
· Wynna Wong
When Night Falls in Mumbai
Mumbai: India's financial, commercial and entertainment center. This is the New York of South Asia, according to many of its inhabitants. Here, they say, anything is possible and hard work pays off. Like New York City, Mumbai is a melting pot of different cultures and lifestyles - and a city that never sleeps. Betwe…
· Deutsche Welle
Opinion | Why Russia is gambling on a protracted war in Ukraine
Despite a stagnating economy and mounting casualties on the battlefield, Moscow believes it can wait out Ukrainian and Western resolve
· Jon Yuan Jiang
Iran protest sparks, China vs India and Russia's real economy - Asia Times
Keep independent journalism alive
· Noah Smith
Industry sets clear goals at inaugural Sri Lanka Fintech Summit 2025 - DailyNews
The inaugural Sri Lanka Fintech Summit 2025, held recently, marked a decisive step in shaping the country’s modern, inclusive, and investment-ready digital economy.
· Gayan Abeykoon
Huawei reclaims top spot over Apple in China smartphone market
Huawei turns to China-designed processors to complete a rebound from US sanctions and ship nearly 47 million smartphones domestically
· Iris Deng
73% of Hong Kong, Greater Bay Area firms ramping up expansion into Asean: survey
Survey by Hong Kong Trade Development Council and United Overseas Bank also shows 98 per cent of companies plan to keep or expand Asean operations
· Oscar Liu
AI concerns and slow growth put brakes on EU job market
For a short time during the pandemic, workers across Europe enjoyed rare leverage over their employers. Generous furlough and reduced working-hour programs such as Germany's Kurzarbeit helped companies offset staffing costs. Offices became optional thanks to remote work.
· Nik Martin
Vocational Training must evolve to meet job market needs - Min Pannila - DailyNews
The Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Professor Upali Pannila, has emphasized the need to align vocational training courses with current job market demands.
· Thushan Jayasuriya
‘One of a kind’: tributes pour in for David Webb, Hong Kong’s ‘voice of integrity’
Financial and civic leaders remember former activist investor, hailed for his fearless pursuit of corporate transparency and accountability
· Lo Hoi-ying
China announces record $1tn trade surplus despite Trump tariffs - DailyNews
China announced record export numbers for 2025, a year when US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and trade policy caused turmoil in the global economy.
· Supuni Kulasinghe
President’s Fund begins disbursing Rs. 10,000 assistance to schoolchildren affected by Cyclone Ditwah - DailyNews
The President’s Fund has commenced the disbursement of a Rs. 10,000 financial assistance grant to schoolchildren affected by Cyclone Ditwah.
· Supuni Kulasinghe
Opinion | China’s new property pivot is coming. Expect full stabilisation ahead
As property curbs to boost spending hit practical limits, a push to stabilise assets is now being seen as a prerequisite for consumer confidence
· Michael Han
China’s stock rally on AI optimism to stretch fundraising frenzy in 2026
Tech companies on Shanghai, Shenzhen exchanges now trade nearly 40 per cent above the Nasdaq 100, boosting the appeal of going public
· Zhang Shidong
‘Structurally hurt’: why are Chinese tourists spending less abroad than before?
China’s outbound travel sector has bounced back from the pandemic, but the era of duty-free shopping sprees appears to be over
· Yeon Woo Lee
Eastern Samar posts fastest growth; Laguna holds largest GDP in 2024
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
· Herbie G
Hong Kong plan for shopping zone barriers sparks debate over access, congestion
Government proposal to install barriers will enhance public safety, but move could worsen crowd congestion, Wan Chai district councillor says
· Ambrose Li
Kuaishou taps global debt market with first US dollar, yuan bonds
Kuaishou is China’s second-largest short-form video platform and the third-largest mobile app in the country by total user time spent
· Cao Li
New Zealand central bank chief scolded for poking nose in Trump-Fed feud
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters reminded Anna Breman to ‘stick to domestic monetary policy’
· Bloomberg