Business trends
McDonald's, Starbucks, others hit by Indonesia, Malaysia boycotts
Muslims protest Western brands over perceived pro-Israel stance on Gaza
Economy
Japan immigration
Japan races to court foreign talent as it doubles skilled worker cap
Better support and pay key to attracting up to 820,000 workers in 5 years
China debt crunch
China work report pledges to tackle local debt, without specifics
Annual document avoids contentious proposal to raise retirement age
Markets
Fed's Powell warns cutting rates too soon could backfire
Central bank chief's remarks in line with markets' dialed-down expectations
China People's Congress
China central banker sees full toolbox as planners vow to hit GDP goal
Top economic officials hold rare joint news conference in attempt to shore up confidence
Business trends
Job cuts at Japanese companies jump, hinting at strategy shift
Voluntary retirement offers through February top annual total in 2023
Transportation
Malaysia revives 'ambitious' high-speed rail plan amid hurdles
China Railway Construction, Hyundai unit among companies showing interest
Trade
EU exempts Japanese sake from packaging recycling rules
Requirement covering sake bottles would amount to non-tariff barrier, Tokyo argued
China People's Congress
China sets GDP growth target of 'around 5%' for 2024
Premier Li says recovery 'not solid enough,' promises jobs and easier market access
Inflation
Thailand's consumer prices fall for fifth consecutive month
Negative inflation adds to PM Srettha's pressure on central bank
Trade
Australia unveils $1.3bn fund for investment with ASEAN
Albanese pledges to support companies taking larger role in fast-developing region
Asia Insight
Sri Lanka cultivates sustainable fashion for an economic revival
Government and garment makers aim to catch green wave to boost competitiveness
Work
Japan's smaller companies gain leeway to raise pay on steady profits
With slower growth in labor costs, wage hikes poised to spread to more industries
Israel-Hamas war
Israel's economy well prepared for risks, says central bank governor
Amir Yaron says credit card spending is above prewar levels
Business deals
Nippon Steel executive to negotiate with union on U.S. Steel deal
Japan steelmaker aims to complete purchase before November presidential election
Work
Singapore sets higher salary requirement for work visa from 2025
Expats now must earn $4,200 a month as city-state tightens foreign labor rules
China People's Congress
China scraps Premier Li's NPC news conference, breaking tradition
Decision to nix briefing closes one of the few windows on Beijing's thinking
Economy
Japan corporate capital spending jumps 16.4% in Q4
Solid data could pave way for Bank of Japan exit from stimulus
Economy
More young Japanese choosing flexibility over full-time jobs
Rising trend raises questions about social security programs
Opinion
Being a 'connector' for China is no longer working for Hong Kong
City needs to rethink economic role to show it can still be relevant
Interview
Turkey's ex-president slams U.S. 'double standards' on Israel, Ukraine
Abdullah Gul says West's policies on conflicts could benefit China
Your Week in Asia
China 'Two Sessions', ASEAN-Australia Summit, Malaysia rate decision
Your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events
.JPG?width=300&height=168&fit=cover&gravity=faces&dpr=2&quality=medium&source=nar-cms)
Food & Beverage
Wasabi exports grow as Japan cuisine gains fans overseas
Wasabi food makers tweak spiciness and products for foreign tastes
Bonds
China's record-low yields flash deflationary warning signs
Sluggish prices and population decline raise risk of Japanification
Energy
EU official praises green energy push by Malaysia's Sarawak
Bloc commits to mobilize $10.8bn for ASEAN sustainable projects