Asia Pacific

For most people seeking a better life, North Korea would not be the natural choice. But between 2009 and 2012, six South Koreans, aged from 27 to 67, who set off for a new life in the North Korean hermit kingdom of Kim Jong-un did not get the welcome they hoped for. All were imprisoned for up to 45 months for entering the country illegally.

Japan’s health-care robots are finding a market in Europe as the percentage of the population aged 65 or older is expected to reach 25% by 2040.

Of all the barriers to cross-cultural business, perhaps a lack of trust is the greatest. This phenomenon is not new, and is not restricted to trans-Pacific trade. Historically, Canada is one of mankind's most successful attempts at building a multi-cultural society, in terms of genuine respect and understanding. Yet even in Canada, people still show a preference to do business with others of similar background.

The value of rubber exported by Vietnam this year is expected to fall by $26 million to $4 billion.

China is unhappy about the growing economic ties between neighbours South Korea and the Philippines.

A report to South Korea’s Ministry of Security and Public Administration says that more than half the country’s 51 million people claim to have been victims of identity theft.

Free trade negotiations between the European Union and nine island nations of the South Pacific have broken down over lack of agreement on tuna fishing after 10 years of talks.

China’s strategic natural gas pipeline across Burma from the port of Kyaukpyu opened last week.

The government of British Columbia has appointed an investment and trade commissioner to further the province’s interests in Asia, Premier Christy Clark announced October 28.

It has taken several years of discussion, public input and at least $10,000 in various expenses, but the New Zealand government has finally decided that the formal names of its North and South Islands should be what everyone has been calling them for generations: the North and South Islands.