Asia Pacific

The Indian government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reported to have passed an order to try to boost the country’s mining sector.

Every year brings unforeseeable events that set economic graphs bucking and weaving. But most countries in Asia are entering 2015 with the winds set fair until, inevitably, “unknown unknowns” churn the waters.

The Indonesian Employers Association can be accused of many things, but not of lacking in chutzpah.

As Asia’s middle class grows, so does the demand for low-cost airlines. The latest airline to join the throng is Thai VietJet Air, 51% owned by Thailand’s Kan Air and 49% by VietJet Air.

The decision by U.S.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Macau – the world’s dominant gambling centre – last month for a first-hand look at the fallout from his anti-corruption drive.

The tumble of the Russian economy, and President Vladimir Putin’s continued troubles with Europe and the U.S., are seen as a huge opportunity in China.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will continue to face domestic resistance to his economic reform and restructuring plans despite his widely expected election victory last week that gives him unassailable control of parliament.

Malaysia’s Home Ministry, the department responsible for internal law and order, is considering a proposal by five companies to build a wall along the country’s borders with its neighbours.

Burma’s rubber producers say the industry has a strong future, even though prices are falling at the moment. Rubber exports from Burma, also known as Myanmar, are expected to double by 2016 to about 340,000 tonnes from 170,000 tonnes last year.