Asia Pacific

Japan’s cabinet has approved a new energy policy, which envisages nuclear power plants again playing a significant part in the country’s generation mix.

Since Mongolia began its development as one of the great untapped storehouses of natural resources in Asia, it has worried that its prime market is its overbearing neighbour, China.

Thailand’s political uncertainty continues to seriously affect expectations for its economic performance. The International Monetary Fund has issued a new prediction for economic growth of only 2.

Canada needs to "step up its game in Asia," according to an April 17 report by the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy.

Faced with a shortage of usable land for its 1.3 billion people, China has begun encouraging people to have their loved ones buried at sea. Major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai are even offering free sea burials.

In the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear reactor disaster, Japan has been investing massively in other energy sources, especially those identified as “clean” sources of power.

Indonesia and Australia are reported to have gone a long way toward restoring bilateral relations after serious diplomatic disruption last year. The upheaval was caused by the revelation in papers leaked by U.S.

The Philippines is expected to remain the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia and one of the best-performing in East Asia and the Pacific, says the World Bank. The bank expects the Philippines’ economy to grow by 6.

South Korea’s economy has made a solid recovery after the global recession of the last few years. Exports are up, as is domestic consumer spending.

Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz is leading a trade mission in Korea the week of April 14 with the goal of strengthening ties with Asia.