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South Asia’s Development Finance Dilemma: Debt, FDI and the Search for Productive Capital

Remittances have become an unusually large source of external finance for South Asia. But a development model in which workers migrate because domestic employment is inadequate, and then send income home to support domestic consumption, cannot indefinitely substitute for creating productive employment at home.

Growth of Underground Economy and Rising Income Disparity is a Social Concern in Sri Lanka

In 2025, Sri Lanka was ranked as the second most expensive housing market in the world based on rentals compared to average income. It is possible that market distortions caused by black economy and corruption have contributed to this. 

From Infrastructure to Investment: Building West Bengal’s Next Growth Cycle

The larger opportunity before West Bengal is therefore not another round of infrastructure creation in isolation. It is the creation of an ecosystem in which infrastructure, private capital, local enterprise and skilled labour reinforce one another. 

Did BRICS Help Thaw India-China Ties? Need to Convert Broken Ice into a Workable Business Relationship

Why not begin by reopening serious discussions with Chinese conglomerate BYD about an Indian factory? BYD is now one of the world’s dominant EV manufacturers. Its Indian ambitions were caught in the post-Galwan investment freeze. Invite it back to the table—but on Indian terms

More on Geoeconomics, Trade and Development

China extends concessionary loan to Sri Lanka to combat COVID-19

China has extended Sri Lanka a concessionary loan of USD 500 million, upon a request made by the government, to financially aid its efforts to combat the COVID – 19 pandemic, News 1st reported

Pakistan, China vow to strengthen strategic cooperation; Beijing says its monitoring Kashmir

China and Pakistan have reaffirmed to further strengthen their “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” aimed at building a community of shared future in the new era

India-China ties: Need to look ahead

Experts at a conference in Kolkata discussed ties between India and China and how the two powerful Asian neighbours could work on finding ways to end their strained ties, find a modus vivendi, and mutually benefit from trade and investment

Chinese media deplores Western media double standards in China, India coverage

The Chinese media continued its scrutiny of the contentious citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in India and its nationwide protests

China rejects Indian claim that Karachi-bound ship has military supplies

China has strongly rejected an Indian allegation that a detained Karachi-bound Chinese merchant vessel carried cargo that breached non-proliferation and export control restrictions, Dawn reported

Chinese President’s wife sends letter thanking Sri Lankan students

Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, has written back to a group of students from a girls school in Sri Lanka, expressing her appreciation for their support for China’s fight against the COVID-19 epidemic and encouraging them to make contributions to carrying forward China-Sri Lanka friendship, the Xinhua news agency reported.

Coronavirus outbreak: 23 Bangladeshis flown to Delhi from Wuhan

Twenty-three more Bangladeshi nationals have been evacuated from China’s Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak

Coronavirus outbreak: Chinese president appreciates Bangladesh PM’s letter

Chinese President Xi Jinping has appreciated the support of Bangladesh government towards the East Asian country when the country is in a battle against the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Andhra techie in Wuhan surviving on rice, pickle for a month

A 22-year-old engineer from Andhra Pradesh, who is stranded in coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, is surviving on rice and pickle for nearly a month, her relatives said.

'Coronavirus will not impact China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects'

The multibillion-dollar projects being implemented under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would not be affected by the temporary challenge of coronavirus, declared Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing.

'Pakistan-China true friends and good brothers'

China reiterated its gratitude and appreciation over the enormous support and assistance offered by Pakistan in the wake of the novel coronavirus epidemic.

Chinese President Xi likely to visit Pakistan soon

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit Pakistan either in May or June to further expand strategic partnership and trade ties between the two neighbouring countries, according to informed sources.

Bangladesh trade body urges banks to be flexible as coronavirus outbreak hits imports

Bangladesh's apex trade body has urged banks to exercise more flexibility in the wake of coronavirus outbreak in China that has hit the supply chain of imported raw materials and products for local businesses.

Air India suspends China, Hong Kong operations till June

India's national passenger carrier Air India has extended the suspension period for its Delhi-Shanghai and Delhi-Hong Kong services till June 30, owing to the outbreak of deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Chinese workers resume work in Sri Lanka after quarantine

Chinese workers in Sri Lanka, who were subjected to a 14-day quarantine amidst fears of the novel coronavirus, have resumed work this week, a media report said on Friday