National Nov 25, 2020
Japan and 65 other countries as well as 32 international organizations pledged a total of over $12 billion (¥1.225 trillion) over the period between 2021 and 2024.
Commentary / Japan Oct 18, 2020
Now is a good time for Japan to re-focus on quality infrastructure lending in the Indo-Pacific
by Vindu Mai Chotani and Yoichiro Sato
Tokyo must promote both the quality of output from the increasing number of new infrastructure initiatives it is signing and re-approach some of the older projects.
Commentary / World Sep 23, 2020
Celebrating 75 years of the United Nations
by Jose Antonio Ocampo
The U.N. and the belief in global solidarity that it embodies have never been more essential as the world finds itself in turmoil amid a virus pandemic and a recession.
Asia Pacific Aug 24, 2020
Bangladesh has an ambitious climate plan, and a $2 billion loan could give it a start
The low-lying country — home to 160 million people and the world’s largest river delta system — is particularly vulnerable to global warming.
National Aug 12, 2020
Japan to offer Bangladesh loans worth ¥338 billion for infrastructure
The Japanese government said Wednesday it will extend loans totaling up to ¥338.25 billion ($3.17 billion) to Bangladesh for seven projects, most of which will be building infrastructure to support its economic growth. Of the total, Japan will offer as much as ¥89.02 billion for ...
National Aug 9, 2020
U.N. goals crucial as pandemic-linked inequities rise, business leaders say
by Magdalena Osumi
United Nation's sustainable development goals said key to global peace as the coronavirus pandemic exacerbates social and economic inequalities in Japan and across the globe.
Commentary / World Jul 17, 2020
A new way of thinking about foreign aid
by David Howell
Throughout the developing world there is a new mood of both pride and hope. Aid from the rich North is beginning to feel patronizing.
Business / Economy May 22, 2020
China abandons growth target in pandemic, shifting stimulus focus to jobs
The Chinese government abandoned its decadeslong practice of setting an annual target for economic growth amid the storm of uncertainty unleashed by the coronavirus pandemic, and said it would continue to increase stimulus. Speaking at the National People’s Congress in Beijing on Friday morning, Premier ...
Asia Pacific / Social Issues May 12, 2020
'No man's land': Delhi's urban villages face uncertain future
by Rina Chandran
Many of the landmarks of Paras Tyagi's life remain the same in Budhela village in Delhi where he grew up: the house he lived in, the school that he, his father and grandfather attended, the homes of neighbors he knew as a child. But the ...
National | FOCUS May 4, 2020
Coronavirus forces evacuation of Japanese humanitarian aid workers
Nongovernmental organizations have repatriated some Japanese workers due to tighter travel restrictions and poor health care systems in the countries where they operate.
World / Social Issues Apr 30, 2020
Cities could face 100 million 'new poor' in post-pandemic world
About 100 million people living in cities worldwide will likely fall into poverty due to the coronavirus pandemic, urban experts said on Wednesday, calling for mapping tools to identify vulnerable communities and investment focusing on slums. Densely populated cities are at the front line of ...
Business Apr 29, 2020
Copying rich world’s virus plan is big risk for emerging markets
by Ben Holland
To fight the coronavirus, developing economies from Colombia to Indonesia are turning to a playbook that’s become familiar in the rich world since 2008: Central banks are buying government debt. Since February, some 13 emerging-market central banks have started snapping up bonds or said they ...