Japan’s Abe Sells Trade Deal to Congress With War Apology

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged the U.S. government to work closely with his country to finish an ambitious Asia-Pacific trade deal that he said would promote democracy and freedom in the region.

Nepal can't rebuild without the world's help

Even before one of the country's major fault lines rumbled to life, Nepal was beset by challenges: An extremely weak economy, rampant corruption and a series of climbing accidents on Mount Everest, its signature tourist attraction.

Surprise in Malaysia’s Budget: Revenue Growth Beats Spending

There are several reasons Malaysia’s ringgit was the worst performing currency in Asia last quarter -- plunging oil prices that hurt the budget, loan repayment delays at state investment company 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

Rupee Has Biggest Weekly Drop Since August 2013 on Debt Outflows

India’s rupee completed its biggest weekly drop since August 2013 as foreign funds pulled money from local bonds after the trade deficit widened and the government said overseas investors would have to pay a retrospective tax.

India struggles to woo retail investors to govt bonds

MUMBAI (Reuters) - The Reserve Bank of India's move this month to allow retail investors to buy government bonds has so far failed to lure savers, throwing into question efforts to deepen the country's debt markets and help cushion them from global volatility.

Thailand threatened with possible EU fish trade ban

Thailand's government said it is "confident" it can address concerns over illegal fishing that could result in a trade ban from the European Union.

China Payment System Key to Yuan Global Usage, Shows Survey

China needs to start its cross-border payment system soon as the nation pushes for the yuan to be added to the International Monetary Fund’s basket of four reserve currencies, a survey by Allen & Overy LLP shows.

Japan, U.S. Seek Trade Pact Deals on Rice, Auto Parts

Japanese and U.S. negotiators will seek to resolve the most contentious issues of rice and auto parts to help the two countries reach a trade pact, Japanese Economy Minister Akira Amari said.

India frets trade gains could unravel as deficit widens

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India's trade deficit in March was the highest in four months, at $11.79 billion, as exports continued to fall, underscoring risks for growth prospects in Asia's third largest economy.

The Russian banking sector is about to implode

The country has more than 820 lenders, a staggering number of which have a high ratio of bad loans on their balance sheets. Many will soon disappear.

India’s Ex-Finance Minister Says Rates Should Be Lower

India’s former Finance Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram joined his successor in advocating lower interest rates, while stopping short of endorsing the current administration’s budget.

Asian shares edge up, shrug off downbeat China trade data

TOKYO (Reuters) - A rally in China's stock markets to seven year highs on Monday kept an index of Asian shares near its highest level since September, as weak Chinese trade data hardened expectations for more economic stimulus measures from Beijing.

India's rich temples may open gold vaults for Modi

MUMBAI/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The two-century-old Shree Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai devoted to the Hindu elephant-headed god Ganesha bristles with close circuit cameras and is guarded by 65 security officers.

Russia’s Capital Outflows Eased to $33 Billion Last Quarter

Russia’s capital outflows more than halved in the first quarter from the previous three months, even as departing funds continued to pose a challenge for an economy facing recession, falling oil prices and sanctions over Ukraine.

Taiwan's president says China relations unshaken by protests

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan's president said Wednesday that relations with political rival China were moving forward despite widespread public opposition that crested with an occupation of parliament last year, and that he hopes to cooperate with Beijing on regional economic development.

Japan, China to hold finance minister meeting: Aso

Japan and China are aiming to hold a finance ministers' meeting in Beijing in June for the first time in more than three years, Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Tuesday.

Why Vietnam's positives aren't boosting stocks

Vietnam's economy seems to have it all - good demographics, rising incomes and growing consumption - but that's not good enough to translate into stock market gains.

Japan business confidence wavers

Doubts about a rebound in Japan's economy are rippling through boardrooms across the country, a key central bank survey suggests, as efforts to revive growth falter.

GLOBAL ECONOMY-Weak demand in Asia calls for more stimulus

April 1 (Reuters) - Companies struggled in China and much of the rest of Asia in March amid persistently weak domestic and global demand, suggesting that policymakers may have to resort to more stimulus to spur growth.

Stampede to Join China’s Development Bank Stuns Even Its Founder

BEIJING — The sudden rush to join China’s new Asian development bank by this week’s deadline, including last-minute applications by countries hardly considered Beijing’s best friends, astonished even the Chinese.