Japan's main Nikkei 225 index and broader Topix index rose in morning trade as the Bank of Japan kept interest rates steady at 0.5 percent for a second straight meeting, amid uncertainty over US President Donald Trump's fast-changing trade policy. The BoJ also halved its growth forecasts for Japan's economy to 0.5 percent in fiscal 2025. In contrast, US stocks initially fell after GDP data showed the US economy shrank by 0.3 percent in the first quarter, but recovered as personal spending in March topped estimates and tech giants Meta and Microsoft reported above-expected quarterly profits.
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/nation/tokyo-stocks-rise-as-boj-holds-rates-steady/article_a2b2448c-e663-58bd-8fa1-c67fca418e59.htmlThe proposed Chinese Economic Zone (CIEZ) in Anwara aims to utilize existing infrastructure like the Karnaphuli River Tunnel, seaport, and airport to establish a major industrial cluster and economic platform for Bangladesh's industrialization. Chinese stakeholders believe this will boost investment, facilitate technological advancement, and drive overall economic growth by enabling cross-border trade within the Pacific-to-Indian Ocean framework. As of September 2024, Chinese investment in Bangladesh totals $2.67 billion, with $1.41 billion coming from mainland China and $1.26 billion from Hong Kong.
https://www.tbsnews.net/economy/govt-fast-tracks-tk4056cr-economic-zone-ctg-attract-chinese-investors-1130926China is holding off on entering serious trade talks with the US as it waits to see which of Donald Trump's advisers will gain influence, according to sources. The Trump administration is divided, and China is not in a rush to negotiate an end to the tariff deadlock initiated by Washington. Three top trade advisers have differing views on how to deal with China, leaving Beijing uncertain about which approach will prevail.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3308620/stronger-china-waits-see-which-trump-adviser-will-come-out-top-tariffs-sources?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsSouth Korea's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has stated that remarks made by US Secretary of Commerce Bessent about wrapping up trade negotiations before the presidential election were likely intended for domestic consumption, rather than as part of a prepared diplomatic message. Choi believes talks are unlikely to conclude before the election, with Seoul aiming to finalize a "July package" targeting tariff elimination by July 8, which would be decided by the next administration.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-05-01/business/economy/Govt-denies-push-to-conclude-US-tariff-talks-to-campaign-on/2297958The European Union (EU) can take a different approach to the US-China trade war by forming new alliances and trade agreements, potentially becoming a welcoming trade partner for many countries. This strategy is in contrast to the unpredictable protectionist stance of the US under President Trump's leadership.
https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-trade-policy-tariffs-eu-economy-competitiveness/The EU is proposing a plan to reduce trade barriers and increase investment between Europe and the US, aiming to strengthen cooperation on global issues such as China's growing steel production capacity.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/968000-bloomberg-eu-to-present-trade-talks-proposals-to-us-next-weekGreece has expressed its commitment to multilateral diplomacy, collective security, and the UN's peacekeeping role under its presidency. It plans to collaborate with all Security Council member states to enhance international peace and security within a rules-based framework.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/968004-greece-takes-over-the-presidency-of-the-un-security-council-from-todayChung, from HD Hyundai, emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between the company and the U.S. Navy, describing the US as Korea's "blood-bonded friend and strongest ally." As part of this initiative, Chung visited Hanwha Ocean's Geoje shipyard in South Korea and toured Japanese shipyards on Monday. The US is seeking to rebuild its domestic shipbuilding industry by leveraging expertise from allied countries like HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-05-01/business/industry/US-Secretary-of-the-Navy-tours-HD-Hyundai-shipyard/2298090Indian Army troops briefed Director General of Military Operations on ceasefire violations before announcing a ceasefire agreement with Pakistan on February 25, 2021. The agreement aimed to reduce tensions, following the Pahalgam strike in which terrorists were involved. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that India's armed forces have operational freedom to respond to terrorism. In response, Pakistan suspended trade and diplomatic ties with India, while shutting its airspace to Indian airliners.
https://indiatoday.in/india/story/pak-army-continues-ceasefire-violation-along-loc-jammu-kashmir-kupwara-deadly-pahalgam-terror-attack-2717770-2025-05-01