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☆ China needs bond market reforms to rein in soaring debt, S&P Global says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

China needs bond market reforms as soaring debt poses significant longer-term risk to the country, according to S&P Global. Despite the government's efforts, debt levels remain very high even as nominal GDP growth has slowed, the rating agency said in a report on Thursday. "Policymakers understand the need to simultaneously control leverage and sustain economic growth" to manage systemic risks over the long-term, the analysts noted. But market reforms appear to have "taken a back seat," with authorities focused on addressing pressing issues such as the real estate crisis, stimulating economic growth, as well as keeping local government debt under control, S&P said. Pushing ahead with bond market reforms may be necessary to "concurrently" tackle those challenges, as it could lower debt levels over the long term, the report said.

Organizations: P Locations: Hangzhou, China

☆ India's aviation growth remains strong but external risks linger, Vistara CEO says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-10 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

India's aviation sector remains robust but external pressures pose the biggest risks for growth, according to the CEO of Vistara Airlines. Aviation demand in India is "still progressive" and headed in a positive direction, Vinod Kannan told CNBC in an exclusive interview. However, factors such as fuel costs as well as the strong U.S. dollar could impact growth, he added. The domestic air passenger traffic in India in the financial year ended March 2024 is estimated to stand at $154 million — up about 13% year-on-year, according to credit rating agency ICRA. "Outlook on the Indian aviation industry is stable, amid the continued recovery in domestic and international air passenger traffic, and relatively stable cost environment and expectations of the trend continuing in fiscal year 2024-25," it said.

Persons: Vinod Kannan, CNBC's, Brent Organizations: Vistara Airlines, Aviation, CNBC, U.S, CNBC's Sri Locations: India

☆ U.S. economic engagement in Indo-Pacific 'isn't about China,' Commerce Secretary Raimondo says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-07 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

watch nowAmerica's economic engagement in Indo-Pacific "isn't about China" but for strengthening U.S. presence in the region, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told CNBC. President Joe Biden launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity, involving14 countries, about two years ago, for economic and trade cooperation among the member states. Raimondo underscored the U.S doesn't stop countries in the region from deepening their own economic ties with China. "They all do trade with China, they all trade in EVs with China … that's fine." She added the U.S. was also "massively ramping" up its economic support in the region by providing technology, technical assistance and capital.

Persons: Gina Raimondo, Joe Biden, Raimondo, CNBC's Eunice Yoon, Lawrence Wong Organizations: CNBC, Prosperity, Commerce Department, Singapore's, U.S . Commerce Locations: China, U.S, Singapore, United States, Southeast Asia, EVs

☆ CNBC's Inside India newsletter: Modi's loss could be India's gain
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-06 | by ( Ganesh Rao | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures, at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi, India, June 4, 2024. Adnan Abidi | ReutersThis report is from this week's CNBC's "Inside India" newsletter which brings you timely, insightful news and market commentary on the emerging powerhouse and the big businesses behind its meteoric rise. Far from rewarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party with a supermajority — as polls had predicted — Indians elected 240 BJP lawmakers to India's 543-seat Parliament, which falls short of a simple majority for Modi's party. However, as the largest party, the BJP will form a coalition government thanks to its alliance with smaller parties ahead of the elections. This "radical transformation" is expected to lead to a significantly more efficient economy and help India's currency, according to Sullivan.

Persons: Narendra Modi, Adnan Abidi, Narendra Modi's, Modi, Gavekal, Tom Miller, Udith Sikand, Malcolm Dorson, Aastha Gudwani, who's, India's, Morgan, Ridham Desai, Will, Goldman Sachs, Abhiram Eleswarapu, Eleswarapu, Tanvir Gill, Sri Jegarajah, Sumathi Bala, Seema Mody, Amala Balakrishner, Vinay Dube, could've, James Sullivan, Sullivan Organizations: Indian, Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP, Reuters, CNBC, Global, of America, Gavekal Research, India Active, BNP, CNBC Pro, JPMorgan, U.S . Federal Locations: New Delhi, India, CNBC's

☆ Modi's weaker-than-expected election win raises questions over his economic and political agenda
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gestures as he arrives at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in New Delhi, India, June 4, 2024. he said, adding Modi will likely have an "uneasy relationship" with its coalition partners. Veteran investor David Roche called the election outcome an exercise of "karma," adding that this was Modi's election to lose. The party suffered some of its high-profile losses here, with political BJP heavyweights like Smriti Irani among others, losing their seats. A 'humbling moment'Going into the election, Modi's popularity endured despite India's economic problems such as high youth unemployment, inflation and income inequality.

Persons: Narendra Modi, Adnan Abidi, Modi, Neelanjan Sircar, We've, Sircar, CNBC's, —, David Roche, Roche, Smriti Irani, overreach, he's, Michael Kugelman, Wilson Organizations: Indian, Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP, Centre for Policy Research, Indian National Congress, Developmental Inclusive Alliance, Independent, South Asia Institute Locations: New Delhi, India, INDIA, Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya, Faizabad, Maharashtra, Rajasthan

☆ The best banks in the Asia-Pacific region, according to customers
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

SINGAPORE — Customers in Asia-Pacific have picked their favorite banks as lenders scramble to meet consumer expectations in a fast-changing environment. After a prolonged period of high inflation — and interest rates — banks in the region are starting to navigate the global trend of lower rates. The report below — the first of its kind — is designed to highlight the banks that best meet consumer needs in their respective markets. They also rated each based on five criteria: trust, terms and conditions (such as fees and rates), customer service, digital services and quality of financial advice. The ranking only included banks that qualified according to the criteria described in the report.

Persons: They're Organizations: Customers, CNBC Locations: SINGAPORE, Asia, Pacific

☆ 'No big deal': Mark Mobius says he'll stay bullish on India no matter the election results
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Mark Mobius, Chairman Mobius Emerging Opportunities Fund speaking on CNBC's The Exchange on March 27th, 2024. Adam Jeffery | CNBCVeteran emerging markets investor Mark Mobius said India's election outcome will not change his bullish views on the country. India's election results will be out on Tuesday next week. watch now"The big question mark is whether [Modi] can get a number of seats to change the constitution," Mobius told CNBC's "Street Signs Asia" on Thursday. But India's economic fundamentals remain "very strong and solid."

Persons: Mark Mobius, Adam Jeffery, Narendra Modi, Modi, Mobius, CNBC's, Gautam Chhaochharia, Chhaochharia Organizations: CNBC Veteran, Bharatiya Janata Party, BJP, UBS Locations: India

☆ China's war drills around Taiwan enter Day 2. Here's what it means for cross-strait relations
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-24 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Members of Taiwan's military conduct routine exercises at Liaoluo Port in Kinmen on May 24, 2024. (Photo by I-HWA CHENG/AFP via Getty Images) I-hwa Cheng | Afp | Getty ImagesChina's latest military exercises around Taiwan risk escalating cross-strait tensions — but war remains unlikely, political observers say. Beijing warned that the two-day drills, which continued on Friday, were aimed at punishing the island's new President Lai Ching-te for his "hostility and provocations." The drills are "legitimate, timely and entirely necessary," as acts of "Taiwan independence" in any form "cannot be tolerated," it added. "This pretext for conducting military exercises not only does not contribute to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but also highlights its hegemonic nature," the ministry said.

Persons: HWA CHENG, Cheng, Lai Ching, Lai, Xi Jinping, China's, Lai —, Wang Yi, Nancy Pelosi's, Xi, Joe Biden, Gabriel Wildau Organizations: HWA, Getty, Afp, Xinhua, Atlantic, China's Ministry of National Defense, Liberation Army, PLA, Eastern, Command, U.S ., Fujian, Guard, U.S, APEC, Teneo Intelligence, Republicans Locations: Liaoluo, Kinmen, China, Taiwan, AFP, Beijing, Eurasia, Republic of China, People's Republic of China, United States, U.S

☆ Former Malaysia Prime Minister Mahathir says he's 'not involved in corrupt practices'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Malaysia's former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad said he and his family members were not involved in any "corrupt practices." Last month, Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Commission said Mahathir was among individuals being investigated over a corruption probe that involved his sons, according to Reuters. Mahathir's sons — Mirzan and Mokhzani — were in January ordered to declare their assets as part of the investigation. But I myself was not involved in corrupt practices," Mahathir told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Thursday. "I made sure that even my family cannot be involved in a government business because I might be accused of nepotism."

Persons: Mahathir Mohamad, Mahathir, Mahathir's, — Mirzan, Mokhzani —, CNBC's Organizations: Corruption, Reuters

☆ Dubai Airports expects record passenger traffic this year, set to top 100 million by 2027
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The CEO of Dubai Airports is bullish on the future and expects passenger traffic to surge to a record this year and top 100 million by 2027. Dubai Airports is the owner and manager of both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). "Those three reasons, suggests we are on for a record year — 91 million forecasts for the end of 2024," he told CNBC's "Capital Connection" on Tuesday. "We expect by 2027, to be topping the 100 million passenger mark. Dubai International Airport posted its busiest quarter in history this year, receiving over 23 million passengers — a 8.4% rise in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, the company said in a statement.

Persons: Paul Griffiths, Al, CNBC's Organizations: Dubai Airports, Dubai International, Al Maktoum International Airport, Emirates, Flydubai Locations: Dubai, Al Maktoum

☆ Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te takes office amid tensions with China
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-20 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A giant screen with a live feed shows Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te delivering his inaugural speech after being sworn into office during the inauguration ceremony at the Presidential Office Building in Taipei on May 20, 2024. Lai takes over from his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen after securing a victory in January's election that ushered in an unprecedented third presidential term for the Democratic Progressive Party. Together with Lai, Hsiao Bi-khim, 52, a former de facto Taiwan ambassador to the United States, was also sworn in as vice president. Lai is widely expected to reaffirm the status quo in cross-strait relations with China. He earlier pledged commitment to Tsai's foreign and defense policies of strengthening the island's ties with the United States and its allies as well as boosting defense capabilities.

Persons: Lai Ching, Yasuyoshi CHIBA, YASUYOSHI CHIBA, Lai, Tsai Ing, Hsiao Organizations: Presidential, Getty, Democratic Progressive Party Locations: Taipei, AFP, China, Taiwan, United States

☆ Modi's strongman rule raises questions about India's 'democratic decline' as he seeks a third term
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Narendra Modi, India's prime minister, center, during a campaign rally in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Photographer: Prakash Singh/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesA decade into power, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears set to secure a rare third term, with the general elections now underway. Opposition 'witch hunt'Ahead of the elections, India's main opposition — the National Congress party — accused the Modi government of freezing its bank accounts. "This is a criminal action on the Congress party done by the prime minister and the home minister," said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a fiery attack. "During Manmohan Singh's time, India was also growing very fast," he added, referring to the economic reforms under the former prime minister in the 1990s.

Persons: Narendra Modi, India's, Modi, Prakash Singh, Asim Ali, Ali, Milan, Modi's, —, Rahul Gandhi, Chietigj Bajpaee, Arvind Kejriwal, consecrating, Ronojoy Sen, Neelanjan Sircar, Manmohan Singh's, Sircar Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty Images Bloomberg, Getty, India's, East, CNBC, Dem, Freedom House, Carnegie Endowment, International Peace, Newsweek, Bharatiya Janata Party, National Congress, South Asia, Chatham House, Aam Aadmi Party, Modi's BJP, BJP, Institute of South Asian Studies, Centre for Policy Research Locations: Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, East Asia, New Delhi, Sweden, U.S, Milan Vaishnav, South Asia, Gujarat, Ali, Delhi, Lok, Ayodhya, Ayodhya —, BJP

☆ Xi welcomes Putin to China as both leaders seek to bolster strategic ties
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on May 16, 2024 as both countries seek to bolster their strategic relationship. Seen here is a file photo of the two men when they met in Beijing on Oct. 18, 2023. Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Thursday as both countries seek to bolster their strategic relationship. In an interview with state-media Xinhua published ahead of the visit, Putin said trade volume between the two countries reached $227.8 billion last year from $111 billion in 2019. "The current bilateral trade volume is about 20 trillion rubles, or nearly 1.6 trillion yuan," he noted.

Persons: Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Putin's, Xi, Putin Organizations: Xinhua Locations: Beijing, China, Russian, U.S . China, Ukraine, Washington, Moscow

☆ Putin wants 3 things from Xi as he seeks to deepen Russia-China ties, analyst says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Russian President Vladimir Putin's meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in China this week is the latest sign of deepening strategic ties between both sides. Putin will make a two-day state visit to China from Thursday at the invitation of Xi, it was announced on Tuesday. This will be the Russian leader's first overseas trip since Putin kicked off his fifth term in office last week. Putin also wants access to Chinese financial markets and to use the "Chinese currency to further Russia's trade," Hess said. "So, it's really Putin going to China seeing what he can get."

Persons: Vladimir Putin's, Xi Jinping, Putin, Xi, Max Hess, CNBC's, Hess, it's Organizations: Foreign Policy Research Institute Locations: China, Russian, Beijing, Siberia, Ukraine

☆ Malaysia won't use interest rates to prop up the ringgit, says central bank deputy chief
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Malaysia will not use monetary policy as a tool to shore up its currency, according to the central bank's deputy governor. Bank Negara's Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid said the country's monetary policy decisions will be determined by economic growth and the inflation outlook. The ringgit currently does not reflect Malaysia's economic fundamentals and growth prospects, Bank Negara said in a statement last week. This has been fueled by expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve could hold interest rates higher-for-longer as inflation remains sticky. Adnan Zaylani said the central bank expects the U.S. interest rate cycle to turn at "some point in time," which will then reflect on the "ringgit performance."

Persons: Bank Negara's Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid, CNBC's, Adnan Zaylani Organizations: Bank, Bank Negara, Korean, U.S ., U.S . Federal Locations: Malaysia

☆ Musk wins court reprieve in fight against Australian government over church stabbing videos
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Elon Musk's social media platform X won a reprieve Monday after an Australian court refused to extend a temporary order to block videos of a Sydney church stabbing. Following the incident, the country's eSafety Commissioner was granted a temporary legal injunction ordering X to hide posts that showed footage of the attack. In an interview last month, Albanese said Musk thinks "he's above Australian law" and called him out for his "arrogance." "The e-Safety Commissioner has made a ruling. Still, online safety "requires platforms to do everything practical and reasonable to minimize the harm it may cause to Australians," the eSafety Commissioner added.

Persons: Elon Musk, The Beverly Hilton, Elon, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, Musk, Anthony Albanese, Albanese, " Albanese Organizations: SpaceX, Tesla, The Beverly, eSafety, Tech Locations: Beverly Hills , California, U.S, Sydney

☆ Japan not seeking a strong yen but a stable currency, David Roche says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Japan is not seeking a strong yen but rather aiming for a relatively stable currency, according to veteran investor David Roche. The Japanese yen has been on a roller coaster ride, with the currency breaking past 160 against the greenback last week — steepest decline in more than three decades. "The Japanese are not aiming at a particularly strong yen. Japan could not "possibly speak to have policy that really results in a strong yen unless they tighten monetary policy," Roche said, adding that it would involve raising interest rates by at least 50 basis points and allowing "unsterilized intervention" of the yen. As far as I can see from the statistics, they've [Bank of Japan] done nothing like that," Roche noted.

Persons: David Roche, Roche, CNBC's Organizations: greenback, Independent, Bank of Japan, Bank of Locations: Japan, Bank of Japan

☆ Thailand's central bank will act independently and not cave to 'political' pressure, governor says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Political pressure won't force the hand of Thailand's central bank in making its interest rate decisions independently, the country's central bank chief told CNBC on Monday. "The proof is in the pudding," Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput told CNBC's "Street Signs Asia." Despite the "clamoring" for rate cuts, the BOT didn't act on it "if we weren't operating independently," he added. The BOT kept the key interest rate steady at 2.50% in its latest policy meeting in April. But the central bank has been facing intense pressure from the government to lower rates, including from the country's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Reuters reported.

Persons: Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, CNBC's, Srettha Thavisin Organizations: CNBC, Bank of Thailand, country's, Reuters

☆ Blinken says U.S. and China must avoid miscalculations as Beijing warns against 'red lines'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) shakes hands with China's Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on June 19, 2023. (Photo by Leah MILLIS / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LEAH MILLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday emphasized the need for the U.S. and China to avoid "miscalculations" and "misunderstandings." Speaking in Beijing ahead of a closed-door meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Blinken said there is no substitute for "face-to-face diplomacy." Both sides need to make sure "that we're as clear as possible about the areas where we have differences, at the very least to avoid misunderstandings, to avoid miscalculations," he told reporters. In his remarks, Wang told Blinken that U.S.-China relations are "beginning to stabilize" with increased dialogue and cooperation.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi, Leah MILLIS, LEAH MILLIS, Wang Yi, Blinken, Wang, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Xi —, — Biden Organizations: Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Getty Images, U.S, Foreign, Economic Cooperation Locations: Diaoyutai, Beijing, China, Washington, San Francisco, Asia, U.S

☆ India 'confident' new EV policy measures will allow more foreign players to enter market
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"It was meant for all global EV manufacturers and domestic manufacturers." While much of the "buzz has been around Tesla," Singh underscored the initiatives will also attract other foreign automakers, highlighting that Vietnam's leading EV maker "VinFast has already announced its intent." In February, VinFast broke ground on its integrated EV manufacturing facility in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu. As competition in India's EV sector remains limited, the entry of major players like Tesla, will level the playing field, MG Motor India's CEO Emeritus Rajeev Chaba told CNBC. Robust trajectoryAccording to Counterpoint Research, India's EV sales nearly doubled in 2023, driven by rising consumer interest and government initiatives, among other factors.

Persons: Rajesh Kumar Singh, CNBC's, Singh, VinFast, Elon Musk, Narendra Modi, Tesla, Rajeev Chaba, EVs, Modi, Ola, Bain Organizations: Department, Promotion, Industry, Internal, EV, CNBC's Sri, Motor, CNBC, Counterpoint Research, International Energy Agency, TVS Motor, Bajaj, Ampere, Bain & Company Locations: India, Tamil Nadu, China

☆ AUKUS won't spur a nuclear arms race in the region, says U.S. Under Secretary of State
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Tayfun Coskun | Anadolu Agency | Getty ImagesThe trilateral defense and security pact between the Australia, U.K., and U.S. — commonly referred to as AUKUS — is not going to trigger a nuclear arms race in the Indo-Pacific region, said the U.S. China responded at that time, warning of the danger of an arms race as well as nuclear proliferation. watch now"It's very important that countries understand that this is not to create a race — to create any kind of arms' races. Nuclear-powered submarines are allowed under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and Australia is not going to become a nuclear weapons state," she added. China's responseChina reiterated its warning that Western powers in the AUKUS security pact are provoking division and risking nuclear proliferation in the South Pacific in its latest remarks.

Persons: Joe Biden, Rishi Sunak, Anthony Albanese, Tayfun, Bonnie Denise Jenkins, Jenkins, Wang Wenbin, presser Organizations: Naval Base Point, Anadolu Agency, Getty, U.S, for Arms Control, International Security, International Atomic Energy Agency, South Pacific, Pacific Nuclear, Foreign Locations: Australia, United Kingdom, United States, Naval Base Point Loma, San Diego , California, China, South

☆ Blinken to warn China over its support for Russia’s military during this week's visit
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-22 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) and China's Foreign Minister Qin Gang shake hands ahead of a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on June 18, 2023. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will warn China about its support for Russia's military during his visit to the country this week, according to a senior State Department official. Blinken is expected to convey Washington's "deep concerns" over China's aid for Russia's defense industrial base, during his three-day visit starting Wednesday. "And I think we've demonstrated our willingness to do so regarding firms from a number of countries, not just China," he added. During his visit to Beijing and Shanghai, Blinken is expected to meet senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to the State Department.

Persons: Antony Blinken, Qin Gang, Blinken, We're, Wang Yi, Xi Jinping Organizations: China's Foreign, State Department Locations: Diaoyutai, Beijing, China, Ukraine, Europe, U.S, Shanghai, Blinken

☆ Malaysia is unfazed by China, U.S. semiconductor competition, minister says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - 2018/01/24: A foreigner is seen with a Malaysia flag as a background. Kuala Lumpur or commonly known as KL is the national capital for Malaysia and is the fastest growing metropolitan regions in South-East Asia. (Photo by Faris Hadziq/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)Malaysia isn't fazed about competition from China or the U.S. as it pushes into higher-end semiconductor manufacturing, according to the country's second finance minister. "We're seeing a lot of end users now diversifying their supply chain. Our focus, actually, is to provide a very vibrant, strong supply chain connectivity, and make sure that we ride on that."

Persons: Faris Hadziq, Amir Hamzah Azizan, Karen Tso, Amir Hamzah Organizations: Getty Images Locations: KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, South, East Asia, China, Washington

☆ Bank of Korea chief says won volatility is a little 'excessive' and will intervene if needed
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Bank of Korea will intervene to control currency volatility if needed, the central bank's chief told CNBC, describing the recent market fluctuations as a little "excessive." Central bank governor Rhee Chang-yong said external factors are fueling the Korean won 's movement. Rhee attributed the won's weakness to the strength of the U.S. dollar as well as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Weakness in other Asian currencies like the Japanese yen and Chinese yuan are also affecting the won, he added. The won strengthened on Wednesday to as high as 1,382.6 per dollar, up 1.26% after hitting a 17-month low and breaching a major threshold of 1,400 per dollar on Tuesday.

Persons: Rhee Chang, CNBC's Karen Tso, Rhee Organizations: Bank, CNBC, Korean, U.S Locations: Korea, Washington

☆ OpenAI opens its first Asia office in Japan as a 'first step' in its commitment to the region
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Sumathi Bala | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

OpenAI has opened its first Asian office in Tokyo, Japan as the ChatGPT developer aims to expand its global presence. As part of the move, the company has appointed Tadao Nagasaki as the new president of OpenAI Japan, to head commercial and market engagement efforts. Altman met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last year and reportedly mentioned he was looking into opening a new office in Japan. The company is backed by Microsoft and has a private market valuation that's reportedly approaching $100 billion. This is the "single largest investment in its 46-year history in Japan, also the site of its first international office," Microsoft said.

Persons: OpenAI, Sam Altman, Tadao, Altman, Fumio Kishida Organizations: Toyota, Microsoft Locations: Tokyo, Japan, Tadao Nagasaki, OpenAI Japan

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