Asia Pacific News
LAST UPDATE: September 23, 2025
Sri Lanka Wins S&P Rating Upgrade on Economic Recovery
S&P Global Ratings raised Sri Lanka’s sovereign credit rating to “CCC+/C” from “Selective Default (SD)” after progress in debt restructuring, IMF program reforms, and improving macroeconomic stability.
Insight
The upgrade shows confidence in Sri Lanka’s reforms but risks remain due to high debt and external vulnerabilities. It may help attract new investment and improve borrowing access.
India’s Commerce Minister expected to visit US soon, ET Now reports citing PTI
India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is expected to visit Washington soon for trade talks as both countries seek to improve strained trade ties following U.S. tariff hikes.
Insight
The planned visit signals an effort to reset economic relations despite ongoing tensions, with both countries motivated by the need for stable trade cooperation.
Trump intelligence advisers met with Taiwanese official, sources say
Members of Trump’s intelligence advisory board held a private meeting with Taiwan’s top representative in Washington, underscoring ongoing U.S.–Taiwan contacts despite informal status.
Insight
The meeting highlights the growing importance of unofficial diplomatic channels and signals Washington’s continued engagement with Taiwan amid rising tensions with China.
Indonesia mulls incentives to keep US dollars in domestic market, finmin says
Indonesia is considering incentives to encourage residents to keep U.S. dollars domestically rather than abroad, aiming to strengthen foreign reserves and ensure stable dollar funding.
Insight
This policy reflects concerns over dollar outflows and foreign exchange stability. Its success will depend on how appealing the incentives are compared with offshore alternatives.
Philippines posts $359 mln balance of payment surplus in August
The Philippines recorded a $359 million balance of payments surplus in August, reversing a deficit in July, though the cumulative 2025 balance remains in deficit.
Insight
The surplus offers a short-term boost to external accounts, but underlying structural deficits mean the country still faces challenges in stabilizing its external position.
Singapore to Amend Foreign-Interference Law as Threats Grow
Singapore will revise its foreign-interference laws to address increasing global security risks and external meddling, strengthening its existing legal framework.
Insight
This move reflects growing geopolitical concerns, but balancing tighter security with civil liberties will remain a sensitive issue domestically.
IMF says it will help new govt in Nepal’s economic reform programs
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed its readiness to assist the new Nepalese government with its economic reform programs. This was stated during a virtual meeting between the IMF Mission Chief and Nepal’s Finance Minister. The discussion focused on the impact of recent political developments on the economy and the continuation of reform initiatives.
Insight
This commitment from the IMF signals a global recognition of Nepal’s need for economic stability and reform. It suggests that international bodies are prepared to work with the new government, which is a positive sign for the country’s economic future despite recent political changes.
India, US agree on importance of sustained engagement, Indian minister says
India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in New York and agreed on the importance of sustained engagement to make progress on priority areas. The meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, occurred amidst strained ties due to new US visa fees and tariffs on Indian purchases of Russian oil.
Insight
The agreement on “sustained engagement” highlights a desire from both sides to manage and potentially overcome recent trade and immigration frictions. It demonstrates the strategic importance of the US-India relationship, particularly in the context of shared concerns about China, which motivates both countries to maintain a dialogue despite disagreements.
India’s pension regulator plans to widen investment options for better returns, chairperson says
India’s pension regulator, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), is looking to expand investment options for private pension funds. The chairperson S. Ramann said the regulator is considering allowing funds to invest in new asset classes such as gold and silver exchange-traded funds, venture capital, and alternative investment funds to boost returns for subscribers. The move follows a recent decision to allow customized schemes with higher equity exposure.
Insight
This initiative indicates a policy shift towards more dynamic and higher-yield investment strategies for pension funds in India. It reflects a growing recognition that traditional investment avenues may not be sufficient to provide adequate returns for retirees, and it aims to align pension fund management with modern financial practices.
