Japan and India are joining forces to boost their commercial presence in Africa and counter China’s dominance. Will they be able to compete with the continent's top trading partner – and how is Beijing reacting to the new competition? Stefania Palma reports.
Latest articles from Policy
Nepal’s central bank chief seeks more stability and fewer banks
December 1, 2017Nepal is grappling with interest rate and liquidity volatility as well as a relatively large banking sector that has 28 commercial banks. Chiranjibi Nepal, governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, tells Stefania Palma how the central bank is addressing these issues.
Nepal leaves itself with a federal mountain to climb
December 1, 2017Nepal faces parliamentary and inaugural provincial elections at the end of 2017 while being tasked with setting up a new federal system. Ministry of finance officials tell Stefania Palma how the government is coping.
Will Catalonia independence movement dent Spain’s economic recovery?
December 1, 2017As Spain’s economy is forecast to outpace 2008 GDP growth for the first time since the eurozone crisis, its own constitutional problems are posing a risk to the upbeat projections, writes Stefanie Linhardt.
Belarus inches toward economic recovery
November 1, 2017Belarus is gradually coming out of recession though its public sector reforms are too slow for some. This, combined with high dollarisation, could restrict its growth, writes Stefanie Linhardt.
Turkey builds recovery on credit with an eye on elections
September 1, 2017The Turkish government has launched a bold stimulus programme aimed at lifting the economy out of its slump ahead of coming elections, but at what long-term cost to the nation’s finances? Tom Stevenson reports.
Adapting to the ‘new normal’ in Russian banking
September 1, 2017As the Russian economy recovers, the new equilibrium brings fresh challenges to the financial sector. Stefanie Linhardt finds out how the management at many of the country's leading banks are adapting to this environment at the International Financial Congress in St Petersburg.
Can Pakistan hold its nerve and sustain economic growth?
July 3, 2017Pakistan’s GDP growth is up, its budget deficit is down and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor promises to bring with it major investment. But observers are warning against government complacency as its privatisation programme stalls and power debts remain unpaid.
Will regulatory crackdown see China emerge from the shadows?
July 3, 2017Chinese regulators have tightened their grip on the banking sector in an effort to control financial risk, the country’s ballooning shadow banking sector and excessive debt load. Which banks stand a better chance of meeting these tougher requirements? Stefania Palma reports.
Japan takes a radical approach to spark economic revival
June 1, 2017Negative inflation, stagnant wage growth and an ageing population are forcing Japanese policy-makers to take innovative and, some would say, counterproductive measures to revive the economy. Stefania Palma reports.