As cases of a new coronavirus variant are confirmed around the world, Japan announced that it will suspend entry of all foreign visitors, joining an increasing number of countries that are tightening their borders as fear spreads of yet another extension of pandemic suffering. Japan, which has yet to detect any cases of the recently […]

With Auckland ready to move into the new Covid-19 traffic light framework soon, lovers of food will be able to experience dining out at wonderful restaurants and cafes. A list of 100 eateries for 2021, “Iconic Auckland Eats” has been developed with Asian cuisine featuring prominently. “This year’s list is also a reflection of Auckland’s […]

Along with South Korea several countries, including, Australia and Thailand are allowing international travel. South Korea is also opening some public places as other counties remain shut off due to Covid-19. Although vaccination rates are rising the Delta variant managed to find its way into Australia despite strict border controls. Citizens of the country wanting […]

SOURCE: GLOBAL TIMES New Zealand now has “mature” ties with China that allow for disagreement, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said during a TV interview on Sunday. One day before the opening of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week which Ardern considers as one of the most important international events hosted by New […]

A New Zealand medical and logistics support team with essential supplies to assist Papua New Guinea with its Covid-19 crisis have departed New Zealand. Associate Foreign Minister Aupito William Sio said the PNG government has formally requested humanitarian and medical support from partner governments to respond to the health crisis, with rising case numbers, hospitalisations […]

Jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 11th Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference (ALMAC) will be held on 2 and 3 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The event will be held in a hybrid […]

Over the past week, concern has been growing about the bad debts being carried by China’s largest property developer Evergrande. Evergrande is carrying around $447 billion (US$315b) in debt. With Chinese households holding more than 60 per cent of their wealth in the form of property, a default by Evergrande could trigger a much broader […]

A further NZ$12 million of support for Fiji’s COVID-19 response has been announced by Foreign Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta today. The package builds on previous tranches of assistance New Zealand has provided to Fiji, totalling over NZ$50 million. The new package will support ongoing equipment and supply needs, including testing capacity, oxygen supply and Personal […]

South Korea plans to submit a bill to ratify the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), joining New Zealand, China, Australia and the ASIAN countries. RCEP, creates the world’s biggest trade block covering around 30% of global gross domestic product and around 2.2 billion people. New Zealand and South Korea already have a comprehensive free trade […]

In 2020 New Zealand and China both took a hardline stance on Covid19, aiming for eradication of the virus. The strategy worked well for both countries, with only limited isolated outbreaks through out the later half of 2020 and early 2021. Both countries benefited from their handing of the virus enjoying stronger economic growth than […]