Entries by Tom Saltmarsh

China banking on AI to boost efficiencies across the board

Artificial intelligence will take technology to new heights, empowering the real economy with industry integration, a leading expert told the 15th China Internet Industry Annual Conference 2025. Wu Hequan, from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, said that “phones, computers and such products will be redefined by AI”, adding that AI will be applied to new […]

Start-up funding in UAE set to rocket in 2025

This year is predicted to be a break-out year for start-up funding in the UAE, which expected to easily outstrip the estimated $2 billion raised by the sector in 2024 – which itself is estimated to have tripled from the previous year’s figure. Experts say that on the back rising investor confidence amidst stability and […]

Indian economy ‘to be a little weaker’ in 2025, IMF warns

Growth in India’s economy is set to slow in 2025, the country’s National Statistics Office (NSO) said in a statement announcing it was lowering its projection to 6.4% from 8.2% growth it predicted in 2023-24. The NSO’s figures are supported by the latest research from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In the IMF report, managing […]

‘Strengthened co-operation’ set to boost China–UK trade

The Chinese government is looking to explore new opportunities to trade with the UK, following the conclusions of the two countries’ recent trade talks in China. The China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue held earlier in January were designed to further strengthen collaboration with the United Kingdom and achieve higher level mutual benefits, according to official […]

Malaysian economic growth of 4.9% predicted for 2025

Malaysia’s economic growth is expected to moderate to 4.9% this year, in line with the official target range of 4.5% to 5.5%, taking into account the impact of domestic policies and external challenges, the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific (KSI) has predicted. The independent think tank noted that the global economy faces uncertainty as […]

Accounting frameworks ‘rooted in 20th-century practices’

Accounting systems must be adapted so they better capture modern-day value creation, particularly in the context of climate and intangible assets, a top academic and business leader have agreed. Shivaram Rajgopal, a professor at Columbia Business School, and Anjali Bansal, founding partner, Avaana Capital, made the observation at an event in Mumbai, organised by the […]

China issues new guideline to cut business red tape

Guidelines to rein in excessive administrative inspections of enterprises have been published by the Chinese government, as part of the country’s efforts to improve the business climate and bolster confidence among private firms. Analysts said that arbitrary fines and forfeitures, out-of-jurisdiction enforcement, maximum penalties, which have long been a source of frustration for businesses, should […]

New initiative to support international expansion of Dubai businesses

Dubai Chambers and Standard Chartered recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration aimed at fostering the growth of UAE businesses and supporting their expansion into promising global markets. Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will cooperate to provide access to integrated banking services for international companies establishing their operations in […]

Investment ‘to drive growth to 6.6% in FY26’

The Indian economy is set to grow by 6.6% in 2025-26, up from 6.4% in the current fiscal year, according to figures from India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). Ind-Ra believes investments will be a key growth driver for the Indian economy in FY26, mirroring the economy’s performances in FY22 and FY24. Official figures show that […]