Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business As part of its strategy to enhance scientific research and studies that provide accurate data to support decision makers, the Ministry of Finance (MoF), launched an initiative to conduct studies by experts in managing the overall economy and the Ministry’s financial policies. Research papers are and will be published in international scientific journals. The …

  Bali / Bloomberg   It’s clear from the dirt floor, the battered green sofa and the common-use comb hanging from a string next to the door that this is no ordinary bank. Customers here, in a poor corner of eastern Indonesia, borrow cash — and pay back trash. “The program originated from the people, it is managed by the …

  Beijing / Bloomberg Working holidaymakers from overseas were given a reprieve on Tuesday from being hit with a so-called “backpacker tax” in Australia after a campaign by farmers and the tourism industry. The government, which is in election mode with polls on July 2, had planned to introduce the levy on foreign travellers who are often young and work …