March, 2023

• 5 March

  Police try to arrest ex-PM Imran Khan as Pakistan braces for protests

  

  BLOOMBERG Pakistan’s former premier Imran Khan addressed his supporters from his residence in Lahore as police said he was evading arrest and his close aides warned of a standoff between security forces and his supporters at the scene. Khan, 70, has drawn tens of thousands to his rallies in recent months and his arrest could bring them to the streets, …

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• 5 March

  Estonia’s premier Kallas faces far-right test, risking Nato unity

  BLOOMBERG Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas is favored to secure an election victory Sunday, though the vocal Vladimir Putin critic may struggle to form a new government as a far-right party taps discontent. Kallas, who has become popular at home and abroad for her unwavering support for Ukraine, has held a steady — if at times narrowing — lead over …

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• 5 March

  China’s spending on defense to grow 7.2%, fastest pace in 4 years

  

  BLOOMBERG China said its defense spending would grow by 7.2% this year — the fastest pace since 2019 amid increasing tensions with the US on a range of issues, including Taiwan. Military expenditure is expected to rise to 1.55 trillion yuan ($225 billion) in 2023, according to the Ministry of Finance’s annual report released on Sunday at the start of …

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• 5 March

  UK plans law to prevent asylum claims by small boat arrivals

  

  BLOOMBERG Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government plans new laws to prevent people who enter the UK on small boats from claiming asylum, as it looks for ways to halt a record influx of migrants crossing the English Channel. Discussing legislation expected to be introduced this week, Chris Heaton-Harris, secretary of state for Northern Ireland, said more options could be provided …

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• 5 March

  China gives new backing to coal even as clean energy accelerates

  

  BLOOMBERG China signalled coal will retain its role as the country’s mainstay fuel even as the government continues to support the expansion of its world-leading clean energy industry. The nation that mines and burns more than half the world’s coal will keep supporting the fuel, while targeting more efficient consumption and advanced production techniques, according to government reports released Sunday …

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• 5 March

  China sets for weak showing as growth target disappoints

  

  BLOOMBERG Chinese markets may come under pressure again on concerns that authorities will withhold stimulus after unveiling a conservative economic growth target that is below many investors’ expectations. The consensus-lagging growth goal of around 5% for 2023, as Premier Li Keqiang outlined in a key address to open the National People’s Congress, suggests strong monetary or fiscal help may be …

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• 5 March

  Thailand spent $12.8b in 3 years to fight Covid-19

  

  BLOOMBERG Thailand spent a total of 444 billion baht ($12.8 billion) on public health during the three years of the pandemic to contain the spread of Covid-19 and vaccinate its population, according to the Ministry of Public Health. The cost of testing and treating people for Covid accounted for more than half the total spending at 260 billion baht, the …

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• 5 March

  Takeda offers dengue shot cheaper in Brazil, Indonesia

  

  BLOOMBERG Takeda Pharmaceutical Co will sell its dengue vaccine at a steep discount in emerging markets, part of its plan to make sure that people most vulnerable to the life-threatening disease will have access to the immunisation. The cost for Qdenga in Indonesia will be about one-third its European price, far lower than many other innovative vaccines, Takeda Chief Executive …

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• 5 March

  India’s services output in Feb sees sharpest rise in 12 years

  

  BLOOMBERG Activity in India’s dominant services sector climbed to the highest level in 12 years, aided by new business orders and moderation in cost pressures amid resilient demand in the economy. The S&P Global India Purchasing Managers Index for services rose to 59.4 in February from 57.2 in the previous month, according to a statement. A number above 50 shows …

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• 5 March

  Sri Lanka to free rupee after surprise rate hike to win bailout

  

  BLOOMBERG Sri Lanka vowed to soon restore a flexible exchange-rate regime after unexpectedly raising its benchmark interest rate as the troubled nation looks to secure a $2.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout to steady its economy. “Sri Lanka’s rupee will be fully market-driven from next week,” Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said at a press briefing after the Central Bank of …

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