Iran conflict hits Asia's polyester suppliers to global fast fashion
World 14:26 26/04/2026SURAT, INDIA -- A surge in fossil fuel prices since the Iran conflict is squeezing polyester suppliers and garment makers across India and Bangladesh, threatening to raise costs for fast-fashion retailers like Zara and H&M.
Asian airlines report Europe demand surge as Gulf hub disruption shifts traffic
World 17:10 20/04/2026HONG KONG - Major Asian airlines have reported surging demand on European routes as travellers shun disrupted Middle Eastern hubs, in a shift analysts suggest could persist for some time even after the Iran conflict ends.
Foreign investors flee Thailand as Iran conflict, energy shock dash hope for economic revival
World 15:48 16/04/2026SINGAPORE - Foreign investors are selling Thai assets as an energy shock from the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran threatens to snuff out hopes for an economic revival under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and exposes the policy paralysis that is gripping Bangkok.
Geneva watch fair set to show conflict's effect on luxury sector
World 12:29 16/04/2026GENEVA -- The Geneva watch fair, the watchmaking industry's biggest annual showcase, opened Tuesday with the impact of the Middle East conflict throwing up challenges for the luxury goods sector.
IMF cuts growth outlook, warns world already drifting toward more adverse scenario
World 17:29 15/04/2026WASHINGTON - The International Monetary Fund cut its growth outlook on Tuesday due to Middle East conflict-driven energy price spikes but said the world was already drifting toward a more adverse scenario with much-weaker growth as Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions continue.
AirAsia X committed to opening Bahrain hub despite Middle East conflict
World 17:13 06/04/2026KUALA LUMPUR -- Budget carrier AirAsia X (AIRX.KL) said on Monday that it remained set on opening a planned hub in Bahrain in June, though the airline's chief executive was non-committal on whether the plans would go ahead if the Middle East conflict drags on.
Iran processing procedures for Vietnamese ships to transit Hormuz: foreign ministry
Vietnam News 08:33 03/04/2026Iran is processing procedures to facilitate the passage of Vietnamese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz following a request from Hanoi, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.
Japan sets up working group to discuss securing critical goods
World 17:06 01/04/2026TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday said that the government has set up a working group to discuss measures to secure a stable supply of critical products.
Fuel crisis powers surge in EV interest in Asia-Pacific region
World 16:24 01/04/2026Motorists across the Asia-Pacific region are switching to electric vehicles at a rapid pace, as rising fuel costs due to the Middle East conflict force consumers and companies to reconsider their reliance on petrol and diesel vehicles.
Vietnamese embassy in Israel urges citizens to avoid high-risk areas amid missile alerts
Vietnam News 14:23 31/03/2026The Embassy of Vietnam in Israel has urged Vietnamese citizens to avoid high-risk areas and follow local safety guidance as security conditions remain volatile amid ongoing missile alerts.
Middle East tensions may shift real estate investment to Vietnam: conference
Economy 19:46 28/03/2026A Vietnamese business executive said on Friday that rising tensions in the Middle East could redirect real estate investment toward Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, as companies reassess risk and costs.
Vietnam Airlines to suspend Hai Phong–Can Tho route from April 1 on high fuel costs
Travel 13:44 28/03/2026Vietnam Airlines will suspend its Hai Phong–Can Tho route from April 1 due to rising fuel costs that have made the service unprofitable, the Can Tho Department of Construction said on Friday.
