Features
COMMENT: Everyone wants a piece of the post-war Syria pie
Syria’s rapid political shift and bold economic reforms are drawing global investors and diplomats to Damascus. Can the new leadership turn post-conflict ambition into lasting stability?
EU sanctions envoy takes on delicate “compliance” issues on visit to Kazakhstan
Given Russian-Kazakh economic integration, Europe cannot hope to stop every illicit shipment from the Central Asian country to Moscow’s war economy, but there are some notable successes.
Kazakhstan: Authorities aren’t joking about prosecuting satirical social media channel
Satirist facing seven-year prison sentence.
KSE assumes the war in Ukraine will end this year, lifting growth
Ukraine's economic resilience continues to be tested but if the war ends in 2025, economic growth should rise to 6% per year.
Moscow Exchange, SPBX report record trading volumes in 2024 amid market volatility
Russia’s leading stock exchanges reported record increases in total trading volumes in 2024, which saw a Russian IPO boom that is expected to continue this year.
Gold and guns: how civil war keeps Sudan's mineral riches in the ground
Sudan is a treasure trove of untapped resources – vast reserves of gold, iron ore and other precious minerals. However, the country’s ongoing civil war and profound political instability suffocate its economic potential and keep out FDI.
Uzbekistan’s Saneg turns flared gas into fuel
By utilising associated gas produced at oilfields rather than flaring it, Saneg is bolstering Uzbekistan's energy supply while tackling emissions.
Pakistan, Bangladesh strengthen ties in post-Hasina era
For much of the 54 years since Bangladesh gained its independence from Pakistan, ties between the two countries have remained strained at best. Now things are starting to look up.
Families of Karabakh Armenian leaders condemn sham trials in Azerbaijan
Trials of Russian-Armenian billionaire Ruben Vardanyan and fellow former Karabakh leaders draw little Western attention despite Azerbaijan’s poor human rights record.
Will the Nord Steam gas pipelines be turned back on soon?
The idea of restarting Russian gas deliveries to Europe via the damaged Nord Stream 1 & 2 pipelines has been introduced as a possible bargaining chip in the mooted Russo-Ukraine ceasefire talks. If it happens it would solve many of Europe's problems.
Central and Eastern European banks defy expectations with robust 2024 earnings, says RBI
Banks across Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe defied expectations and reported impressive returns on equity ranging between 15% and 20% in 2024, says Raiffeisen Bank International.
Human Rights Watch warns of old pattern of abuse returning in Bangladesh
Bangladesh under interim leader Muhammad Yunus is facing growing scrutiny. Human Rights Watch an NGO known for its controversial truth to power stances, warns of ongoing security force abuses similar to those seen under former Prime Minister Hasina.
Lack of megadeals drags down M&A volume in Emerging Europe
The number of deals in Central and Southeast Europe rose in 2024 but aggregate deal value fell by 31%, finds law firm CMS.
Iran visa-free agreement with Tajikistan goes into effect
Iran and Tajikistan implemented a visa-waiver agreement on February 2 in a boost to the two Persian-speaking countries' relations.
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Expect no sanctions relief for Russian LNG
Preventing more Russian LNG entering the fast-growing gas markets of Asia over the coming years will help ensure extra US supply has a home.
OUTLOOK Russia 2025
What is in store for Russia in 2025? bne IntelliNews’ annual OUTLOOK: Russia 2025
Tajikistan: Personnel reshuffle creates glide path for dynastic transition of power
Will 2025 be the year of a father-son political handoff?
Protesters in rural Georgia aim to sap the security forces’ strength
Even small regional demonstrations may prove crucial in preventing police reinforcements being sent to Tbilisi.
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Yoon's failed martial law declaration leaves South Korea in political turmoil
South Korean prosecutors late on January 26 formally indicted the already impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, describing him as the "ringleader of an insurrection" following his failed declaration of martial law.
No rosy prospects for Russia's IT sector in 2025
When major Western IT vendors left Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, many saw it as a window of opportunity for local IT companies that would step in to satisfy the economy's need for tech solutions.