Business

A CK Hutchison unit says its arbitration claim against Panama over cancelled port concessions and alleged property seizures has topped RM8 billion, escalating a diplomatic and commercial dispute.

China Daily Asia reports CK Hutchison has filed a US$2 billion claim against the Republic of Panama; details on the grounds and forum of the claim were not provided.

An ICC arbitration claim filed by a CK Hutchison unit now exceeds $2 billion, alleging Panama staged a state campaign that led to an “unlawful” takeover of port terminals, raising legal and economic questions for the country.

A CCCEU report finds nearly 80% of Chinese firms in the EU plan to expand investment despite citing policy uncertainty, a result that contrasts with European firms’ reports on China.

A second China-owned LPG carrier has passed through the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israeli war with Iran, highlighting contested access to a key shipping corridor and risks to global trade.

Hong Kong’s MTR will perform overnight signalling upgrades on Sunday as it prepares for a partial opening of the Tung Chung line extension later this year; the HK$19.5bn project remains on track for full opening in 2029 and is said to be unaffected by a counterfeit brick scandal.

MLex reports that CK Hutchison’s Panama unit has raised arbitration claims of more than $2 billion. The initial notice provides limited details; follow-up reporting is needed.

Pop Mart reported booming 2025 revenue and profit but saw its Hong Kong shares fall 22.5% as investors worried the company remains too reliant on its Labubu character.

Hong Kong officials are considering requiring petrol retailers to disclose pricing formulas when bidding for station sites after lawmakers pushed for measures to tackle surging fuel costs. The environment minister said the tender policy will be reviewed.

Escalation in the Middle East is driving investors into safe havens and straining the more than US$3 trillion global private-credit market, posing risks to China as the top creditor to developing countries.

Shenzhen has launched a three-year plan to grow into a hub for intelligent computing clusters, aiming for a “leapfrog” increase in AI server, semiconductor and storage production and shipments by 2028.

Costa Rica and Panama have submitted a joint bid to develop a regional rail link aimed at improving cross‑border connectivity and strengthening trade and transport ties.

Panama is identified among Latin American countries seeking to attract investment amid a regional lithium and copper boom, with the Mining Chamber referenced as engaged in the effort.

Capital Group says global stock buybacks reached a record US$1.46 trillion in 2025, up 8.4% year on year, as companies returned cash to shareholders amid an equity rally.

Seatrade Maritime News reports CK Hutchison’s damages claim against the Republic of Panama has expanded to over $2 billion, raising potential fiscal and sectoral implications for Panama’s ports and investment climate.

Philippine Airlines president Richard Nuttall warned that the Philippines may need to ration fuel amid tightening supplies caused by the war in Iran, a development that could impact flights and transport sectors.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee urged stronger ties with Hainan after meeting its Communist Party secretary, calling on Hong Kong firms to offer finance, legal and accounting services to the island’s free‑trade port.

Shipping disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz are driving up freight, energy and raw-material costs, prompting some Chinese factories to cut production and suspend exports, including to Iran.

Diesel price spikes in March — to $1.21 per liter — are increasing freight operating costs in Panama, prompting contract adjustments and warning of higher consumer prices.

Higher fuel costs are squeezing freight operators moving produce from Tierras Altas in Chiriquí to Merca Panamá, prompting carriers to consider raising rates soon.