Business

At the China Development Forum, Premier Li Qiang urged global commitment to openness and tech-driven “blue ocean” markets while warning that protectionism and “power politics” threaten global growth.

Chinese new‑style tea brands are expanding into South Korea as consumers seek healthier drinks. Chagee will open three Seoul stores in Q2 and operated 7,338 teahouses as of the end of September.

Vendors at Mercado San Felipe Neri have raised prices for lettuce, tomato and celery, blaming higher fuel costs in Panama and asking the government for a subsidy to ease transport expenses.

HSBC has asked a Hong Kong mother to repay HK$126,580 in fraudulent charges after her credit card was stolen, while she says a friend who reported a similar theft had charges waived.

Vegetable prices for lettuce, celery and tomatoes have risen in Panama markets as vendors link the increases to higher transport costs driven by recent fuel price rises; sellers propose fuel subsidies to ease the impact.

The Panama Canal Authority is recruiting through empleos.pancanal.com as it plans to create around 3,000 new jobs; applicants must apply via the official portal, with most roles requiring Spanish.

The Panamanian government reported a B/.300 million rise in public debt in 2026 while securing B/.200 million in savings on global bonds, a mixed signal for fiscal management.

Weeks of drone and missile attacks linked to Iran have disrupted major sporting events across the Gulf, exposing vulnerabilities in a long-term strategy that uses global sports to diversify oil-dependent economies and enhance national image.

A study finds global debt reached a record US$348 trillion in 2025, with the US the largest debtor in absolute terms; experts warn U.S. debt dysfunction could spark global market turmoil.

Merchants in Colón warn that rising fuel costs could push up food and product prices or force smaller portions. They urge authorities to adopt mitigation measures to protect consumers.

Hong Kong’s boom in 24-hour gyms has prompted a Consumer Council probe that warns of hidden fees and data-privacy risks similar to past fitness‑industry abuses. Consumers are urged to scrutinize contracts and data practices.

China’s long-standing industrial regions are adapting as Beijing pivots toward higher-value manufacturing, technology and services, with potential ripple effects on global supply chains and Panama.

Kunshan, home to major Foxconn operations, is adapting as China’s economy shifts from labour‑intensive manufacturing to higher‑value, technology‑driven production, affecting workers and global supply chains.

Proponents say a Formula One Grand Prix could help Hong Kong reboot its economy, pointing to Singapore’s recent race that drew 300,000+ attendees and S$2.2bn in tourism revenue.

EIN Presswire reports that the Middle East crisis is expected to increase fuel tanker traffic through the Panama Canal. Officials say Panama may face higher transit volumes with operational and environmental implications.

The Panama Canal Authority is opening roughly 3,000 jobs and publishing daily vacancies on its official portal; opportunities span engineering, maritime operations, technical trades and trainee programs.

Blockades in the Strait of Hormuz and LNG export limits are diverting fuel tankers through the Panama Canal. Canal officials say current reservoir levels allow up to 38–40 daily transits.

Container News reports that Hutchison is resisting an exit as a Panama Canal-related deal unravels, raising questions about potential operational and commercial impacts for Panama’s trade and ports.

Panama has responded after Hutchison called related accusations “scandalous,” with media reporting a new Panamanian investigation, potential arbitration and control of Balboa terminals.

The Panama Canal is operating at full capacity as LNG tankers reroute amid the US–Iran war, increasing pressure on transit schedules and global energy shipping routes.