The leading FDI Strategist, The FDI Center, published the report “Advancing Gender Equality in Investment Promotion: A Practical Guide for IPAs”, in which BOI Sri Lanka was featured as a best practice case study for recommendation 2.4 of the report: Conduct regular staff training sessions promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. The BOI is recognized for…
Economic optimism reaches a six month high amid heightened business activity There’s been a ground swell surrounding the economic outlook among businesspeople with the gauge of sentiment marking a six month high in March. PepperCube Consultants says this reflects robust sales volume projections and increased activity. “A significant portion of companies are maintaining a growth…
Reuters – Asian equities and U.S. stock futures slid on Monday as anxiety over tariffs and public criticism of the Federal Reserve by President Donald Trump hit sentiment, pushing the dollar down sharply and catapulting safe-haven gold to a record high. Trump launched a series of attacks against Fed Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday, with…
Citrus Resorts & Hotels, a leading name in Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector, has reported a significant increase in bookings and inquiries, reflecting a growing demand for premium travel experiences. With two iconic beachfront properties—Citrus Waskaduwa and Citrus Hikkaduwa—the brand continues to attract travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Nestled along Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast, Citrus…
Reuters – Chinese e-marketplace Temu and fast-fashion retailer Shein will raise prices next week as U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs and crackdown on low-value imports push up costs for the companies known for their budget offerings.In nearly identical letters to customers this week, the two companies said they will be increasing prices starting April 25 and encouraged…
Bloomberg – Billionaire Gautam Adani will transfer ownership of an Australian terminal to his listed company at an enterprise value of about US$2.5 billion as India’s largest port operator seeks to expand its global footprint. The board of Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone on Thursday (Apr 17) approved the acquisition of Abbot Point Port…
Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers’ Index for Manufacturing (PMI – Manufacturing) reached 63.9 in March 2025, recording its highest value in four years. All sub-indices posted month-on-month expansions, reflecting a notable improvement in manufacturing activities, driven by the strong seasonal demand. The sharp increases in the New Orders and Production sub-indices, particularly within the food and…
Reuters – The European Central Bank cut interest rates for the seventh time in a year on Thursday, looking to prop up an already struggling euro zone economy that will take a large hit from U.S. tariffs. The ECB has been lowering borrowing costs as post-pandemic price pressures retreat, and recent trade-related turmoil on global…
By Prof. Samitha Hettige The US electorate picked Donald Trump as their President for a 2nd term. Though some view that USA has a track record of de-establishing democratic processes of many countries including Sri Lanka (Ref 2022 July), those who respect democracy should respect the rights of the US citizens to elect the President…
Reuters – Gold eased on Thursday as investors booked profits after bullion hit an all-time high earlier, with U.S. restrictions on chip sales to China and continued tariff uncertainty boosting bullion’s safe-haven demand. Spot gold shed 0.1% to $3,338.81 an ounce, as of 0436 GMT, after touching a record high of $3,357.40 earlier in the…
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