Trade & Investment Diplomacy: UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi wrapped UNGA week in New York with ministerial talks and investor roundtables aimed at boosting trade, investment, digital innovation and development finance. Cross-Border Finance: Qatar Financial Centre and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce signed an MoU to deepen commercial and investment links, targeting wealth management, fintech, digital assets and enterprise tech. AI Infrastructure Race: South Korea’s Rebellions opened a Singapore unit to accelerate Southeast Asia expansion, joining rivals in the push to secure AI chip and data-centre footholds. Shipping & Logistics Pressure: Korea’s growth outlook is supported by semiconductor exports, but weak domestic demand and higher oil prices are flagged as risks; separately, port container traffic weakness persists in the U.S. Sanctions & Energy Shock: The U.S. escalated pressure on Iran’s aviation and banking access, while oil-price volatility and refining constraints keep fuel-cost concerns in focus across the region. Bangladesh Macro & Housing: Bangladesh faces elevated inflation risks tied to structural issues; ADB approved a $100m loan to expand affordable, resilient housing finance for low-income families, with a strong women-focused target. Fraud Threat: Interpol warned that online financial and romance scams run by organised syndicates are increasingly damaging Asian economies. ASEAN Resilience: Indonesia reiterated ASEAN’s “unity and centrality” as the region navigates global competition. Infrastructure Pipeline: AIIB’s second-decade push in Doha centers on turning infrastructure plans into bankable projects that can attract private capital.