In a significant move to bolster infrastructure development, the Hong Kong government has proposed raising its borrowing ceiling for bond programmes from HK$700 billion to HK$900 billion (approximately US$115 billion). This proposal was announced by Andrew Lai Chi-wah, the permanent secretary for financial services and the treasury, during a Legislative Council subcommittee meeting on Thursday. Officials have stated that the increased borrowing cap would sufficiently cover funding for infrastructure projects over the next three years. Lai reassured lawmakers, including Robert Lee Wai-Wang, about the adequacy of the new limit to support projects unless "significant and unforeseen events" arise. The proposal... [Continue Reading]
On February 25, 2026, the US Department of the Treasury hosted the 12th meeting of the US-UK Financial Regulatory Working Group in Washington, DC. Participants included senior officials from key US agencies such as the Federal Reserve, SEC, FDIC, and UK regulators like the Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority. The meeting centered on collaboration to enhance economic and financial stability amid global uncertainties. Issues addressed included regulatory approaches, market supervision, and systemic risk management. This session reaffirmed the importance of transatlantic regulatory alignment to safeguard financial markets and protect investors. The cooperation is crucial as both countries face... [Continue Reading]
Europe is currently grappling with a renewed energy crisis, marking the second energy shock within a span of five years. This crisis is exacerbated by escalating tensions stemming from the ongoing US-Israeli conflict against Iran. Recent statements indicate that the economic implications of this turmoil remain uncertain, much hinging on the duration and intensity of the conflict and its geopolitical ramifications. The complexity of the situation compels European nations to reconsider their energy dependencies. The European Central Bank (ECB) has highlighted the necessity for Europe to mitigate its reliance on imported fossil fuels as a primary solution to these pressing... [Continue Reading]
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez formally received Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, marking a significant diplomatic advancement by upgrading their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. This makes Senegal the first sub-Saharan African country to secure such a status with Spain, highlighting its strategic importance in the region. The agreement includes new commitments to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors including trade, fisheries, tourism, language learning initiatives, and the preservation of underwater cultural heritage. These areas are expected to expand economic opportunities and strengthen cultural exchanges between the two nations. This development signals Spain’s broader intent to deepen its presence and... [Continue Reading]
At the Sixth elDiario.es Economic Forum, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed grave concerns over the economic fallout from the war in the Middle East. He emphasized that the conflict threatens to cause a global economic shock that could severely impact households across Spain and Europe. Sánchez highlighted that 20 million Spanish households should not have to bear the financial burden of the war’s consequences. He urged European nations to unite and implement a four-point strategy focused on completing the single market, enhancing public assets, increasing investment, and reinforcing financial sovereignty and social protections. The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid... [Continue Reading]
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez formally received Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to solidify a new Strategic Partnership between Spain and Senegal. This marks a significant upgrade in relations, making Senegal Spain’s first strategic partner in sub-Saharan Africa. Through a Joint Declaration, the two countries committed to enhanced cooperation in key areas including trade, fisheries, tourism, language education, and the protection of underwater cultural heritage. The deal is expected to open new avenues for economic growth and cultural exchange between the two nations, strengthening Spain’s influence and engagement in West Africa. It comes as Spain looks to diversify its economic... [Continue Reading]
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Basque Government President Imanol Pradales convened for their seventh Bilateral Cooperation Commission meeting, culminating in ten new agreements. These initiatives focus on supporting Basque small and medium-sized industrial enterprises, enhancing public safety measures, reforming local elections, and advancing key infrastructure projects. The agreements aim to stimulate regional economic growth and improve security conditions. This collaboration reflects sustained dialogue and commitment since the Lehendakari took office, prioritizing the implementation of power transfers stipulated by the Statute of Gernika. The coordinated efforts are intended to foster stable governance and bolster the Basque Country’s autonomy while addressing... [Continue Reading]