Observers fear New Zealand’s historic openness to foreign investors could be a thing of the past under new prime minister Jacinda Ardern, with property speculation coming under increased scrutiny. Lucia Dore reports.

Craig Smith, Marriott International managing director for Asia-Pacific, explains to Natasha Turak how the hotel chain is using local expertise – such as a link up with Alibaba – to make the most of the Chinese middle class's love of travel.

China’s One Belt, One Road initiative aims to build links across Asia to Europe, and many companies are excited by the partnership opportunities it will open up. But others wonder whether traditional physical trade routes will be so essential in a hi-tech future. Erika Morphy reports.

Belarus is forging relations with China to reduce its reliance on Russia, and a key project under construction is an industrial park near Minsk that has the approval of both heads of state. Courtney Fingar reports.

Everyone wants to be a blockchain leader – but what does it take and which cities can make good on it? Erika Morphy reports.

Prospects for east Asia in 2018 are mixed but generally positive, according the World Bank. Lawrence Yeo reports.

Thailand has topped fDi’s inaugural ranking of global tourism locations with the best potential for investment. The balmy Maldives is second, while Asian business hub Hong Kong has placed third. Cathy Mullan explores the winning locations. 

After three attempts to attract investment for the Thailand 4.0 initiative, prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha appears finally to have found the right formula. Peter Janssen reports.

North Korea’s nuclear arms testing has led to ramped-up sanctions against the country – but also unintended consequences in neighbouring China. It is a reminder to business and political leaders that risks are hard to assess but easy to spread, as Erika Morphy reports.