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Economy

India’s Skyroot says it can build a space rocket a month as launch nears

CEO targets full commercialization in 2027 after India's 1st private orbital launch Skyroot CEO Pawan Chandana says the rocket maker, valued at $1.1 billion, is also working on the next iteration of its launch vehicle. (Skyroot) MUMBAI -- Indian rocket maker Skyroot Aerospace already has the capacity to build a launch vehicle every month as it moves toward full commercialization by next year, co-founder and Chief Executive Pawan Chandana told Nikkei Asia just days before the window opens for the startup's planned orbital rocket launch, which would be India's first by a private company.

July 9, 2026

Economy

Hong Kong’s Mideast pivot and China’s AI persona woes

The inside story on the Asia tech trends that matter, from Nikkei Asia and the Financial Times Hello everyone, this is Cissy from Hong Kong, your #techAsia host this week. I was at LEAP East yesterday, as the Riyadh-based technology conference made its Asia debut in the city. More than 450 exhibitors, mostly from mainland China, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, as well as some from Europe, took part in the event. The exhibition featured a relatively large number of companies in areas such as biotech, robotics and software. In several panel discussions I attended, there was a noticeable delay between the speakers' live audio and the video feed displayed on the big screen. In other words, the audience could hear the speakers' voices before seeing their lips move, which was quite distracting. I couldn't help thinking that for a tech event showcasing cutting-edge companies, it was surprising that no one had solved such a basic live-streaming problem. Like many tech expos I've attended, Chinese humanoid robots were everywhere, dancing and performing to draw crowds. One company even dressed its dancing robot in a shemagh -- the traditional Saudi headscarf -- to appeal to visitors from the Persian Gulf region.

July 9, 2026

Economy

Nikkei 225 to add information and communications sector

Japan's benchmark index introduces new constituent selection rules Changes to the Nikkei 225 stock index, effective Oct. 1, follow a consultation and will be reflected in this autumn's review. TOKYO -- Nikkei announced on Thursday that it will revise the rules governing its Nikkei 225 index, creating a new "information and communications" sector for constituent selection. The company will also rename the "communications" category in the Nikkei industry classification to "information and communications," move IT-related stocks from the services category to the new industry grouping, and introduce rules for replacing constituents within the same sector. Under the constituent selection methodology for the Nikkei 225 -- a stock index of Japan's leading 225 companies -- the 36 subcategories in the Nikkei industry classification, including banks and automobiles, are grouped into six broader sectors such as financials and technology. Constituent additions and deletions are determined with consideration given to maintaining balance among those sectors and avoiding excessive concentration in any one area. The creation of the information and communications sector will increase the number of sectors to seven.

July 9, 2026

Economy

Australia and India seal uranium export pact, boost defense ties

Canberra sees long-term opportunities as New Delhi expands nuclear capacity Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects an honor guard during a ceremonial welcome at Government House in Melbourne on July 9. © Reuters CANBERRA -- Australia and India have finalized an agreement to allow uranium exporters Down Under to ship nuclear fuel to the energy-hungry South Asian nation, the countries' leaders announced on Thursday.

July 9, 2026

Economy

China automakers shift gears to exports as domestic demand weakens

New markets in Latin America and Southeast Asia drive growth plans Chinese EV maker Leapmotor's D99 multipurpose vehicle was on display at an auto show in Hong Kong in June. Experts caution about a "complex and volatile" external environment amid China's vehicle export boom. (Photo by Cissy Zhou) HONG KONG -- China's widening gap between strong factory output and weak domestic demand is becoming increasingly pronounced in the automotive industry, where exports are offsetting slowing sales at home.

July 9, 2026

Economy

Taiwan’s exports rise nearly 50% in first half as Lai builds ‘AI island’

With trade booming, economy primed to grow at fastest pace since 2010 A view of the port of Keelung, Taiwan, in April: The island economy's exports are booming. © Reuters TAIPEI -- Taiwan's trade is reaching unprecedented heights as the island democracy and chip power rides the global artificial intelligence boom.

July 9, 2026

Economy

Indonesia launches B50 biodiesel to curb fuel imports

Increased domestic demand for palm oil likely to reduce exports, analysts say Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto officiates at the launch of the B50 biodiesel mandate in West Java on Thursday. All diesel sold in Indonesia is now required to contain 50% palm oil. © Reuters KARAWANG, West Java -- Indonesia has rolled out its B50 biodiesel mandate, increasing the required palm oil content from 40% to 50% in all domestically sold diesel to curb fuel imports and bolster energy security.

July 9, 2026

Economy

Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing set to overtake H&M after strong Q3 sales

Japan fashion group due to become world's No. 2 apparel retailer behind Zara's Inditex A Fast Retailing Uniqlo store in Tokyo's Ginza shopping district. Domestic revenues were boosted by sales of seasonal clothing in its third quarter. (Photo by Takashi Miyazaki) TOKYO -- Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing raised profit and revenue forecasts on the back of strong third-quarter results on Thursday, strengthening market expectations that the Japanese clothing company would overtake rival H&M in full-year sales for the first time.

July 9, 2026

Economy

Taiwan offshore wind projects face inflation headwinds

Authorities rethink bidding process after heavy losses force local player to delist Taiwan reached 500 installed offshore wind turbines in June, with 4.8 gigawatts of generating capacity. (Photo by Nikkei) TOKYO -- Taiwan's push for offshore wind farms is starting to falter as rising construction costs from inflation push companies out, spurring authorities to consider changes to keep investment coming in.

July 9, 2026

Economy

Japan’s JCB, Resona eye hands-free bus fare payments via phone app

Ultra-wideband tech will allow riders to step on and off buses without tapping The new system will make it easier for passengers with baggage to board buses. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Nikkei and Odawara Auto-Machine MFG) TOKYO -- JCB and Resona Holdings are developing a hands-free payment system for buses in Japan, looking to start tests as soon as this fall as companies scramble to gain a dominant position in next-generation payments.

July 9, 2026

Economy

Mitsubishi Motors to push off-road vehicles in Japan via boutique showrooms

Revival of Pajero SUVs part of plan to reach more affluent, urban customers Mitsubishi Motors will emphasize off-road vehicles such as the Triton, pictured here. (Mitsubishi Motors) TOKYO -- Mitsubishi Motors plans to revive the Pajero off-road sport utility vehicle by opening boutique showrooms in Japan targeting affluent urban customers as the domestic market gains in importance for the automaker.

July 9, 2026

Economy

China bolsters protections for older workers to boost labor force

Rules lay out wage requirements, prohibit overtime in bid to keep seniors working Senior citizens enjoy a weekday afternoon in a park in the city of Dalian. (Photo by Kohei Fujimura) DALIAN, China -- The Chinese government is strengthening protections for those who continue working after reaching retirement age, part of an effort to shore up the country's labor pool as the working-age population shrinks and birth rates fall.

July 9, 2026