Iraq is seeking an upfront payment of about $2 billion in exchange for a long-term crude-supply contract, the latest sign of Baghdad’s growing desperation for cash. ( read original story ...)
Iraq amends oil density compensation plan starting with 2021 exports
Iraq's Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) has revised the price mechanism used to compensate buyers for fluctuations in the density of its crude exports, starting with shipments in 2021, according to a Nov. ( read original story ...)
South Korea tightens social-distancing rules, and other news from around the world.
South Korea’s daily caseload rose above 300 for five straight days before dropping to 271 on Monday. Most of the new cases in the recent spike were reported in Seoul, the capital, and in nearby cities ... ( read original story ...)
South Korea Faces New, Challenging Rise In Coronavirus Infections
Previous spikes in South Korea were linked to outbreaks at churches and protests. Health officials say the current wave appears to have no links to any major groups or events. ( read original story ...)
Thailand extends emergency for 45 days until mid-January
The Thai cabinet of ministers on Monday approved a proposal from the government-run Centre for the Covid-19 Situation Administration for the extension of the emergency decree to be enforced nationwide ... ( read original story ...)
Vietnam offers a land of opportunity
Simmering tensions between America and China have been headline news since they began to escalate early last year. Less carefully followed, perhaps, are the knock-on effects elsewhere.Vietnam is among ... ( read original story ...)
Vietnam needs better connectivity in southeast region to unleash full potential: expert
Weak regional connectivity across land, air and sea has hampered the growth of the southeast region of Vietnam. Economists believe for the region develop, it needs to change its mindset and strategy. ( read original story ...)
Vietnam hunting down drug criminals
HANOI: There are 1,185 "extremely dangerous" drug-related criminals wanted by the Vietnamese police.The Ministry of Public Security said the men were still at large after evading police for years.It ... ( read original story ...)
Vietnam to extend jet fuel tax cut to help its airlines
Vietnam plans to extend a 30% reduction in environment tax on jet fuel by one year until the end of 2021 to help local airlines weather the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, its finance ministry ... ( read original story ...)
The Latest: Philippines targets 60 million for vaccination
Philippine officials say about 60 million Filipinos are being targeted for vaccination against the coronavirus next year at a cost of more than 73 billion pesos ($1.4 billion) to develop considerable ... ( read original story ...)