Vietnam Investment Push: Vietnam targets 75% of foreign investment from developed economies by 2030 and wants major tech firms to set up HQs, offices and R&D, aiming for the foreign-invested sector to reach about 30% of GDP by 2045. China Investor Mood: Global CEO and ratings surveys point to resilient sentiment toward China; Moody’s keeps an A1 rating with a stable outlook, while Fitch cites export strength. West Asia Energy Shock: The Iran conflict is rippling through Asia’s energy transition and costs, while the World Bank cut its global growth forecast to 2.5% for 2026 and warned of prolonged disruption. El Niño Risks: El Niño is officially underway, with forecasts pointing to a very strong, potentially record-costly event that could hit agriculture, supply chains and flooding risk. Indonesia Protests: Indonesian students rallied in Jakarta against fuel price hikes and spending priorities, adding political pressure as subsidies face strain. ASEAN Aging Plan: ASEAN’s silver-economy framework aims to turn population aging into inclusive growth via regional policy pillars. Digital Payments Benchmark: South Africa’s central bank cites India’s UPI as a model for moving toward a free, real-time cashless system. Trade & Logistics Moves: Azerbaijan and the US discussed investment and transit links, while Colombo Port City advanced with approvals for strategic businesses.