Finance Ministry

South Africa is considering tax cuts in special economic zones (SEZs) to revive industrial growth, aligning with World Bank recommendations. The plan aims to extend a 15% corporate tax rate to all SEZs, attract foreign investors like Rio Tinto and Ardagh Group, and unlock $109 billion in corporate cash amid declining manufacturing output. Morocco recently surpassed South Africa as Africa’s most industrialized economy.

India's Finance Ministry has notified rules to determine the origin of goods under the India-U.K. trade pact. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) provides duty-free access for 99% of India's exports to the U.K., covering nearly all trade categories.

The Finance and Defense ministries reached a deal mediated by the National Security Council to allocate an additional NIS 15 billion to the IDF. This agreement avoids potential tax hikes and spending cuts from reopening the 2026 state budget, which already featured record defense spending.

China imposed export restrictions on 10 U.S. military-related companies and prohibited government purchases from 46 others in response to U.S. sanctions against Chinese tech firms. The U.S. Defense Department had added companies like Alibaba and Baidu to a list of entities allegedly linked to the Chinese military, prompting China's retaliatory measures.

China imposed export restrictions on 10 U.S. military-related companies in response to U.S. sanctions against Chinese tech firms, blocking dual-use goods. The U.S. Defense Department had added companies like Alibaba and Baidu to a list of firms with alleged Chinese military ties, prompting China to retaliate with bans on American defense contractors and suppliers.

Pakistan's 2026-27 budget faces risks including a $40-per-barrel oil price increase adding 0.8pc to fiscal deficit, natural disasters threatening 1.5pc fiscal impact, tax exemptions causing 1.3pc budget losses, and state-owned entities draining 0.4pc. The finance ministry identified seven key fiscal vulnerabilities linked to global oil prices, GDP growth, revenue shortfalls, and climate impacts.

The Finance Committee proposes restoring daycare subsidies for ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers by only considering the mother's employment status. The finance and justice ministries oppose this legislation.

Panama's president has established a government task force to determine the future of the closed Cobre Panamá copper mine. The task force, led by the Commerce Ministry, includes the finance and environment ministers. The mine, operated by Canada’s First Quantum, was shut down by a Supreme Court ruling.

Brazil's Finance Ministry sealed online betting firms' licensing files under the country's freedom-of-information law, with some restrictions lasting up to 100 years. Hidden details include company submissions, regulator opinions, R$30m license fee payments, and app owners.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested four individuals in Lahore for alleged involvement in illegal currency exchange, hawala/hundi operations, and copyright violations. During raids, FIA recovered Rs20.4 million in cash, foreign currency, and counterfeit products, as part of a broader crackdown on financial and intellectual property crimes announced by the government.

Smotrich instructs the Finance Ministry to establish a task force to assist tech firms amid a shekel surge causing mass layoffs. Government officials confirm they will not directly intervene to stabilize the currency but aim to mitigate damage.

Russia's finance ministry requested the cabinet to freeze spending in other areas due to rising costs from the war in Ukraine, with the conflict overspending by $28bn.

South Korea plans to monitor $37 billion in overseas private credit exposure. The country's economy is projected to grow 3.9% in 2014, the fastest pace since 2010, following a 2.8% expansion in 2013.

South Korea's Finance Ministry confirmed a 22% tax on crypto gains starting January 2027. The tax rate will be applied to cryptocurrency profits. This move is part of the country's regulatory approach to digital assets.

Brazil's Finance Minister Dario Durigan banned 28 online betting platforms, including Kalshi and Polymarket, due to concerns about investor protections and the risks associated with online gambling.