Quick takes

Alibaba to take Lazada to Europe

Partly in response to its slowing growth rates in China, Alibaba has announced plans to take Lazada, its South East Asian subsidiary, to Europe. This follows the opening a major logistics hub in Belgium last November through the Alibaba subsidiary, Cainiao. That facility will reportedly be the largest of its kind in Europe.

Hong Kong increasingly isolated and alone

As most Asia markets drop COVID restrictions, Hong Kong stands increasing isolated as it maintains a mandatory seven-day hotel stay for returning residents and visitors alike. George Cautherley of the International Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong stated, “To have to have someone in quarantine for seven days on a business trip simply isn’t really financially viable.” If only the Hong Kong government shared that rather sensible view.

Significant recovery in the Philippines’ tourism trade

In happier, more sane news, the Philippines, which opened its borders last month, looks to be on the road to a rapid recovery in terms of tourism and travel. This is according to a new report released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

New venue opens in Taiwan

The grand opening of ICC Tainan was held on 21st April in Tainan, located on the southwest coast of the island. Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) funded the venue and aims to use it to highlight the local economy’s strengths in high-tech enterprises, research and development as well as green technology.