The IMF has provisionally agreed a $2.9 billion loan deal to save Sri Lanka from collapse. The country’s economy tanked in April, sparking a wave of fuel and food shortages, hyperinflation and political upheaval. Although the deal isn't complete, many citizens believe it will be a lifeline. Shiromay Coomar, a travel business owner, is optimistic for the futu ... Show More
Today
Trade, not aid, for Africa
As the UK government targets developing nations with new trade measures, we hear from trade minister Douglas Alexander on whether it can prove to be a workable lifeline for African countries affected by western states cutting their international aid budgets. David Harper speaks t ... Show More
26m 27s
Yesterday
Trump plans to impose 50% tariffs on Brazil
The US president, Donald Trump, has made public the tariffs he intends to slap on imports from another group of countries, including Brazil, from the start of August. The chipmaker Nvidia has become the first company in the world to reach a market value of $4tn on Wednesday. Davi ... Show More
27m 12s
Oct 2022
Sri Lanka: Life after an economic crisis
In April 2022, Sri Lanka was gripped by a major economic crisis. Prices were rising sharply, protests started in the capital, Colombo,and spread across the country.Daily power cuts and shortages of basics such as fuel, food and medicines were commonplace. Inflation was running at ... Show More
19m 30s
Jul 2022
Sri Lanka's crisis and its relationship with China
Sri Lanka is in crisis right now. After months of fuel, medicine and food shortages, protestors have taken to the streets – and the homes of the country’s leaders. The now-former Prime Minister’s house was set ablaze. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to Singapore, then resigned. ... Show More
20m 56s
Apr 2022
Protesters, power cuts and Sri Lanka’s persistent president
Empty shelves, rising food and fuel costs along with power cuts are unifying much of Sri Lanka against its president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. And now, the economic crisis may be even worse. Rajapaksa’s government is announcing the country is no longer able to repay billions in loans. ... Show More
22m 32s
May 2022
Guerilla. Economist. Colombia’s next president?
China has offered “a few hundred million dollars” in lending to Sri Lanka to help alleviate a shortage of essential goods, Wall Street investors got spooked by an earnings warning from Snap, and the FT traced a massive European bank sell-off to one fund manager. Plus, Colombia lo ... Show More
10m 45s