Bank of Korea held rates at 2.5% and launched dot plot guidance as it lifted 2026 growth forecast and flagged housing, debt and won risks.

Zimbabwe has suspended exports of raw minerals and lithium concentrates with immediate effect, including cargo already in transit, officials said.

UN ESCWA projects Arab region growth of 3.7% in 2026 from 2.9% in 2025, with inflation easing, exports rising and performance diverging by income group.

Pakistan rice export earnings fell 40.5% to $1.31bn in July to January, while India 2025 shipments rose to 21.55m tonnes, pressuring prices.

Egypt says crude output has started from Belayim Marine 133 in the Gulf of Suez at about 1,500 bpd, drilled by Petrobel under EGPC and Eni.

Egypt’s central bank says remittances from citizens abroad rose 40.5% in 2025 to a record $41.5bn, up from $29.6bn in 2024.