A new analysis from RCG Economics suggests that several core hospitality roles in Nevada now face an 85–95 percent risk of automation, raising concerns that tens of thousands of workers in Las Vegas could be displaced over the next decade as hotels accelerate adoption of robotics and AI systems. [Read more…] about Las Vegas hospitality roles face up to 95 percent automation risk, warns new report
Economy
How Small Communities Can Drive Big Growth: Insights from Omvaris Limited
Small communities hold an outsized potential to drive growth. While larger audiences often capture attention, the strength and cohesion of smaller, engaged groups can translate into more meaningful connections, faster adoption of ideas, and measurable results.
Omvaris Limited has consistently observed that the strategic cultivation of tight-knit groups often yields outcomes that larger, less focused audiences struggle to achieve.
Small networks are not just subsets of a broader audience – they are ecosystems in which members actively contribute, share knowledge, and influence each other. [Read more…] about How Small Communities Can Drive Big Growth: Insights from Omvaris Limited
Close competition: China’s manufacturing downturn redraws Asia’s industrial map
China’s manufacturing sector has slipped into a deeper-than-expected contraction, prompting a re-examination of where global production capacity is heading.
For investors, the rotation is already visible: capital that once flowed almost exclusively to mainland processing hubs is increasingly finding its way into Southeast Asia and India, as geopolitical tension and trade barriers reshape supply chains.
China’s official manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 49.0 in October, marking its seventh straight month below the critical 50-point threshold, which signals contraction. [Read more…] about Close competition: China’s manufacturing downturn redraws Asia’s industrial map
Chinese shipping to the US collapses by 90 percent amid Trump tariff threats and higher port fees
Chinese ships entering US ports have fallen by more than 90 percent since January, according to new data from maritime analytics firm Pole Star Global. The collapse underscores how quickly trade between the world’s two largest economies is deteriorating amid rising tariffs and new port fees.
Pole Star says the number of Chinese vessels entering the United States dropped from 1,678 in January to just 156 so far in October (as of October 14th), following the introduction of reciprocal port fees and the renewed threat of tariffs from the Trump administration.
Saleem Khan, chief data and analytics officer at Pole Star Global, says: “We are seeing Chinese vessels that are being screened by our customers nearing zero. [Read more…] about Chinese shipping to the US collapses by 90 percent amid Trump tariff threats and higher port fees
Authoritative economic thinktank report finds tariffs have ‘no effect’ on US manufacturing employment
A new report published on the VoxEU website, part of the Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), argues that US President Trump’s so-called “reciprocal” tariffs have failed to deliver on one of their most politically sensitive promises: bringing manufacturing jobs back to America.
The column, titled “The (non) effect of tariffs on manufacturing employment”, reviews data on US trade policy and employment and concludes that tariffs have little to no positive impact on overall manufacturing employment. [Read more…] about Authoritative economic thinktank report finds tariffs have ‘no effect’ on US manufacturing employment
US government takes 10 percent stake in Intel for $9 billion
The United States government has agreed to take a 9.9 percent stake in Intel through an $8.9 billion investment, marking one of the most significant interventions in the history of the American semiconductor industry.
The deal converts undisbursed grants under the CHIPS and Science Act and related programs into equity, giving the government nearly 10 percent ownership of Intel without direct control over its board.
The agreement also includes a five-year warrant allowing Washington to buy a further 5 percent of Intel shares at a fixed price if the company reduces its majority ownership of its foundry unit. [Read more…] about US government takes 10 percent stake in Intel for $9 billion
European postal services stop sending parcels to the US as Washington ends $800 duty-free rule
Postal services across Europe have temporarily stopped accepting many parcels bound for the United States, citing uncertainty over new US customs rules that abolish the long-standing duty-free threshold for low-value imports.
The suspension comes ahead of 29 August, when an executive order signed by President Donald Trump takes effect, ending the de minimis exemption that allowed goods worth up to $800 to enter the US duty-free. From Friday, almost all commercial parcels will require full customs clearance, duties and additional data.
DHL Parcel Germany was among the first to announce a halt, telling business customers it would no longer accept US-bound postal parcels from 22 August. Gifts valued up to $100 and letters remain unaffected, while DHL Express, the company’s courier arm, continues to operate with its own customs channels. [Read more…] about European postal services stop sending parcels to the US as Washington ends $800 duty-free rule
Moldova launches new incubator for robotics, digital agriculture, and foodtech
Moldova, a small country in eastern Europe, is taking a decisive step toward the future of agriculture with the launch of a new incubator and pre-accelerator at Agrotek Arena Incubator, an innovation space dedicated to digital agriculture, robotics, and food technology.
The initiative is part of the Innovate Moldova Programme, funded by Sweden, and aims to modernize the country’s agri-food sector through innovation, research, and international collaboration.
On July 9, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Moldova’s Ministry of Digitalization and Economic Development (MDED), the Technical University of Moldova (UTM), the Innovate Moldova Programme, and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), marking the start of this strategic partnership. [Read more…] about Moldova launches new incubator for robotics, digital agriculture, and foodtech
Chinese government to invest $140 billion in robotics and high-tech industries
China’s National Development and Reform Commission plans to set up a state-backed venture capital fund focused on robotics, AI and cutting-edge innovation.
The long-term fund is expected to attract nearly 1 trillion yuan (approximately $140 billion) in capital from local governments and the private sector over 20 years. [Read more…] about Chinese government to invest $140 billion in robotics and high-tech industries
Moldova revs up its ‘digital engine’ as IT sector growth accelerates
The IT sector in Moldova, a small country in eastern Europe, contributes 6 percent to the national GDP – a result that reflects the efficiency and impact of the ecosystem created by the Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP).
The data were presented by Marina Bzovîi, administrator of MITP, at the Moldova Digital Summit 2025, confirming the essential role of the Park in the digital transformation of the Republic of Moldova.
With 2024 marked by record performance, MITP expects a clear upward trajectory for 2025, supported by the accelerated expansion of the resident base and the increase in revenues generated by the IT sector. [Read more…] about Moldova revs up its ‘digital engine’ as IT sector growth accelerates