Our Scans · (ZY.4.08) Economics · Weekly Summary

• Leading Communication & Behavioral Therapy: Applied Behaviour Analysis is expected to lead, accounting for approximately 59% share in 2026 through standardized clinical adoption, validated outcome tracking, integrated digital platforms, and high-value pediatric applications. Persistence Market Research
• Port authorities in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa represent an actionable investment opportunity for technology vendors willing to structure turnkey deployment contracts tailored to sovereign infrastructure programmes. Persistence Market Research
• Ukraine has been working to repair and fortify previously damaged energy infrastructure ahead of expected Russian energy strikes in Winter 2026-2027. Critical Threats
• While tight supply and growing use in solar, electronics and electric vehicles offer long-term support, shifting monetary policy, global growth concerns and elevated volatility could limit near-term gains. Economic Times
• The International Federation of Robotics projects that service robot installations in retail and wholesale will grow at over 15% annually through 2027. Persistence Market Research
• The expert panellists highlighted the latest regulatory developments in Hong Kong, as well as the opportunities available for Hong Kong to take the lead in the global development of virtual assets, blockchain, and the broader Web 3.0 ecosystem. Web 3.0 in Hong Kong - from crypto to blockchain
• In July, Japan increased its international tourist tax, external - typically incorporated into flight and boat tickets for people leaving Japan - from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen, which it says will be spent on things like improving public transport and restoring historic sites. BBC News
• The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) target for net-zero emissions from ships by around 2050 is now only 24 years away - less than the average lifetime of a commercial ship. MarineLink
• Full development of alternative fuel bunkering and charging infrastructure would generally take five to 10 years, while some projects could stretch as far as 2050. gCaptain
• Britain's ports will need dramatically more electricity over the coming decades to support shore power, vessel charging and alternative fuels, but long waits for grid connections and high energy costs risk slowing the maritime sector's transition to net zero. gCaptain
• The biggest near-term risk is renewed yen strength on the back of further rate hikes in Japan, which could trigger the unwinding of carry trades in the technology sector. DJE Kapital AG
• Industry pushback focused on economic hits-e.g., CII-driven slow steaming could add 5-10% to voyage times, inflating costs amid volatile fuel prices. Searoutes
• The CPUC, along with the CARB and Energy Commission, will support transportation electrification by directing electrical corporations to file applications for programs and investments to accelerate widespread transportation electrification. California Energy Commission
• The Canadian Arctic is emerging as a critical zone for both national security and global economic opportunity. City of Yellowknife
• The Ministry of Climate Change & Environment created the UAE National Sustainable Consumption and Production Plan (2019-2030) to spur the shift to a circular economy at the federal level. Grc
• Powering 15% of Canada's electricity, nuclear energy is positioned as a competitive advantage and an opportunity for economic growth, international partnerships, trade diversification, and energy sovereignty. Torys LLP
• The aggregation of distributed energy resources including solar, batteries, EVs, and smart devices into Virtual Power Plants is a key trend, enabled by regulatory advancements such as FERC Order 2222. Straits Research
• Swiftly implementing the proposed regulatory measures could unleash significant economic momentum without requiring additional funding and strengthen Germany's position as an innovation hub over the long term. Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
• Iranian officials are attempting to reassure the Iranian public of Iran's economic situation, likely in response to regime concerns about the potential for internal unrest. Critical Threats
• Despite the ongoing challenges, for New Zealand businesses, especially exporters focused on agriculture, energy and mining, and digital services, Argentina offers more opportunities than it has in decades and is worth some attention. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• As Argentina seeks to accumulate greater foreign reserves and build credibility, exchange rate policy will remain closely watched by external creditors, foreign trade operators, and financial markets as an indicator of continuity of the broader economic reforms and political stability. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• For New Zealand businesses, opportunities lie in Argentina's agriculture sector, as well as in supporting the energy and mining industries that are gaining momentum through macroeconomic stability and structural reforms. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Last updated: 09 October 2026