Our Scans · (ZY.4.20) Planning · Weekly Summary

• [New] China Aids Ethiopian Space Venture: According to Business Insider, Ethiopia has announced plans to launch its third Earth-observation satellite by 2026 in order to strengthen national capacity to track environmental shifts, buttress agricultural planning, and aid in disaster relief. Council on Foreign Relations
• [New] Smart mobility projects are expected to play an important role in Dubai's future urban planning. thenextdubai.com
• Sustainability will be a focus for firms in 2026, with 73% of Scottish businesses planning to review their use of sustainable materials to better understand their environmental impact - the highest proportion across the UK. Glasgow Chamber of Commerce : Scottish businesses enter
• China's current advantage stems largely from psychological deterrence, creating a threat in being that shapes regional thinking and planning. Second Line of Defense
• For cruise lines planning future itineraries, Norway's challenge will be maintaining its position as one of Europe's most desirable cruise destinations while responding to stricter environmental expectations and increasingly vocal local opposition. Forbes
• The Straits Times cited today that many remain engaged in complex bilateral trade negotiations with Washington, while China's projected trade surplus exceeding US$ 1 trillion continues to complicate regional economic planning. The Vibes
• Beijing's regional strategy is anchored in formal planning cycles, institutionalized economic agreements, and sustained diplomatic engagement, allowing ASEAN governments to anticipate policy direction even when frictions persist. Southeast Asia Public Policy Institute
• South Korea's Financial Services Commission will introduce a minimum core capital ratio for insurers from 2027 under the Korean Insurance Capital Standard, a move that will affect solvency metrics and capital planning for domestic carriers and regional groups with Korean operations. Insurance Business

Last updated: 20 March 2026