Japan’s Economy Minister, Akira Amari, has resigned due to bribery allegations. As the head of “Abenomics,” this is a major blow to PM Shinzo Abe’s strategy to revive the country’s declining economy.
Vietnam and Laos have elected Communist Party chiefs.Vietnam's current party chief has been re-elected for a second term.
The Obama administration has eased the trade restrictions between the US and Cuba. It will now allow US bankers and companies to lend money to Cuban business, and it will be easier to bring in products to the Island. These products range from agriculture to art.