The increase in world carbon emissions is always in line with national economic growth programs, which create negative environmental externalities. To understand the effectiveness of related factors in mitigating CO₂ emissions, this study investigates the intricate relationship among macro-pillars such as economic growth, foreign investment, trade and finance, energy, and renewable energy with CO₂ emissions of the high gross domestic product economies in East Asia Pacific, such as China, Japan, Korea, Australia and Indonesia (EAP-5). Through the application of the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), this research reveals the long-term equilibrium and short-term dynamics between CO₂ emissions and selected factors from 1991 to 2020. The long-term cointegration vector test results show that economic growth and foreign investment contribute to carbon reduction. Meanwhile, the short-term Granger causality test shows that economic growth has a two-way causality towards carbon emissions, while energy consumption and renewable energy consumption have a one-way causality towards carbon emissions. In contrast, the variables trade, foreign direct investment, and domestic credit to the private sector do not have two-way causality towards CO₂ emissions. The findings reveal that economic growth and foreign investment play significant roles in carbon reduction, which are observed in long-term causality relationships, while energy consumption and renewable energy are notable factors. Thus, the study offers implications for mitigating environmental concerns on national economic growth agendas by scrutinizing and examining the efficacy of related factors.

Working Capital Management (hereafter WCM) is the strategic tool that helps a company navigate through challenging economic growth, and influence its competitive performance. Thus, this study examines the impact of WCM on the competitiveness of firms operating in the non-financial sectors in Pakistan. We use the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique to ensure the robustness of our results. The study findings reveal that both a large net trade cycle and surplus working capital have a substantial negative impact on firms’ competitiveness within their respective industries. These results suggest that companies should streamline their investments in working capital accounts and concentrate more resources on long-term projects that maximize value to improve their competitiveness compared to other companies. Therefore, firms that are effectively managing their short-term financial affairs are experiencing much better performance in all aspects of firm performance. The research findings highlight the urgent need for governmental initiatives designed to improve WCM practices in these industries. It is imperative for the management of  companies with excess net working capital to maximize their working capital efficiency, aligning it with industry standards to enhance competitiveness. Moreover, policymakers should prioritize easing access to financial alternatives that allow enterprises to maintain an efficient working capital structure without relying on excessive measures. Furthermore, policymakers should be cautious when determining minimum cash balance requirements in a cash-strapped economy where external financing is relatively more expensive than in other regional economies.

This article explores the dynamic and complex regulatory landscape of cargo transportation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As a critical hub in global trade, the UAE’s approach to cargo transportation not only impacts its economic landscape but also has broader implications for international logistics and trade. When the authors speak about air cargo, a very prominent characteristic comes to mind, that is, the ‘speed’ at which goods are transported from one point to another in a world which is fueled by time-based competition which connects leading suppliers, smaller businesses to consumers within a complicated global supply chain operating within networks. The authors aim to examine the current regulatory framework governing cargo operations, highlighting key events contributing to the growth of cargo transportation in recent years within the UAE, shedding light on the central regulatory bodies and key players in the UAE which contribute to the chain of transporting cargo and shipments in the UAE. This study will also briefly compare the standards applied in the UAE with international norms. It delves into the implications of existing regulations on various facets of trade and logistics, including compliance challenges faced by businesses. The article identifies specific challenges in the regulatory setting, such as safety, environmental considerations and the integration of emerging technologies. Furthermore, it distinguishes between the flexible and rigid aspects of these regulations, analyzing their impact on the industry. Looking ahead, the article forecasts emerging trends and potential shifts in regulatory policies, emphasizing the need for adaptability and forward-thinking in policymaking. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the UAE’s regulation of the cargo transportation landscape. The present study offers insights into its current status, challenges, and future directions, thereby contributing to policy development in this vital sector. New research examining the UAE’s cargo regulations reveals significant gaps that could stall its ambitions of becoming a leading cargo transportation global hub. The study identifies shortcomings in regulations related to cargo transportation in the UAE and its efficiency. These areas, along with potential inflexibility in the current system, pose challenges to the UAE to compete effectively in the time-sensitive world of cargo shipments.

This study employs the Standard Error Estimation technique to investigate the connections between the digitalization of economy, population, trade openness, financial development, and sustainable development across 127 countries from 1990 to 2019. The findings revealed associations between financial development, population growth, trade openness, economic growth, Digitalization development, foreign direct investment (FDI), and sustainable development. Financial development negatively impacts sustainable development, suggesting that countries with advanced financial systems may struggle to maintain sustainability. Trade openness exhibits a negative association with sustainable development, implying that countries with open trade policies may face challenges in maintaining sustainability, possibly due to heightened competition or resource exploitation. These findings highlight the multifaceted relationship between economic factors and sustainable development, underscoring the importance of comprehensive policies and governance mechanisms in fostering sustainability amidst global economic dynamics.

This article explores the possibilities of developing Oman’s tourism sector under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Tourism is a cornerstone of Oman’s economy, with the government prioritizing substantial efforts toward its development to foster economic diversification. This paper examines the broader efforts of Oman to strengthen its relations with China, which will indirectly benefit the tourism industry. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the historical exchanges and future cooperation between China and Oman under BRI, specifically focusing on developing infrastructure and technology in Oman to support the tourism sector. It has been argued that BRI has the potential to significantly contribute to the growth and development of Oman’s tourism sector through increased investment and cooperation with Chinese counterparts.

This article investigates how green logistics influences Vietnam’s trade balance with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. By using the gravity model, the article applies fixed effects (FEM) and random effects (REM) to analyze panel data on trade balance, GDP, population, trade openness, and the green logistics index of Vietnam with ASEAN countries from 2012 to 2018. The research findings indicate that green logistics has not significantly affected Vietnam’s export trade balance with ASEAN countries. The article suggests solutions for the Vietnamese government and export businesses to enhance Vietnam’s trade balance with ASEAN countries by integrating green logistics activities. By following these recommendations, Vietnam can ensure that international trade aligns with environmental conservation, laying the groundwork for sustainable and inclusive economic development in Vietnam.