A round-up of recent public finance stories from the Asia Pacific you might have missed.

Putin signs economic alliance with Kazakhstan and Belarus

The presidents of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus formally signed an agreement Thursday to create a limited economic union — an alliance hobbled by the absence of Ukraine but one long pursued by President Vladimir Putin of Russia to confirm his country as a global economic force. (The New York Times)

Taiwan's biggest pension fund to add alternative investments

Taiwan’s biggest pension fund, which is controlled by the government, has been doing better in recent years than the largest pension fund in the United States and will seek to keep its edge by boosting investments in alternative products and domestic equities. (The Star Online)

India special task force to find 'black money'

India has set up a special task force to find illicit money, in one of the first decisions taken by the government of new Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (BBC News)

Disasters dampen Philippine economic growth in the first quarter

A major earthquake and Typhoon Haiyan dampened Philippine economic growth in the first quarter but the economy is still expected to hit its target for 2014, officials said Thursday. (Yahoo! Finance)

Queensland treasurer says asset sales more likely

Queesland’s treasurer Tim Nicholls has hinted that federal government budget cuts have made state asset sales more likely. (The Australian)