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James Guild

James Guild

James Guild is an expert in trade, finance, and economic development in Southeast Asia.

James Guild holds a Ph.D. in International Political Economy from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He specializes in trade, finance, and economic development in Southeast Asia. Follow him on twitter @jamesjguild or www.jamesjguild.com

Posts by James Guild
October 01, 2024

The Political Economy of Cinema in Thailand

By James Guild
Like other parts of the country's economy, the Thai film industry has been based on attracting foreign investment and producing exports.

September 24, 2024

Is Indonesia’s Middle Class Really Shrinking?

By James Guild
Given the lack of universal definitions, measuring a country's middle-class can be a complicated business.
September 19, 2024

The Rise of VietJet, Explained

By James Guild
The Vietnamese budget carrier has announced the acquisition of a $7.4 billion fleet of Airbus widebody aircraft.

September 10, 2024

Why Ace Hardware Is ‘Leaving’ Indonesia

By James Guild
The country's retail market is not as weak as the move might suggest.

September 06, 2024

Why Indonesia’s Antam Wants to Acquire a Chinese Nickel Smelter

By James Guild
Jakarta has successfully encouraged foreign firms to invest in nickel processing facilities in the country. Now its own firms are looking for a greater piece of the action.

August 29, 2024

What is the Tatak Pinoy Act?

By James Guild
The Philippines wants to push into more advanced manufacturing activities, but the current state of the global economy will pose challenges.
August 20, 2024

The AIIB’s $5 Billion Investment Pledge to Vietnam, Explained

By James Guild
The development bank and its primary backer, China, seem set to compete with the Japanese government in financing major infrastructure in Vietnam.

August 13, 2024

Pertamina and Petronas Both Had Good Years in 2023, But For Different Reasons

By James Guild
The contrast between the two state-owned oil firms reveals interesting differences in the political economies of Malaysia and Indonesia.

August 07, 2024

Why Japanese Investment in Southeast Asian LNG is Surging

By James Guild
As the use of liquefied natural gas in Japan has declined, the country's major gas players have pivoted toward investments in other markets.

July 31, 2024

Why the Philippines Chose to Privatize Its Largest Airport

By James Guild
Once again, Manila has demonstrated its willingness to turn vital national infrastructure over to the private sector.

July 23, 2024

Is Fuel Subsidy Reform Finally On the Way in Southeast Asia?

By James Guild
Malaysia and Indonesia are both beginning to reduce long-standing subsidies that have kept fuel prices well below market rates.
July 18, 2024

What’s Really Ailing Thailand’s Economy?

By James Guild
Domestic politics are part of it, but the real problem is that macroeconomic conditions are not favorable for Thailand’s export-heavy economy.

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