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Pacific Money
The 21st century is commonly referred to as the 'Pacific Century.' For such a prediction to materialize, the economies of the Asia-Pacific must lead the globe. What challenges will the region face? What nations stand to benefit most? The Diplomat's economics and business blog, Pacific Money, will try to tackle these questions and more.
Why Indonesia Should be Cautious in Extending its High-Speed Railway
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat
The eastward extension to Surabaya may make economic sense, but Jakarta should first learn from the troubles faced during the construction of the Jakarta-Bandung line.
China Exports Slumped 12.4% in June as Global Demand Weakened
By Zen Soo
The slump since last year is rooted in trade weakness which added to downward pressure on the world's second-largest economy.
Chip Maker Foxconn Exits Semiconductor Joint Venture With Indian Mining Company Vedanta
By Ashok Sharma
The $19.5 billion semiconductor JV was called off due to “external issues unrelated to the project,” Foxconn said.
Mr. Musk Goes to Malaysia
By James Guild
Tesla sees some Southeast Asian countries as promising markets for its electric vehicles, and others as possible sites for producing them.
Mongolia Signs Agreement with SpaceX to Utilize Starlink
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Mongolia continues its digitalization push by bringing Starlink on board to provide satellite internet service to “people in remote locations... in every corner of our vast country.”
Rights Group Reports Allegations of Dozens of Abuses in Critical Minerals Supply Chains
By Aniruddha Ghosal
Chinese-invested companies have come under increased scrutiny for environmental and labor abuses as demand for critical minerals soars.
Why Aren’t Thailand’s Banks More Profitable?
By James Guild
Compared to their counterparts in Indonesia and the Philippines, the country's financial institutions have seen only modest growth.
Does the China-Africa Trade Expo Matter?
By Ovigwe Eguegu and Hannah Ryder
The third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) will need to build on past lessons and successes to really reshape China-Africa trade.
Military Coup Has Inflicted ‘Permanent’ Damage on Myanmar, World Bank Says
By Sebastian Strangio
In its latest Myanmar Economic Monitor, the Bank predicted that the country will not return to pre-COVID-19 economic levels until at least 2027.
Is Indonesia’s New High-Speed Rail Line Worth It?
By James Guild
Whether or not the rail line turns a profit, Jakarta is hoping that the project brings a wider range of subsidiary benefits.
Pakistan: Escaping the Sovereign Debt Trap
By Samir Tata
The key to escape Pakistan’s sovereign debt trap is hiding in plain sight – deleveraging.
How Last Week’s High-profile Resignation Will Impact the AIIB
By Kearrin Sims
Despite the bad press that it generated, Canadian Bob Pickard's resignation from the Beijing-based development bank is unlikely to have a lasting impact.