Blog
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.
Thailand Grants Chinese Tourists Visa-Free Access in Bid to Revive Economy
By Sebastian Strangio
Eight months after the end of Beijing's strict "zero COVID" policy, tourist arrivals to Thailand remain sluggish.
De-dollarization Dreams: Why the US Dollar Won’t Bow Out
By Shaoyu Yuan
While the discourse around de-dollarization gains momentum, particularly with the strategic expansion of BRICS, the U.S. dollar's preeminence remains largely unchallenged.
Thailand’s 560 Billion Baht Economic Stimulus Plan, Explained
By James Guild
The incoming administration of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has hinted at a structural shift away from the country's export-led economic model.
Malaysia Flags Ban on Export of Rare Earth Minerals
By Sebastian Strangio
As with similar recent restrictions in Indonesia, the goal is to stimulate the development of a domestic processing industry.
Asian Tiger Stock Markets Underperform Post-COVID as India Outpaces China
By Sam Rainsy
In the economic race between Asia's two economic giants, India is slowly beginning to pull ahead.
India’s Lopsided Post-COVID Economic Recovery
By Isha Gupta
On the surface, the data looks promising. But dig a little deeper and it’s clear that India’s rural areas are falling even farther behind.
Can Indonesia Afford Its Big Military Modernization Plans?
By James Guild
Despite a rash of major defense acquisitions, the country still spends a relatively low percentage of its GDP on defense.
Rising Cambodia Microfinance NPLs Signal Forced Land Sales, Child Labor
By David Whitehouse
The rise in non-performing loans only hints at the heavy burden of debt borne by tens of thousands of rural Cambodians.
The Deep Potential of Pakistan’s Climate Finance
By Abdul Waheed Bhutto
The State Bank of Pakistan’s financing strategies are not only reshaping the country’s energy landscape but also laying the groundwork for a future defined by sustainability.
China’s 24-Point Strategy to Attract Foreign Investment: Too Little, Too Late?
By Allison Lapehn
The policy recalls past attempts to boost investor confidence, which fell far short of expectations.
Is the Philippines Winning Its Battle Against Inflation?
By James Guild
A tightening of monetary policy has brought things under control, but more challenges could lie ahead.
The Transition to the Autonomy Economy and China-US Tech Competition
By Shaoshan Liu
With the explosive growth of autonomous machines in both form factors and functions, we may have entered a new technological era. Which country will lead this next phase?