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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.
Balancing ASEAN’s Internal and External Economic Integration
By Fajar Hidayat
While political crises dominate the bloc's attention, Indonesia can use its chairmanship to advance and recalibrate ASEAN's economic integration agenda.
ASEAN Needs to Prepare Now for the Future of Work
By Heng Molika
Amid rapid economic and technological changes, Southeast Asian governments need to offer generous subsidies for digital upskilling.
Indonesia and Malaysia Saw Strong Economic Growth in 2022
By James Guild
Last year saw several Southeast Asian economies bounce back from the distortions and restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Malaysia, Indonesia to Dispatch Envoys to EU Over Palm Oil Dispute
By Sebastian Strangio
The two nations hope to convince European regulators that their local certification efforts conform to the EU's rigorous new regulation on deforestation.
Rebalancing vs Decoupling: China-US Economic Ties and the Global Economy
By Ronald U. Mendoza
The hyper-competitive international production chains that have long characterized Asia's economies now face a significant political recalibration.
New EU Regulation Could Hurt Small Palm Oil Producers: Watchdog
By Sebastian Strangio
Joseph D'Cruz, the head of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), believes that Brussels' new rules could have a "human, social and developmental cost."
Where Are Southeast Asia’s Tech Companies Headed?
By James Guild
There is a wide gap between the performance of leading tech firms and the wider economies of the region.
Mitsubishi Scraps Development of Japan’s Homegrown Jet
By Takahashi Kosuke
MHI has abandoned the long-held dream of debuting Japan’s first advanced jet liner, citing the lack of profitability.
Sun Cable’s Collapse and the Australian Role in Southeast Asia’s Energy Transition
By Nicholas Basan
Rather than focusing on exporting renewable energy to the region, Australian firms should invest directly in Southeast Asia's green transition.
Western Investors Are Losing the Ability to Shape the Future of Cambodian Microfinance
By David Whitehouse
The industry's foreign financial backers are now aware of the scale of the country's over-indebtedness – but they have lost the ability to do much about it.
Indonesian Steel Exports Have Plummeted Due to EU Tariffs, Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Last week, Jakarta filed a complaint with the WTO over the European bloc's recently imposed anti-subsidy and anti-dumping tariffs.
Can Indonesia Achieve Its Electric Vehicle Ambitions?
By William Yuen Yee
If the government falls short of its ambitious EV adoption targets, it won't be for lack of effort.