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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.
Thailand Announces New Holidays in Bid to Stoke Tourism Growth
By Sebastian Strangio
The country is already on track for a full recovery from the downturn that accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic.
What’s in Malaysia’s 2025 Budget?
By James Guild
The country continues to make attempts to reduce its heavy reliance on petroleum-related revenues.
Solar Power: A New Opportunity for India-Taiwan Ties
By Anushka Saxena and Rakshith Shetty
India and Taiwan have an important opportunity to create a renewable energy partnership that can act as a new alternative to China’s dominance.
The Financial Struggles at Indonesian Textile Giant Sritex, Explained
By James Guild
The garment manufacturer is struggling with a heavy debt burden, a slump in demand, and a flood of inexpensive imports.
Growth in Southeast Asia’s Digital Economy Slows Slightly in 2024
By Sebastian Strangio
The region's online economy is beginning to show signs of maturity, as firms attempt to pivot from growth to profitability.
How Will the US Election Affect Southeast Asia’s Economies?
By Malminderjit Singh
Whoever prevails on November 5, the region is bound to face a more complex and challenging economic environment.
Indonesia Bars Sale of Google Smartphones Over Local Content Rules
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement comes not long after the government imposed similar restrictions on the sale of Apple's latest iPhone model.
The ‘Fab 4’ Allies Are Pushing Back on US Export Controls on China
By Nisarg Jani
The Dutch government will now issue independent licenses for exporting DUV Lithography machines to China.
The Philippines’ 2025 Budget, Explained
By James Guild
The expanded budget confirms the Marcos administration's commitment to financing scaled up public spending by borrowing and running deficits.
Vietnam Signs Economic Partnership Agreement With United Arab Emirates
By Sebastian Strangio
The agreement, Vietnam's first free trade deal with a Middle Eastern nation, comes after a busy couple of years in the country's foreign relations.
Nobel Prize-Winning Research Highlights Cambodia’s History of Extractive Institutions
By David Whitehouse
The work of Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson can help explain the government's collusion in criminal activities like cyber-scams.
Johor and Malaysia’s Data Center Boom
By Grace Shao and Steven Lu
A massive ramp-up in data centers is attracting foreign investment, but infrastructure challenges persist.