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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.
Prabowo to Reappoint Sri Mulyani as Indonesia’s Finance Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
The former World Bank director will become the first person to hold the finance portfolio under three presidential administrations.
Indonesia Asks Apple, Google to Block Chinese E-Commerce App Temu
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's communications minister says that the app's "factory-to-consumer" model threatens to undermine millions of small businesses.
Leveling the Playing Field for Streaming Services in the Philippines
By Rocco Cartusciello
A new VAT on digital services, including streaming services like Netflix, could have unintended consequences.
Beijing’s Potential Retaliation Looms as EU Approves Chinese EV Tariffs
By Rakshith Shetty
China will attempt to punish the states that held firm on the tariffs, while sparing those that switched positions.
Cambodian Microfinance Loans Based on Rising Land Prices Point to Further NPL Increase
By David Whitehouse
According to forthcoming research, the rate of non-performing loans at the country's microfinance lenders is higher than publicly disclosed,
A Clash of Values: Human Rights and Environmental Standards vs. Free Trade
By Michio Ueda
Navigating the clash between human rights, environmental standards, and free trade requires a nuanced approach.
The Foreign Policy Connections of India’s Semiconductor Strategy
By Rahul Mishra and Harshit Prajapati
India’s mission to build up its semiconductor industry is closely tied to its foreign partnerships, like with the U.S. and Singapore.
US Commerce Department Imposes Duties on Southeast Asian Solar Imports
By Sebastian Strangio
Solar firms claim that Chinese companies based in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have flooded the U.S. market and benefited from unfair government subsidies.
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.
A Potential Trade War With China: EU Strengths and Weaknesses
By Gabriele Manca
While the EU faces significant vulnerabilities in its economic relationship with China, it still holds key cards to play.
Laos and Cambodia Don’t Include Scam Industries in Their GDP Data. Should They?
By David Hutt
As strange as it sounds, it is not unusual for nations to include criminal activities in their official economic reports.
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.