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.
What is Slowing Down Vietnam’s Transport Infrastructure Projects?
By James Guild
Among other things, the country's land acquisition procedures are creaky, opaque, and difficult to appeal.
Why ASEAN Needs a Region-Wide Digital Payment System
By Leang Seakleng
An inclusive and user-friendly system could deepen Southeast Asian integration and generate economic benefits for the region's 668 million people.
Why Asia Needs ‘Just Climate Finance’
By Mickey Eva
We are now facing not just a climate crisis, but also an inequality crisis. COP27 must address both challenges by financing a just climate transition.
China Trade Down on Weak Global Demand, COVID Restrictions
By Joe McDonald
Even as China’s overall trade numbers dropped year-on-year in October, its trade surpluses with the U.S. and EU grew.
Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry Revives Despite Public Protests
By Arundathie Abeysinghe
Tourist numbers are rebounding after the worst of the financial crisis, but are still nowhere near government aspirations.
In Hong Kong, World Bankers Urged Not to ‘Bet Against’ China
By Zen Soo
Chinese officials attempted to convince the world’s financiers that the country’s economy remains strong – and those saying otherwise “don’t really understand China.”
Are Laos’ New Railways a Solution to its Lack of Trade with the West?
By David Hutt
Transport costs are not the only problem facing the country, but reducing them could help spur progress in other areas.
Can the EU and Indonesia Sign Their Elusive Free Trade Agreement?
By William Yuen Yee
There is a tension between Brussels' environmental concerns and its desire to boost its commercial engagement with the Asia-Pacific.
Indonesia’s Industrial Export Ambitions
By James Guild
President Joko Widodo has overseen a centralization of research, development, and industrial production.
The Need for Deepening US-Korea-EU Economic Cooperation
By Troy Stangarone
The same challenges generating the need for cross-regional security cooperation are also creating a need for cooperation on issue related to energy and technology.
Southeast Asia’s Digital Economy to Top $200 Billion in 2022: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
A new report claims that the region's digital economy could be worth more than $200 billion this year, outpacing previous projections.
Singapore Mulls Tighter Restrictions on Crypto Trading
By Sebastian Strangio
The Monetary Authority of Singapore says that trading cryptocurrencies is “highly risky and not suitable for the general public.”