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.
Can ASEAN Currencies Hold Up as the Fed Raises Rates?
By James Guild
Despite the aggressive monetary tightening by the U.S. Federal Reserve, many regional currencies are holding up surprisingly well.
ADB to Devote $14 Billion to Help Ease Food Crisis in Asia-Pacific
By Associated Press
The Asian Development Bank’s plan calls for improving long-term food security by strengthening farming and food supplies to cope with climate change and loss of biodiversity.
Asian Development Bank Cuts Forecasts to Reflect Weakening Outlook
By Elaine Kurtenbach
The ADB cut its estimate for growth in Asia’s developing economies to 4.3 percent, down from an earlier forecast of 5.2 percent. But the slowdown is not evenly distributed.
Greening Pains: Can Petronas Make the Leap to Renewables?
By Gulzhan Musaeva
With a government to provide for and its own pecuniary interests, the Malaysian state oil and gas giant is unlikely to change dramatically.
How Is China Doing on ESG Goals?
By Sara Hsu
Chinese firms are moving in the right direction, but they lag behind Western firms that must follow ESG goals in order to compete.
Thailand’s 2023 Budget Keeps an Eye on Spending and Debt
By James Guild
In Thailand the most important thing is to keep the baht stable and maximize exports.
The Potential for Japan-South Korea-US Trilateral Cooperation Through IPEF
By Kaitlyn King
Both Seoul and Tokyo are part of the U.S.-lead economic initiative. Can it help break the ice between the two?
Why Indonesia Reduced Petrol Subsidies
By James Guild
The move will be unpopular, but could well generate considerable economic benefits over the long run.
Southeast Asia Hopes to Become the World’s Next EV Hub
By Danielle Fallin and Karen Lee
A number of nations hope to carve out lucrative market niches as global sales of electric vehicles begin to take off.
Trade Troubles: Do We Still Need the WTO?
By Ryan Burke
The WTO injects more tension than trust into the international system.
Ratings Agency Announces Pending Withdrawal of Rating for Laos
By Sebastian Strangio
The decision by the Fitch ratings agency testifies to the depth and unpredictability of the country's current economic crisis.
The Asian Development Bank’s Energy Transition Mechanism
By James Guild
After pledging to stop funding coal-powered power plants last year, the ADB is developing a framework to speed up the region's green transition.