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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.
Vietnam’s Metro Rail Lines Lumber Toward Completion
By James Guild
The travails of the planned metro lines in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer useful perspective on the role of Chinese development financing.
Breaking Down Indonesia’s 2022 State Budget
By James Guild
In 2022, the state intends to continue its robust spending on the areas most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic: health and social assistance.
A Turning Point for Renewable Energy in Indonesia?
By Massita Ayu Cindy and Vivi Fitriyanti
President Jokowi's administration seems poised to break through the regulatory bottlenecks that have long held back the country's renewable energy ambitions.
Doubling Down on Tourism Today will Constrain Cambodia’s Policy Options Tomorrow
By Nay Darlin
COVID-19 has given Cambodia an opportunity to rethink its reliance on tourism. Will the government take it?
What the AidData Report Reveals About BRI Lending in Southeast Asia
By James Guild
The report shows both the extent of Chinese lending to the region and the agency with which governments have engaged with the BRI.
Tianjin Port Congestion Disrupts China-Mongolia Supply Chain
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Shipping delays at major Chinese ports are snarling Mongolian imports from third party countries, and costing Mongolian businesses.
What the 12th Malaysia Plan Tells Us About the Country’s Political Economy
By James Guild
The latest iteration of the country's five-year plan includes a host of nice-sounding economic goals. The challenge is implementing them.
Pandora Papers Leak Prompts Calls for Action in Asia
By David Rising
The leak has once again shone a light on the lengths to which the region's wealthy and well-connected go to avoid paying tax.
Taiwan’s CPTPP Bid Will Test the Resolve of the Indo-Pacific
By Shihoko Goto
Taiwan’s application is a test case of how a high-stakes gambit in the Indo-Pacific can move forward without the United States.
Shortages, Shipping, Shutdowns Hit Asian Factory Output
By Elaine Kurtenbach
Manufacturing contracted in both China and Japan as the pandemic and related ripple effects continue to take a toll.
Vietnam Notches Record GDP Contraction as COVID-19 Outbreak Bites
By Sebastian Strangio
The July-September quarter was the country's worst quarter of economic growth since 2000.
What’s Next for Afghanistan’s Tumultuous Public Finances?
By Ibrahim Khan
With the economy on the brink of collapse, how can the Taliban approach the coming fiscal year?