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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.
Carbon Capture is the Key to Indonesia’s Net-Zero Emissions Future
By Haryanto and Filda C. Yusgiantoro
While obstacles remain, the technology could help transform Indonesia into a regional leader in renewable energy.
Why Vietnam Is Pushing Ahead With the Phu Quoc Tourism Sandbox
By James Guild
Some Asian nations' headlong push to restart tourism is a function of deeper structural imbalances in the global political economy.
Revisiting RCEP’s Trade Implications
By Jean-Marc F. Blanchard and Wei Liang
What are the implications of RCEP for trade? The second of a four-part series looks at the agreement’s impact on trade.
RCEP Edges Closer to Ratification in an Indonesia Battered by COVID-19
By Kyle Springer
Despite some obstacles, the country is slated to become the third Southeast Asian nation to ratify the mega trade pact.
Evergrande Is a Symptom, Not Cause, of China’s Debt Woes
By Sara Hsu
Due to structural flaws in China's financial system, there will likely be other Evergrandes in the future.
China’s ‘Common Prosperity’ Campaign is Going to Be Tough Going
By Andrew Collier
Fixing inequality would require fundamental change in China’s tax structure and state system – reforms highly unlikely under the current political system.
Indonesia Is Failing to Provide a Green Track for Industry
By Diwangkara Bagus Nugraha
Industry is racing to get green, but Indonesia has paved the road with unsupportive regulation.
Thailand’s 2022 Budget Takes Shape
By James Guild
The government has been criticized for directing money to royal agencies and questionable submarine purchases during a time of economic uncertainty.
Lithium and an Unexpected Battle for Energy Transition in Afghanistan
By Aliaksei Patonia
Most researchers agree that lithium demand will only increase. Afghanistan’s estimated reserves put it among global leaders -- if the metal can be extracted.
Mapping China’s Place in the Global Semiconductor Industry
By John Lee and Jan-Peter Kleinhans
China’s national interests and supply chain security for the most “core” of technologies.
Did Indonesia Dodge a Bullet With Its Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariffs?
By James Guild
The state utility PLN might have unwittingly side-stepped a common pitfall of tariff feed-in schemes.
After Government Crackdown, What’s Next for China’s Edtech Firms?
By Kate Kologrivaya and Emma Shleifer
With new regulations hitting hard at home, China’s education firms are going global.