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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.
Why Are Philippine Courts Blocking Sugar Imports?
By James Guild
The move is an attempt to balance the interests of Filipino farmers and consumers.
Bank Negara Malaysia to Award Digital Banking Licenses
By James Guild
The Malaysian central bank's move follows Singapore's awarding of digital banking licenses at the end of 2020.
China’s Financial Standardization Plan Does Not Reduce Funding Barriers
By Sara Hsu
While the plan is useful in continuing to regulate China’s growing financial landscape, it does nothing to alter China’s trajectory of channeling funds to the state sector.
Gojek and Foxconn Enter Indonesia’s Electric Vehicle Race
By James Guild
In the race to become the region's EV powerhouse, Southeast Asian nations are seeking the involvement of state companies with a strong stake in fossil fuels.
Learning From South Korea’s Fight Against Inflation
By Yong Kwon
One lesson from South Korea’s battle against runaway inflation in the 1980s: The importance of public communication.
Indonesian Capital Plan Throws China-Backed Rail Link Into Disarray
By Sebastian Strangio
The Chinese-Indonesian consortium building the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Rail line says that projected demand has fallen by nearly half.
Pulling the Plug in Myanmar
By Sribala Subramanian
A coup and an energy transition break up two longstanding partnerships in the country’s oil and gas sector.
Is There an Arms Race Underway in Southeast Asia?
By James Guild
Fear of China is driving the region's recent spate of military procurements – but it's not the only factor.
An Argentine Company’s Journey to Investing in the Philippines
By Juan Manuel Harán and Marcos González Gava
Farmesa is one of the rare South American companies with a presence in Southeast Asia. What drove the firm to cross the Pacific Ocean and what hurdles did it face?
Indonesia Sets Date for Full Bali Tourism Opening
By Sebastian Strangio
The move, along with similar steps in Thailand and the Philippines, could mark the beginning of the end of the great Southeast Asian tourism recession.
The Politics of Steel in Southeast Asia
By James Guild
Companies in Thailand and Indonesia have remained in the steel game despite taking huge losses over the past decade.
What’s Next for the Long-Awaited China-Japan-South Korea FTA?
By Xirui Li
Will RCEP be able to accelerate the negotiation process for the China-Japan-South Korea free trade agreement?