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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.
Germany Is Phasing out Chinese Tech From 5G Networks. Is It the Right Call?
By Aparna Divya
Germany’s decision to exclude ZTE and Huawei parts from its 5G networks stems from geopolitical anxieties and strategic concerns.
Vietnam Allows Big Companies to Buy Clean Energy Directly to Meet Their Climate Targets
By Aniruddha Ghosal
The government has lifted a regulation requiring all consumers of power to purchase it at fixed prices from the state utility EVN.
Thailand to Begin Enrollment for Massive Stimulus Program Next Month
By Sebastian Strangio
The government will begin distributing 10,000 baht payments in the fourth quarter, but questions remain about the efficacy of the "digital wallet" program.
Is Fuel Subsidy Reform Finally On the Way in Southeast Asia?
By James Guild
Malaysia and Indonesia are both beginning to reduce long-standing subsidies that have kept fuel prices well below market rates.
China’s Wind Power Firms Are Advancing in Europe – For Now
By Chris Hankin
Chinese turbine manufacturers are rapidly expanding in Europe, but it’s a race against the clock as tariffs loom.
Pakistan’s Economy: Lessons From South Korea
By Waqas Shair and Khurram Shahzad
Pakistan could look to South Korea as a blueprint for economic development by emphasizing efforts to nurture the private sector.
What Do Tongwei and LONGi’s Struggles Say About the Future of Solar Supply Chains?
By Chris Hankin
The two Chinese companies play a dominant role in the solar panel supply chain. Now even they are suffering from overconcentration of the solar industry.
Sri Lanka’s Many IMF Programs: What’s Changed and What Hasn’t
By Tharindu Udayanga Kamburawala
Comparing the similarities and differences in Sri Lanka’s five latest agreements with the IMF highlights the country’s economic trajectory since 2001.
China’s Economy Slowed Last Quarter as Weak Consumer Demand Dragged on Growth
By Elaine Kurtenbach
The second quarter’s 4.7 percent growth was far below the 5.3 percent pace seen in the first quarter of 2024.
Who Will Serve as Indonesia’s Next Finance Minister?
By Ahmad Syarif
Here are the three main contenders to take the post when President-elect Prabowo Subianto takes office in October.
Indonesia’s Prabowo Plans to Increase Debt to Fund Spending Plans
By Sebastian Strangio
The president-elect plans to increase the country's debt-to-GDP ratio to 50 percent, up from 39 percent currently, in order to achieve his ambitious growth targets.
US Tariffs Against China: It’s National Security, Stupid
By Denny Roy
Maximizing economic efficiency, the goal of most critics of tariffs, will not deliver national security.