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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.
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.
Cebu Pacific’s $24 Billion Dollar Bet on Cheap Flights
By James Guild
The company's planned acquisition of a new Airbus fleet reflects a bullish confidence about the future of the regional tourism industry.
China’s BYD Opens EV Factory in Thailand, Expanding Regional Presence
By Sebastian Strangio
The factory is the Chinese automaker's first in Southeast Asia, where it already dominates the fast-growing market for electric vehicles.
Why Indonesia’s State-Owned Railway Company Is Taking On Debt
By James Guild
A costly China-backed high-speed rail project has increased scrutiny of Kereta Api Indonesia's finances.
Another Trade War? Escalating Friction in Indonesia-EU Relations
By Michio Ueda
The discord between Indonesia and the EU over nickel and deforestation issues reflect broader challenges facing the global order.
Indonesia Announces Hefty Tariffs on Chinese-made Goods
By Sebastian Strangio
The country’s small businesses could “collapse" under a flood of low-cost Chinese goods, the country's trade minister said.
Why Is China Stockpiling Key Resources?
By Bonnie Girard
Is China preparing to invade Taiwan, or just flexing its muscles to attract attention?
Pakistan’s Quantum Quest: Hurdles and Hopes
By Zohaib Altaf and Nimrah Javed
The establishment of the National Center for Quantum Computing could be a critical step – if Pakistan can overcome economic constraints and a significant brain drain.