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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.
The Transition to the Autonomy Economy and China-US Tech Competition
By Shaoshan Liu
With the explosive growth of autonomous machines in both form factors and functions, we may have entered a new technological era. Which country will lead this next phase?
Why Indonesia’s Waskita Karya Can’t Pay Its Debts
By James Guild
The state-owned construction firm has crumbled under a heavy load of bond obligations, but the risk of economic contagion is low.
Tesla to Invest in Indonesian Battery Manufacturing, Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Senior Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan made the announcement after a meeting with Tesla chief Elon Musk in San Francisco on August 2.
The Special Investment Facilitation Council’s Role in Pakistan’s Economic Resurgence
By Shabbir Ahmed
The SFIC has to strike a balance between including military decision-makers to raise investor confidence and upholding democratic governance.
China’s July Exports Tumble by Double Digits, Adding to Pressure to Shore up Flagging Economy
By Joe McDonald
The export contraction was the biggest since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
What India’s Rice Export Ban Means for Southeast Asia
By James Guild
The impacts are likely to reflect the differing role that rice plays in each country's political economy.
Emerging Markets in Asia Are Rushing to Adopt Central Bank Digital Currencies
By Lourdes Casanova, Sharwari Rajesh Pandit, and Rohini Manyam Seshasayee
For countries like China, India, and Indonesia, CBDCs offer tempting solutions to several issues – including the dominance of the U.S. dollar.
Will Hong Kong Become a Crypto Hub?
By Hugh Harsono
The Hong Kong government has made their desire to turn Hong Kong into a crypto hub well-known, with tacit support from Beijing.
Making the Most of the EU’s China De-risking Policy
By Thomas Chan
EU exports to China – and the ensuing vulnerabilities – are even more complicated than they appear.
Indonesia’s Largest Movie Chain, Cinema XXI, Goes Public
By James Guild
The cinema chain, which was founded during the Suharto years, has seen explosive growth over the past decade.
Skepticism Prevails as China’s Leaders Promise to Back Private Businesses to Spur Slowing Economy
By Joe McDonald
Entrepreneurs and investors are waiting to see what concrete steps Beijing might take to make good on its recent pledge to “boost confidence” in the private sector.
Why VinFast is Struggling In the US Electric Vehicle Market
By James Guild
The Vietnamese automotive firm's planned conquest of the American EV market has hit a number of hurdles.