Topic
Economy
Thailand and China to Introduce Visa-Free Travel From March
By Sebastian Strangio
The move extends makes and permanent a temporary visa waiver that the Thai government introduced in September.
3 Economic Stories in ASEAN to Watch in 2024
By James Guild
Last 2023, the coming year is likely to be a busy one for Southeast Asia on the economic front.
Mongolian Policymakers Must Prioritize the Energy Sector in 2024
By Bolor Lkhaajav
A cohesive strategy aimed at improving the country’s energy sector has become a dire necessity.
The State of South Asia in 2023
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
The year was dominated by elections, and political and economic instability. Amid the bad news, India landed a spacecraft near the Moon’s south pole.
Thailand’s Wage Battle: Economic Boost or Competitiveness Concern?
By Prem Singh Gill
Deliberation over incremental increases to Thailand's minimum wage underscores a delicate balance between the imperative for fair compensation and the necessity to preserve economic competitiveness.
Why Early Retirement of Coal Power is Faltering in Southeast Asia
By James Guild
If the goal is to reduce emissions by shutting coal plants down early without breaking contracts, then someone needs to pay.
Isaac McKean Scarborough on Moscow’s Heavy Shadow in Tajikistan
By Catherine Putz
The Soviet Union’s collapse 32 years ago led to rapid change, economic collapse, and violence. In Tajikistan, that violence slid rapidly into civil war.
Huawei’s Growing Presence in Central Asia’s Telecom Industry
By Berikbol Dukeyev, Dilfuza Mirzakhmedova, and Madina Tursonova
In both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Huawei has positioned itself as a major player in the telecommunications market.
How Taiwan-ASEAN Semiconductor Cooperation Can Bolster Taipei’s National Security
By Chin Hsueh
Three decades after the first iteration of the “Go South” policy, changing geoeconomic realities are making the idea more attractive than ever.
New China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement Raises Security Concerns for Europe
By Maja Bjeloš, Nils Resare, and Wawa Wang
The FTA aims to increase trade flows and eliminate custom tariffs on arms deals, opening the field for sanctioned Chinese companies in Serbia. That’s bad news for Europe.
China’s Electric Vehicle Expansion in Central Asia
By Nargiza Murataliyeva and Shakhriyor Ismailkhodjaev
Chinese electric vehicles are making inroads into Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, but for different reasons.
North Korean Exports Hit Record High Since UN Sanctions Took Full Effect
By Troy Stangarone
North Korea’s exports overwhelmingly go to China – and rely on a single (and surprising) export category.