Topic
Economy
Why PhilHealth Doesn’t Need to Raise Premiums in 2024
By James Guild
With inflation continuing to rise, a scheduled premium increase seems likely to be suspended.
Gelephu: The World’s First Mindfulness City Is in Bhutan
By Namgay Zam
The city is envisioned as Bhutan’s new economic hub – an opportunity to capitalize on the economic corridor linking South Asia to Southeast Asia.
Will China Move Toward a ‘War-Driven’ Economy?
By Kung Chan and He Jun
A full pivot to war preparations is unlikely, but China will continue to shift toward a fully centralized economy.
How the UAE is Making a Splash in Indonesia’s Clean Energy Sector
By James Guild
Masdar’s willingness to work within the constraints of the country's political economy offers important lessons for the U.S.-backed Just Energy Transition Partnership.
The De-risking Push Misunderstands China’s Manufacturing Strengths
By Xiaofeng Wang
China dominates the manufacturing of intermediate goods – so even if a finished product is made elsewhere, it almost certainly includes “Made in China” components.
It’s Time to Confront the Taliban’s Corruption
By David J. Kramer, Natalie Gonnella-Platts, and Jessica Ludwig
Fundamental to the Taliban’s vicious pursuit of power is the strategic use of corruption and kleptocracy.
How to Break the Deadlock in the Indonesia-EU Trade Talks
By Fajar Hidayat
The two sides could incorporate a "built-in agenda," putting off thorny issues until after FTA comes into force.
Montenegro’s Scandal-ridden Chinese Road
By Nicholas Muller
A decade on, the country faces crippling economic challenges and environmental degradation from the ambitious (and still incomplete) highway project.
What’s Next for Bhutan After Its Election
By Shannon Tiezzi
Tenzing Lamsang, editor of The Bhutanese, discusses why voters chose the PDP and what the new government has planned, particularly for Bhutan's ailing economy.
The Importance of Interoperability for ASEAN’s Digital Framework Agreement
By Albert J. Rapha
Creating seamless regional integration is crucial to the success of the bloc's pathbreaking digital economy agreement.
Malaysia, Singapore Agree to New SEZ to Boost Border Trade
By Sebastian Strangio
The planned SEZ is just one of a range of initiatives designed to tighten the economic integration between the two countries.
What Lies Ahead for Chinese Lending to Africa?
By Trevor Lwere
Despite much talk of a slowdown, there is reason to believe that Chinese loans to African countries will increase in 2024.