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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.

Leveling the Playing Field for Streaming Services in the Philippines

Leveling the Playing Field for Streaming Services in the Philippines

By Rocco Cartusciello
A new VAT on digital services, including streaming services like Netflix, could have unintended consequences.

Beijing’s Potential Retaliation Looms as EU Approves Chinese EV Tariffs

Beijing’s Potential Retaliation Looms as EU Approves Chinese EV Tariffs

By Rakshith Shetty
China will attempt to punish the states that held firm on the tariffs, while sparing those that switched positions.
Cambodian Microfinance Loans Based on Rising Land Prices Point to Further NPL Increase

Cambodian Microfinance Loans Based on Rising Land Prices Point to Further NPL Increase

By David Whitehouse
According to forthcoming research, the rate of non-performing loans at the country's microfinance lenders is higher than publicly disclosed,

A Clash of Values: Human Rights and Environmental Standards vs. Free Trade

A Clash of Values: Human Rights and Environmental Standards vs. Free Trade

By Michio Ueda
Navigating the clash between human rights, environmental standards, and free trade requires a nuanced approach.

The Foreign Policy Connections of India’s Semiconductor Strategy

The Foreign Policy Connections of India’s Semiconductor Strategy

By Rahul Mishra and Harshit Prajapati
India’s mission to build up its semiconductor industry is closely tied to its foreign partnerships, like with the U.S. and Singapore.

What’s Driving Taiwan’s Mass Protests?
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What’s Driving Taiwan’s Mass Protests?

US Commerce Department Imposes Duties on Southeast Asian Solar Imports

US Commerce Department Imposes Duties on Southeast Asian Solar Imports

By Sebastian Strangio
Solar firms claim that Chinese companies based in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have flooded the U.S. market and benefited from unfair government subsidies.

The Political Economy of Cinema in Thailand

The Political Economy of Cinema in Thailand

By James Guild
Like other parts of the country's economy, the Thai film industry has been based on attracting foreign investment and producing exports.
A Potential Trade War With China: EU Strengths and Weaknesses

A Potential Trade War With China: EU Strengths and Weaknesses

By Gabriele Manca
While the EU faces significant vulnerabilities in its economic relationship with China, it still holds key cards to play.

Laos and Cambodia Don’t Include Scam Industries in Their GDP Data. Should They?

Laos and Cambodia Don’t Include Scam Industries in Their GDP Data. Should They?

By David Hutt
As strange as it sounds, it is not unusual for nations to include criminal activities in their official economic reports.

Is Indonesia’s Middle Class Really Shrinking?

Is Indonesia’s Middle Class Really Shrinking?

By James Guild
Given the lack of universal definitions, measuring a country's middle-class can be a complicated business.

The Rise of VietJet, Explained

The Rise of VietJet, Explained

By James Guild
The Vietnamese budget carrier has announced the acquisition of a $7.4 billion fleet of Airbus widebody aircraft.
Bangladesh at a Crossroads: The Urgent Need to Revitalize Foreign Investment

Bangladesh at a Crossroads: The Urgent Need to Revitalize Foreign Investment

By Anik Dey
Bangladesh’s FDI was on a downward trend even before the events of this summer.

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