Arsjad Rasjid, chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, says an "economic cold war" has forced Southeast Asian companies to create "China and non-China" portfolios. (Photo by Yuki Kohara) 
Interview

ASEAN caught in 'economic cold war' over China: business lobby head

Indonesian executive urges nimbler Japan Inc. to match other foreign investors

9 June 2023
Power supply in Vietnam has not kept up with the country's rapid economic growth.
Energy

Vietnam factories near Hanoi told to cut power 50% on blackout risk

High temperatures and water shortages bring critical pinch in supply

8 June 2023
Indonesian President Joko Widodo greets Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, Malaysia on June 8. (Photo courtesy of Malaysia Prime Minister's Office)
International relations

Malaysia, Indonesia to fight EU palm oil 'discrimination'

Jokowi says collaboration should be 'strengthened' to protect commodities

8 June 2023
Indonesian President Joko Widodo speaks at a conference in Singapore on June 7, touting investment opportunities in the country's capital relocation project. (Photo by Tsubasa Suruga)
Politics

Jokowi stresses Nusantara continuity under next president

Indonesian leader calls for funding new capital as investors voice concerns

7 June 2023
Tourists use kayaks on the river in Vang Vieng, Laos, in July 2022.
Economy

Laos' tourism-driven economic recovery hinges on China

New cross-border railway brings in Chinese money, and concerns about influence

7 June 2023
Indonesians and Malaysians are being brought closer together by an ASEAN initiative that makes cross-border payments easier and cheaper. (Source photos by Getty Images and logo from ASEAN BAC INDONESIA's website)
Finance

Indonesia-Malaysia QR code payments get started under ASEAN system

Cross border scheme could cut transaction costs by 30%, offer exchange rate buffer

6 June 2023
A Ukrainian soldier drives a captured Russian T-72 tank in the village of Lukianivka, in northwestern Kyiv, Ukraine, in March 2022.
Ukraine war

Russia 'buying back' arms parts exported to Myanmar and India

Reimports appear aimed at improving weapons for use in Ukraine war

5 June 2023
A car washed away by floods caused by Typhoon Goni in the Philippines in 2020.
Climate Change

Children in Vietnam, Philippines face high climate risks: report

UNICEF urges countries to develop infrastructure to minimize impact

1 June 2023
The Bank of Thailand raised its key interest rate a quarter point to 2.0% on May 31, as it seeks to head off inflation.
Economy

Bank of Thailand raises key interest rate to 2.0%

Central bank tightens policy for sixth time as inflation lingers

31 May 2023
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says the country's first sovereign wealth fund will boost economic growth.
Economy

Philippines sovereign wealth fund plan wins key Senate approval

Marcos' pet Maharlika Investment Fund stoked debate over funding, corruption fears

31 May 2023
(Screenshot from Pinglu Canal Group footage)
Asia Insight

China's massive new canal aims for closer ASEAN connectivity

G-7 nations are not the only ones 'de-risking' as global trade tensions mount

30 May 2023
The arrival of Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, will likely shake up Thailand's digital asset market. (Source photos by Reuters and screenshot from Gulf's website) 
Cryptocurrencies

Binance gains first Southeast Asian license from Thailand

Joint venture with Gulf Energy to begin operations in Q4

26 May 2023
Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang tells Nikkei's Future of Asia conference about his country's economic outlook in Tokyo on May 25. (Photo by Yuki Nakao)
The Future of Asia 2023

Vietnam will stick to 6.5% GDP target despite headwinds: deputy PM

Tran Luu Quang says public investment ramping up to compensate

25 May 2023
Singapore's post-COVID performance reveals a spotty recovery from the pandemic.
Economy

Singapore logs 0.4% GDP growth amid stresses on global finance

City-state maintains 2023 growth outlook at 0.5% to 2.5%

25 May 2023
Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. (Photo courtesy of Singapore's Ministry of Finance)
Interview

Singapore to 'significantly enhance' airport, seaport capacity: Wong

PM heir apparent calls multilateral trade 'critical' amid supply chain disruptions

24 May 2023
A construction site for an apartment building in Hanoi. Vietnamese housing sales have stalled due to high interest rates.
Politics

Vietnam eyes higher taxes to curb real estate speculation

Parliament to consider levy on second homes as debt risk soars

23 May 2023
Indonesia's President Joko Widodo hopes banning exports of raw bauxite and other minerals will draw investment to the country.
Asia Insight

Indonesia bets on critical mineral export bans as deadline nears

History of policy flip-flops could hamper climb up resource value-chain

23 May 2023
Diplomats pose after signing the CPTPP agreement in Chile in 2018: More progress is needed in nontariff areas of the pact. 
Opinion

The CPTPP needs a shot in the arm; U.K. entry can provide it

Progress on issues besides tariffs cuts has been limited

23 May 2023
A former member of the Myanmar parliament trains in an area controlled by ethnic Karen rebels.
Myanmar Crisis

Myanmar clashes stall completion of Southeast Asia economic corridor

Fighting along border with Thailand drives shipping costs to soar 50%

18 May 2023
Some businesses in Bangkok are worrying about a higher minimum wage and other policies that a populist government might push through. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)
Thai election

Move Forward's electoral surprise puts Thai businesses on edge

Private sector fears infrastructure and fiscal discipline might be big losers

17 May 2023
A supervisor displays crushed ore at a rare earth mine in California.
Supply Chain

U.S.-led supply chain talks put focus on minerals, semiconductors

IPEF heads toward partial deal later this month to reduce China dependence

17 May 2023
A growing proportion of shipments from China are destined for emerging markets such as countries in ASEAN, the Middle East and Latin America.
Caixin

Chinese exporters turn to emerging markets with intermediate goods

Shipments to ASEAN grew 24% in January-April, outpacing overall export growth

16 May 2023
The CPTPP will help Brunei tap into new trading opportunities in countries like Canada and Chile, Brunei's government says.
Trade

Brunei becomes 11th nation to ratify CPTPP trade deal

Founding member seeks more foreign direct investment

16 May 2023
Tourists dressed in traditional Thai costumes visit Wat Arun temple in Bangkok on Jan. 18.
Economy

Thai GDP grows 2.7% as next government seen focusing on economy

Q1 figures released day after election reveal rising consumption, weak exports

15 May 2023
Muslims shop for food to break their fast at a bazaar during Ramadan in Kuala Lumpur on April 15.
Economy

Malaysia GDP up 5.6% in Q1, topping forecasts as inflation settles

Domestic demand powering growth amid global headwinds, central bank says

12 May 2023