Lessons for Asia from the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-2009
The global financial crisis of 2008-2009 offers a rare opportunity for many economies to undertake wide-ranging structural reforms to improve productivity and economic efficiency.
The Social and Economic Development of Bhutan Offers a New Model for the World
Bhutan’s development has been guided by its philosophy of gross national happiness—of striving to balance spiritual and material advancement through four pillars: sustainable and equitable economic growth and development, preservation and sustainable use of the environment, preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, and good governance.
The Effects of Food Prices on People’s Health in Asia’s Developing Countries
Good nutrition and health are essential for improving productivity and economic growth and reducing poverty. In particular, adequate nutrition at a young age is a promise for the future, not only of the individuals but also of the society and the nation.
Moving Beyond Factory Asia: Global Exports are No Longer the Key to Economic Growth
Asia needs to rethink its traditional growth strategy of relying on global exports and look to more trade with its regional neighbors.
Asian Financial Integration: How Much Has it Come True?
As articulated by Cavoli, Rajan, and Siregar (2004) in their survey of East Asian financial integration, financial integration is a multidimensional process closely associated with development of financial markets.
Is Asia Ready for an End to QE?
Asian stock markets have been under pressure recently from an announcement by the US Federal Reserve that “quantitative easing”, or QE as it is commonly referred to, is likely to be tapered off in the near future.
Estimating the Cost of Climate Change in the Pacific
The effects of global climate change are multifaceted. Pacific nations are highly vulnerable to the impacts, including intensified storm surges, cyclones, and rising sea levels.
Emerging Asia Should Brace for Higher Global Interest Rates
The US Fed has been winding down its bond purchase program, widely known as “quantitative easing,” since December 2013. The program was introduced in the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis to fight the recession and foster a rapid economic recovery. With the improvement in the US economy, the Fed suggested at its policy meeting in March that the program may end this coming fall and it may start raising interest rates about six months from then.
Preparing for Life After the MDGs
The establishment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the United Nations in 2001 was a defining moment. It rallied a global effort in the fight against poverty, hunger, and disease, while promoting universal education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. However, new challenges have emerged while remaining ones are complex. Meanwhile, the 2015 deadline for achieving the MDGs is almost upon us, raising the question: where do we go from here?
Unlocking Myanmar’s Potential
Economic and political transition is never an easy process for any country and it will be no different for Asia’s fast awakening tiger, Myanmar.