Asia Pacific
Japan’s electricity sector reform passed in wake of Fukushima
Shinzo Abe has overcome his first obstacle in liberalizing Japan’s electricity sector by securing passage of a key piece of legislation. Yet, whether this reform can reach its goals is
4 reasons growth pains will replace growth gains in China
As China’s growth slows, investors need to be on the look-out for Beijing’s growth pains: GRI is here to help and looks at four areas of interest The recent trips
Bitcoin offers free currency movement in China, for now
The digital currency could push China into making tough decisions about liberalizing its financial system. Although Bitcoin is designed to be a decentralized currency that can be used the world
Laos’ Mekong dam construction threatens food security
With a reported 60 million people dependent on the Mekong River’s ecological environment, the Lao government’s decision to build a new dam in the Don Sahong area is ringing alarm bells throughout
China’s air-defense zone ratchets up risk for trade and investment
With the announcement of China’s Air-Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and the following rise in tensions in the East China Sea, economic—and global—catastrophe may be just a shot away. Beijing’s November
Investors withdraw as protests in Thailand hurt growth
Thailand’s growth, business confidence and the baht suffer, as mass protests in Bangkok over an amnesty bill continue. Mass public protests have been a regular occurrence in Bangkok over the
What you need to know about China’s 5 big reforms
Following this month’s Chinese Communist Party Plenary Session, held once every five years, China announced a number of economic policy changes. Here are five wide-reaching reforms to watch. The news coming
China’s rough path towards consumption-led growth
To stimulate domestic consumption, China passed a major amendment to its consumer protection law on 25 October 2013. This move benefits consumers and some industries such as e-commerce. However, its
Does Tiananmen attack indicate political volatility?
On Sunday, October 27, a car crashed into a crowd and exploded at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, right underneath the symbolic portrait of Mao Zedong. The attack killed five people and
The shale gas revolution is about to hit China
Shale gas extraction shows promising signs in China. The current 5-year plan aims to produce 60-100 billion cubic meters by 2020, so look for a more cohesive Chinese approach to
