What does Vietnam’s trade deal with the EU mean for the country and ASEAN?
Vietnam’s economy is expected to gain enormously from the FTA with the EU. However, the country will face major criticism unless it adopts labor and human rights reforms.
Economy
Migrant workers in Thailand at risk of abuse amid economic slowdown
Given Thailand’s dire economic outlook wrought by COVID-19, fewer opportunities could lead to an increase in precarious and underpaid work.
What can Indonesian fishers and happiness data teach us about the COVID-19 economy?
A new study suggests fishers in Indonesia report relatively high levels of happiness and well-being, despite facing poverty, risks and instability. As COVID-19 hits workers around the world, the findings show how governments might look to data on happiness to help build new economic and labor policies.
How to make billions in a conflict zone
Myanmar’s jade mining industry pulls in billions of dollars annually despite an ongoing conflict between the military and the Kachin Independence Army. The conflict is deeply tied to the same inequality that pushes workers into the risky and accident-prone mines.
Jade, civil war and inequality: lessons from Myanmar’s latest mining accident
Another deadly jade mining accident in northern Myanmar shows the consequences of inequality in the country and how resource extraction and land conflicts drive civil war.
What will it take for Thailand to recover from the coronavirus pandemic?
As businesses across Thailand reopen, economic recovery may depend on support for domestic tourism and efforts to break up monopolies. Though foreign tourism is on pause, tourism brands in Thailand are still attractive to foreign investors.
How are startups in Southeast Asia dealing with the COVID-19 threat?
Until recently, startups in Southeast Asia were rising fast with support from governments and investors. But many startups in the region are now fighting for survival as revenues and funding plummet due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Indonesia’s digital economy: Digital trade and cross-border data flows in a post-COVID world
As the digital economy grows in support of life in lockdown, how should policymakers in Indonesia think about international data flows and governance?
Filipino migrant workers struggle amid COVID-19 restrictions
Thousands of Filipino migrant workers sent home due to COVID-19 are facing an uncertain welcome.
What does the return of palm oil trade mean for India-Malaysia ties?
India-Malaysia relations are improving as India resumes imports of palm oil from the Southeast Asian state, with Malaysia positioned to see further economic benefits and India standing to benefit politically.