This year’s survey indicated a historic rise in business optimism in Asia driven by a belief that the pandemic-driven downturn has finally hit bottom. Most businesses see demand for their products on the upswing. Yet this optimism is tempered by acknowledgement of external risks. Geopolitical tensions and the emergence of new and more dangerous virus …

The deteriorating bilateral relationship can benefit from expert input from the business community as Beijing and Washington redraw the lines in strategic industries. Business ties can also play a stabilizing and humanizing role as dialogue channels shrink elsewhere.

Covid-19 has been a disaster for most businesses in Asia, as everywhere. But the epidemic has given some Asian companies a new-found sense of purpose. By Program Associate Colleen Howe.

Asia’s business leaders now start almost every discussion by talking about digital transformation. Human labour is a business risk, given the possibility of a future outbreak. Factories may become more automated, with fewer workers. By Program Associate Colleen Howe.

Because the coronavirus disproportionately affects people over 65, health care systems in countries with large elderly populations are struggling. The pandemic should prompt governments to consider how policies such as social distancing affect the elderly. By Program Associate Colleen Howe.