Our Focus Areas

March 25, 2015

China’s Digital Economy Goes Global

The rise of digital technology businesses has the potential to transform the Chinese economy. Digital innovation is becoming the country’s new driver of growth, raising national competitiveness, incomes, and living standards. As China is reaching the point where the rise in wages has made China less cost-competitive as an exporter, the country is attempting to

February 7, 2015

‘The Greening of Asia: The Business Case for Solving Asia’s Environmental Emergency’, by Mark Clifford

With our planet teetering on a climate crisis, environmentalists have recently started making the case for going green from the perspective that it’s good for business. Book reviewed by Finbar O’Mallon.

December 30, 2014

Some Good News For A Change: Mark Clifford’s ‘The Greening Of Asia’

Book reviewed by Elizabeth Economy. The article also appeared on the Council on Foreign Relations’ Asia Unbound blog

October 21, 2014

Lack of opportunities in Hong Kong creating a generation without hope

This opinion piece calls for a rethink of Hong Kong’s job creation strategy to address young people’s frustration with social and personal stagnation – the real driving force behind the Occupy protests. By Asia Business Council Program Director Janet Pau.

September 30, 2014

Asia Business Council Annual Survey 2014

Asia’s Chief Executive Perspectives The Asia Business Council’s ninth annual survey of members was conducted in July 2014. Common themes that emerged were a renewed confidence in the recovery of the U.S. economy, and concerns over China’s continued growth, geopolitical tensions in the region, and challenges of technological disruption in a changing marketplace. 55% of

September 27, 2014

Beyond GDP: Measuring Progress and Well-Being in Asia

  In the past half-century, Asia has seen remarkable growth, lifting millions out of extreme poverty and achieving GDP growth rates that are the envy of the world. While GDP growth has been impressive on the surface, not everyone is benefitting from growth, as higher GDP growth for countries has not necessarily translated to better

February 26, 2014

The Future of Jobs in Developing Asia

Asia’s economic growth in the past half century has hinged on its “demographic dividend” – it is home to well over half of the world’s population and the majority of the world’s skilled and unskilled workers. Yet many parts of Asia are facing a job creation challenge, a malaise that has hit developed and developing

September 16, 2013

 Asia Business Council Annual Survey 2013

Asia’s Chief Executive Perspectives The Asia Business Council conducted its eighth annual survey of members asking about their economic outlook and investment plans. This year, members were more upbeat than in 2012, although optimism was tempered by concerns of a Chinese slowdown. Japan was mentioned as a positive element, where Abenomics loose monetary and fiscal

April 28, 2013

Great Timing on the Watch Trade in China

The watch trade plays a crucial role in China’s system of corruption and crony capitalism. If Beijing hopes to clean-up its act it will mean fewer Swiss-made timepieces on the wrists of Chinese officials. By Asia Business Council Executive Director Mark Clifford.

November 1, 2012

Lack of Political Leadership Bad for Business (PDF)

Responses to the Asia Business Council’s annual survey show the lowest level of business optimism among executives since the onset of the 2008 financial crisis. Uncertainty has increased, and so has a lack of confidence in global political leadership. The region’s business leaders are preparing for a long, grinding recovery. By Princeton in Asia Fellow