Asia’s economic growth and development have been unparalleled over the past 75 years. Poverty has declined continuously and more rapidly than at any time in recorded history, and significant welfare gains have been achieved. These achievements have been driven by Asia’s growing participation in international trade and global value chains, which underpin the globalization process. More broadly, globalization refers to the integration of economies that has been achieved through growing levels of international trade, finance, and investment, and through the mounting exchanges of people, ideas, and data.
The latest Asia Business Council survey shows firms are worried about politics increasingly encroaching on business and driving potential decoupling. Energy is the top concern amid high prices and the continuing fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Hong Kong’s unique political system can serve as a case study for those studying policy in institutions around the world.
Women are indispensable to Hong Kong’s future growth; closing the wage gap, while providing more support at home, can pave their re-entry to the workforce.
In Asia, as a more internet-savvy and health and environmentally conscious consumer takes center stage, emerging technologies are offering new opportunities and innovative solutions for people from diverse backgrounds and geographies.
More companies are collaborating to explore how the technology can make operations more efficient, which could form the building blocks of the next-generation internet. Just as the internet allows information and innovations to be shared across borders, the world will benefit most from having an open metaverse.
The success of the government’s green bond scheme provides plenty of scope for investing in groundbreaking energy projects and pursuing ambitious climate policy. Yet, our leaders can’t seem to think bigger than a few low-carbon buildings and waste management fees.
The new Hong Kong administration should build on the city’s strengths to enable business partnerships and cultural and educational exchange that connect Hong Kong and mainland China with Japan and South Korea.
Increasing supply chain resilience in Asia can help blunt the worst effects of climate change, improve biodiversity and closed loop thinking, and even help eradicate the scourge of modern slavery.
After its mishandling of Omicron, Hong Kong needs a program of damage control to regain investor confidence and bring stability back to residents’ lives. That means building economic resilience, strengthening networks for trade and talent, and putting substance behind claims of being a world city.
