The global operating environment for businesses in Asia has grown more complex, where cost-efficiency must be balanced with other key concerns including supply chain resilience amid intensifying geopolitical uncertainties. In this landscape, dominance in three critical strategic domains—artificial intelligence (AI), new energy, and digital finance—are increasingly defining national advantage.

Asia and the Gulf have deepened their interdependence over the past decade, particularly in energy, trade, investment, and technology. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are strengthening ties with Asian countries like China, India, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN, fostering mutual economic growth. These partnerships are driven by shared goals including economic diversification, energy security, and the advancement of emerging technologies like AI, renewable energy, and electric vehicles. Growing Asian-Gulf ties are strategically important amid global and regional challenges.

The latest Asia Business Council survey shows firms are worried about geopolitics. Energy is the top concern amid high prices and conflict.

Against a backdrop of electricity shortages in China’s most important provincial economy, a report of a possible radiological leak from China’s Taishan nuclear reactor is raising questions about safety and transparency of information.