Analysis

Digital payment platforms grow with high demand in emerging markets
OBG
plus

Despite the ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds experienced by the global economy, one area of the international financial system that has shown steady progression is digital payments. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, they have been spurred by a jump in remittance flows, greater availability of digital infrastructure and services, and higher consumer demand for fast and seamless non-physical…

Analysis

Alternative energy production accelerates amid the energy transition
OBG
plus

The energy transition continued apace in 2023 despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, disruptions to supply chains and inflationary pressures – all of which translated into high energy prices around the globe. Even though prices descended after reaching historic highs in 2022, they remain higher than three years prior, which may mark an inflection point in shifting the global energy system away from…

Analysis

Emerging markets target electric vehicle manufacturing
OBG
plus

With electric vehicles (EVs) set to become more accessible to drivers around the world – and solid growth trends attracting public and private investment – several emerging markets are looking to expand their EV manufacturing capacity. EV uptake is essential to the global energy transition, as transport remains the industry with the highest reliance on fossil fuels, producing an estimated 37% of…

Analysis

Global travel rebounds with digital innovation and spending
OBG
plus

The global tourism sector is gradually recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to UN Tourism’s World Tourism Barometer published in January 2024, international tourism ended 2023 at 88% of pre-pandemic levels, with an estimated 1.3bn international arrivals. The revival has been underpinned by the release of pent-up demand, increased air connectivity, and a robust resurgence…

Analysis

Promoting less-visited tourism areas in Indonesia
OBG
plus

Tourism is a key pillar of Indonesia’s economy, with significant potential to drive economic growth in the coming years. Home to an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is endowed with natural landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. However, much of its potential is untapped, as Bali maintains its position at the forefront of the tourism industry. With the island of Bali being Indonesia’s…

Analysis

Indonesia's tech start-ups attract global investors
OBG
plus

Sustained GDP growth, supportive government policies and regulations, and increased interest from private equity and venture capital (VC) investors have contributed to robust mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in Indonesia in recent years. The year 2021 was a landmark one for such deals in Indonesia, with a record total value of $26bn from 147 deals. Amid global high interest rates and economic…

Analysis

Industry 4.0 transforms manufacturing in emerging economies
OBG
plus

Amid the backdrop of dynamic shifts in global trade patterns and technological advancement, Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence (AI) are substantially reshaping manufacturing landscapes in emerging markets. Although challenges exist for full implementation, including infrastructure and skill gaps, rapid urbanisation and a burgeoning young workforce in these countries drive demand for automation…

Analysis

Indonesia’s new capital and infrastructure investment opportunities
OBG
plus

Located in East Kalimantan on the resource-rich island of Borneo, Nusantara has been designated as the new administrative capital of Indonesia. The plan – first announced in August 2019 – was ratified in January 2022 when the House of Representatives approved the new national capital city (IKN) Law, providing the legal basis for the capital’s relocation. The new city, which will span approximately…

Analysis

Carbon-neutral construction and sustainable architecture
OBG
plus

As the global construction industry redefines its priorities to ensure sustainability, there is increasing recognition of the benefits of regenerative architecture as a means of lowering emissions. According to the “2023 Building Materials and the Climate: Constructing a New Future” report published by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the construction sector accounts for 37% of global energy-related…

Overview

Indonesia's growth targets reflect long-term development goals
OBG
plus

While the Republic of Indonesia is nearly eight decades old in its current form, the South-east Asian nation of more than 17,000 islands has a history that dates back much longer. The name Indonesia was first used in 1850 by the British anthropologist James Richardson Logan in reference to the extensive group of islands that was known at the time as the Indian or Malay Archipelago. Archaeological…