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This article also features in Asia-Pacific. Read more about this report and view purchase options in our online store.

Asia Economic Research Highlight

ESG in Indonesia: Access to Finance

Indonesia continues to leverage sustainable finance, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as investor priorities shift towards ESG metrics. The country’s inaugural G20 Presidency in...

Why environmental, social and governance alignment can raise investment appeal

Niko Safavi, President Director, Mowilex Indonesia

In this Global Platform video, Niko Safavi, President Director, Mowilex Indonesia, discusses the steps paint and coatings manufacturers can take to promote environmental and social protection, and also...

Asia ESG Intelligence Reports
ESG Intelligence Report

ESG and Indonesia: Which factors will drive growth?

Indonesia’s commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles is clear from its 2022 G20 Presidency focus on sustainability and environmental leadership, with topics likely to include...
ESG Intelligence Report

The Philippines and ESG: An opportunity to unlock inclusive socio-economic growth?

The Philippine roadmap for inclusive, balanced, long-term growth is aligned with environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ESG Intelligence Report

ESG: Indonesia’s role in ASEAN’s energy transition

Indonesia’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) and UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) priorities centre on the affordable transition to renewable energy, socio-economic growth...
ESG Intelligence Report

ESG report: A case study in Asia’s energy sector

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are playing an increasingly important role in Asia as investors, regulators and consumers seek products and services that offer positive...
ESG Intelligence Report

Report: The evolution of ESG in paint production in Indonesia

Investors, regulators and consumers around the globe are increasing their focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles as they seek products and services that protect the environment, mitigate...

ESG and Indonesia: Which factors will drive growth?
The Philippines and ESG: An opportunity to unlock inclusive socio-economic growth?
ESG: Indonesia’s role in ASEAN’s energy transition
ESG report: A case study in Asia’s energy sector
Report: The evolution of ESG in paint production in Indonesia
 

How Indonesian financial institutions aim to attract the unbanked

Batara Sianturi, CEO, Citi Indonesia

In this video, Batara Sianturi, CEO of Citi Indonesia, details the monetary and fiscal outlook for the country and global trends that are impacting all economies.

Covid-19 Response Reports from Asia
Covid-19 Response Report

Report: How the pandemic is reshaping ASEAN construction demands

Construction – and infrastructure development in particular – is expected to be a key driver of economic growth across ASEAN from 2021. The bloc, home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies...
Covid-19 Recovery Roadmap

Report: How important will Indonesia’s digital economy be for long-term, inclusive growth?

Indonesia’s economy experienced a milder slowdown in 2020 than its ASEAN-5 neighbours, according the IMF’s April 2021 World Economic Outlook, and also fared better than 16 other G20 members.
Covid-19 Response Report

Report: What business opportunities are arising from the disruption of the pandemic in the Philippines?

Although the Philippines has experienced some of Asia’s most stringent coronavirus containment measures and registered one of the highest case counts in the region.
Covid-19 Response Report

Report: Where are the digital growth opportunities for Indonesia's banks in the post-pandemic world?

Alongside rising GDP and manageable public debt levels, Indonesia’s banks maintained robust performance in the six months leading to the pandemic. Monetary measures by the central bank...
Covid-19 Response Report

Report: How is the Eastern Economic Corridor supporting Thailand’s recovery from Covid-19?

Thailand’s past experiences in mitigating global and financial health crises – coupled with robust medical infrastructure, and the ingenuity and adaptability of businesses and the wider population.
Covid-19 Response Report

Report: How did telemedicine enhance Indonesia’s response to Covid-19?

With little initially known about the epidemiology of the novel coronavirus, policymakers were forced to make hard choices between protecting public health and curtailing economic activity.

Report: How the pandemic is reshaping ASEAN construction demands
Report: How important will Indonesia’s digital economy be for long-term, inclusive growth?
Report: What business opportunities are arising from the disruption of the pandemic in the Philippines?
Report: Where are the digital growth opportunities for Indonesia's banks in the post-pandemic world?
Report: How is the Eastern Economic Corridor supporting Thailand’s recovery from Covid-19?
Report: How did telemedicine enhance Indonesia’s response to Covid-19?
 

How super funds can fuel economic growth in Papua New Guinea

Ian Tarutia, CEO, National Superannuation Fund (nasfund)

In the coming years nasfund hopes to play a larger role in mobilising investment that capture a larger portion of the population in rural areas and ensure adhesion to environmental, social and governance criteria...

Economic Analysis across APAC
Viewpoint

President Joko Widodo: Viewpoint
OBG
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On the goals of his second term and transforming Indonesia into an advanced country
Overview

How diversity and resources have shaped Papua New Guinea
OBG
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Papua New Guinea is a vast archipelago, of which the main island – shared with Indonesia – forms the largest tropical island on Earth. Known for its unique flora and fauna, the country is famous for...
Overview

The growth measures being employed by the Philippines
OBG
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The Republic of the Philippines reaches from Taiwan in the north to Indonesia in the south. It is the fourth-largest country in South-east Asia after Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand.
Viewpoint

Prime Minister James Marape: Viewpoint
OBG
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On harnessing the country’s natural resources to overcome the challenges of Covid-19 and develop a more prosperous and equitable society
Overview

Policy changes and reforms to grow Indonesia's economy
OBG
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Indonesia is the only G20 economy in South-east Asia and is home to the world’s fourth-largest population. While it possesses a variety of natural resources, taking full advantage of this endowment is challenging...

President Joko Widodo: Viewpoint
How diversity and resources have shaped Papua New Guinea
The growth measures being employed by the Philippines
Prime Minister James Marape: Viewpoint
Policy changes and reforms to grow Indonesia's economy
 

Asia: Economic Research & Views

Economic News

Mongolia harnesses surging mining exports to diversify economy
OBG
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High commodity prices and rising coal exports are propelling economic growth in Mongolia, allowing the country to develop its robust mineral resources, expand its services sector, and invest in green agriculture and energy. Mongolia exported 31.7m tonnes of coal in 2022, an increase in volume of 102%, or 16m tonnes, from 2021 and an increase in export revenue of 135%, or $6.5bn, due to higher coal prices, according to data from the Mongolian Customs General Administration. These figures undergirded economic growth...

Economic News

Emerging markets invest in film media to extend their global reach
OBG
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As audiences return to entertainment in physical venues following the Covid-19 pandemic, several emerging markets are looking to film and media to diversify economic revenue streams and extend their cultural reach abroad. Global cinema box office revenue saw a strong upswing in the first quarter of 2023, with the year’s gross revenue set to reach $32bn. While still 20% below the annual average recorded in the 2017-19 period, the figures show that the industry is well on its way to recovery...

Economic News

Demographic and tech shifts alter the distribution of global talent
OBG
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As the global economy continues to adapt to ongoing macroeconomic shocks, many countries are looking to boost human capital through training programmes, technology adoption and immigration. Following key shifts in labour trends resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, such as the switch to remote work and acute labour shortages in a number of developed economies, countries are re-evaluating how to foster a skilled workforce to facilitate sustainable future expansion. Population projections see growth...

Economic News

What China’s uneven economic recovery means for emerging markets
OBG
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After three years of rolling Covid-19 lockdowns and trade disruptions, China posted faster-than-expected GDP growth in the first quarter of 2023, at 4.5% year-on-year (y-o-y), but the uneven nature of its recovery is sending mixed signals for emerging markets. The strong performance, which exceeded the expectations of many analysts, was powered by 5.4% expansion in the services sector, including a 10.6% spike in retail sales in March, as pent-up demand and high domestic savings drove market activity...

Economic News

The growth trajectory of religious tourism in key markets
OBG
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With many emerging markets diversifying their tourism offerings, faith-based tourism is set to become a key segment for a number of markets worldwide. An estimated 330m people travel for religious reasons each year, according to the UN Word Tourism Organisation, forming a significant market for countries with attractions of spiritual or sacred value. These trips include pilgrimages as well as sightseeing trips to important historical and religious sites throughout the year. Additionally, a 2017 study reported that some...

Economic News

Free ad-supported television poised to grow share of emerging market viewers
OBG
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As emerging markets expand internet access and younger generations adopt different habits of consuming global media and entertainment, free ad-supported television (FAST) is poised to gain market share as viewers transition from traditional cable, broadcast or satellite television to over-the-top (OTT) internet-based platforms. US tech giant Google announced two weeks ago that it was seeking to become the leading FAST channel aggregator by adding Tubi, Plex and Haystack News to its existing FAST...

Economic News

Emerging markets look to capture a larger share of the aviation market
OBG
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With global aviation passenger numbers rebounding, emerging markets are looking to capture market share through increased investment and sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). As OBG reported in February, tourism figures rebounded in 2022, thanks to the easing of Covid-19-related restrictions and increased investment in tourism. The sector’s recovery is set to continue, with international tourist arrivals likely to reach 85-90% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Revenue is also on the upswing for the global aviation industry after an...

Economic News

The future of commercial drone delivery in global and local supply chains
OBG
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Emerging markets are capitalising on commercial drone technology to overcome logistics challenges and revolutionise supply chains for many goods and services, with expected benefits for last-mile delivery. While unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are often associated with military usage, commercial UAV usage has grown substantially in recent years as e-commerce and logistics companies increasingly look to drones to enable more efficient delivery. Research firm GlobalData predicts that commercial drones...

CEO Survey Analysis

Global CEO Survey: What is on the horizon for emerging markets?

While the recovery period following the Covid-19 pandemic saw the unlocking of major capital in emerging markets, inflationary pressures, fluctuating commodity prices and geopolitical concerns have since tempered the global economic outlook for 2023. Balancing opportunity and risk has become a priority for shareholders and investors, but emerging markets have remained resilient. Some regions, such as the Gulf, are looking to funnel elevated hydrocarbons revenue into sustainable mega-projects, whereas leaders in Asia...

Sustainable Finance and Investment — Asia
Economic View

Pakorn Peetathawatchai, President, The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)

On the role of promoting environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards in the local capital market ecosystem
Economic View

Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Investment; and Chairman, Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM)

On how environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards are shaping the investment landscape.
Economic News

What does the future hold for Islamic finance?
OBG
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After remaining resilient in 2020, the Islamic finance segment is performing strongly this year, as an improved economic environment, a rise in the number of large projects and an increased focus on...

Pakorn Peetathawatchai, President, The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)
Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Investment; and Chairman, Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM)
What does the future hold for Islamic finance?
 

ESG Research & Views: Asia & Beyond

Economic News

Climate risk is reshaping the insurance sector in emerging markets
OBG
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With the launch of a new joint initiative to support the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change, the global insurance industry is evolving in ways that could carry important implications for business in emerging markets. The Global Shield against Climate Risks (GSCR) was announced by the ministers of finance of the so-called Vulnerable Twenty Group (V20) and the G7 after the COP27 UN Conference on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh Egypt in November last year. It seeks to address weaknesses...

Economic News

The effectiveness of water-management strategies in emerging markets
OBG
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With extreme weather events such as drought or flooding becoming more common due to climate change, countries around the world are looking to innovative solutions for water management. Water scarcity captured global headlines last summer, as Europe experienced its worst drought in 500 years and China’s Yangtze River reached record low levels, derailing hydropower operations. Elsewhere, widespread flooding affected Nigeria, India, Pakistan and other parts of the world. Due to population growth, climate change and...

Economic News

Saltwater batteries and the emerging blue energy economy
OBG
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As emerging markets seek to accelerate their energy transitions by increasing solar and wind power capacity, recent technological advancements that harness the sodium from saltwater could provide a crucial breakthrough in battery storage. In recent months start-ups and researchers have debuted saltwater battery technologies that promise cheaper capacity to store variable solar and wind power at scale, a development that could help to reduce global dependence on lithium. In January US-based tech start-up Salgenx...

Economic News

How tech can unlock geothermal energy in emerging markets
OBG
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As countries around the world look to increase baseload power generation, reduce energy imports and decarbonise their economies, emerging markets are boosting geothermal power generation with the help of new technologies and expertise. A new drilling technology developed by Quaise Energy, a US geothermal start-up spun out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that uses gyrotron-powered millimetre waves to vaporize rock, could allow for producers to drill as far down as 20 km compared to the average drilling...

Economic News

How the new High Seas Treaty affects ocean conservation in emerging markets
OBG
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As the international community reaches a landmark agreement to protect ocean resources, emerging markets are looking to balance conservation and the exploitation of marine resources. In the first week of March 2023 UN delegates in New York finalised the text of an international treaty outlining the sustainable use of marine resources beyond national jurisdiction. Popularly known as the UN High Seas Treaty, the document is the result of two decades of talks and represents the first international treaty on ocean protection...

Economic News

Asia: Year in Review 2022
OBG
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An easing of Covid-19-related restrictions and shifting supply chains have bolstered growth in Asia, even as inflation and climate change generate significant headwinds. While South-east Asian countries such as Thailand and Vietnam had lifted restrictions in 2021, the last quarter of this year saw Japan reopen its borders to foreign travellers and China begin to roll back Covid-19-contaiment policies, signalling a gradual return to economic normalcy in the Asia-Pacific region...

Economic News

Could emerging markets become world leaders in solar power exports?
OBG
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As demand for renewable energy grows globally, several emerging markets are positioning themselves as leaders in exporting solar power. Most notably, Indonesia appears to be leading the charge. In recent months five giant solar power-export projects have been proposed in the country. One project, announced in mid-April, saw Singaporean renewable energy provider Quantum Power Asia and Berlin-based Ib Vogt agree to a $5bn deal to export solar power to Singapore. The proposal involves constructing a 3.5-GW solar park...

Economic News

Mining and electric vehicles: what can be done to reduce the carbon footprint?
OBG
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Indonesia has taken another step towards its quest to become a leading electric vehicle (EV) player, with the world’s two largest producers of EV batteries recently announcing major projects in the country. However, these developments have highlighted the carbon-intensive nature of mining to EV production, despite hopes that the process could be further decarbonised. Headed by LG Energy Solution – the second-largest EV battery maker in the world – a South Korean consortium is set to invest $9bn in a mines-to-manufacturing...

Economic News

How does Asia Pacific rank on net-zero emissions targets?
OBG
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A recent report found that relatively few companies in the Asia-Pacific region have adopted net-zero carbon emission strategies to date. Nevertheless, there are grounds for cautious optimism as pacesetters in the region announce ambitious targets and experiment with innovative decarbonisation strategies.

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