Asia

Despite its vast diversity and cultural differences, Asia shares a common vision of maintaining macroeconomic stability, low inflation and a conservative approach to finance.  Although still largely sensitive to Chinese demand, a number of Asian countries, especially in South-east Asia, have developed new sources of growth, primarily in services and more technology-focused sectors. The biggest challenge facing all of Asia is underinvestment in health and education. Income inequality, exacerbated by relatively limited welfare systems and low tax revenues, remains one of the key sources of social tension in the 21st century. Over the last 10 years OBG’s focus in the region has been on new opportunities in ASEAN and the fast-growing emerging and frontier markets of central Asia and the Indo-Pacific. Whilst the Asian economic development model has placed emphasis on trade and manufacturing, there are significant differences in each country’s growth path and structural strengths and weaknesses. OBG has been tracking the emergence of new growth engines such as banking and financial technology, tourism, ICT, research and innovation, with particular focus on regional cooperation and cross-border investments.

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