Asia Economy

Healthy trade figures and predictions that Mongolia will rank among the world’s top-10 fastest-growing economies in the next 40 years has been the source of confidence in the country’s long-term financial potential. However, concerns over trade, regulatory uncertainty and budget deficits threaten the outlook for the near term.

The new government has targeted post-electoral stability with pledges to tame the budget deficit, boost infrastructure and curb expenditure. However, Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) opposition says Port Moresby’s plan to accept a large loan from China is an early misstep on the path to long-term growth.

Growth in the Philippines is expected to continue at a steady clip over the next two years, spurred by proactive government and central bank measures to improve governance and boost macroeconomic performance. There is concern, however, that slowdowns in Europe, the US and China could dampen full-year growth figures.

Having recorded higher-than-expected growth in the second quarter of 2012, India should see a welcome fillip for an economy struggling to replicate the stellar performance of recent years.

OBG talks to Celina Chew, the managing director of Bayer Thai, about opportunities in agriculture, research and development, and pharmaceuticals.