Asia Economy

Sri Lanka’s debt picture is decidedly mixed. In some ways, the country has been greatly successful in managing its international exposures. Government obligations have fallen significantly, from over 100% of GDP in 2004 to about 74% in 2015.

Billed as a platform for ending corruption and nepotism at the highest levels of government, the presidential elections of January 2015 ended the controversial 10-year executive presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa. The former president enjoyed enormous popularity in the aftermath of the country’s civil war and during the economic revival that...

Sri Lanka, the “Wonder of Asia”, formerly known as Ceylon, has long served as an important strategic destination in the Indian Ocean, catering to merchants and travellers from South-east Asia, India, the Middle East and East Africa. The island was visited and marvelled at by the likes of Marco Polo, who called it “the finest island of its size...

While Thailand has made remarkable progress in recent years in combating poverty, boosting access to education and health services for all and enhancing quality of life, progress has often been unbalanced. Some areas remain better off than others and income inequality remains a persistent problem. However, sustainable solutions in business –...

Thailand has seen phenomenal growth in its manufacturing industry over the last few decades, with the country establishing itself as a major base for both domestic and international industrial players.

In May 2006, Kofi Annan, then secretary-general of the UN, travelled to Thailand to present King Bhumibol Adulyadej with the first-ever UN Human Development Lifetime Achievement Award. During his presentation of this great honour, the secretary-general praised not only the king’s “extraordinary contribution” to human development, but also what...