February 17th, 2019
Courtesy of The New York Times, a detailed look at how – far from the stereotype of total economic isolation – North Korea’s black market has brought a surprising degree of modernity and consumerism — for some: One Night in Pyongyang, around 9 p.m., my North Korean minder, S., and I pulled into the empty parking […]
Read more »China’s Digital Silk Road
February 14th, 2019
Via Center for Strategic & International Studies, a transcript of an interesting panel discussion on the digital Silk Road: Matthew P. Goodman: Good morning, everyone. My name is Matthew Goodman. I hold the Simon Chair in political economy here at CSIS. Delighted to welcome you here to our humble abode for this event on the […]
Read more »February 14th, 2019
Via The Diplomat, a report on StarTimes’ growth in Africa: According to BuzzFeed News, on February 1 Chinese state television broadcaster CGTN America registered as a foreign agent in the United States, to comply with the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA). CGTN America director-general Jing Ma remained upbeat, claiming the registration was not a reflection on the […]
Read more »Lebanon: Back In The Investment Game?
February 14th, 2019
Via FDi Magazine, an updated look at Lebanon: Lebanon is a step closer to political stability, economic recovery and a tranche of foreign investment opportunities following the long-awaited formation of its government and the release of McKinsey’s national economic vision. Sebastian Shehadi reports. After nine months of political deadlock, Lebanon’s cabinet was formed in late January, thereby […]
Read more »February 9th, 2019
Courtesy of The Wall Street Journal, a report on Blackstone’s decision to pull back from a pledge to invest $2.5 billion through an African infrastructure company called Black Rhino: Blackstone Group , BX -0.50% the world’s largest private-equity firm, has pulled back on a plan to invest billions of dollars across Africa, the latest U.S. investor to temper its ambitions […]
Read more »Laos: Rapid Economic Growth Thus Far Avoided Macroeconomic Cliffs
February 8th, 2019
Via East Asia Forum, a report on Laos: Laos is one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia. On average the country’s economy has grown by 7.5 per cent per year and trade by 17 per cent per year since 2000, reflecting the importance of trade as a key driver of its growth. While […]
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