by Afshin Molavi | Dec 12, 2019 | Articles, Belt and Road Initiative, Central Asia and Caucuses, China Economy, China/Middle East, Emerging Markets, Europe, Geopolitics, NewPost, Rail Links, Southeast Asia, West Asia Economies
In one of the most memorable lines from Ernest Hemingway’s classic work, The Sun Also Rises, one of the lead characters was asked how he went bankrupt. His response? “It happened gradually, and then suddenly.” I often think of that line as I reflect...
by Afshin Molavi | Dec 2, 2019 | China Economy, Emerging Markets, Globalization, NewPost
It’s the biggest online shopping event in the world. China’s Singles’ Day — which took place on November 11 this year — shattered records again last month. Some eye-popping stats below: $211 Billion – The amount spent by Chinese...
by Afshin Molavi | Nov 26, 2019 | China Economy, Hong Kong, HUBSS, NewPost, South China Sea, Trade
If you are of a certain age (at least 40), you will remember many of the toys you grew up with had a familiar label on them: “Made in Hong Kong.” Gradually, however, as production shifted from Hong Kong to southern China, that ubiquitous “Made in...
by Afshin Molavi | Aug 19, 2019 | Africa Business, China Economy, Development, Emerging Markets, Globalization, Indian Ocean-istan, NewPost, North Africa Commerce/Economy, Original Articles, Trade, West Asia Economies
In my latest syndicated column published by Asia Times, I point to a unique confluence of events that can potentially give the Middle East and North Africa region – namely three states, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE — outsized influence in the shaping...
by Afshin Molavi | Aug 13, 2019 | Automotive, China Economy, Cities, Demographics, East Asia Politics, Globalization, Hong Kong, HUBSS, India Economy, NewPost, Original Articles, Singapore, Trade
It has become a familiar feature of the regular unveiling of the IMF’s latest World Economic Outlook: Asia consistently outpaces the rest of the world in terms of growth. In July, the IMF reported that emerging and developing Asia is expected to see 6.2% growth...
by Afshin Molavi | Aug 1, 2019 | China Economy, Emerging Market Multinationals, Emerging Markets, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Japan Economy, NewPost, Original Articles, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Top Ten Lists
The good folks at EuroMonitor International continue to produce some of the finest research on Asia’s economic transformation. Their latest report, downloadable on their site, looks at the Asian Retail Landscape. These are the Top Ten companies within retailing...
