Expand Economic Opportunity
We support Asian initiatives to foster inclusive economic growth and broaden economic opportunities. We work at all levels–from local to regional–to increase economic opportunities and expand investment and trade; strengthen partnerships among governments, private enterprise, and civil society to promote broad-based, sustainable growth; and improve the responsiveness of public authorities to demand a more supportive business environment, including for women entrepreneurs.
Outcomes
- Improved business climate to foster inclusive growth
- Reduced barriers to regional trade and investment
- Increased societal benefits through entrepreneurship, partnerships, and innovation
Middle-Income Trap: Economic Myth, Political Reality
While Asia continues to set pace as the world’s fastest growing region, some Asian middle-income countries (MICs) are showing signs of economic slowdown and face stiff competition from lower-cost economies. The implications that could result from this economic growth slowdown in MICs are of serious concern to economists and political decision-makers. The threat of the “middle-income trap” (MIT) looms over Asian MICs such as Thailand and Malaysia, the two countries profiled in this research initiative.
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY NEWS
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The Best InAsia Podcasts and Posts of 2020
January 7, 2021
Blog
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North Korean Refugee Entrepreneurs in South Korea: Unveiling Korea’s Hidden Potential
December 30, 2020
Publication
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Myanmar Business Environment Index: Covid-19 Impact on Businesses
December 15, 2020
Publication
Critical Reforms to Bangladesh's Leather Sector
Under its partnership with the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Foundation has played a catalyzing role in the relocation of the leather tanning industry from central Dhaka—where it was heavily polluting the Buriganga River—to a new, environmentally-compliant industrial estate outside the city.
HIGHLIGHTS ACROSS ASIA
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Peripheral Vision: Views from the Borderlands – Fall 2020
January 12, 2021
Publication -
The Best InAsia Podcasts and Posts of 2020
January 7, 2021
Blog
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The Asia Foundation Supports APEC Policy Brief on Women, Covid-19, and the Future of Work
January 4, 2021
News -
North Korean Refugee Entrepreneurs in South Korea: Unveiling Korea’s Hidden Potential
December 30, 2020
Publication
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Asia Foundation Tackles Governance Challenges in GovLab’s 100 Questions Initiative
December 16, 2020
Media Coverage -
Myanmar Business Environment Index: Covid-19 Impact on Businesses
December 15, 2020
Publication
Impact Report 2020
Leading through change