Vietnam Update: August 30

As we end the month of August, Vietnam has now gone four months of an uphill battle against its fourth wave of Covid cases, a battle that due to strict containment measures has shuttered the economy, disrupted supply chains and of course uprooted people’s livelihoods. Unfortunately, the light at the end of the tunnel is still not appearing as covid cases continue to rise. Yet, we are hopeful that we are either at or very near the peak and that numbers will begin a steady downturn, restrictions steadily eased, and a sense of normalcy can return. One thing is certain […]

Read More

Vietnam Update August 27: Vaccine diplomacy with another health twist

As Vietnam continues to battle major Covid-19 outbreaks throughout the country, in which strict containment measures have shuttered economy activity, supply chains and of course people’s livelihoods, an interesting form of vaccine diplomacy occurred earlier this week with another health-related twist – Havana Syndrome. On Tuesday, there was a three hour delay in the flight departure of US Vice President Kamala Harris flying from Singapore to Hanoi due to a report of a “recent possible anomalous health incident” in Hanoi. The incident is being investigated by the US as possible cases of Havana Syndrome, the term used for a rash […]

Read More

Vietnam: COVID-19 comes for the economy

Vietnam is battling major Covid-19 outbreaks throughout the country as the Delta variant unleashes its havoc on a country that up until a few months ago had been mostly spared from the pandemic. Strict containment measures, mostly in the form of hard lock downs, have taken a major toll on the livelihoods of millions as economic activity shutters.  In this update, which is in  in collaboration with Vietnam Weekly, we are going to take a closer look at the economic impact of the current outbreak (Vietnam’s fourth wave which began in late April). COVID-19 comes for the economy In late April, Vietnam […]

Read More

Taiwan: Risk Update

Taiwan’s advantages as a place to do business are manifold: it’s strategically located within easy reach of China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia. It has a massive industrial base – Taiwan is the world’s fourth largest electronics producer – with significant research and development (R&D) supported by public spending. It also has a highly educated and skilled workforce.

Read More