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With their heavy focus on manufacturing, Vietnam and Thailand have long placed international trade and investment at the heart of their economic strategy. And their importance will only increase as the region pivots towards a more skills-based economy, write Commerzbank’s Regional Head Asia-Pacific Franz Murr, Chief Vietnam Representative Ha Bach, and Senior Thailand Representative Thira Nuntametha.

The errors of others can be good teachers. As many countries fight inflation by raising interest rates, Argentina’s financial system offers valuable lessons and highlights avoidable pitfalls in managing monetary policy. Trapped in a loop of high inflation and government debt and low credit and growth, Argentina exemplifies what not to do.

The advent of digital banking has benefited banks with cost savings, but at what cost to their customers, who are often deprived of the human-to-human services they enjoy at branches when using digital channels? How can banks inject the benefits of the branch into their digital offerings and the advantages of digital into their branches?

China’s ascension to prominence as one of the world’s two economic superpowers has been accompanied by its rise in diplomatic intermediation, aided by its extensive Belt and Road Initiative. Its recent successes in the Arab region underscore the global power centre’s shift eastward, not boding well for the petrodollar’s continued dominance.

As the world battles multiple crises, effective macro-fiscal policy is paramount—and not only to alleviate short-term crises. A medium-to-long-term strategy that addresses fiscal and economic vulnerabilities while fostering sustainable growth is needed. What principles should policymakers follow to formulate forward-looking fiscal policy?

2022 was not a good year for emerging markets, but what will 2023 hold? Some factors that made 2022 a bad year for EMs, such as the high-flying US dollar, soaring inflation and interest rates, and China’s self-inflicted slow growth, have eased. Investors turned their backs on the EM sector, but improving conditions may draw them back.

International Banker is in Belgium and joined by Mr. Johan Thijs, Chief Executive Officer of KBC Group, to discuss the banks ongoing innovative use of technology, its commitment to ESG and the global economic outlook.

Banks, instrumental in the net-zero transition, are not alone in the journey, with organisations such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures and Sustainable Markets Initiative offering guidance. How can banks evaluate their existing asset-portfolio risks while meeting financing requirements and shareholder expectations?

Catering to the ultra-wealthy, the superyacht market demand for these opulent pleasure vessels is on the upswing—as are requests for private getaways to the world’s most exotic places. A few of the trends guiding the industry in 2023 include growing interest in eco-friendly features, technological conveniences and remote adventures.

The jury is out on whether the US stock market will regain its footing in 2023 after a dismal 2022. Much will depend on corporate earnings and the Fed’s success in reining in inflation without pushing the economy into a recession. A few encouraging signs point to US equities making a comeback, especially in the second half of the year.