News and Views: Updates on Regional Issues

The nature of many of the issues that Stimson's Southeast Asia program researches are often subject to rapid change. Due to the combination of transboundary effects, the need for development, and divergent viewpoints, the course of many events can often turn in unexpected directions. To help address this issue, we will be posting summarizations and commentaries on important developments pertinent our research projects. If you have any questions or comments, please direct them to Zach Dubel at zdubel@stimson.org. 

Xayaburi Reaching a Critical Point

By Nhina Le | August 9, 2012

The World Bank has blacklisted the Pöyry Group, which has faced criticism on its research into the Xayaburi hydro dam project. According to the Bank's website, they have stated that they will not conduct any business with Pöyry for three years. The penalty is for allegedly "submitting false invoices and providing improper benefits." Laos commissioned Pöyry Energy AG in 2011 to investigate whether or not the proposed 1,260 megawatt Xayaburi dam on the Mekong River would comply with the Mekong River Commission (MRC)'s requirements. Though the boycott has not been directly linked to Pöyry's work on the Xayaburi project, some critics say it is indicative of the questionable nature of the companies that Laos has chosen to work with...Read More>>

A Primer on the Trans-Pacific Partnership

By Sheryl Tibung | October 9, 2012

What is the TPP? The Trans-Pacific Partnership, otherwise known as the TPP, is envisioned to be a multilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that would liberalize trade among the economies of Asia-Pacific countries, including the United States.  The agreement is currently being negotiated among the following countries: Brunei, Chile, Singapore, New Zealand, United States, Australia, Peru, Vietnam, Malaysia, with Mexico and Canada expected to join negotiations by the end of 2012. The addition of Mexico and Canada could give rise to a free trade area covering 658 million people and US$20.5 trillion in economic activity...Read More>>