ASIA RISK OUTLOOK 2012: An Assessment of Growth Challenges in the Pan-Asian region

Asia Risk Outlook 2012 will present an in-depth debate on the key market and political risks shaping the Pan-Asian region. In Asia, rising economic powers hold the promise of becoming the largest consumer markets in the world. Economic reforms and financial market diversification have accelerated the growth of a multitude of new investment opportunities.

But how will this burgeoning growth impact political systems; social welfare; cultural norms and the expanding demand for natural resources? How should the West assess the set of growth challenges emerging from the Pan-Asian region and which challenges should be prioritised over 2012?

Panel 1 will explore Market Risk in Asia through an analysis of structural and cyclical growth cycles in Asian economies including the effects of the balance of payments, reserve currencies, monetary policies, financial regulation, inflation and deflation, gross domestic product, and protectionism.

Panel 2 will explore Political Risk in Asia through an analysis of policy mandates in tackling pan-Asian growth challenges. Panellists will discuss the increasing Western dependence on Asian resources, energy security and demand, corporate governance, infrastructure and the role of the military establishment in Asian countries.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Parag Khanna, Senior Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations

Panel 1: Market Risk in Asia
Danny Quah, Professor of Economics, London School of Economics

Christine Shields, Head of Country Risk Research, Standard Chartered Bank

Kathleen Wong, Counsel, Allen & Overy

Panel 2: Political Risk in Asia

Ade Onitolo, Director of Political Risk, Exclusive Analysis
Andrew Patrick, Additional Director, South Asia, Foreign and Commonwealth Office

John Swenson-Wright, Senior Lecturer, University of Cambridge