Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
Driving commercial and political engagement between Asia, the Middle East and Europe
Asia’s economies are predicted to outperform the rest of the world in 2025, driven by accelerated digitalisation, domestic consumption, and intra-regional trade. This was the key takeaway from the launch of the Asia House Annual Outlook 2025 report at an event featuring expert discussions and a keynote speech by His Excellency Zheng Zeguang, Chinese Ambassador to the UK.
Matilda Buchan, Senior Analyst at Asia House and lead author of the report, presented a positive outlook for the region despite global uncertainty. The report forecasts growth exceeding 6 per cent for India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with Malaysia and Indonesia also expected to perform well with growth of over 5 per cent. China’s growth is forecast to slow to around 4 per cent, dependent on upcoming stimulus measures. However, the report highlighted several risks to this positive outlook. Key among them is the return of Donald Trump to the White House and the threat of widespread tariffs on Asian goods. Ongoing global conflicts also pose risks by impacting commodity prices, trade routes, and national security.
Matilda Buchan, Senior Analyst at Asia House.
Ambassador Zheng delivered a keynote speech emphasising China’s commitment to economic growth and its role in the Asia-Pacific region. He outlined nine focus areas for the Chinese economy in 2025, including boosting domestic consumption, promoting innovation, expanding high-standard opening up, and pursuing green development. Ambassador Zheng also stressed the importance of cooperation between China and other countries in the region and globally.
A panel discussion, moderated by Michael Lawrence OBE, Chief Executive of Asia House, featured Mallika Ishwaran, Chief Economist at Shell; Michael Birshan, Senior Partner and Global Leader of Strategy & Corporate Finance Practice at McKinsey & Company; and Dr Gerard Lyons, Senior Independent Director at Bank of China (UK). The panellists highlighted the need for businesses to be agile in navigating this uncertain landscape. They emphasised the potential for growth in Asia, particularly with opportunities presented by the digital economy and the energy transition. Corporate strategies focusing on resilience and the ability to respond decisively to unexpected shocks were identified as key to success.
Right to left: Michael Lawrence OBE, Chief Executive of Asia House; Mallika Ishwaran, Chief Economist at Shell; Michael Birshan, Senior Partner and Global Leader of Strategy & Corporate Finance Practice at McKinsey & Company; and Dr Gerard Lyons, Senior Independent Director at Bank of China (UK).
Dr Jin Keyu, Professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Harvard University, provided a detailed analysis of China’s economic outlook, addressing concerns about a potential long-term decline. She argued that China’s economic challenges are cyclical rather than structural and that the country has significant potential for future growth. Dr Jin highlighted the need for a combination of stimulus measures and reforms to address issues such as weak domestic consumption and local government debt. She also underscored China’s leading role in the renewable energy sector and the growing importance of high-tech industries in the Chinese economy.
Dr Jin Keyu (left), Professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Harvard University and Michael Lawrence OBE, Asia House Chief Executive.
The launch was attended by close to 100 in-person participants and over 160 online. The overall message from the Asia House Annual Outlook launch event was one of optimism for Asia in 2025. While global turbulence and potential policy shifts present challenges, the region’s strong economic fundamentals, commitment to digitalisation, and potential in the green energy sector create significant opportunities for continued growth.
To read the full report click here.
Watch the full event online here.
Asia House helps organisations position themselves on key issues by curating high-level discussions with senior speakers and audiences.
For more information about our thought leadership and positioning services, please contact Katie Reid, Stakeholder Engagement Associate at: katie.reid@asiahouse.co.uk.
