ECX5641 Rising South Asia and global business

In view of the growing significance of the South Asian economies in the global economy, this unit provides an intriguing analysis of the South Asian region and its integration in the global market. The region offers rich diversity with each economy with its unique development path. The growth in the South Asian region is predominantly driven by domestic demand and is service-led growth. Though the region is a major producer of services, there is also a growing quest for building the manufacturing sector in the region. The region is also one of the most densely populated parts of the world and provides one of the fastest-growing consumer markets due to the young population and growing middle class. In light of rising business and development opportunities, evolving digital economy, and the changing consumer landscape in the region, this unit intends to explore the business strategies and economic potentials present in South Asian markets.
This unit examines the trends, achievement drivers, and prospects of economic growth and development of the region, focusing on - Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and, Sri Lanka. In addition, their growth experience will be discussed in a broader economic context, for instance where required in reference to other nations in the region (Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal), other regions in Asia (East Asia and Southeast Asia), and the global economy. Contemporary issues relevant to the region will also be explored, such as the impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on the region, role of migration and remittances, disaster resilience and environmental sustainability, gender inequality, patterns of income inequality and poverty, and trends in regional economic integration.