EMnet Business Meeting 

"Global Challenges for Business in Emerging Markets"

Thursday, 28 March 2019 

OECD Conference Centre, Paris

 

The meeting on "Global Challenges for Business in Emerging Markets", will gather multinational companies, policy makers and OECD experts to discuss global economic uncertainties and their impact on business operations in Emerging Markets. The Afternoon will have a special focus on Smart Cities in Asia.

The event builds on the key findings of the 2019 edition of the OECD Economic Outlook for Southeast Asia, China and India, which put a special focus on the transportation.  

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Session 1: Navigating economic uncertainty and trade tensions

Global GDP growth is slowing down, the Chinese economy recorded its lowest growth rate since 1990 and political uncertainty is mounting. Furthermore, latest OECD forecasts highlight a deceleration in global trade and investment on the back of rising protectionism. Heightened global uncertainty is a risk for businesses and poses questions on investment opportunities in emerging markets.

Session 2: Will financial volatility continue in emerging markets?

Financial conditions have tightened in 2018 and rising interest rates in advanced economies, particularly in the United States, have caused important capital outflows and significant turbulence in emerging markets. The Argentine peso and the Turkish lira in particular have significantly weakened last year, weighing down on investors’ confidence in these countries. This session will look at the business consequences of financial volatility in emerging markets and discuss the outlook for 2019 and beyond.

 

Special focus on smart cities in Asia

Session 3: Smart cities as engines for growth

According to the Economic Outlook for Southeast Asia, China and India 2019, the urban population in Emerging Asia is growing at an unprecedented pace, increasing from 940 to 1.6 billion between 2000-17. Cities have become engines for growth, attracting investments, promoting new technologies and developing innovating solutions to improve the quality of life of citizens. At the same time, urban areas can experience significant economic, social and environmental challenges, due in particular to a high concentration of people and economic activities.

 

Session 4a: Improving the quality of urban environments

Asian cities share a common challenge to ensure the sustainability of their rapid development. Governments are examining ways to invest in a low-carbon future, while improving the quality of their urban areas and reduce air pollution.

Session 4b: Servicing the cities of the 21st century

Services are a key component of smart cities. New technologies and data are transforming these services. This session discusses the private sector’s contribution to the development of smart and efficient cities in Asia.