logo
episode-header-image
May 2024
17m 30s

Latin America and the Asian tiger econom...

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Go back 50 years and Latin America was generally wealthier than East Asia. But that has been reversed.

While the economies of East and South East Asia have taken off, enjoying a so-called "economic miracle", Latin America’s have experienced only tepid growth, despite the region’s enormous potential. Gideon Long asks why.

We go to Singapore, one of the most open and business friendly nations on earth, to visit a factory making credit cards using the latest computer chips. And we ask economists what Latin America can learn from the 'Asian Tigers'.

(Image: A photograph of a tourist boat in Singapore next to a drone view shot showing buildings in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Credit: Reuters/EPA)

Presented and produced by Gideon Long Reporter: Monica Miller

Up next
Yesterday
Power Players: What does Mamdani's Manhattan mean for the world?
Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani rode a wave of anti-Trump sentiment and cost-of-living pressures to win the New York City mayoralty. But talk of new taxes to fund spending spooked some on Wall Street. Six months in, has he found a balance? Presenters: Michelle Fleury and Will ... Show More
26m 1s
Apr 7
Headspace: from mindfulness app to military partner
Headspace started life as a mindfulness app. Now it's partnering with the US Navy and investing in artificial intelligence for mental health support.The company's CEO Tom Pickett speaks to us about therapy, the increasing role of technology, and tackling burnout at scale.If you'd ... Show More
17m 28s
Apr 7
Anthropic: the $300bn AI firm at war with the White House
Anthropic’s rise from startup to one of the world’s leading players in artificial intelligence has been staggering, but so in recent weeks has been its row with the US Government.Today, we look at that journey to becoming a 380 billion dollar company, ask why Claude has become on ... Show More
17m 28s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2023
Latin America Economy: The Possibility of Opportunity in 2023
<p>As the outlook for 2023 shows emerging markets looking better positioned than developed markets, how is Latin America faring in this more optimistic story? Chief Latin American Equity Strategist Gui Paiva and Chief Latin American Economist Andre Loes discuss.</p><p><br></p><p> ... Show More
8m 42s
Dec 2023
2024 Asia Economics Outlook: Still Divergent?
<p>Asia’s economic recovery could continue to be out of step with the rest of the world. Hear which countries are positioned for growth and which might face challenges.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>----- Transcript -----</p><p>Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Chetan Ahya, Morgan ... Show More
3m 2s
Jun 2021
Globalisation in reverse
Globalisation is about open trade, open doors and open borders. It is the way that Asia has grown its economy for the better part of the last half century. But the pandemic and tensions between the US and China have seen globalisation go into reverse - with many now saying it has ... Show More
27m 17s
Jun 2021
Can Asian prosperity survive US-China rivalry?
<p>South-east Asia has enjoyed a long period of sustained economic growth. But is this endangered by rising tensions between the US and China? Gideon puts this question to James Crabtree, executive director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore.</p><p> ... Show More
21m 4s
Jun 2025
How Malaysia Did Economics Differently
Ever wondered how a small nation like Malaysia transformed from a colonial commodity hub into a Southeast Asian economic powerhouse? Nestled in the heart of global trade routes, Malaysia’s rise is a masterclass in leveraging geography, smart policies, and foreign expertise. But c ... Show More
17m 38s
Apr 2013
Breaking Through the Low-Income Ceiling
In the last two decades, many low-income countries have experienced economic take off. But in the 60s and 70s, many of these same countries already boasted robust economic performances, until it all came to an abrupt stop. Can low-income countries keep on growing, this time? 
Nov 2024
How Chile's Economy Was Sold to The Highest Bidder
Explore the surprising story of Chile’s rise to economic prosperity in South America. From its early days of political infighting to the influence of the “Chicago Boys,” discover how Chile became one of the region's wealthiest nations. We’ll dive into its reliance on copper expor ... Show More
17m 33s
Mar 2023
Chetan Ahya: Is Asia’s Growth Bouncing Back?
tail spinning
3m 29s
Mar 2015
China
Linda Yueh travels to Shanghai to find out how the economic slowdown and the government’s anti-corruption drive is changing how people do business in China.As part of the A Richer World season we go around the world in 40 days, visiting six key countries and meeting the people wh ... Show More
26m 47s