Vietnam

There's been a worldwide relationship between the state of the coronavirus and the tourism business. That's been true in Hawaiʻi since the pandemic began — and it's continuing in the Asia-Pacific. HPRʻs Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

More countries around the world are easing restrictions on mask-wearing. But so far, international travel in much of the Asia-Pacific remains subdued. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

Food inflation is hitting the prices of everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meat. It’s also affecting the price of instant noodles — especially in the Asia Pacific. HPR’s Bill Dorman has an update on that story in this Asia Minute.

The Biden Administration is suspending tariffs on solar panels imported from four Asian countries. It’s part of a long-running and continuing dispute the U.S. has with China. Supporters say the decision will speed the transition to renewable energy in this country — and it will definitely help production for the countries in Southeast Asia. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

While the U.S. government continues to keep a close watch on events in Ukraine, Southeast Asia will be a focus this week in Washington. Starting Thursday, the U.S. is hosting an unusual gathering, which may produce more symbolism than substance. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

"You Don't Belong Here" is the title of a book by author and journalist Elizabeth Becker. She was a war correspondent for the Washington Post and correspondent for The New York Times, and she served as NPR’s senior editor for the foreign desk.

The latest entry into the world of electric vehicles is coming from the Asia Pacific. An automaker in Vietnam is shifting its strategy — and betting that it will be popular in the U.S. market. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

A few countries around the world account for a large number of active cases of COVID-19. According to the reference website Worldometer, three countries make up more than 40% of new cases. Two of those countries are in Asia — and both will soon loosen travel restrictions. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

As coronavirus cases continue to drop in much of the world, many events that have been postponed during the pandemic are now being re-scheduled. That includes an international gathering now set to take place next spring in Southeast Asia—in a location that’s still facing challenges.

As COVID case numbers and hospitalizations continue to decline in Hawaiʻi, tourism officials are hoping the pace of visitors will increase. Elsewhere in the Pacific, some governments are starting to open their borders to visitors — including one developing economy in Southeast Asia.