Protests against the military-backed government of Prayuth Chan-ocha, a former coup
leader, and against the king, are growing, drawing in middle-class urbanites who
previously supported the establishment in the country’s long-running “red shirt” versus
“yellow shirt” power struggle. The government should be able to outlast the protesters,
but a military crackdown cannot be ruled out. As covid-19 subsides, the government
will try to improve business conditions for foreign investors. A partial economic
recovery is all that can be expected.

Uzbekistan

GDP growth: 6.3%

GDP per head: $2,220 (PPP: $8,970)

Inflation: 12.2%

Budget Balance (% GDP): - 3.1

Population: 33.9m

The president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will push ahead with tax reform and privatisation.
The government will try to improve relations with neighbours while maintaining key
economic partnerships with China and Russia. The pandemic slashed demand at home
and abroad, but the economy will bounce back strongly in 2021.

TO WATCH: Close combat. The capital, Tashkent, will host the World Judo
Championships after the original choice, Vienna, was ruled out over a government
scandal.

Vietnam