South Asian economies, striving to overcome socio-economic challenges, significantly relied on foreign economic engagement. This reliance spurred regional development but also brought controversies and apprehensions. These often stemmed from perceptions of Western geopolitical self-interest, China’s opaque practices, and the belief that Western expectations were usually unattainable for the region’s developing nations.

Critiques of foreign economic engagement, when not grounded in the unique needs and aspirations of South Asian countries, risked being counterproductive. Even well-founded criticisms could appear fragmented if they did not contribute to a broader dialogue rooted in systemic and indigenous analyses. A comprehensive understanding of regional interests and challenges was crucial for differentiating foreign engagements’ benefits and adverse impacts.

This panel discussion aimed to delve into these dynamics and explore solutions to maximize the positive outcomes of foreign economic engagements in South Asia.

One of the panelists for the discussion was SAFF Fellow Mathisha Arangala from Verité Research in Sri Lanka, who shared insights on how Sri Lanka paved the way for development assistance from non-traditional lending sources. The event also brought together experts and stakeholders to share insights and propose strategies to enhance the positive impacts of foreign economic engagement while mitigating its potential drawbacks.

Experts

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