East Asia’s COVID-19 success

East Asia was the first region to be hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, but its governments acted fast and effectively to control the spread. All appear to have escaped lightly, except for China, although it has now turned the tide at great cost.

The divergent approaches to the pandemic seen across the region, perhaps helped by their experience of SARS, are worth examining. These will determine the conditions in which governments and companies seek to step up economic activity in the second half of 2020.

Governments will still have to contend with domestic political pressures and constraints, while COVID-19 has potentially created new priorities and approaches for economic and fiscal policy. How will authorities in Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing respond?

Our open client call on June 17, chaired by Director of Analysis Nick Redman, featured a panel drawn from our expert contributor network to answer your questions, including:

• How have East Asian states been so successful in combating COVID-19, and at what cost?
• Which ones are better prepared to anticipate and curtail subsequent waves?
• Have their strategies laid the ground for a V-shaped recovery?
• Will business and life return to normal, or will some changes be permanent?
• What signs do we have that government priorities too might change?
• What are the lessons for the rest of the developed world from East Asia?