ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to analyse the economic dimension of the Indo-Pacific. The chapter regards the Indo-Pacific as both a political and economic construct with attention given to the latter. It focuses on the heterogeneity of development of Indo-Pacific countries and recognises that there is a split within the region into the relatively wealthier area of the Pacific Ocean and the less prosperous countries of the Indian Ocean. By looking at selected socio-economic indicators, the chapter shows how diversified the region is in terms of development. Next, it provides an overview of major development challenges faced by Indo-Pacific countries. These include poverty and multidimensional inequalities, numerous economic instabilities as well as minimal chances of meeting the 2030 goals and targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, the chapter looks at the relatively underdeveloped architecture of regional cooperation indicating economic regionalism as one of the potential vehicles for further development.
