China Boao Forum, VinFast debuts in Thailand, Xiaomi to launch EV

Welcome to Your Week in Asia.

The last week of March is going to be a big one for electric vehicles. On Tuesday, the Nasdaq-listed Vietnamese automaker VinFast will launch its brand in Thailand as a prelude to the Bangkok International Motor Show, while China's BYD will report earnings. On Thursday, Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi officially ventures into the auto market by launching its first electric vehicle model, the SU7.

Vietnam is set to release first quarter GDP on Friday.

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MONDAY

Earnings: PetroChina

TUESDAY

China holds the Boao Forum for Asia

The annual Boao Forum for Asia returns to its permanent location in Hainan in southern China. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and Las Vegas Sands Chairman and CEO Robert Goldstein are among the delegates expected at the four-day international meeting to discuss economic and geopolitical issues.

VinFast debuts in Thailand

VinFast will hold a press conference at the Bangkok International Motor Show for its electric vehicle brand's entry into Thailand. This is one of 50 markets VinFast is targeting in 2024, from Ghana to Oman to India, as it tries to minimize losses.

Monetary policy: Sri Lanka

Earnings: BYD

WEDNESDAY

Myanmar Armed Forces Day

The Myanmar military, which took power in 2021, holds a parade in the capital Naypyitaw as anti-military forces remain on the offensive in various parts of the country. The military has announced that it will begin conscription in mid-April, raising concerns among the civilian population.

Bangkok Motor Show

A cooling domestic car market hangs over Thailand's biannual automotive showcase when it opens on Wednesday.