Migrant contribution

BRITAIN’S Asian businesses span a variety of sectors – industry, banking, pharmaceuticals, finance, fashion, carehomes, food, restaurants and retail. As the latest edition of the Asian Rich List is unveiled at the Asian Business Awards this week, it is worth paying attention to the contribution of entrepreneurs – many of whom built their empires from scratch, ran successful ventures, sold them and embarked on a fresh project. Their appetite for growth and diversification sets them apart.

And where others see adversity, Asian entrepreneurs spot an opportunity. Having a pot of cash would be a pensioner’s dream, but Asian business leaders are spurred to try new ventures, seek emerging markets and spot opportunities before they become the next big thing.

All this may explain why when economies around the world are slowing or struggling in a post pandemic era, some multi-millionaires have multiplied their wealth. Very few on the list lost money in the past year – a vast majority were able to keep their wealth at the same level as the previous 12 months or have in fact increased their wealth.

At a time when talk about migrants becomes politically charged, the Asian Rich List puts the spotlight on businesses that create jobs, pay taxes and contribute to the country’s economy – in a reality far removed from politicians’ rhetoric.