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    NEWS
    & ARTICLES

IRIS PRESENTS ITS PUBLIC CONFIDENCE STUDY 2023 ON ECONOMIC MATTERS

Released: Jun 21, 2023

We are proud to announce that we are presenting the first release of our Annual Report on Economic Confidence. It provides a multi-country view of public sentiment about the state of nations and their economies as well as household financial outlooks.

 

Nearly 18,000 people were surveyed across 26 countries during February, March and April, 2023 —a nationally representative sample of 500 to 1,000 adults was interviewed in each country. Among the key results:

 

  • Pessimism is widespread. Half or more in 21 of 26 countries believe their country in general is heading in the wrong direction.

 

  • At least one-quarter in every participating country believe their national economy is in recession. In 11 countries that is a majority view and in Panama, Italy, Greece, Japan, Spain and South Korea, between 6 and 7 in 10 feel that way.

 

  • Not only do many think they are already in recession, large numbers are also expecting things to worsen. Half overall, including majorities in South Korea, Japan, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, the UK, France, Poland, Panama, and Colombia think their national economy is getting weaker.

 

  • Majorities in most countries report having a harder time making ends meet,  And this negative sentiment has an impact on spending, particularly discretionary spending on clothing, dining out and giving to charity, but also on essentials, like food, and in some cases, housing or needed medications.

 

To see all the first breakthroughs, click here: https://shorturl.at/hEGR0

 

 

 

LATEST NEWS

B&COMPANY (VIETNAM): WELCOME TO THE IRIS NETWORK

  • Nov 10, 2026

The IRIS Network is pleased to welcome B&Company to our Global Network.

B&Company is a 100% Japanese-invested consulting firm established in Vietnam in 2008. The company supports foreign businesses, government agencies, and organizations in exploring opportunities, expanding their activities, and building partnerships in Vietnam.

This consulting firm is led by Ohta Shigemasa, who holds an MSc in Mathematical Sciences from the University of Tokyo and previously worked as a business consultant at McKinsey & Company. Mr. Ohta has over 20 years of experience in business consulting across Asian and American markets, particularly Japan, China, Vietnam, and Thailand.

For private companies, B&Company provides multiple research services, including market research, data analysis, market entry and expansion consulting, business matching, and business development support, etc. helping clients understand the local market, identify potential partners, and make informed business decisions.

For public-sector organizations and industry associations, B&Company offers research and consulting support for initiatives related to trade promotion, investment, and business cooperation. Over the years, the company has worked with reputable Japanese organizations such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and various governmental agencies from Japan.

With experience across a wide range of industries, B&Company supports Japanese and international organizations in understanding the Vietnamese market, identifying business opportunities, and making informed strategic decisions. The company is also a member of ESOMAR and works with a network of partners across Asia

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