Other Briefings
Asian Highway to Link India, Myanmar, and Thailand
A new section of the planned Asian highway linking India, Myanmar, and Thailand has become operational. The 25.6 kilometer roadway will reduce travel time between Thinggan Nyenaung and Kawkareik from three hours to 45 minutes.
ASEAN Region Poised for Increased Foreign Investment as China’s Economy Slows
As China’s once unparalleled economic growth begins to cool, investors are increasingly looking to diversify their assets in Southeast Asia. In this article we provide an overview of the promising trends major ASEAN markets as based on this Business Optimism Index.
ASEAN and China Continue Negotiations on Expanded FTA
ASEAN and China have announced that they expect to complete their negotiations on an expanded free trade agreement (FTA) by November of this year. The announcement was made on August 23 during the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Economic Ministers’ Meeting. During the recent gathering, the economic ministers of the ASEAN nations met with China’s Minister of Commerce, Gao Hucheng.
No New Tax Measures from the Philippines for President Aquino’s Final Year
According to recent statements from the Philippine government, the country will not be introducing any major new tax measures during President Benigno Aquino’s final year in office. However, the government will continue to search for efficiencies in the areas of tax administration and collection in order to boost tax receipts.
Norway Enters into Formal Partnership with ASEAN
Norway has become the first European country to enter into a formal partnership with the ASEAN trading bloc. The northern European country has been accepted as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner, a move that was announced at the recent ASEAN meeting in Kuala Lumpur.The ASEAN free trade area includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The Future of ASEAN-India Trade Looks Bright
Trade between ASEAN and India has seen strong growth over recent years. In 2014, total trade amounted to US$77 billion, a significant increase over the US$44 billion seen during 2009-10. Over the past decade, bilateral trade has increased at an average annual rate of a blistering 23 percent.
UK Prime Minister Cameron’s ASEAN Trip Reflects Growing Trade Links and Opportunities
Last week, David Cameron capped off a five day long tour of South East Asia to discuss trade with the UK. The region, which has outpaced global growth by over two percent over the past two decades, is attractive to UK businesses seeking markets beyond the EU.
State by State: ASEAN and Arizona Trade
Arizona has a near US$2billion export trade business with the ASEAN nations, representing about 6 percent of the state’s total exports. These support some 11,896 American jobs in Arizona. Learn about Arizona’s present and future trade prospects with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Assessing Foreign Investment Prospects in ASEAN Through the Business Optimism Index
In recent years, ASEAN has become a hotbed for foreign investment. In 2014, ASEAN member states combined for over US$2.3 trillion in total GDP. Each ASEAN nation, however, present their own unique advantages and challenges for foreign investment. The ASEAN Business Optimism Index, released each quarter by Dun & Bradstreet, provides in-depth insight into business sentiment for the quarter ahead as measured by sales volume, net profit, selling price, new orders, inventory, and employment across sectors and industries.
Laos-Vietnam Border Trade Agreement Signed
A bilateral border trade agreement between Laos and Vietnam was signed on June 27, 2015 in Vietnam’s Nghe An Province.
