Other Briefings
Vietnam and Myanmar Sign MoU to Strengthen Mutual Cooperation in the Banking Sector
Vietnam and Myanmar are building economic ties, primarily in the banking sector, after signing a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between a state-owned Vietnamese bank and a Myanmar industrial-related bank in Yangon earlier this month.
U.S. Companies Eye Investment Opportunities in the Philippines
Due to its potential for growth and development, U.S. businesses are looking to increase commercial and economic ties with the Philippines. Last week, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker visited the Philippines to meet with President Aquino and other officials.
Cambodia-Malaysia Trade Grows Nearly 20 Percent in First Quarter of 2014
Bilateral trade between Cambodia and Malaysia during the first quarter of 2014 was up by 17.6 percent compared to the first quarter of 2013, a Malaysian official announced this week.
Fixing Thailand’s Economy: Challenges for the New Government
Last week, Thailand’s military government announced a series of emergency economic measures that will aim to breathe life into the country’s struggling economy.
June 2014 ASEAN Regional Meetings
There are a number of important ASEAN regional meetings taking place in June, including the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Dialogue, the ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials Meeting and the ASEAN-Japan STOM Leaders Conference.
Hong Kong Gets Public Consultation Over ASEAN Free Trade Agreement
The Government of Hong Kong has initiated a public consultation on the proposed free trade agreement between Hong Kong and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. As the second largest trading partner in goods with Hong Kong, ASEAN receives the fifth largest inflow of FDI from Hong Kong. Despite this, the territory is not covered by the current China-ASEAN FTA that came into effect in 2010.
Cambodia Implements ASEAN Standards on Customs
The Cambodian National Assembly approved changes to the country’s customs laws last week, marking another step towards achieving deeper integration within the ASEAN region.
Indonesia and the Philippines Agree on Maritime Border
Indonesia and the Philippines inked an agreement last week that clearly defines the borders of the two countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) in the Mindanao Sea and Celebes Sea.
Vietnam Granted Largest Loan Yet from ASEAN Infrastructure Fund
Last week, the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF) approved a US$100 million loan to finance a power transmission project in Vietnam while giving the green light to several other infrastructure projects in the region.
Thai Military Coup – Investment and Operational Issues
While Thailand’s military coup may cause some issues for international investors, companies operating in the country remain stable as the military seeks to enforce a period of calm before establishing an interim government.
