Other Briefings
Philippine Ports Authority set to Upgrade Infrastructure for ASEAN 2015
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has announced that it will pursue several major port projects this year in preparation for the Philippines’ integration with the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. PPA General Manager Juan Sta. Ana explained that repairs to ports damaged by typhoon Haiyan and the modernization of ports in Iloilo, General Santos, Cagayan […]
Made in ASEAN: Vietnam Cuts Import Taxes for ASEAN-made Vehicles
Ho Chi Minh City – As of January 1, 2014, vehicles imported from other ASEAN countries to Vietnam are eligible to receive a 10-50 percent tax cut following the 2008 ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). The new tax rate for vehicles imported into Vietnam from ASEAN nations is displayed in the following chart: ASEAN […]
World Economic Forum Assesses ASEAN’s Rising Energy Demand
By Shawn Greene Dec. 26 – The World Economic Forum (WEF) and Accenture have issued the Global Energy Architecture Performance Index Report 2014 which assesses energy systems across countries, and examines how the international community can move towards a future of sustainable energy. The 104-page document assesses economic growth, environmental sustainability, and energy security across […]
ASEAN Infrastructure Fund Grants First US$25 Million Loan to Indonesia
Dec. 10 – The Asian Development Bank’s new ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has granted its inaugural loan to an Indonesian electricity project. The US$25 million loan will go towards developing power links and expanding transmission networks from Java to Bali. Improvements are needed to solve widespread power outages and blackouts that are negatively impacting Indonesia’s […]
ASEAN Seeks to Develop ICT Infrastructure
Nov. 26 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is strongly promoting information and communication technology (ICT) through the ASEAN ICT Master-plan. During a recent meeting, Singapore’s Minister of Communications and Information, Yaacob Ibrahim, explained ASEAN’s plan for building ICT capabilities throughout the region. He stated that “the most important step for us is to […]
Thailand’s Chiang Mai to become an ASEAN MICE Hub
Nov. 14 – The Thai province of Chiang Mai is working with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau in order to make the area a MICE city for Thailand and an industrial hub for the wider ASEAN region. The term MICE refers to meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions. Chiang Mai’s plan is made up […]
Challenges Await the ASEAN Banking Integration Framework
By Matthew Davis Nov. 4 – Following periods of regional instability resulting from the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the recent global financial crisis, there has been great impetus for establishing a pan-ASEAN banking presence. In promoting such financial integration, the ASEAN nations hope to capitalize on economies of scale, a larger consumer base and […]
Thailand Auto Market Accelerates Into Overdrive
By Edward Barbour-Lacey Oct. 29 – Thailand is increasingly gaining a reputation as the “Detroit of the East,” in reference to the golden age of Detroit when it was the world’s automobile factory. Thailand is well on its way to becoming one of the most attractive places in the world to manufacture automobiles. One of […]
Work Permit and Visa Applications in Malaysia
Oct. 24 – Malaysia has a flexible visa policy that allows a majority of countries to enter without a visa for business trips that do not last longer than 90 days, including foreign nationals from the United States, France, Australia, Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Nonetheless, it is important to check ahead of time […]
Indonesia to Relax Tourism Visa Process
Indonesia, currently hosting the annual APEC CEO Summit, will relax its tourist visa application process in a move that should help increase the numbers of travelers visiting the country.
