Other Briefings
Singapore Trade Confidence Reaches a Two-Year High
A twice-yearly survey conducted by HSBC showed that exporters in Singapore were optimistic about trading conditions in the coming months, with its Trade Confidence Index reaching a two-year high of 115. This is up 10 points from the previous survey covering the first half of 2013.
Singapore Announces Initiatives to Encourage Tech Startups
Last week, Singapore’s Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) announced it would invest in three new measures to support technology startups: a startup accelerator, an accreditation program and a fabrication lab.
Malaysia to Open Up To Foreign Auto Manufacturers
As the country seeks to regain its position as an Asian auto hub, Malaysia has eased restrictions in its auto market with foreign investors now being able to manufacture all types of hybrid and electric passenger cars, including small passenger cars. The changes were announced on Monday as part of the country’s new National Automotive Policy (NAP). […]
Indonesia’s Ban on Raw Mineral Exports Takes Effect
On Sunday, January 12th, Indonesia’s controversial ban on raw mineral ore exports took effect an hour after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono signed off on some eleventh hour exemptions. The rationale behind the ban is to encourage the domestic processing of raw mineral ore into higher value metal products. The hope is that a greater share […]
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 […]
Indonesia Focuses on Improving Investment Climate
Dec. 6 – In Indonesia, securing long-term investment remains a high priority following a summer of sudden capital outflows. “We need to implement breakthroughs to improve our investment climate,” said Perry Warjiyo, Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, the country’s central bank. “That’s the key to attracting foreign direct investment.” There has been some progress in […]
Political Unrest Threatens Thailand’s Long-Term Prospects
While frequent political upheaval in Thailand has not significantly harmed overall economic stability, it has constrained Thailand’s long-term economic growth and development. By Shawn Greene Dec. 2 – More than three weeks after the Thai Senate rejected a highly controversial bill that would have provided amnesty for political offenses dating back to the 2006 coup, […]
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 […]
New Issue of Asia Briefing: The 2014 Asia Tax Comparator
In this issue, we examine the different tax rates in 13 Asian jurisdictions – the 10 countries of ASEAN, plus China, India and Hong Kong. We examine the on-the-ground tax rates that each of these countries levy as well as residency triggers, available tax incentives for the foreign investor, and important compliance issues.
Indonesia Seeks Private Investors for Massive Infrastructure Upgrade
Nov. 15 – On Wednesday, Indonesia announced US$35 billion plans for new infrastructure projects to address what many view as the single largest deterrent to investment in Southeast Asia’s largest economy. Coming a day after senior executives at the World Bank vocalized concerns about Indonesia’s deteriorating infrastructure, the Indonesian government announced that of the 56 […]
