Other Briefings
State by State: ASEAN and California Trade
In this State by State article, we look at ASEAN’s bilateral ties with California, one of economically successful states in the US, and a major trade partner of the ten nation bloc.
ASEAN Regulatory Brief: RCEP, Import Tax, Inheritance tax, SEZs, Soft Drinks Tax, and Fuel Tax
In this ASEAN Regulatory Brief, we look at some of the important regulatory changes taking place in the ASEAN-RCEP trade negotiations, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines during the month of June.
Beijing to Sydney by Train: The Potential Development of a Singapore, Indonesia & Australia Rail Network
The China-Singapore rail project has been getting a lot of attention over the past few years as these routes continue to develop. But why stop at Singapore? How about taking the train from Beijing to Sydney? In this article, Chris Devonshire-Ellis discusses the creation of such a rail route.
Indonesia to Change Luxury Goods Tax, Mulls Raising PIT-Exempt Threshold
Several items will soon be exempt from Indonesia’s luxury tax. The country is also considering raising the individual income tax-free allowance by 50%.
ASEAN Regulatory Brief: Airport Services, GST, Fuel Subsidies, and Tax Incentives
In this ASEAN Regulatory Brief, we look at some of the important regulatory changes taking place in Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia during the months of May and June.
Singapore to Become Southeast Asian Legal Hub with Opening of International Commercial Court
With its newly opened International Commercial Court, Singapore wants to become the alternative location for arbitration in Asia. The country has also made a series of other investments into its legal services sector and has established the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC).
Cambodia Raises its Income Tax Threshold
At the beginning of January, Cambodia reduced the income tax burden on workers in the country. The government has raised its tax threshold from 500,000 riel (US$125) to 800,000 riel (US$200). The previous lowest income tax bracket had begun at 500,000 riel, at a rate of five percent. This change puts approximately US$3.75 a month back into the pockets of workers in Cambodia earning over US$200 per month.
Singapore Releases New e-Tax Guide for Business Trusts
The Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) has released a new e-tax guide which provides details on the income tax treatment of trusts registered under the Business Trusts Act, applicable to both trustee-managers and unit-holders.
RCEP Ministers Remain Optimistic Despite Negotiation Hurdles
On Wednesday, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its FTA partners – Japan, New Zealand, China, India, South Korea and Australia – held their second round of ministerial talks for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Ministers expressed optimism for meeting the RCEP completion target of December 2015.
ASEAN-India Services and Investment FTA Inches Closer to Implementation
The ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement in Services and Investment is one step closer to implementation following approval by Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce to accept the terms outlined in the region-wide agreement.
