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 […]
December 2013 ASEAN Regional Meetings
Dec. 2 – While December is a relatively slow month for regional ASEAN meetings, there are still a number of important forums being held in December, including the ASEAN-European Union Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting and the 40th anniversary summit for the establishment of ASEAN-Japan relations. The key meetings of note for our readers are as […]
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.
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 […]
ASEAN Boss in Beijing for Talks
Oct. 16 – The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Le Luong Minh, is visiting China this week until Saturday. Minh, who attended the East Asia Summit in Brunei last week along with Chinese Prime Minister Le Keqiang, has agreed with other ASEAN leaders to strengthen political and security cooperation in an effort to enhance peace, stability and […]
U.S.-ASEAN Expanded Economic Engagement Initiative Praised
Oct. 10 – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, along with several Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders, praised the progress of the U.S.-ASEAN Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) initiative during the ASEAN Leaders Meeting held in Brunei Darussalam this week. The E3 – which is entering into its second year of implementation – is […]
Xi Again Proposes an ASEAN Infrastructure Bank
Chinese President on tour visiting Indonesia & Malaysia prior to APEC Summit Indonesia Oct. 3 – Chinese President Xi Jinping has again suggested the development of an ASEAN Bank that would invest in infrastructure throughout the region and that China would be prepared to invest in. China is not a member of ASEAN. Xi was […]
October 2013 ASEAN Regional Meetings
This month there are a number of important international ASEAN summits being held in Brunei, including the first ASEAN-United States summit. The key meetings of note for our readers are as follows.
September 2013 ASEAN Regional Meetings
There are a number of important meetings being held in September, including a series of meetings for ASEAN Defense Ministers and several economic forums. The key meetings of note for our readers are as follows.
Singapore to Deepen Bilateral Relationship with China
Aug. 28 – Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long embarked on a week-long official visit to China earlier this week upon the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. During the visit, China stated its eagerness to review and continue improving its free trade agreement (FTA) with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In turn, […]








