Other Briefings
Japan Cements Future Ties with ASEAN
Dec. 27 – During a meeting in Tokyo marking the 40th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN relations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged ¥2 trillion (about US$20 billion) in aid and loans to Southeast Asian countries over the next five years in a move signaling both tighter cooperation between Tokyo and the Southeast Asian block, and an attempt […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
ASEAN’s Demographic Dividend
Oftentimes referred to as ASEAN’s demographic dividend, ASEAN countries’ decreasing dependency ratios have the potential to translate into significant GDP growth if accompanied by effective government policies that liberalize trade, attract FDI, and mobilize capital and labor productively.
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.
Slow Progress in Timor Leste’s Bid for ASEAN Membership
Nov. 18 – Cautiousness and mixed feelings among the ASEAN member states continue to slow progress in Timor Leste’s bid to join the 10-member regional bloc. In September, Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao spent five days in the Myanmar cities of Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw to strengthen diplomatic relations with the country set […]
The Pacific Alliance: ASEAN’s Bridge to South America
Nov. 14 – As ASEAN countries continue to move towards regional integration by 2015, a new economic bloc consisting of Latin America’s fastest growing economies may be the key to trade between the two regions. Establishing a framework for trade and economic integration, the Pacific Alliance (Alianza del Pacifico) was established in June 2012 by […]
Work Visa Procedures in the Philippines
The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration is responsible for processing and issuing visa requests in the country. For foreigners seeking employment in the Philippines, there are eligible non-immigrant visa types for short-term business, pre-arranged employment and for foreign treaty traders or foreign investors.
