Other Briefings
Praise for the U.S. – Philippines Partnership for Growth
During his visit to the Philippines last week, U.S. President Obama reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to economic cooperation with the Philippines and highlighted the ongoing role of the U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Growth for continued economic and policy support.
Philippines to Offer Tax Breaks to Global Film Production Industry
A bill has been introduced in the Philippine Senate that would grant tax incentives to foreign and local film production companies in an effort to promote the country’s film industry and create a market for “film tourism.”
Thailand Offers Tax Deductions on R&D
Thailand has launched an online expense certification service to help businesses demonstrate they meet the qualifications necessary for a 200 percent research and development (R&D) tax deduction.
Tax Hike Makes Luxury Cars in Indonesia Even More of a Luxury
Regulations issued by the Indonesian Ministry of Finance hike the luxury-goods sales tax (LCT) on luxury cars by two-thirds to 125 percent.
Singapore–Barbados DTA Comes Into Effect
The newest of Singapore’s now 75 double taxation agreements (DTA), signed between the city-state and the island nation of Barbados, went into effect on Friday last week. The agreement is expected to boost cross-border trade and investment between Singapore and Barbados by clarifying both parties’ taxation rights so as to avoid double taxation.
RMB Builds Presence in ASEAN as Singapore Becomes Second Largest Clearing Center
Singapore has reclaimed the ranking of second largest clearing center for Renminbi in the world. Only Hong Kong has a greater share of the market.
Internet Speeds Across ASEAN
According to the results of an analysis by ASEAN DNA, only two ASEAN member states – Singapore and Thailand – currently have internet speeds above the global average of 17.7 Mbps.
East Java Attracts Second Largest Amount of FDI in Indonesia
The Indonesian province of East Java attracted US$3.39 billion in foreign direct investment in 2013, the second largest amount in the country after Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. This amount represented a growth of 91.5 percent over 2010.
Foreign Direct Investment in ASEAN – Key Findings
Developing countries in Southeast Asia gain much more economic benefits when they increase allowable foreign ownership, which leads to higher FDI inflows, according to the East Asia Pacific Economic Update release by the World Bank at the beginning of this month.
The Gateway to ASEAN: Doing Business in Singapore 2014 (Second Edition)
Doing Business in Singapore 2014 (Second Edition) will provide readers with an overview of the fundamentals of investing and conducting business in Singapore and the wider ASEAN region. This guide explains the basics of company establishment, annual compliance, taxation, human resources, payroll, and more.
