Speculation that China May Join TPP Talks
Jun. 7 – With Chinese President Xi Jinping visiting the United States over this upcoming weekend, speculation is growing that as an olive branch to be offered to develop trust between the two countries, China might be invited to join talks over joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership. China has been highly critical of the TPP bloc, […]
EU Lends its Support to ASEAN Over South China Sea Disputes
May 24 – Officials in the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) have recently confirmed that senior officials from the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) met with officials from the European Union (EU) in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to discuss the issue of territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Currently there are numerous […]
The Philippines Tops List of Southeast Asia Remittances
May 23 – A recently released report from the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World Bank has found that remittance inflows from every Southeast Asian country have significantly increased from 2000 to 2012. The Philippines, in particular, has benefitted the most, and the report adds that remittances sent by Filipino migrants in 2012 […]
First Round of RCEP Negotiations Conclude
The first round of negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) wrapped up on Sunday after being launched by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and six free trade agreement (FTA) partners last week.
New Issue of Asia Briefing: An Introduction to Development Zones Across Asia
In this issue of Asia Briefing Magazine, we break down the various types of development zones available in China, India and Vietnam specifically, as well as their key characteristics and leading advantages. We then go on to provide a snapshot of the latest development zones across the rest of Asia. We hope that this issue will provide the basic fundamentals to understanding one of the most important business tools available to international businesses operating in Asia.
Indonesia Ponders TPP Membership
The Indonesian government has shown interest in joining the United States-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), saying that its entry into the TPP negotiations would depend on trade agreements with key partners in the region.
ASEAN to Launch Business Traveler Card By 2015
The leaders of ASEAN have agreed to launch an ASEAN business traveler card by 2015, allowing frequent business travelers from ASEAN countries to stay for months at a time in other ASEAN countries without the need to obtain a visa.
Hong Kong to Sign Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN
Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), who recently met in Brunei, are set to approve a decision by their economic ministers to expand trade ties with Hong Kong through the signing of a free trade agreement.
May 2013 ASEAN Regional Meetings
A number of important meetings are being held this month that will address trade and regulatory issues affecting global and regional foreign investment with ASEAN. The key ones of note for our readers are as follows.
ASEAN and Chinese Foreign Ministers to Meet Over South China Sea Claims
Apr. 30 – In the aftermath of the ASEAN summit in Brunei, it appears that conscious steps have been taken to make progress towards lowering tensions in the South China Sea, with China proposing a meeting with ASEAN Foreign Ministers to discuss a code of conduct governing the area. ASEAN has long wanted to confront […]