Other Briefings
China & Malaysia to Increase Trade By 60%
Oct. 5 – Chinese President Xi Jinping has signed a five year trade deal with his Malaysian counterpart Prime Minister Najib Razak that will boost bilateral trade between the two countries by 60 percent to US$160 billion in the next five years. The two countries also upgraded their relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” Malaysia […]
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 […]
Manila Appoints Crack Legal Team to Oppose Beijing
Sept. 29 – The government of the Philippines has assembled a “formidable” international legal team to fight its case against China’s claims in the South China Sea before a United Nations arbitration tribunal. The Philippines’ lead legal counsel, Washington-based Maritime law expert Paul Reichler, has said his five-strong team includes British law professors Philippe Sands […]
ASEAN Economies Maintain “Stable Outlook”
Sept. 24 – Despite the lingering effects of the global economic crisis, the ASEAN economies have “maintained a stable outlook,” according to a report released last week by RAM Ratings. The Southeast Asian credit rating agency cited improving fiscal policies and strong macroeconomic conditions for the region’s positive outlook. According to the report, “the [ASEAN […]
Japan Strengthens Relationship With ASEAN
Sept. 17 – Japanese leaders have strongly emphasized their intention to further strengthen their relationship with ASEAN as of this year – the 40th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN relations – due to the country’s relatively poor relations with China and South Korea. Displaying the importance that Japan has put on the region, the first three countries […]
New Issue of Asia Briefing: Work Visa and Permit Procedures Across Asia
In this edition of Asia Briefing Magazine, we outline the specific documents required for foreign nationals working in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as highlight the relevant application processes in each of these countries. Attention is also given to the role of the sponsoring company and the regulations they must adhere to.
The China-ASEAN “Diamond Decade”
During the 10th China-ASEAN Expo, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced the proposal of a “Diamond Decade” between China and the ASEAN nations, which will seek to build greater economic cooperation between the two areas.
Positive Outlook in ASEAN for American Companies
Aug. 29 – According to the 2012/13 ASEAN Business Outlook Survey the majority of U.S. companies operating in the ASEAN region expect to see continued growth in their Asian operations. The survey, conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and their regional affiliate AmCham Singapore, found that 90 percent of respondents will increase their trade and […]
Singapore Increases GDP Forecast
Aug. 9 – The outlook for Singapore’s GDP was revised upwards this past week following greater than expected growth over the first two quarters of this year. The announcement came from Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during his televised National Day address to the country. Economic growth was previously projected at a GDP growth […]
ASEAN Expected to Commence FTA Talks with Hong Kong
Jul. 23 – According to Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So, the 10-nation ASEAN bloc and Hong Kong are expected to begin negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA). This agreement would rapidly expand the volume of trade and investment between the two sides. Currently in the preparatory stage, the agreement […]
