Other Briefings
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.
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.
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 […]
ASEAN Automobile Market to See Continued Growth
Aug. 16 – A recent report released by market research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan notes that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expected to become the fifth largest buyer of cars by 2019. Fueled by rising incomes and a prime-age demographic, ASEAN’s automobile market has been forecasted to grow at a compound […]
Philippines to Lead Economic Growth in ASEAN
Jul. 31 – ASEAN will outperform other Asia-Pacific economies next year as China’s growth slows, according to a report issued by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) this week. In their report titled “Credit Conditions: Increased China Downside Risk Dampens Asia’s Growth,” S&P lowered their forecast for year-end growth in Asia-Pacific from 5.5 percent to 5.3 percent. […]
Mauritius to Tighten India Tax Treaty Loophole, Singapore to Benefit
Jul. 26 – Mauritius, long the largest sender of foreign direct investment into India thanks to a loophole in its tax treaty which allows Mauritius-based holding companies to offset capital gains taxes (CGT), is finally looking to close this loophole following pressure from the Indian government. The Indian government has estimated that over US$74 billion […]
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 […]
Mongolia Attends ASEAN Regional Forum
Jul. 12 – Mongolia was in attendance at last week’s 20th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) – entitled the “Asia Regional Forum” – which was held in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei. Brunei is the current chair of the 10-state Southeast Asian trade bloc. The forum detailed not just ASEAN-related issues, but also held […]
