Other Briefings
Political Unrest Weighs on Thailand’s Economy
Thailand’s political gridlock has struck a blow to the country’s economic progress following the ousting of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, with Moody’s rating agency calling it a “credit negative” event.
Summary of Joint Statements Announced During the 24th ASEAN Summit
The 24th ASEAN Summit, which took place last week, brought together the ASEAN nations to promote greater economic and political cooperation. In this article, we review the important agenda points from the event.
Conflict in the East Sea Dominates Recent ASEAN Summit
Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Chief Foreign Minister, Pham Binh Minh, has revealed that one of the key topics at the recent 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit was the issue of the recent events between Vietnam and China over the East Sea.
U.S. and New Zealand to Challenge Indonesian Agricultural Restrictions at WTO
The United States has announced it will request a new World Trade Organization dispute settlement consultation with Indonesia over licensing requirements for the import of agricultural products.
Indonesia to Relax Tax Burden on Mineral Exports
The Indonesian government is finalizing a set of new regulations that will reduce the export tax on mineral concentrates for mining companies operating in the country. In order to avail the reduced export taxes, eligible mining companies must agree to build a smelter in Indonesia.
Singapore’s Trade Minister Talks Up Free Trade Agreements
Singapore’s Trade Minister praised the city-state’s participation in regional and global trade deals that will help position the country as a nexus for international business.
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.
Vietnam Online – Understanding Vietnam’s E-commerce Market
Vietnam, like much of Asia, has a growing middle class which, in-turn, is spawning a strong consumer culture. Within the country, e-commerce is fast becoming the preferred method of shopping, particularly among the young.
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.
May 2014 ASEAN Regional Meetings
There are a number of important ASEAN regional meetings taking place in May, including the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Joint Committee Meeting and the ASEAN Labour Ministers Meeting.
