Other Briefings
Philippines Destined to be Asia’s Next Tech Tiger?
The Philippines may have the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia, but it also has the slowest internet speed in the region. Despite this, some foreign investors believe they may have spotted an opportunity that could turn the country into Asia’s next tech tiger.
E-Commerce Across Asia: Trends and Developments 2014: New Issue of Asia Briefing Magazine
In this issue of Asia Briefing Magazine, we provide a comprehensive overview of e-commerce trends across the Asia-Pacific region with a focus on developing markets in Southeast Asia.
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.”
March 2014 ASEAN Regional Meetings
There are a number of important ASEAN regional meetings taking place in March, including the Senior Economic Officials Meeting and the ASEAN – Australia – New Zealand FTA Economic Committee meeting.
Toyota Doubles Its Indonesian Engine Manufacturing Capacity
Toyota has begun construction of a new US$198 million automotive engine manufacturing plant in Karawang, West Java, which, when completed in 2016, will more than double the company’s current production in Indonesia.
ASEAN Tourism Forum Conference Concludes on Positive Note
SINGAPORE – At the 33rd ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Sarawak, Malaysia last week, ASEAN nations reported a 12 percent increase in tourist visits since 2012. Adopting the theme ‘ASEAN – Advancing Tourism Together,’ Malaysian Minister of Tourism and Culture Nazri Abdul Aziz declared the ATF a resounding success by highlighting the ASEAN community’s rapid […]
Malaysia to Open Up To Foreign Auto Manufacturers
As the country seeks to regain its position as an Asian auto hub, Malaysia has eased restrictions in its auto market with foreign investors now being able to manufacture all types of hybrid and electric passenger cars, including small passenger cars. The changes were announced on Monday as part of the country’s new National Automotive Policy (NAP). […]
Indonesia’s Ban on Raw Mineral Exports Takes Effect
On Sunday, January 12th, Indonesia’s controversial ban on raw mineral ore exports took effect an hour after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono signed off on some eleventh hour exemptions. The rationale behind the ban is to encourage the domestic processing of raw mineral ore into higher value metal products. The hope is that a greater share […]
Philippine Ports Authority set to Upgrade Infrastructure for ASEAN 2015
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has announced that it will pursue several major port projects this year in preparation for the Philippines’ integration with the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. PPA General Manager Juan Sta. Ana explained that repairs to ports damaged by typhoon Haiyan and the modernization of ports in Iloilo, General Santos, Cagayan […]
Made in ASEAN: Vietnam Cuts Import Taxes for ASEAN-made Vehicles
Ho Chi Minh City – As of January 1, 2014, vehicles imported from other ASEAN countries to Vietnam are eligible to receive a 10-50 percent tax cut following the 2008 ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). The new tax rate for vehicles imported into Vietnam from ASEAN nations is displayed in the following chart: ASEAN […]
