Other Briefings
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 […]
World Economic Forum Assesses ASEAN’s Rising Energy Demand
By Shawn Greene Dec. 26 – The World Economic Forum (WEF) and Accenture have issued the Global Energy Architecture Performance Index Report 2014 which assesses energy systems across countries, and examines how the international community can move towards a future of sustainable energy. The 104-page document assesses economic growth, environmental sustainability, and energy security across […]
ASEAN Infrastructure Fund Grants First US$25 Million Loan to Indonesia
Dec. 10 – The Asian Development Bank’s new ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has granted its inaugural loan to an Indonesian electricity project. The US$25 million loan will go towards developing power links and expanding transmission networks from Java to Bali. Improvements are needed to solve widespread power outages and blackouts that are negatively impacting Indonesia’s […]
ASEAN Seeks to Develop ICT Infrastructure
Nov. 26 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is strongly promoting information and communication technology (ICT) through the ASEAN ICT Master-plan. During a recent meeting, Singapore’s Minister of Communications and Information, Yaacob Ibrahim, explained ASEAN’s plan for building ICT capabilities throughout the region. He stated that “the most important step for us is to […]
Thailand’s Chiang Mai to become an ASEAN MICE Hub
Nov. 14 – The Thai province of Chiang Mai is working with the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau in order to make the area a MICE city for Thailand and an industrial hub for the wider ASEAN region. The term MICE refers to meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions. Chiang Mai’s plan is made up […]
