Other Briefings
ASEAN Regulatory Brief: Airport Services, GST, Fuel Subsidies, and Tax Incentives
In this ASEAN Regulatory Brief, we look at some of the important regulatory changes taking place in Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia during the months of May and June.
China-ASEAN Cost of Business Comparisons – Executive Summary
Our nine part series on the cost of doing business in ASEAN compared with China details cost of labor and taxes, together with bilateral trade profiles between China and ASEAN countries.
Philippine Aviation Industry Sees Strong Growth
While 2014 was not a particularly good year for the aviation industry in Southeast Asia, the Philippines was an important exception to the wider trend. In a report released by CAPA, a global aviation think-tank, which looked at 18 airlines, it was found that out of the six airlines that were able to generate a profit in 2014, four of them were based in the Philippines: Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific, Tigerair Philippines, and Philippines AirAsia.
ASEAN’s 2015 AEC Compliance Deadline – What It Actually Means
Chris Devonshire-Ellis explains what the much publicized “AEC Deadline” which is due at 31st December 2015 really means for your business in ASEAN.
The Philippines Calls for a Further Simplified Tax System
Over the past year, the Philippines has been making great strides in improving its business environment. Chief among these improvements has been the government’s efforts to simplify the country’s tax system. While the initial steps in this area have met with some success, there have been calls from within and outside of the government to further improve the tax system.
The Cost of Business in the Philippines Compared With China
When considering where to locate, compare China to the Philippines, an ASEAN Tiger with a population of about 100 million and GDP of USD300 billion that has been performing well over the past few years. Here, we discuss how the country can fit into a firm’s business model.
Philippines and the European Free Trade Association begin FTA Negotiations
The Philippines and members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) have begun their first round of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations in Makati, Philippines. The EFTA is made up of four countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. A completed FTA could have profound effects on businesses in both regions.
The Philippines Issues Income Tax Exemptions
The Philippines’ Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has recently issued regulations that are intended to implement an increased individual income tax exemption cap for 13th month pay and other benefits to PHP82,000 (US$1,827), up from its previous level of PHP30,000. These new regulations will apply to workers in both the public and private sectors and are retroactively applicable from January 1, 2015. It is estimated that over half a million employees will benefit from the tax changes.
Philippines Seeks to Allay Fears about Upcoming Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act
The Philippines’ Senate has introduced the Tax Incentives Management and Transparency Act, which attempts to create greater transparency around tax incentives. However, the new legislation has proven controversial – businesses have been fearful that they may lose their current tax breaks.
British Firms Encouraged to Expand into the Philippines
British firms are being encouraged to set up shop in the Philippines in order to take advantage of this up and coming Southeast Asian country. Last week, in a recent sign of the growing business relations between the two countries, British Ambassador to the Philippines, Asif Ahmad, hosted the Great British Festival in Manila.
