Other Briefings
The Philippines Export Development Plan: Addressing Obstacles to Trade
Seeking to maximize its position within ASEAN, the Philippines has announced stimulus measures aimed at readjusting its export sector. Outlined in the recently passed Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP), the success of these reforms will likely play a significant role in the island nation’s business landscape in the coming months.
ASEAN Regulatory Brief: Mobile Taxes in Myanmar, Philippine Air Cargo Requirements, and ASEAN Food Standards
In this week’s Regulatory Brief, we highlight a new tax on cellphone usage in Myanmar, discuss new procedures for customs registration in the Philippines, and highlight the increasing possibility of ASEAN-wide food standards.
Investment Protection in ASEAN – Part 2: Bilateral Investment Agreements
In contrast to ASEAN-based investors that are covered under the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA), protection for non-ASEAN investors is largely dependent on bilateral investment treaties (BITs). While some agreements offer similar provisions, many are less extensive or unaccommodating and vague. For those considering investment within the region, a firm understanding of available agreements and their details is a critical component of pre-market entry due diligence.
Investment Protection in ASEAN – Part 1: The ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement
For companies seeking to expand operations in South East Asia, the region’s rising stature in manufacturing, ICT, and other areas of production remains tempered by regulatory uncertainty. To help investors mitigate their exposure to such risks, in this article we examine the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement.
ASEAN Market Watch: Indonesian Cinema, Economic Stimulus in Thailand, and Foreign Workers in Malaysia
In this week’s ASEAN Market Watch we highlight opportunities in Indonesia’s growing cinema sector, discuss the importance of Thai stimulus measures, and analyze the impact of foreign employment within Malaysia.
A Guide to ASEAN’s Strategic Transport Action Plan
Aware that well-developed and organized transport infrastructure plays a vital role in economic growth, ASEAN’s leadership has recently published its 2016-2025 ASEAN Strategic Transport Action Plan. In the following article, we take a closer look at the initiatives of the plan, what has been done so far, and how the various projects will impact businesses operating within the region.
ASEAN Regulatory Brief: Foreign Banks in Myanmar, Thai Minimum Wages, and Increasing SME Aid in Brunei
In this week’s ASEAN Regulatory Brief, we discuss the issuance of new banking licenses in Myanmar, highlight rising minimum wages in Thailand, and analyze the impact of SME support in Brunei.
Foreign Exchange Volatility in ASEAN: Assessing Exposure & Managing Risk
Understanding that foreign exchange volatility is likely to be a long term risk associated with ASEAN based production, the following article overviews the issues surrounding foreign exchange within the region and highlights market entry strategies that can be utilized to reduce operational exposure.
Remitting Profits in ASEAN – Part 2: Thailand and Indonesia
In part two of our series on ASEAN remittances we discuss current regulations and restrictions on capital outflows in Indonesia and Thailand. Read more for in depth analysis on these countries’ respective withholding rates, foreign exchange controls, and other remittance requirements.
ASEAN Market Watch: Slipping Industrial Confidence in Thailand, Philippine Air Expansion, and the Looming Threat of Malaysian Debt
Thailand: Industrial Confidence Dips First Time in Five Months Thai industrial confidence has dipped for the first time in five months. Drawing on data accumulated in January of 2016, Suphan Mongkolsuthee, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), indicated that the Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TOSO) dropped from 87.5 in December 2015 to 86.3 as of […]
