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.
Indonesia & Philippines Settle Maritime Boundaries, Look To Increase Trade
The Philippines and Indonesia are to sign a maritime boundary treaty after agreements to do so were reached at a meeting of the two countries’ Foreign Ministers in Jakarta yesterday.
Singapore’s 2014 Budget: Takeaways for Foreign Investors
Last Friday, Singapore’s Minister for Finance and Deputy Prime Minister presented the 2014 Budget to Parliament for the financial year April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015. In this article, we present the key tax initiatives from the 2014 Budget.
Indonesia Pushes South Korea for CEPA Investment Commitments
Trade officials from Indonesia and South Korea will meet in Seoul this week, in critical negotiations surrounding the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The CEPA, which will be a bilateral deal between Indonesia and South Korea, is similar to an FTA but wider in its scope.
Why ASEAN is Appealing for Manufacturing as Costs in China Keep Rising
In his interview on Channel News Asia, Chris Devonshire-Ellis discusses ASEAN’s appeal as a new manufacturing hub in Asia as China’s production costs continue to rise.
Philippines Poised for Foreign Investment Sweet Spot
The Philippines is set to be the new darling of emerging Asia as its national demographics, partnered with a liberal government reform policy, is beginning to attract a new wave of foreign investors.
Intellectual Property Rights Strategies in Southeast Asia: Know Before You Go
The principle issues surrounding Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) development, protection and enforcement are essential to all aspects of your ASEAN business. Your IPR strategy should be considered one of the main pillars of your business, not unlike your business strategy or HR strategy.
Malaysia’s 2013 FDI Soars to Record High
Last year, Malaysia’s FDI inflows hit RM38.8 billion (US$11.7 billion), breaking the previous record of RM37.3 billion (US$11.3 billion), set in 2011.
Understanding ASEAN’s Free Trade Agreements
As Free Trade Agreements continue to take center stage in economic development across ASEAN and Asia, understanding the benefits of these agreements and how to avail them is becoming ever more important.