Other Briefings
Work Permits and Visas in Indonesia
Indonesia passed new immigration laws in 2011, and as a result there are now various options available to foreign workers for obtaining visas and working permits in the country. We examine Indonesia’s work permits and visa types here.
Indonesia to Relax Tourism Visa Process
Indonesia, currently hosting the annual APEC CEO Summit, will relax its tourist visa application process in a move that should help increase the numbers of travelers visiting the country.
China & Malaysia to Increase Trade By 60%
Oct. 5 – Chinese President Xi Jinping has signed a five year trade deal with his Malaysian counterpart Prime Minister Najib Razak that will boost bilateral trade between the two countries by 60 percent to US$160 billion in the next five years. The two countries also upgraded their relationship to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” Malaysia […]
Moody’s Upgrades Philippines Rating
Oct. 4 – The Philippines has been upgraded by Moody’s to an investment rank of Baa3, citing “robust economic performance”, “ongoing fiscal and debt consolidation” and “political stability and improved governance.” Both Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poors have also upgraded the Philippines’ ranking. The Philippines’ economy has grown at 7.5 percent this year, one […]
Xi Again Proposes an ASEAN Infrastructure Bank
Chinese President on tour visiting Indonesia & Malaysia prior to APEC Summit Indonesia Oct. 3 – Chinese President Xi Jinping has again suggested the development of an ASEAN Bank that would invest in infrastructure throughout the region and that China would be prepared to invest in. China is not a member of ASEAN. Xi was […]
October 2013 ASEAN Regional Meetings
This month there are a number of important international ASEAN summits being held in Brunei, including the first ASEAN-United States summit. The key meetings of note for our readers are as follows.
Manila Appoints Crack Legal Team to Oppose Beijing
Sept. 29 – The government of the Philippines has assembled a “formidable” international legal team to fight its case against China’s claims in the South China Sea before a United Nations arbitration tribunal. The Philippines’ lead legal counsel, Washington-based Maritime law expert Paul Reichler, has said his five-strong team includes British law professors Philippe Sands […]
ASEAN Economies Maintain “Stable Outlook”
Sept. 24 – Despite the lingering effects of the global economic crisis, the ASEAN economies have “maintained a stable outlook,” according to a report released last week by RAM Ratings. The Southeast Asian credit rating agency cited improving fiscal policies and strong macroeconomic conditions for the region’s positive outlook. According to the report, “the [ASEAN […]
Singapore Tightens Employment Rules For Foreigners
The Singapore government today announced rules that will require many companies operating in the country to consider Singaporeans for skilled job vacancies before turning to candidates from abroad.
ASEAN Meeting Held in Indonesia, Leaders Pledge Inter-ASEAN Support
Sept. 19 – The leaders of the capital cities within the 10 ASEAN countries have begun to enhance inter-ASEAN relations through increased cooperation in response to preparing for upcoming ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) – an initiative for the creation of a single ASEAN market, which is slated to be complete by the end of 2015 […]
