Japan Strengthens Relationship With ASEAN
Sept. 17 – Japanese leaders have strongly emphasized their intention to further strengthen their relationship with ASEAN as of this year – the 40th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN relations – due to the country’s relatively poor relations with China and South Korea. Displaying the importance that Japan has put on the region, the first three countries […]
New Issue of Asia Briefing: Work Visa and Permit Procedures Across Asia
In this edition of Asia Briefing Magazine, we outline the specific documents required for foreign nationals working in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as highlight the relevant application processes in each of these countries. Attention is also given to the role of the sponsoring company and the regulations they must adhere to.
Southeast Asia Single-Visa Policy in Development
Sept. 13 – Vietnamese tourism minister Hoang Tuan Anh and his counterparts from Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar convened at a meeting in Ho Chi Minh City this week to discuss a plan for the implementation of a single-visa policy between the countries, which should eventually extend throughout all of the Association of Southeast Asian […]
The China-ASEAN “Diamond Decade”
During the 10th China-ASEAN Expo, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced the proposal of a “Diamond Decade” between China and the ASEAN nations, which will seek to build greater economic cooperation between the two areas.
Laos Expands Rail Projects
Sep. 3 – At the end of August a Thai contractor, Sermsaguan Construction Company Ltd., began construction on facilities at Laos’ Thanalaeng station. This station is the start of a railway linking Laos’capital city Vientiane with Thailand’s Nong Khai province. This is just one of many upcoming rail projects for Laos. The first phase of […]
Philippines President Cancels China-ASEAN Trade Fair Visit
Pressure from Beijing over United Nations legal action causes rift amid “concerns for safety” at Nanning Expo Sept. 3 – The Philippines’ President Benigno Aquino has cancelled a visit to the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning after Chinese officials demanded he first withdraw a legal complaint over the South China Sea the Philippines has lodged with […]
September 2013 ASEAN Regional Meetings
There are a number of important meetings being held in September, including a series of meetings for ASEAN Defense Ministers and several economic forums. The key meetings of note for our readers are as follows.
Positive Outlook in ASEAN for American Companies
Aug. 29 – According to the 2012/13 ASEAN Business Outlook Survey the majority of U.S. companies operating in the ASEAN region expect to see continued growth in their Asian operations. The survey, conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and their regional affiliate AmCham Singapore, found that 90 percent of respondents will increase their trade and […]
Singapore to Deepen Bilateral Relationship with China
Aug. 28 – Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Long embarked on a week-long official visit to China earlier this week upon the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. During the visit, China stated its eagerness to review and continue improving its free trade agreement (FTA) with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In turn, […]
ASEAN Report: FDI Flows at a Record High
Aug. 23 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recently published their 2012 ASEAN Investment Report in which the they revealed their recent foreign direct investment (FDI) successes. Specifically: FDI flows into ASEAN rose to an all-time high of US$114 billion in 2011 (up 24 percent year-on-year compared to 2010); ASEAN took in about 7.4 percent […]