Other Briefings
ASEAN 5 Prepares for Integrated Payment System
The five largest members of ASEAN – Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand have agreed to implement an integrated payment system to enable real time gross settlement (RTGS) systems to be in effect by next year.
ASEAN Tax Comparator
In this article, we outline the key corporate and individual income tax rates for the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Malaysia to Open Up To Foreign Auto Manufacturers
As the country seeks to regain its position as an Asian auto hub, Malaysia has eased restrictions in its auto market with foreign investors now being able to manufacture all types of hybrid and electric passenger cars, including small passenger cars. The changes were announced on Monday as part of the country’s new National Automotive Policy (NAP). […]
Southeast Asian M&A Deals in 2013 Highest on Record
SINGAPORE – According to a recent report from Mergermarket, during the first three quarters of 2013 Southeast Asia saw 273 merger & acquisition deals. Totaling US$49.8 billion, this was the highest result on record in terms of both deal value and deal count on Mergermarket’s records. This is up 4 percent compared to 2012’s Q1-3 result […]
Made in ASEAN: Vietnam Cuts Import Taxes for ASEAN-made Vehicles
Ho Chi Minh City – As of January 1, 2014, vehicles imported from other ASEAN countries to Vietnam are eligible to receive a 10-50 percent tax cut following the 2008 ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). The new tax rate for vehicles imported into Vietnam from ASEAN nations is displayed in the following chart: ASEAN […]
January 2014 ASEAN Regional Meetings
There are a number of important forums being held in January, including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat and the Preparatory Meeting of Senior Officials. The key meetings of note for our readers are as follows.
Japan Cements Future Ties with ASEAN
Dec. 27 – During a meeting in Tokyo marking the 40th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN relations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged ¥2 trillion (about US$20 billion) in aid and loans to Southeast Asian countries over the next five years in a move signaling both tighter cooperation between Tokyo and the Southeast Asian block, and an attempt […]
World Economic Forum Assesses ASEAN’s Rising Energy Demand
By Shawn Greene Dec. 26 – The World Economic Forum (WEF) and Accenture have issued the Global Energy Architecture Performance Index Report 2014 which assesses energy systems across countries, and examines how the international community can move towards a future of sustainable energy. The 104-page document assesses economic growth, environmental sustainability, and energy security across […]
ASEAN Infrastructure Fund Grants First US$25 Million Loan to Indonesia
Dec. 10 – The Asian Development Bank’s new ASEAN Infrastructure Fund (AIF) has granted its inaugural loan to an Indonesian electricity project. The US$25 million loan will go towards developing power links and expanding transmission networks from Java to Bali. Improvements are needed to solve widespread power outages and blackouts that are negatively impacting Indonesia’s […]
December 2013 ASEAN Regional Meetings
Dec. 2 – While December is a relatively slow month for regional ASEAN meetings, there are still a number of important forums being held in December, including the ASEAN-European Union Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting and the 40th anniversary summit for the establishment of ASEAN-Japan relations. The key meetings of note for our readers are as […]
