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 […]
ASEAN Economic Ministers Meet in Brunei
Aug. 22 – The 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers Meeting (AEMM) was held in Brunei this past Monday. Upon arrival the ASEAN ministers held a joint press conference at which they expressed their happiness about the strong economic performance and resilience of ASEAN in 2012. Specifically, the ministers noted that all […]
Singapore Increases GDP Forecast
Aug. 9 – The outlook for Singapore’s GDP was revised upwards this past week following greater than expected growth over the first two quarters of this year. The announcement came from Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during his televised National Day address to the country. Economic growth was previously projected at a GDP growth […]
Singapore’s RMB Business Up 80% in Three Months
Singaporean banks, arguably the financial apex of ASEAN, have reported an 80 percent increase in the number of local companies using China’s national currency, the renminbi (RMB), to settle transactions.
Singapore Urges Deeper ASEAN-India Relations
Aug. 2 – Earlier this week, at the inaugural lecture of the ASEAN-India Centre in New Delhi, Singapore’s Foreign Minister K Shanmugam pushed for a deeper relationship between ASEAN and India so as to further expand tourism and business opportunities between the two regions. Specifically, in addition to the services and investment free trade agreement […]
August 2013 ASEAN Regional Meetings
There are a number of important meetings being held in August, including a series of meetings for ASEAN Economic Ministers and Defense Ministers. The key meetings of note for our readers are as follows.
Philippines to Lead Economic Growth in ASEAN
Jul. 31 – ASEAN will outperform other Asia-Pacific economies next year as China’s growth slows, according to a report issued by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) this week. In their report titled “Credit Conditions: Increased China Downside Risk Dampens Asia’s Growth,” S&P lowered their forecast for year-end growth in Asia-Pacific from 5.5 percent to 5.3 percent. […]
ASEAN Expected to Commence FTA Talks with Hong Kong
Jul. 23 – According to Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So, the 10-nation ASEAN bloc and Hong Kong are expected to begin negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA). This agreement would rapidly expand the volume of trade and investment between the two sides. Currently in the preparatory stage, the agreement […]