Other Briefings
Challenges Await the ASEAN Banking Integration Framework
By Matthew Davis Nov. 4 – Following periods of regional instability resulting from the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the recent global financial crisis, there has been great impetus for establishing a pan-ASEAN banking presence. In promoting such financial integration, the ASEAN nations hope to capitalize on economies of scale, a larger consumer base and […]
November 2013 ASEAN Regional Meetings
There are a number of important regional forums being held in November, including the ASEAN-Australian New Zealand FTA Economic Cooperation Meeting and the 26th ASEAN-Australia Forum. The key meetings of note for our readers are as follows.
Vietnam Increases Trade Deficit with ASEAN Nations
Oct. 21 – Vietnam has increased its trade deficit by US$2.13 billion during the first nine months of the current fiscal year as imports from other ASEAN nations rose, according to trade statistics published this month. During this time, total trade turnover between Vietnam and the ASEAN bloc totaled US$29.6 billion, with Vietnamese exports growing […]
Laos to Increase Foreign Workers
Oct. 17 – Laos is currently suffering from a shortage of skilled labor and, as a result, the Laotian Ministry of Labor has announced that the country needs to bring in at least 70,000 more foreign workers to support its current workforce. Laos has already brought in 20,000 foreign workers as of late, but it has […]
India to Sign Services and Investment FTA with ASEAN by December
Oct. 16 – Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced at the 11th Annual India-ASEAN Summit his country’s readiness to sign an ASEAN-India FTA in Services and Investment by December. If all goes as planned, the FTA will take effect in July 2014. India’s dedication to the region was further emphasized by PM Singh’s plan to […]
Vietnam, Myanmar Ease Visa Restrictions
Oct. 9 – In a move to strengthen relations between the two ASEAN countries of Myanmar and Vietnam, starting October 26, 2013, Vietnamese passport holders will no longer have to obtain a visa in order to visit Myanmar for short term stays of up to 14 days. The visa exemption agreement, which was enacted to […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
