Other Briefings
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 Receives Maritime Security Support
Dec. 17 – Japan and the ASEAN nations strengthened economic and maritime ties this month during the Japan-ASEAN summit held in Tokyo. The gathering of high-level officials pledged to “strengthen regional cooperation frameworks for peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region,” according to a joint-press release issued by the two nations. Following the delegation’s […]
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 […]
ASEAN’s Demographic Dividend
Oftentimes referred to as ASEAN’s demographic dividend, ASEAN countries’ decreasing dependency ratios have the potential to translate into significant GDP growth if accompanied by effective government policies that liberalize trade, attract FDI, and mobilize capital and labor productively.
New Issue of Asia Briefing: The 2014 Asia Tax Comparator
In this issue, we examine the different tax rates in 13 Asian jurisdictions – the 10 countries of ASEAN, plus China, India and Hong Kong. We examine the on-the-ground tax rates that each of these countries levy as well as residency triggers, available tax incentives for the foreign investor, and important compliance issues.
Visa Applications and Work Permits in Thailand
Foreigners looking to work in Thailand need to apply for both a visa and work permit. The non-immigrant “B” visa is the appropriate visa for anyone looking to conduct business or investment activity within Thailand. There are three “B” visa options based on duration of stay.
Slow Progress in Timor Leste’s Bid for ASEAN Membership
Nov. 18 – Cautiousness and mixed feelings among the ASEAN member states continue to slow progress in Timor Leste’s bid to join the 10-member regional bloc. In September, Timor Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao spent five days in the Myanmar cities of Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw to strengthen diplomatic relations with the country set […]
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 […]
Work Permit and Visa Applications in Malaysia
Oct. 24 – Malaysia has a flexible visa policy that allows a majority of countries to enter without a visa for business trips that do not last longer than 90 days, including foreign nationals from the United States, France, Australia, Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Nonetheless, it is important to check ahead of time […]
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 […]
