Other Briefings
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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 […]
ASEAN Automobile Market to See Continued Growth
Aug. 16 – A recent report released by market research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan notes that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expected to become the fifth largest buyer of cars by 2019. Fueled by rising incomes and a prime-age demographic, ASEAN’s automobile market has been forecasted to grow at a compound […]
