Fabrizio Zumbo
Malaysian oil and gas sector to keep bullish trend
Supported by several government initiatives and significant private sector investments, Malaysia’s oil and gas sector registered a 3 per cent increase in volume in...
BASF casts an eye on Asia Pacific
The world largest chemical company, Germany's BASF, has announced an investment of $13.8 billion by 2020 in order to implement its regional growth strategy...
Myanmar builds international confidence at WEF
After the 22nd World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia, held in Myanmar from June 5-7, 2013, it is time to draw the conclusion...
Microfinance as key poverty eradication strategy for Myanmar
Myanmar’s president Thein Sein has identified microfinance to tackle extreme poverty in the country. However, the country has still a long way to go to establish the necessary structures.
Philippines: Controversial mining law in the pipeline
A new mining law in the Philippines is expected to boost the government's tax revenue, but has also alarmed the mining industry which has now developed a new mistrust in the country's legal environment.
Malaysia: Unit trust industry in double-digit growth mode
In line with positive equity market performance, the Malaysian unit trust industry is expected to grow at double-digit rates over 2013 and to no less than a net asset value of $258.5 billion by 2020 as per Malaysia's Capital Market Masterplan.
Photoblog: Southeast Asians in Buenos Aires
Argentina is a nation of immigrants with foreign communities heavily marking its culture. Walking through Buenos Aires’ neighbourhoods brings to light that it also has a vibrant Southeast Asian community.
Argentina and Thailand strengthen cooperation
With an agreement on ten new cooperation projects sealed earlier in 2013, Argentina and Thailand - though geographically quite far apart from each other - are now moving increasingly closer on the South-South axis.
Vietnam ports on sale to boost efficiency
The state-owned Vietnamese ports of Hai Phong, Da Nang, Quang Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City and Quy Nhon will see the sale of between...
Cambodia’s insurance sector on the rise
Even though Cambodia’s insurance industry is still young and counts just nine insurers of which six are general insurance companies and three life insurers,...
Vietnam continues crusade against poverty
Vietnam has one of the best records worldwide in combating poverty, according to World Bank data. The government in Hanoi has set the target to reduce poverty to 7.6 per cent in 2013 from 22 per cent in 2007.
ASEAN: Nuclear power is still far off
The International Atomic Energy Agency foresees that ASEAN members could produce 2 gigawatts by employing nuclear energy by 2020. However, plans so far have been met with discomfort by the public.
Indonesia: Time over for cheap gasoline?
Pressure on state finances caused by huge spending on fuel subsidies has forced the government in Jakarta to announce a 45 per cent increase of petrol prices for later in 2013. A risky, but necessary move.
Filipinos’ remittances to keep positive trend
Remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OWF) remained strong during the first quarter of 2013. The Philippines Central Bank forecasts a solid 5 per cent annual increase in remittances volume for the full year.
Latin America and ASEAN forging closer ties
While the northern hemisphere has been struggling to solve internal crunches, new trade, investment and cooperation axes were being formed globally. In this scenario, ASEAN and Latin America are moving closer.
Malaysia stocks perform well after polls
Malaysian stocks continued to show a positive path after the May 5 elections in the past two weeks. Stocks rose strongly on fresh investor...
Myanmar’s energy sector needs reforms
In the wake of sound domestic growth, Myanmar’s energy sector is firmly catching international attention due to its huge potential. However, the country needs deeper economic reforms to protect investments.
Myanmar’s jewellery industry starts shining
Myanmar has been striving for decades the expansion of its gems market. With increasing international demand, the local industry is moving ahead and held the first International Jewellery Expo in May 2013.
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Thailand, Singapore most vulnerable to potential US recession
Southeast Asia could be seriously affected in case the US falls into recession, but some countries would be more badly hit than others, economists...