Economy and industry
Bank Indonesia continues its monetary easing stance
In line with expectations, Bank Indonesia has continued with its monetary easing by keeping its benchmark sevenday repo rate at 4.75 percent on January 19 to maintain stability amid growing global uncertainty. The move anticipated a change in direction of United States economic policies brought ...
Asia urged to push for energy interconnection
The key to promoting energy transition in Asia lies in the massive development and distribution of clean energy. “The discrepancy in energy consumption and distribution decides that building energy interconnection in Asia is an inevitable way forward to promote energy transition and realize clean development,” ...
The rise of anti-globalisation and its impact in Asia
The world appears to be experiencing a globalisation backlash with an assault coming from both economic and societal fronts. In this changing world, the two defining characteristics of globalisation – increased global trade and greater economic participation in trade – now look poised for an ...
Sembcorp takes another step on Myingyan project
Singaporean energy firm Sembcorp signed a build-operate-transfer agreement with Myanmar’s energy ministry on January 18 for the Myingyan power plant, a high profile energy project expected to receive loans from a variety of international lenders. Tan Cheng Guan, Sembcorp Industries’ head of group business development and ...
Trade groups raise traffic concerns as Yebu gate reopens
The Yebu border trade inspection gate on the Lashio-Muse road has reopened for the first time in over five years as the government tries to honour a commitment to ending illegal trade. But inspecting hundreds of vehicles at a single small gate has resulted in ...
Urban FMCG market rising as rural market sees lower growth
2016’s GDP reaching 6.21 per cent fell short of the target of 6.5 per cent but CPI was controlled at 2.67 per cent, lower than the targeted 3-4 per cent. Retail sales of consumer goods also maintained double digit growth, at 10 per cent on ...
KBank keen to buy Indonesian banks
Thailand’s fourth-largest bank, Kasikornbank, is exploring the possibility of acquiring banks in Indonesia, but acknowledges this is a challenging goal due to the Indonesian regulator’s rules concerning foreign ownership of local banks. The regulations require foreign banks to buy more than one bank, and that the ...
Veunkham becomes a local border between Laos and Cambodia
Veunkham-Dong Kralor border between Laos and Cambodia in Champassak province’s Khong district has updated its services and will operate as a local border crossing. This border is located in Veunkham village, about five kilometres from Nongnokheane-Trapeang Kriel International Checkpoint between Laos-Cambodia that officially opened last ...
Nong Or development project to commence construction
The Nong Or project to develop a tourism site in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane will commence construction in the near future after a project design model was selected recently. The project is now awaiting approval from the Vientiane authorities after the developer, Kanghua Investment Co., Ltd, ...
Ministry to meet sugar companies over land dispute
The Land Ministry will meet with the three companies at the center of the decade-long land dispute in Koh Kong province this week in an attempt to finally resolve the villagers’ grievances. In a letter made available to the public on January 18, the ministry’s ...