Economy and industry

The high road fatality rates that make Thai roads the world’s second deadliest may in fact be understated, said Prommin Kantiya, director of the Accident Prevention Network (APN). Mr Prommin, who was responding on 5 November to the Public Health Ministry’s campaign to reduce road fatality rates, said ...

Bad weather conditions and a strong competition from other exporters have hampered the usually fast growth of Vietnam’s agricultural sector, officials said.    The sector expanded only 2.08 percent in the first nine month, with the annual growth expected to inching up to 2.21 percent, according to ...

Greater energy efficiency and expansion in renewables could help Vietnam meet an expected 7-10 percent increase in power demand each year through 2030, experts said at a recent conference.   The country needs to tap into various energy sources, including coal, natural gas, wind, solar and hydropower, ...

The task of securing US$6 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) during an election year initially seemed daunting, according to Myanmar Investment Commission secretary U Aung Naing Oo. Yet the anticipated slowdown in investment has not materialised. Instead, over the past few months his Yankin office ...

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has revealed a 10-month high in the country’s consumer confidence, as a result of the government’s economic stimulus measures. Director of the UTCC Center for Economic and Business Forecasting Thanawat Polwichai said the consumer confidence index for October ...

As the world absorbs life with a slowing Chinese economy, business is brisk for one group – Asia’s bankers, handling a burst of stock listings by mainland firms that need funds now and are resigned to their shares being worth less than before. Though initial public ...

International oil companies are kicking off exploration activities in Myanmar offshore, after completing environmental and social impact assessment surveys. Global oil giants are beginning to launch 2D and 3D seismic surveys in their newly awarded offshore blocks, said an official from Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise. Keep ...

When Xiang Jiancheng started doing business in Dongxing two decades ago, trade in the China-Vietnam border city was still lukewarm. These days, however, more than 10,000 Chinese and Vietnamese walk across the border bridge every day to do business in bustling markets on both sides. Cross-border business ...

The go ahead for construction of a new airport in Xayaboury province is still awaiting government approval with no decision in sight. The provincial Public Works and Transport Department sent plans for a new airport to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport earlier this year. A ...

The 70th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science and Technology (ASEAN COST-70), currently taking place in Vientiane, has emphasised that shortcomings in scientific and technological development need to be urgently addressed. The committee was established in 1978 and has become the focal point and driving force of ...