Economy and commerce
Potential Environmental and Social Impacts of Chinese Mega-Projects in Myanmar Raise Concerns
With more and more Chinese investment flowing into the country, many key government officials are speaking out in support of the projects, which range from a high-speed railway line to special economic zones to seaports. At several local investment forums, they have voiced the view ...
Nan Lwin
After Trump Rebuke, Vietnam Scrambles to Avoid US Trade Dispute
The U.S. government agreed this week to give another coast guard vessel to Vietnam so the Southeast Asian country can increase its defense against China. But behind that move, Vietnam and the United States are struggling over a growing trade deficit that has alarmed U.S. ...
Ralph Jennings
Job quality in Cambodia improves, new policies needed to benefit from global markets: World Bank
The diversity and quality of jobs available in Cambodia is improving, yet new policies are needed for the country to benefit from the opportunities available in future global markets, according to a World Bank report released on Tuesday. Titled Cambodia’s Future Jobs: Linking to the Economy ...
Shi Yinglun
Thailand boosting rubber exports a concern
Rubber growers and exporters have expressed concern that prices will continue to fall as Thailand seeks to boost its natural rubber exports, industry insider Men Sopheak said. In March, the International Tripartite Rubber Council (ITRC), which comprises Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, agreed to reduce rubber exports ...
EU Issues Damning Report on Cambodia Before Looming Deadline on Trade Benefits Decision
In a scathing report, the European Union warned Cambodia that it has not taken enough steps to prevent a loss of its special trade privileges, noting particularly “further deterioration” of its human rights record since a review process was launched nine months ago. The confidential 70-page ...
Parameswaran Ponnudurai
Cambodia's China-built runway irks US but locals have other concerns
The rural southwestern province of Koh Kong, previously off the international community’s radar screen, has drawn the global spotlight. That’s because a massive runway stretching approximately 3,200 meters appeared suddenly at a resort being developed by a Chinese company in this otherwise out-of-the-way province, about a ...
Tomoya Onishi
Mekong – Lancang Business Forum 2019 focuses on agribusiness
The Mekong – Lancang Business Forum 2019, themed “Promoting Agribusiness and Investment in Processed Food Sector”, took place in Ho Chi Minh City on November 7. The event was co-organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Thai Ministry of Commerce and the Mekong Institute. Speaking ...
Are Thailand’s investments abroad sustainable?
Although Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced Thailand’s commitment to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) in 2017, outbound investment remains a largely unregulated sector. Thai firms are significant investors in ASEAN countries, and Thailand’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region ...
Jason Thomas
Government will pour more investment to the Mekong Delta
Nguyễn Chí Dũng, Minister of Planning and Investment, talks to the Government portal on what the country has done to help the Mekong Delta region develop sustainability. What mechanisms do we need to attract different resources to invest in the Mekong Delta region? In the context of ...
RCEP abandons year-end goal for deal
Leaders from 16 Asia-Pacific nations including Japan, China and India have effectively given up on achieving the goal of finalising their free trade deal by the end of this year, according to a joint statement issued on Monday. In the statement released after their summit, the ...
Kyodo News