Economy and commerce
Banking and financial services
As inflation rises, Myanmar's Central Bank aims at monetary tightening
The Central Bank of Myanmar plans to tighten monetary policy to counter inflation, though at the request of banks has extended the deadline to meet a new reserve requirement ratio until January, said senior officials. Amid signs of overheating, the Central Bank has been holding deposit ...
Thailand's debt-stricken teachers 'need financial help'
The Thailand Teacher’s Development Association on 23 November demanded Education Minister Dapong Ratanasuwan provide debt refinancing packages, to prevent teachers from becoming swamped with debts which will eventually affect the students. The association proposed the ministry combine formal and informal debts of teachers nationwide, and transfer the whole chunk ...
China's role in promoting regional connectivity appreciated: Thai official
Thailand appreciates China for its constructive role in promoting regional connectivity through various initiatives including the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the launch of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, a senior Thai official said. “We believe that effective connectivity would help promote ...
Krungthai Bank nears B100bn deal
The Finance Ministry plans to acquire the entire 55% stake in Krungthai Bank held by the Financial Institutions Development Fund (FIDF) in a deal worth 100 billion baht. The acquisition would pave the way for transferring the 12 corporatised state enterprises as planned to a holding company ...
Cambodia at low risk of debt distress: IMF
Cambodia’s external public debt is well within acceptable limits, but remains vulnerable to financial shocks such as export slowdowns or exchange rate fluctuations, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in its latest assessment of the Kingdom’s economy. “Cambodia’s debt distress rating remains low with all debt ...
Post-election, kyat resumes its weakening trend
The kyat weakened against the US dollar this week as the greenback strengthened in international markets and business resumed in Myanmar following the 8 November election. Fears the election could spur currency volatility have not materialised, indicating a certain level of confidence in political developments and ...
Local banks draw foreign interest
Vietnamese commercial banks expect to attract foreign investment in their newly-established financial companies thanks to the profitable domestic consumer financial market, according to Dau tu (Investment) newspaper. Despite concerns by shareholders, banks have still tried mergers and acquisitions (M&As) with ailing financial companies, whose non-performing loans ...
China ratifies Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank agreement
China’s top legislature today ratified the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) agreement, that will set out legal framework for the USD 100 billion-bank in which India and 56 other countries are founder members. Lawmakers voted on the agreement at the closing meeting of the bimonthly session ...
October inflation declines for 10th month
Annual headline consumer prices declined for a 10th consecutive month in October, due mainly to low oil prices, providing the central bank room to keep interest rates low to support to support a weak economy. Keep reading ...
Asia stocks fall on China factory data
Asian stocks dropped on Monday, after their best month since May 2009, as industrial companies declined following data signalling a contraction in Chinese manufacturing. Keep reading ...