Economy and commerce
Investment
ASEAN to become world's No. 4 economy by 2030: Laos PM
A new economic order will emerge by 2030, with Southeast Asia taking on a central role, Laotian Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith told business leaders in his nation’s capital on September 5. “Studies have shown that the ASEAN economy is expected to grow at 7% per annum, ...
Protest threat if dam plan goes to cabinet
A leader of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation conservation group has vowed to launch a protest if a proposal to approve the Mae Wong dam in Nakhon Sawan goes before cabinet. Sasin Chalermlarp’s comment came as Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chatchai Sarikulya is reportedly seeking to use ...
Thailand 'ready to bridge' G20 and G77
Thailand is ready to serve as a bridge linking the Group of 20’s major industrialised economies and the developing economies in the Group of 77, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says. Gen Prayut was speaking on September 4 as he attended the two-day G20 summit in Hangzhou, China ...
ASEAN and China to focus on RCEP
ASEAN and China intend to cooperate in production capacity as well support the finalisation this year of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said last week that a statement on the cooperation will be issued at the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, which takes place ...
Hydropower commission probes Myitsone contract
The commission to scrutinise hydropower projects along the Ayeyarwady River has met with the Ministry of Electric Power and Energy to learn more about the contractual agreement with a Chinese state-owned firm underpinning the suspended Myitsone hydropower project in Kachin State. The commission held its second ...
Survey: EU businesses planning to expand in ASEAN
Majority of European businesses are planning to expand their investment and operations in ASEAN, including the Philippines, as the region grows in global importance and increasing profits, but they also said that trade barriers in the region hamper their ability to reach maximum economic potential, ...
The pivot toward closer India-Myanmar ties
India and Myanmar have gone to great lengths to paint President U Htin Kyaw’s recent four-day visit as a historic cementing of bilateral ties. The neighbouring countries’ relations, long overshadowed by China’s more aggressive overtures, have forged ahead under the National League for Democracy-led administration. U ...
Indian mining firm prepares to dig deep in Ratanakkiri
The Ministry of Mines and Energy is set to issue the country’s first commercial underground mining license to Indian company Mesco Gold in two weeks, despite opposition by residents of two villages concerned about compensation and environmental damage. The company plans to break ground on its ...
Survey finds Europe firms looking more to SE Asia
European investors are increasing their exposure to Southeast Asia, reaffirming the region’s position as a bright spot in the global economy, as companies look to other markets for growth amid lingering concerns in China, according to the EU-ASEAN Business Sentiment Survey. The prospect of European ...
Mekong forum focused on sharing responsibility for common prosperity: expert
The Mekong Forum 2016 served to foster dialogue among partners and agencies of Greater Mekong Subregion countries to pursuing their development targets, an expert said on August 29. “These include reducing poverty and inequality, generating inclusive growth, improving capacity development, and exceeding the sustainable development ...
