Government
Vietnam to lose $77 million of tax revenue each year due to free trade pacts
The government has estimated that it will lose around US$77 million of tax revenue annually between 2016 and 2025, when new free trade agreements take effect and eliminate a majority of import duties. Keep reading ...
Myanmar Central Bank official responds to NLD’s call for greater autonomy
To encourage an autonomous Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) is one of the priorities outlined by the National League for Democracy (NLD) in its draft economic policies, but officials say they are already on the right track. The draft will likely be used as a basis ...
China calls for border stability in Myanmar ahead of elections
China’s defense minister has urged Myanmar to maintain stability on their common border as it prepares for what Beijing hopes will be successful elections in November, the defense ministry said on 22 September. Myanmar holds an historic election in November, when the military-backed ruling party will compete with the ...
Thailand printers withhold NY Times edition over king article
The New York Times has said that its local printer in Thailand has refused to print its Asia edition because it featured an article on the ailing king. The paper said the printer found the front-page article “too sensitive”. The entire newspaper for 22 September, however, can ...
Vietnam finance ministry wants variable interest rate on back taxes: report
The Ministry of Finance has requested the government to stop imposing a fixed interest rate on unpaid taxes from January 1, news website Saigon Times Online reported on 17 September. Keep reading ...
Thai PM launches 'people's state' policy
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has unveiled a new strategy to build “a people’s state” to bring together the state, the people and businesses for the long-term sustainable development of the country. The prime minister said the Pracha Rat (people’s state) strategy aims to strengthen the country’s ...
India, Laos signed two MoUs to strengthen bilateral ties
India and Laos on 18 September 2015 signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. The MoUs were signed by Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari and President of Lao Choummaly Sayasone in the Presidential Palace Ho Kham, Vientiane. Keep reading ...
Vietnam prepares for UN climate change talks in Paris
Vietnam is quickly finishing the Intended National Determined Contributions to participate in the 21st Conference of Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, set to be held in Paris this December. Countries across the global have committed to create a new international ...
India, Laos agree to allow direct flights
Vice-President Hamid Ansari on 18 September signed two memorandums of understanding with his counterpart in Laos, Bounyang Vorachith in the Presidential Palace Ho Kham. The MoUs cover an air services agreement — allowing airlines to start a direct flight between the two countries — and another agreement ...
Laos OKs economic zone for smaller Japanese companies
The Laotian government has given the green light to a special economic zone in the southern city of Pakse, a 625-hectare site dedicated to small and midsize Japanese companies. Businesses operating there will have corporate taxes waived for 10 years starting in the first profitable year, among ...