At the start of 2020, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) – potentially the world’s largest free trade deal – seemed on track to be signed by the end of the year. However, the coronavirus pandemic has slowed that process, raising some questions about when the agreement will be formalised. In what would constitute a significant win for multilateralism, the RCEP would bring…
On securing deals during lockdown and planning for the post-pandemic recovery What impact has the global Covid-19 pandemic had on infrastructure development in the EEC? KANIT SANGSUBHAN: Covid-19 has not substantially impacted infrastructure development so far, as prior to the pandemic all of our projects were either in the preparation phase or we were looking for investors. Two projects…
On encouraging UK businesses to explore opportunities within ASEAN What are the implications of Covid-19 for ASEAN and the work of the UKABC? NEVILLE-ROLFE: In the short term the impact on the UK and ASEAN will be damaging, but this is a worldwide challenge. Most South-east Asian countries have large populations, stretched health services and economies that are dependent on trade and the movement…
Thailand has slashed its benchmark interest rate to a record low as part of efforts to stimulate economic growth, which has been sluggish due to concerns over the coronavirus and a months-long delay to publishing the 2020 budget. At its monthly meeting in early February, the Bank of Thailand (BOT) cut its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1%, an all-time low for the country. The move was the third…
Oxford Business Group (OBG) began its CEO Survey in 2016 with the aim of giving our clients a handle on sentiment in the various markets we cover. Sentiment is of course intangible, but it is an all-important factor in the decisions business people and investors make when they weigh up their risk appetite. In turn, sentiment informs the level of confidence with which they view a market. It is also…
On reaching sustainable development goals To what extent are sustainability goals tied to the success of a business? ROBERT OPP: Sustainability does not necessarily contrast with long-term profit; however, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have provided a global framework to address this significant challenge. The SDGs are different from anything I have seen in the past. There…
On channelling innovation to boost sustainability and profits How is sustainability being perceived by business executives in relation to long-term corporate performance? EDWIN CHOW: Large corporations in Singapore are beginning to realise the fact that having sustainability embedded into their work processes is actually good for them as a company. There was no single light-bulb moment, but rather…
On what the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) means for ASEAN member states Why did the ASEAN Business Advisory Council under Thailand’s chairmanship choose the theme “Empowering ASEAN 4.0”? ARIN JIRA: Both this theme and the broader ASEAN theme of “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability” are focused on the digital economy and connectivity. There are four pillars that underpin…
On the advantages of listing in Singapore As regional exchanges become more mature, which factors make SGX a standout proposition for Asian companies seeking to list? LOHBOON CHYE: First, Singapore is an international business hub; it is well connected, is a signatory to many free trade agreements and boasts an integrated infrastructure for businesses. Singapore also offers a broad…
