Brunei is hoping a programme of integrated development and investment will lay the ground for diversifying the country's economy away from a direct dependence on fossil fuels and foster a strong industrial sector. At present, one of the only non-energy industries active in the export market is the relatively small textile and garment sector. However, with rising competition across the region, Brunei's…
Taiwan's crowded telecommunications sector is likely to get even more competitive in the coming months as rival firms strive to woo customers away from each other and launch new services, at a time of economic upheaval. The telecommunications sector is regulated by the National Communications Commission (NCC), established in early 2006 as an independent body to replace the former regulatory authority,…
Amidst a global financial crisis and slowing demand for new housing, Indonesia does not expect to experience significant growth in the property market in 2009. However, industry optimism has been buoyed by the announcement that a change in regulations to ease foreign property ownership could be forthcoming. This could stimulate the sector, and make Indonesia's property market a rare growth story in…
For nearly a century, Indonesia has been Asia Pacific’s leading producer and exporter of oil and gas. In recent years, however, a combination of ageing fields, growing domestic demand and a lack of new investment has resulted in the country becoming a net importer, prompting Indonesia to withdraw its membership from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 2008. In order to regain…
Thailand is undertaking a massive fiscal stimulus programme to rejuvenate the country's flagging economy, with the government planning to inject $38.9bn through a package of direct funding, incentives and spending on infrastructure intended to create jobs and support long-term development. Some details of the stimulus package have already been unveiled, and when announcing the programme on March…
The Indonesian government has recently announced two new policies aimed at raising the production and demand for palm oil-derived biofuels. It is hoped that these initiatives will help stimulate the sector and revive investment and expansion during times of low returns due to the global economic slowdown. The first decree is intended to increase the consumption of biofuel and is mandated by the Ministry…
There have been early signs of success as Abu Dhabi's health sector continues at full tilt in its bid to provide high-quality health care by attracting private sector investors to the emirate. "The worldwide financial crisis and economic downturn provides many challenges for companies and investors globally as well as in Abu Dhabi. However, within Abu Dhabi, investment in the health-care sector…
Qatar is taking health care to a new level, going beyond merely providing medical services to its people and moving towards positioning the country as a centre of research and development, a move that could bolster the health of the economy as well as the nation. One of the cornerstones of this policy is the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), which was officially opened on March 16. A project…
Despite being home to the world's largest Muslim population, Islamic finance in Indonesia has yet to catch up with other Asian financial markets, such as Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. In order to increase its domestic penetration, as well as help the country attract more outside funding, the government is introducing new legislation to make sharia-compliant financial products more competitive.…
Having successfully developed its reputation as one of the leading locations for business and events tourism in the region, Abu Dhabi is now stepping up its game in order to compete on a global scale, and in a manner that is in line with its economic vision. Last month the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) launched a three-year initiative aimed at making the emirate's meeting, incentives, conference…