On the cusp of 2014 national elections and the 2015 integration of the ASEAN Economic Community, Indonesia is poised to continue its rapid economic expansion. While the country’s natural resources are still plentiful, by channelling foreign direct investment into the right areas, the government is ensuring that true potential, in terms of value and manufacturing, is achieved.

Despite the political and social challenges that marked late 2013, Thailand’s economy has remained stable and is poised for further growth in the coming years. However, concerted action by the public and private sectors will be needed for the country to avoid the middle-income trap of stagnating productivity and to maintain its stance as a top Asian economy.

2013 saw the transition of power from the former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, his fourth son and second son with Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, a move unprecedented elsewhere in the Gulf but not unexpected in Qatar. 

For the past decade Panama has registered impressive economic growth. According to the World Bank, GDP growth averaged 6.8% from 2000 to 2012, while government figures show double-digit growth for four of the past seven years. Economic development has been fuelled by heavy public sector spending on infrastructure, particularly the $5.25bn expansion of the Panama Canal, which should ensure long-term growth.

Although the emirate’s economic growth can be primarily attributed to its vast hydrocarbons resources, it has also made progress diversifying into new sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, aerospace, defence, finance and logistics. In addition to its economic investments, Abu Dhabi has also made major contributions to social welfare as well as infrastructure, which has been identified as the bedrock for future growth.