Home  >>  Daily News  >>  ASEAN ANALYSIS

WEEKLY SUMMARY

 
AseanAffairs     6 February 2011

These were the most important news stories published by Asean Affairs during the week of January 29-February 4:

Suu Kyi appeals for investment, support
Burma's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has called for investment in her country, which she says has been "left behind".
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/myanmar_news/politics/suu_kyi_appeals_for_investment_support

Chi-East rolls out in Japan, HK, S'pore
Chi-East, the "dark pool" joint venture between Singapore Exchange and Nomura's Chi-X, said on Monday it has completed the roll-out of its trading platform for securities listed in Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/singapore_news/capital_markets/chi_east_rolls_out_in_japan_hk_s_pore

Thai government predicts 4.5 percent growth
Thailand's economy should grow by 4.5 percent this year in the face of external challenges, mainly related to concerns about debt problems in other countries, according to the government'sFiscal Policy Office (FPO).
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/thailand_news/economy/thai_government_predicts_4_5_percent_growth

European solar company eyes Philippines
Amsterdam-based SunConnex plans to invest in solar power projects across the Philippines.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/philippines_news/energy/european_solar_company_eyes_philippines

Malaysia: high-income nation
Malaysia's upcoming Financial Sector Masterplan (FSM) will revolve around transforming the country into a high-income nation, strengthening its position in Islamic finance and managing and retaining the talent pool.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/malaysia_news/economy/malaysia_high_income_nation

Construction of high-speed Laos railway starts
The Lao government wants to start construction work on a 481-kilometer, high-speed railway linking Laos to China and Thailand in April.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/laos_news/transport/construction_of_high_speed_laos_railway_starts

Philippine economy on fastest pace in 24 years
The Philippine economy grew at its fastest pace in 2010 since the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, expanding 7.3 percent due to strong domestic demand fueled by the billions of dollars overseas Filipino workers sent home.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/philippines_news/economy/philippine_economy_on_fastest_pace_in_24_years

Asean studies efficient energy investment
A benchmarking study on energy efficiency investments among countries in the Southeast Asian region will kick off in the Philippines in February.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/asean_news/investment/asean_studies_efficient_energy_investment

Asean exchanges study trading link
Four Asean exchanges, working together with NYSE Technologies, have completed the design study of the technology framework for the Asean Trading Link.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/asean_news/capital_markets/asean_exchanges_study_trading_link

Asean economies may overheat
Fast-growing Asian economies face a risk of overheating and may need to tighten monetary policy further, the head of the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/asean_news/economy/asean_economies_may_overheat

China biggest deficit creator to Indonesia
China is the biggest trade deficit creator in Indonesia's trade balance compared to any other country, reaching US$5.6 billion (Rp 50.5 trillion) throughout 2010, a top official at the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) says.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/indonesia_news/trade/china_biggest_deficit_creator_to_indonesia

Sugar giant invests in renewable projects
Mitr Phol, Asia's largest sugar producer, will invest 3.7 billion baht (US $123 million) in its new renewable energy projects in Thailand and expand the group's power business to neighbouring countries, starting with a biomass plant in China.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/thailand_news/energy/sugar_giant_invests_in_renewable_project

U.S. continues pressure on Myanmar
The United States said Wednesday it was premature to ease sanctions on Myanmar and urged the regime to take more steps following the recent elections.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/myanmar_news/politics/us_continues_pressure_on_myanmar

Total Malaysian trade in 2010 topped US$38.6 billion
Malaysia's total trade in 2010 surpassed the RM1 trillion mark to register RM1.169 trillion (US$38.6 billion), attributed to an impressive growth last year, that boosted demand for both manufactured goods and commodities globally.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/malaysia_news/trade/total_malaysian_trade_in_2010_topped_us_38_6_billion

Manila slips in global outsourcing ranking
THE Philippines' ranking as a preferred location for business process outsourcing (BPO) and call-center operations fell a notch mostly because of lack of skilled people, according to a survey of multinational companies.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/philippines_news/economy/manila_slips_in_global_outsourcing_ranking

Thai firm plans wind energy project
Glow Energy Plc, a unit of France-based GDF Suez listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, is ready to spend US$300 million to develop two wind turbine projects in Chaiyaphum generating a combined 100 megawatts.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/thailand_news/energy/thai_firm_plans_wind_energy_project

Fight against graft in Indonesia
The guilty verdict for former tax director Bahasyim Assifie has set a new precedent in the country's justice system because for the first time judges applied the legal principle of reverse burden of proof, analysts said on Thursday.
READ MORE: http://www.aseanaffairs.com/indonesia_news/economy/fight_against_graft_in_indonesia

By

Paul A. Ebeling, Jnr