INDIA: Government gets moving on supporting businesses
Facing concerted pressure from the most embattled sectors – tourism, aviation, travel, and hospitality – of the economy, the government is working on a package that will probably offer specially designed incentives, mostly tax-related, to enable these businesses to find their fee… Become a member to read the rest of this article Username or […]
SOUTH KOREA/US: Biden-Moon summit produces deliverables
The US-South Korea summit between presidents Biden and Moon on 21 May produced a series of agreements that invest in new dimensions of the alliance, including vaccine production. South Korean conglomerates announced major investment plans (semiconductor chips, lithium batt… Become a member to read the rest of this article
SOUTHEAST ASIA: Infection trends put travel plans on edge, spur vaccine search
The countries to watch are Malaysia (community transmission), Indonesia (possible post-Idul Fitri spike) and Thailand (vaccine deliveries by Siam Bioscience). Thailand will continue with its phased tourism reopening plan, with a milestone scheduled for July, but public confide… Become a member to read the rest of this article
TAIWAN: New outbreak not affecting semiconductor production – so far
Taiwan will raise its nationwide virus alert to Level 3 on a four-tier scale, following 1,226 Covid-19 infections since 15 May – almost half of total cases since the epidemic began last year.Taiwan’s relative success at controlling the virus until now could become a liability if… Become a member to read the rest of […]
CHINA: The era of economic re-balancing is over
Recent policy signals indicate that “re-balancing” the Chinese economy away from investment and manufacturing towards consumption and services is no longer a priority.Policymakers now believe that high investment and manufacturing shares of GDP are necessary for achieving techno… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDIA: Covid-19 – neither prevention nor cure as the economy struggles
India’s Covid-19 infections have reached rural areas where the health infrastructure is extremely weak. Full universal vaccination is the only answer but given shortfalls in vaccine supplies, this seems a far cry. State governments are responding in the only way they ca… Become a member to read the rest of this article
HONG KONG: Weighing the latest evidence on a potential foreign exodus
Recent survey data and anecdotal reports appear to indicate that foreign companies are withdrawing from Hong Kong.But a closer look suggests that Hong Kong will retain its role as a regional financial and business center, especially for companies with significant mainland operat… Become a member to read the rest of this article
MYANMAR: Junta pins its strategy on attrition
The level of violence on the streets has dropped in recent weeks compared to February and march. Media and internet are severely curtailed, which could be contributing to the decline in reported fatalities, but there are other more significant drivers for this ebb. For one, prote… Become a member to read the rest of […]
CHINA: Census shows growing population, but demographic challenge is severe
The results of China’s 2020 census challenge a media report last month claiming that China’s population shrunk last year for the first time since the 1960s. But the figures illustrate challenges with demographic aging and regional economic disparities; the rust-belt northe… Become a member to read the rest of this article
INDONESIA: Finance wants to raise the VAT rate but will face stiff opposition
The government will discuss with parliament a possible increase in the current VAT rate of 10%, according to a presentation last week by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, although she did not specify what the target rate would be. In addition, the government is considering … Become a member to read the rest of […]