Showing 31 - 39 of 39
Obama stakes his claim
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 19/11/2012
» This week’s whirlwind visit of US President Barack Obama to Myanmar has caused goosebumps regionally and underscored the significance of the inseparable duo of Thein Sein and Aung San Suu Kyi to the country’s future.
Euro breakup would mean short-term pain for long-term gain
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 19/11/2012
» The unravelling euro crisis will soon result in some countries leaving the currency zone, but this should not unduly worry Asia, except for companies with a business presence in countries that exit the euro, according to the independent macroeconomic research group Capital Economics.
Political excitement trumps economic realities
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 03/09/2012
» While economists have cautiously welcomed the Thein Sein government’s high-profile reforms in Myanmar, they remain concerned about such issues as a push-back against foreign investment, poor infrastructure, poor public financing and a vulnerable rural economy. Operators inside the country are also complaining about the difficulties they will face from an expected surge of foreign investors, particularly as the formation of the Asean Economic Community approaches in 2015.
Chile and Thailand bolster trade links
Business, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 12/10/2012
» Chile and Thailand have finished negotiations for their free trade agreement (FTA), but they could not be finalised in time for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations on Oct 29.
Public hearing 'required' before FTA talks
Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 08/08/2012
» A free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union requires not only parliamentary approval but also a public hearing before the Commerce Ministry can negotiate the terms, FTA Watch, a civil society network, declared on Wednesday.
No worries over Thein Sein no-show
News, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 29/05/2012
» President Thein Sein's no-show at the World Economic Forum in Bangkok this week is unlikely to undermine the friendly relations forged between his government and the Yingluck Shinawatra administration.
Migrant workers protest
Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 12/04/2012
» Recent protests by thousands of migrant workers in Songkla and Kanchanaburi has exposed further evidence of how Thai exporters to giant American, European and Australian food chains have gone unaudited.
Phnom Penh in the spotlight
Business, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 09/01/2012
» More peaceful Cambodian-Thai relations, modest democratisation in Burma, and hopes for reduced tension with Beijing over the South China Sea are among the factors that should help Asean focus on creating a truly integrated economic community in the next three years.
Graft-busters face tall order
Business, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 16/01/2012
» As Asean continues its movement toward a single community in 2015, an issue that should not be forgotten is how to curb and prevent corruption amid the fast-lane movement of free flows of people, capital, goods and services.