Showing 1 - 10 of 188
Protein power
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 15/01/2018
» New Zealand-based Fonterra, the world's largest exporter of dairy products, expects healthy growth in the protein markets of South and East Asia in the next five years, thanks to healthier lifestyles and the growing interest in fitness.
'Fake news' and political bullies
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 22/01/2018
» Press freedom in Southeast Asia is taking it on the chin again. In Myanmar, Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe face up to 14 years in jail for reporting on the genocide in Rakhine state, which apparently is an "official secret". In the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte is itching to shut down a news website that has been critical of his government.
Seeds of innovation
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 22/01/2018
» Amid rising energy and fertiliser prices, climate change and ageing farmer populations in Asia, rice farmers need to apply innovations to maximise profits and continue earning a sustainable living.
Green but greying
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 22/01/2018
» Visit a rice farm anywhere in Asia these days and you will see a life that has hardly changed in decades. Transplanting paddy sprouts into muddy soil, swatting itch-inducing stalks with a sharp sickle and lifting heavy rice sacks into a rickety truck are all part of the backbreaking routine.
Double the fun
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 22/01/2018
» Sailing on the equivalent of a floating Macau, viewing spectacular shows and enjoying all-day indoor and outdoor entertainment are par for the course on the new generation of cruises serving the growing Asian leisure travel market.
Back from the dead
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 29/01/2018
» Once considered dead after US President Donald Trump pulled his country out of the deal signed by his predecessor, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has come back to life with its 11 remaining members agreeing to move on with the giant free-trade agreement.
Terror on two wheels
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 05/02/2018
» The motorbike has long been a popular mode of transport in Asia because it's cheaper than a car and can zip through traffic-clogged cities faster. Over half of all global motorbike sales of around 50 million units per year are in Asia and two-thirds of the people of driving age in the four top markets (India, China, Indonesia and Vietnam) own bikes.
Pyongyang's charm offensive
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 19/02/2018
» A budget of US$2.6 million to ensure red-carpet treatment for North Koreans at the Winter Olympics is just one sign of South Korea's eagerness to revive dialogue with its dangerous neighbour. The North appears equally keen, based on the high-profile visit to Pyeongchang by Kim Yo-jong, the Supreme Leader's sister and Pyongyang's PR queen.
Makro explores new wholesale frontier in India
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 19/02/2018
» Bangkok-based Siam Makro, part of US$50-billion Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, has entered the cash-and-carry wholesale business in India with the launch of LOTS Wholesale Solutions, believing that this huge new market will one day surpass its business at home.
Russian mission calls on EEC
Business, Erich Parpart, Published on 22/02/2018
» As part of President Vladimir Putin's plan to take leadership of Eurasia's economic expansion, Alexey Gruzdev, Russia's deputy minister of economic development, along with the largest Russian business delegation to Thailand in modern history, have embarked on a three-day trip here, with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) the main attraction.