Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Don't leave migrant workers behind
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 26/07/2021
» In many regions, migrant workers make up a significant share of the labour force, making vital contributions to the societies and economies of their destination countries.
Erasing the stain of racism
Asia focus, Nareerat Wiriyapong, Published on 15/02/2021
» When Rawiri Waititi got up to ask a question in the New Zealand parliament last Tuesday, he didn't get far. Speaker Trevor Mallard warned the Maori MP that (male) members could only do so if they were wearing a necktie.
Paying for power stability
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 08/07/2019
» The government of Myanmar has substantially increased electricity prices with immediate effect as it seeks to reduce its deficit -- electricity subsidies alone cost US$500 million a year -- and finance new power projects to end chronic blackouts.
Green light for global insurers as Myanmar opens up
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 29/04/2019
» The Myanmar government has picked up the pace of liberalisation to attract foreign investment and help spur economic development in the last two years of its term in office.
Cautious neighbours
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 01/04/2019
» "Good relations with China are essential," Thaung Tun, Myanmar's economic tsar, told Asia Focus recently. That relationship is the key to Myanmar's development and security, he added. "But that relationship won't supersede or override Myanmar's own national interests, though Beijing's position will always be of utmost importance."
Charter challenge
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 18/02/2019
» Pro-democracy forces in Myanmar have launched a new bid to change the country’s constitution. With 18 months left before the 2020 elections, the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) has initiated a process in parliament that it hopes will amend the military-drafted charter — and give the party an appealing campaign issue. It is the latest evidence that the country has been plunged into “Syndrome 2020” in the lead-up to the elections.
Canada comes calling
Asia focus, Erich Parpart, Published on 22/10/2018
» The bilateral relationship with Asia Pacific is becoming "very important" for Canada amid rising trade tension in the world, says Jim Carr, minister of international trade diversification.
UK eyes Southeast Asia for post-Brexit trade lift
Asia focus, Bloomberg, Published on 07/05/2018
» The lone non-Asian trade minister at the recent Asean summit in Singapore, UK Trade Minister Greg Hands had plenty of room to make the case that Brexit won't interfere with his country's ambitious plans in the region.
Ex-con prefers jail to loneliness of freedom
Asia focus, Narendra Kaushik, Published on 26/03/2018
» Pushkar Dutt Bhatt lives the way people in primitive times did in India. He has no electricity, tap water or washroom in his house. He cooks his food on firewood and bathes in the natural pool located two kilometres from his residence.