Philippines is now VAT-free for tourists
Philippine officials signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 12079, enabling value-added tax (VAT) refunds...
6 days ago
Thailand urged to give local firms same perks as foreign investors
The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has urged the government to grant local businesses the same tax incentives as foreign investors to...
Mar 20
Vietnam’s financial hub strategy should be adaptive, says UK expert
Vietnam does not need to choose between developing a specialised or comprehensive financial centre but can adopt a flexible approach,...
Mar 19
OECD slashes South Korea’s 2024 growth forecast to 1.5%
The OECD cut South Korea’s 2024 growth forecast to 1.5% from 2.1%, citing rising trade barriers and geopolitical risks, according to its...
Mar 18
World Bank raises Vietnam’s growth forecast to 6.8% for 2025
The World Bank has raised Vietnam’s real GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 6.8%, up 0.2 percentage points from its January estimate but...
Mar 17
Thailand gains from trade war as foreign investment rises
Thailand is seeing increased foreign investment amid global trade tensions, helping to drive economic growth toward its 3-3.5% target,...
Mar 17
Economists cut Singapore, Hong Kong growth outlook on trade risks
Economists have lowered growth forecasts for Singapore and Hong Kong in the second half of 2025, citing rising risks from higher US...
Mar 13
South Korea drops to 17th in global economic freedom ranking
South Korea fell three spots to 17th in the 2025 Heritage Foundation Index of Economic Freedom, despite its overall score rising to 74...
Mar 11
Financial conditions worsen for 31% of top South Korean firms
Nearly one-third of South Korea’s largest companies reported worsening financial conditions this year, according to a survey by Mono...
Mar 10
Japan’s corporate spending slips in Q4 amid economic uncertainty
Japanese corporate capital expenditure fell 0.2% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, marking the first decline in nearly four years, as...
Mar 6
Hong Kong’s financial sector poised for growth amid AI, China liberalisation
Hong Kong’s financial sector stands to benefit from artificial intelligence advancements, China’s financial liberalisation, and rising...
Mar 5
Singapore sees record corporate liquidations in 2024
Corporate liquidations in Singapore surged to a record high in 2024, with 307 firms shuttered, up from 201 the previous year, according...
Mar 4
IMF sees Malaysia’s economy expanding 4.7% in 2025
Malaysia’s economy is projected to grow 4.7% this year, supported by strong momentum, though external risks remain, the International...
Mar 4
China to inject USD56bn into three state banks to bolster economy
China plans to inject at least CNY400bn (USD56bn) into three of its largest banks in the coming months as part of efforts to stabilise...
Mar 3
Hong Kong’s 2025-26 budget to boosts startups: StartHub Asia
Hong Kong’s 2025-26 financial budget introduces new measures to support startups, drive innovation, and attract global investment,...
Feb 28
SE Asia CFOs more optimistic despite global uncertainty
Chief financial officers (CFOs) across Southeast Asia are showing increased optimism about economic prospects despite ongoing...
Feb 28
Chinese eases rules, pledges support to attract foreign investors
China is stepping up efforts to attract foreign businesses after inbound investment fell to its lowest level since 1992. The Commerce...
Feb 24
Finance, tech sectors drive HK hiring growth
Hong Kong’s job market is recovering, with financial services and technology sectors leading in headcount and salary growth. Recruitment...
Feb 20
Japan’s Q4 GDP surges 2.8%, beating expectations
Japan’s economy grew at an annualised 2.8% in the fourth quarter of 2024, exceeding forecasts of 0.3%, driven by steady exports and...
Feb 20
Malaysia to host ASEAN, China, Gulf summit in May
Malaysia will host a joint summit in May with China, ASEAN, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to strengthen economic ties amid...
Feb 20
