South Korea’s economy grew at a faster pace than expected in the second quarter. This was driven by an influx of investments indicating a growing confidence in the economy.
China is a top destination for investors and has been welcoming foreign investment and expanding domestic demand in recent years. However, foreign investors are crying foul over the obstacles of doing business in China.
Concerns over unemployment and uncertain economic outlook led to consumer confidence levels plunging to the lowest figure seen in the first half of the year.
China is aggressively developing its gas reserves and will be less reliant on gas imports in future. As the biggest consumer of natural gas, this will lead to a declining demand of global natural gas imports.
Russia’s state oil giant, Rosneft, reported a substantial increase in profit and lower debt levels following a rise in output in its newly established Siberian oil fields, higher oil prices and zero export duties.
The Indian government has relaxed the minimum built-up area norms for Special Economic Zones coming up in smaller cities amid concerns over the adverse impact of the Direct Taxes Code on them.
In May 2010, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol launched theGROUNDS, a new state-of-the-art platform and testing ground designed to facilitate the collaboration of renowned companies and knowledge institutions to develop innovative applications for a sustainable airport.
Japanese exports rose 27.7 per cent in June year-on-year, more than the previous forecast of 23.5 per cent, but the pace of increase slowed for the fourth consecutive month.
In the first half of 2010, profits have almost doubled for British Gas. The company benefitted from the coldest winter experienced in the UK in the last 30 years.
Costa Rica President Laura Chinchilla Miranda announced intentions to ease bureaucratic regulations in order to increase the flow of investment into the nation.
The number of unplanned inspections of businesses has decreased significantly since the Russian government’s decision to limit the regulatory burden on enterprises.
Singapore companies should invest in developing African ports to raise their capacities in serving the expected increase in African maritime trade volume.
China’s economic growth is expected to accelerate in the coming decade, and the injection of investments will shift from the traditional coastal regions to the western regions.
Singapore businesses that wish to venture into Africa now have a platform to help them create business transactions and project deals between the business communities in both countries.
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A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by the Singapore Co-operation Enterprise and Togo to increase cooperation between the two countries in the areas of industrial zone and infrastructure development, education and professional training systems.
Thailand needs to reform its financial and services sector in the near-term to maintain its attractiveness to foreign investors, said Nandor von der Luehe, chairman of the country’s Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce.
The central bank of South Korea revised its 2010 economic growth forecast to a high of 5.9 per cent, with growth in industrial output, exports and business investments leading the way ahead.
Ian Lee and Isabelle Low of IE Singapore’s Middle East and Africa Desk highlight the reasons behind Africa’s growth story, and how Singapore companies can benefit from this market.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has relaxed lending disclosure norms for foreign institutional investors (FIIs), allowing them to disclose information on a weekly instead of the current daily basis starting from 2 July 2010.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will be pushing for a slew of manufacturing-sector policies in the southern states in order to generate more income for the country. Among the policies include simplifying clearances and approval mechanisms, encouraging green manufacturing, fast-tracking infrastructure development and putting in place enabling flexible labour rules.
Multinational companies and foreign-owned corporations with experience in developing urban areas will be given priority to invest and develop the upcoming Thu Thiem New Urban Area in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 2, said Trang Bao Son, deputy head for the Investment and Construction Authority for the township.
On a month-on-month seasonally adjusted (m-o-m SA) basis, non-oil domestic exports (NODX) decreased marginally by 0.1 per cent in June 2010, after the previous month’s marginal 0.2 per cent decline.
Industrial units are now allowed to relocate across different Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as the government step up efforts to boost business consolidation and help companies base themselves nearer to their source of input or market.
The US remains an important market to consider for overseas expansion even though some might say that it is mature, competitive and has limited business opportunities, said Kathy Lai, Assistant Chief Executive for IE Singapore.
Private equity firms have snapped up deals worth over US$225 million in the IT and BPO space between January and April, more than double the levels seen the same time last year, according to data by Grant Thornton.
Education has emerged as one of the most lucrative sectors in India and many private equity investors are lining up to invest in the US$80 billion industry.
The upturn in the retail sector is attracting private equity investors that are making a beeline for a slice of the profits. According to observers tracking the sector, deal volumes were the highest in sectors such as healthcare, finance and consumer discretionary (which largely includes premium brands and retail).
India will be one of the top-five civil aviation markets in the world in the next five years, said Praful Patel, the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation.
The E50 Awards recognises local, privately-held companies who have contributed to economic development in Singapore and abroad. Nominations for 2010 Enterprise 50 is now open.
On a q-o-q SA basis, Singapore’s total external trade rose by 9.0 per cent in 1Q 2010, at a faster pace than the 3.7 per cent expansion in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Singapore and the Netherlands share plenty of synergies in water and waste management, says Linnie Mackenzie, Area Director for the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) in Singapore