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East Asia
China-Russia power struggle in Central Asian markets
Two of the least developed Central Asian countries, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, have been heavily dependent on Chinese investment lately. But it appears that Chinese investors may be more inclined towards favoring Tajikistan over neighboring Kyrgyzstan. Neither of the countries boast an attractive investment climate. According to the World Bank, out…
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West Asia
Kuwait : Expatriates Visa Fees Up Again
The Ministry of Social Affairs is considering increasing all fees related to issuance of WORK permits, visa renewal and visa transfers for expatriates. Formalities are been finalized with the Fatwa and Legislation Department, and the decision can be implemented without prior approval by the National Assembly. The daily census by…
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The impact of the oil price crisis on E&P plans in the MENA region
Despite recent concerns caused by unpredictable future oil prices, E&P plans and activities in Middle East and North Africa have continued as normal, if not increased. When an industry like oil and gas faces a crisis, obtaining the most up-to-date and accurate information is more crucial than ever for those…
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East Asia
FDI to Korea in 2014 hits record high $ 19 billion
Looking to hit the $ 20 billion line in 2015 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Korea was recorded at an all-time high of USD 19 billion in 2014, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). It is expected that it will increase to the USD 20 billion…
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East Asia
Asiatic Black Bears Suffer from Appetite for Bear Bile
In 2012, bile bear tonic-selling Chinese Guizhentang Pharmaceutical went under fire after they have appeared in the to seek approval to be a publicly listed company in the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, in which the animal rights movement and famous personalities, as well as citizens have criticized their action. With bear…
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West Asia
“Today is the Day to Work in Iraq”
Interview with Iraqi Ambassador Khalil Al-Mosawi The Iraqi envoy to Korea, Ambassador Khalil Ismail Abdul Sahib Al-Mosawi, in an interview with the Magazine N expresses his hopes to change the perceptions about Iraq, and how his oil and water-rich country is ripe for investments. “Iraq has been the cradle of…
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East Asia
China’s Asian Bank May Herald A New World Order
Since the 2008 economic meltdown, Europeans and the Americans have been asking the Chinese to contribute more to the Bretton Wood institutions. But, in turn, the Chinese have been demanding reforms to the hegemonic system of management and voting rights in these institutions that favour the Americans and the Europeans.…
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South East Asia
Changes seen in Indonesia as Jokowi moves
“Reformasi”, the slogan of the 7th Indonesian President Joko Widodo, is taking shape in his first month in office as the leader of the biggest Muslim state in the world. Six days after his inauguration, Jokowi announced his working cabinet, eight days faster than the 14-day deadline mandated by law.…
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East Asia
A Tale of the Three Shipbuilding Nations – A long long tunnel
The global shipbuilding market, which has stayed caught in a trap of overcapacity, is still struggling to exit from the long and dark tunnel. According to Clarkson Research, the global NB orders contracted this year to September totals 1,388 ships (92.02 mil dwt, 30.80 mil cgt, $352 million), declining 32%…
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East Asia
Korea-Saudi Businesses and Government Discuss Cooperation
1st Korea-Saudi Business Forum, “Saudi: Good Business Environment for Korean Business” “Saudi Arabia is an attractive country for investments. Service, manufacturing, R&D among other industries are showing signs of potential for growth.” In the 1st Korea-Saudi Business Forum held last October 30th in Grand Intercontinental Hotel at Seoul’s Samseong-dong, Abdullatif…
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