Banking and financial services
Major banks
World Bank approves $400m electrification loan
The World Bank approved a US$400 million interest-free loan to provide financing and technical assistance to help bring electricity to more than 6.2 million people in Myanmar, the bank announced on 17 September. The loan will support Myanmar’s National Electrification Plan and was granted by the ...
ADB set to slash Thai GDP growth forecast
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will revise down its GDP growth forecast for Thailand to lower than 2.9% this year following the country’s slower-than-expected performance in the first half. However, the new growth forecast, due to be announced on 22 September, will be higher than 2.5%, ...
Baht hits 6-year low as BoT eases foreign-investing rules
The baht sank to a six-year low on 28 August as a central bank move to allow domestic investors easier access to overseas markets sparked concern that outflows will increase. Keep reading ...
State Bank of Vietnam assures no further dong/dollar exchange rate changes
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) will not make any further adjustment to the Vietnam Dong/US Dollar exchange rate this year, SBV Deputy Governor Nguyen Thi Hong said in a press release issued late on 24 August. Keep reading ...
AIIB awaits Thai approval
Thailand’s investment of 48.68 billion baht in the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will seek approval soon from the National Legislative Assembly. Keep reading ...
India must focus on expanding banks network in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam
Expansion of Indian banks network in CLMV – Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam- countries would help in enhancing trade and investment relations with these nations, a report has suggested. The Commerce and Industry Ministry report – “India’s Strategy for Economic Integration with CLMV” was prepared by think ...
Vietnam PM encourages Myanmar to grant licences to Vietnamese banks
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung suggested Myanmar to consider granting licences to the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam to open branches in Myanmar. The Prime Minister received Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar Kyaw Kyaw Maung in Hanoi on 6 August during his ...
Central bank monitoring weaker baht
The rapid weakening of the baht could cause problems for the real economic sector, says a senior official at the Bank of Thailand. The central bank is closely watching the baht’s movement, though no irregularity been detected so far, said Chantavarn Sucharitakul, the assistant governor overseeing financial ...
Banks offer discounts for overdue loan payments
In a bid to rein in non-performing loans, several commercial banks are offering a cut of 15-20% for payment of overdue loans to encourage customers to clear their credit card and personal debt, according to a debt collection firm. Pracha Chaisuwan, managing director of Chet Collection ...
What AIIB means for ASEAN connectivity
In 2009, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) forecast that from 2010 to 2020, Asia would need US$8 trillion in national infrastructure. The discussion on connectivity in Asia has continued since then, but it was China that seized the moment with its proposal in 2013 for ...
