News
Measures approved to revive SMEs
The cabinet on 8 September approved five tax and financial measures to help some 2 million SMEs as part of its stimulus packages to revive the economy. Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said the packages should help strengthen existing SMEs and attract new operators with potential. Keep ...
In Laos' economic zone, a casino and illicit trade beckon in 'lawless playground'
Kings Romans Casino is the centerpiece of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, a 39-square-mile private concession in northwestern Laos, an impoverished communist country of 6.7 million between Thailand and Vietnam. As the name suggests, it is within the Golden Triangle, the area where Thailand, ...
Vietnam eyes lower transport prices
The Ministry of Transport is investigating transport companies who have failed to lower prices amid a drop in petrol costs. Since many transport firms have been slow to reduce their fees even after recent hefty petrol price cuts, the ministry has asked local transport departments to ...
Refugee in Cambodia asks to return home
One of the first four refugees resettled in Cambodia under a deal with Australia has requested to return to his native Rakhine State – the latest controversy to smack the much-ridiculed refugee arrangement. “He has requested to give up his [refugee] status and return to his ...
Campaign period starts, but only for some parties
As with most deadlines and dates this election season, the start of the official candidate campaign period is rolling by only partially heeded. Political parties had to miss scheduled campaign kick-off events – and the unveiling of campaign songs and slogans – because the candidate ...
Policy, financial hurdles stymie Vietnam auto industry
Auto maker Vinaxuki recently announced plans to sell its plant in Hanoi’s Me Linh District to repay its debts amid prolonged losses. It has laid off most of its employees leaving mainly security guards in a factory that used to employ hundreds of workers and engineers. It ...
Satellites to show the way forward for Mekong region
Efficient natural resource management, disaster warning and a reduction in the effects of climate change on the Lower Mekong region will be enhanced thanks to the SERVIR – Mekong project. The SERVIR – Mekong project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented ...
Myanmar border trade tops $2.4bn
Trade between Myanmar and its four neighbouring countries has reached US$2.48 billion (85 billion baht) in the financial year to date, a Myanmar Commerce Ministry official said. Keep reading ...
Muslim candidates fear no shot at the polls
With the finalised candidate list expected to be released on 7 September, barred Muslim election hopefuls fear not a single one of them will be left to contend the looming polls, leaving no one to represent what many estimate is Myanmar’s largest religious minority. The Union ...
Myanmar selects firms for bus import plan
Five companies have been chosen to import buses for the BRT lite system, according to U Maung Aung, chair of the BRT lite committee. Authorities hope the BRT lite plan will bring order out of the near-chaos of Yangon’s multiple privately owned buses in competition with ...
