News
ASEAN pushing global GDP growth
Despite rising trade tensions and geopolitical risks, half of ASEAN’s member states are among the top drivers of global growth. The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) World Economic Outlook released last week painted a bleak future for the global economy which is in a “synchronised slowdown” and ...
Jason Thomas
IMF calls for growth through stimulus
The International Monetary Fund has recommended that Thai policymakers implement both fiscal and monetary stimuli in order to boost economic growth and steer inflation back to target. The recommendation was made during a visit to Bangkok for Article IV consultations. “The team recommends monetary policy ...
GDP expected to grow at 6.8 percent: IMF
The International Monetary Fund has predicted that Laos’ Gross Domestic Product will grow at 6.8 percent this year, less than the government’s projected rate of 7 percent. The IMF Executive Board concluded the Article IV consultation [1] with Laos recently, describing Laos’ challenges in dealing ...
Economists concerned about increase in non-performing loans
Economists have expressed concern over non-performing loans that banks have given to the private sector. Bankers said NPLs are currently higher than the rate of 3 percent set by the Bank of the Lao PDR, which could have negative impacts on financial and economic stability. ...
Cambodia eyes AIIB loan
Cambodia will begin applying for a loan from the newly established China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank from next year in response to the current need for infrastructure development. Visiting AIIB vice president and chief investment officer D.J. Pandian met with Vongsey Vissoth, secretary of state at ...
Myanmar woos investments in infrastructure, transport and energy
With the recent enactment of the investment law and lifting of sanctions, Myanmar has become friendlier to foreign investment, particularly in infrastructure, transport and energy, according to its state investment agency. The Myanmar Investment Law was passed on Oct. 18 by combining the country’s foreign ...
IMF reminds Indonesia to balance financial deepening and stability
Financial development in Indonesia has evolved at a relatively slow speed in comparison to peer countries. Although this provides opportunities for financial deepening, the International Monetary Fund has been quick to remind Indonesia that deepening should be balanced with stability to avoid a crisis. “There is ...
