Industry regulations
Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) secretary-general G. Rajasekaran has called on migrant workers to discard their fear and join any trade union in the country, citing the Labour Act which does not prohibit migrant workers from joining any union. The move aims to protect migrant workers from exploitation by some
Economic conditions
President Chen Shui-bian called on Taiwanese businesses and investors to focus on increasing investment within Taiwan, rather than seeking to lift restrictions on investing in China. The president emphasized the importance of competitiveness in semiconductor manufacturing and highlighted the significance of the newly signed joint venture between Powerchip Semiconductor Corp.
Economic conditions
The Solomon Islands government has expressed deep disappointment in recent events in Fiji and has called on the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to convene to help reopen diplomatic channels and find a peaceful resolution in Fiji. The situation has serious implications for the people of Fiji, and the Solomon Islands
Economic conditions
Despite soaring property prices and a sputtering economic recovery, the Bank of Korea has frozen its key interest rate for a fourth consecutive month in December. This move is seen as an attempt to kick-start the economy, amid concerns that high interest rates could curb house prices and undermine the
Economic conditions
The Australian government is poised to pass a law that will exempt foreigners from paying capital gains tax on the sale of Australian assets, except for Australian property. The Tax Laws Amendment (2006 Measures No.4) Bill is expected to be reintroduced to the Senate after being postponed due to
Economic conditions
The Japanese government is taking a significant step to improve consumer product safety with the revised Consumer Product Safety Law, set to take effect in spring next year. The new law mandates manufacturers and importers to report accidents caused by their products to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Economic conditions
The Philippine Senate is engaging in heated debate over the proposed General Appropriations Bill, which cuts P8.2 billion from the budget version presented by the House of Representatives. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Franklin Drilon expects a spirited discussion, particularly after he warned that the Presidential Office must intervene to
Economic conditions
Treasurer Peter Costello has expressed enthusiasm to meet with U2 frontman Bono at the G20 summit in Melbourne, despite Prime Minister John Howard's decision to decline a meeting with the Irish activist. Poverty is a key issue being addressed at the summit, which has drawn violent protests in
Economic conditions
Leaders from 21 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum member economies wrapped up their two-day summit in Hanoi, endorsing a chairman's oral statement calling on North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program. The statement, announced separately from the APEC leaders' special statement and declaration, expressed strong concern over
Economic conditions
Financial experts have welcomed the suggestion from a top tax official that China may raise the consumption tax on luxury items to boost its role in fighting poverty. According to Wang Li, deputy head of the State Administration of Taxation, the country is considering further increasing its tax rate on
Economic conditions
As the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit continues in Vietnam, Australia is actively seeking to engage developing member nations in addressing the pressing issue of global warming. Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Foreign Minister Alexander Downer are pushing for a variety of key initiatives, including an international carbon
Banking industry
The World Bank has expressed its willingness to help India improve its public procurement system, citing the potential for huge savings through even marginal improvements in efficiency. According to World Bank Head - India, Rachid Benmessaoud, effective public procurement can enhance service delivery, foster trust between the government and citizens,
