The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has remained a bright spot for investments despite the global economic turmoil. Since its establishment as the Asean Economic Community a decade ago, the region has made progress in regional integration and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). For instance, UOB's FDI advisory unit was launched in Indonesia in 2013, indicating the growing interest of investors in the region.
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3293376/asean-remains-investment-bright-spot-messy-global-economy?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionThe Malaysia-Singapore JS-SEZ, a special economic zone between two countries, marks an initial step towards closer integration between ASEAN economies. The agreement aims to pool resources and leverage each country's strengths, with the goal of realising the potential of the large ASEAN market. To bring this SEZ to life, a high-level committee will develop a blueprint, which will facilitate joint promotion and administrative infrastructure for investments. The Iskandar Malaysia Facilitation Centre in Malaysia has already been established to expedite bureaucratic processes. By 2025, physical details of the vision for each node are expected to be implemented. To ensure long-term success, steps are being taken to address concerns about the project's political viability.
https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/johor-singapor-special-economic-zone-rafizi-ramli-malaysia-economy-minister-4847491During a visit to the US, UAE Minister Al Zeyoudi highlighted the country's growing tech ecosystem and its opportunities for US companies looking to scale their operations and access high-growth markets. The UAE has invested $35 billion in the US, with bilateral non-oil trade reaching $28.3 billion in the first nine months of 2024, a 46.2% growth from the same period in 2019. Al Zeyoudi met with C-suite executives from leading tech companies such as Accenture and Qualcomm to discuss advanced technology partnerships. The UAE is also expanding its trade ties through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme, which aims to foster greater connectivity with strategic global markets.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/business/2025/01/09/uae-us-to-boost-cooperation-in-technology-and-innovationChina and Congo have agreed to accelerate the development of a high-level community with a shared future, setting an example for China-Africa cooperation in the new era. This decision was made during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The two countries will prioritize the implementation of the "10 partnership action plans" and create a three-year development plan for the forum, including a timetable and roadmap. They also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting international fairness and justice.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1326492.shtmlPakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the country's economy with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan during a meeting in Rahim Yar Khan. The UAE president agreed to extend a $2 billion loan payment deadline, which was due in January. Sharif also requested investment in key projects and the UAE committed to investing in Pakistan due to their strong brotherly relations. To reduce electricity prices, the government will approach the IMF as part of its National Economic Transformation Plan 2024-29. The Prime Minister highlighted a notable increase in textile exports and plans to discuss further export opportunities with the Indonesian president during his visit later this month. He also emphasized Pakistan's robust relationship with Malaysia and expressed commitment to strengthening it.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341625/uae-rolls-over-2bn-debt-pm-tells-cabinetSingapore and Malaysia have launched a joint economic zone project aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two nations. The initiative, which will be established on both sides of the border, is expected to create 20,000 skilled jobs within five years by attracting 50 projects. To facilitate this, policies such as tax breaks, grants, and easier regulations will be implemented, while automated immigration lanes and paperless clearance for goods will be introduced at the border. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have expressed optimism about the project, with Wong noting that it is a "commonsense approach to liberalisation of trade and investment" between the neighbours.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40341615/malaysia-singapore-launch-sez-to-boost-investmentMalaysia and Singapore are strengthening their economic ties with the signing of several agreements, including the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which aims to enhance trade and talent development between the two nations. The JS-SEZ is one of six memoranda of understanding and a letter of intent signed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who are also celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$78.59 billion from January to November 2024, a 6.7% increase over the same period in 2023, making them each other's second-largest trading partners.
On January 7, 2025, several significant events took place globally. In Southeast Asia, Malaysia and Singapore signed a joint agreement to establish a special economic zone at the leaders' retreat in Johor. Meanwhile, Hong Kong eased its investment thresholds to attract more family offices. In other news, Indonesia officially joined the BRICS bloc as a full member, according to Brazil. In South Korea, investigators sought a new warrant to arrest President Yoon, while the Philippines vowed to remain vigilant on prices despite meeting its target. Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani was held in contempt of court in a defamation case. Additionally, former US president Donald Trump hinted at imposing tariffs but did not specify how he would do so.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/hong-kong-eases-investment-thresholds-attract-family-officesMalaysia and Singapore have reached an agreement on a special economic zone in Johor, Malaysia, aimed at promoting investment and facilitating the movement of goods and people between the two countries. The plan was first proposed a year ago as part of their efforts to deepen economic ties.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/08/business/foreign-business/malaysia-singapore-announce-sez-deal/2032228