Asia Today International Magazine
February - March 2014

Asia Today International Magazine February - March 2014
Asia’s changing diet – the megatrend in agribusiness – With more people set to change from vegetable-based diets, particularly in China and India, Singapore’s  Cheo Tong Choon is “highly optimistic” of the future of countries like Australia and New Zealand as suppliers of beef, lamb and dairy to emerging Asia. Cheo, who is Executive Chairman of the listed Mewah Group, the world’s third-largest palm oil refiner, has himself diversified into the rice and dairy sectors.

Anxiety rules in Thailand – the old power groups are working behind the scenes to rid the country of Thaksin and his influence.

Export ban hits miners – Copper miners in Indonesia will now pay a 20 per cent export tax unless they process locally.

Partners in Bio sector – Hong Kong helps fund Australian medical items into world markets.

Japan’s second rebirth – Japan has opted for a six-year window for reforms to allow showcasing of an economically revitalised country at the 2020 Olympics.

Waves of Change in South China Sea – Taiwan is manoeuvring to a position of relevance in the geopolitics of East Asia.

Spirit of Pauk Phaw on the wane – Layers of resentment have emerged between the Burmese and Chinese.

Plea for pause in bank regulation – Charles Dallara, till recently Head of the peak global body for the finance industry, says there needs to be an adjustment of regulatory measures now putting global growth at risk.

Visa processes holding back tourism in China – warns the World Tourism and Travel Council.