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Since gaining independence in 1971 Qatar has quickly risen to prominence both regionally and internationally to become an economic, political and cultural powerhouse in the Middle East. With a relatively small local population and substantial revenues generated from having the third-largest proven natural gas reserves globally, Qatar has one of the world’s highest GDPs per capita: at current prices it stood at $64,400 in 2017. Prior to 2010 the country was mostly known inter¬nationally for its vast gas reserves and for being the home of the media network Al Jazeera. However, this changed when Qatar won the contest to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup in December of that year. Now, it has become well known in the international arena for many reasons, from its extensive international investments and ample spending on sub¬stantial infrastructure projects, to the diplomatic rift with the GCC, which began in June 2017. This chapter contains a viewpoint from Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar; and an interview with Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

Already one of the fastest-growing major capital exchanges in the world, Indonesia’s equity and bond markets saw increased activity in late 2016 and early 2017 after a lacklustre performance in 2015. This recent resurgence is based on the country’s strong economic fundamentals and aided by short-term trends which saw a recovery in commodity prices, increased government infrastructure spending and improved liquidity at home as a result of the government’s tax amnesty programme. Consequently, the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) continues to grow more quickly than the majority of markets in developed and developing economies – not just in Asia, but around the world. This chapter contains an interview with Loh Boon Chye, CEO, Singapore Exchange.

This chapter examines Indonesia’s legal system, focusing on laws passed to enhance trademark protection; procedural changes set to speed up the registration process and other major developments. It also contains a viewpoint from Todung Mulya Lubis, Founder and Senior Partner, Lubis Santosa & Maramis.

This chapter examines Indonesia’s tax regime, focusing on its recently completed tax amnesty programme, new zone-based concessions established to attract investors, digitalisation of tax administration and other key areas. It also contains a viewpoint from Ay Tjhing Phan, Tax Leader, PwC.

Projected to have a workforce of 65m young adults by 2035, the country is turning its focus to education to better ensure its citizens will be prepared to perform in an increasingly competitive economy. Indonesia is the world’s fourth-most-populated country and guaranteeing that everyone has access to quality education is no easy feat, especially considering the many infrastructural challenges posed by its archipelagic terrain. While the construction of new school facilities continues to receive investment, authorities are simultaneously prioritising improvements to curriculum and teacher performance to boost the overall quality of public education. Meanwhile, the sector has seen increasing private participation since it was removed from the negative investment list in 2010, allowing foreign investment into the education sphere. This chapter contains an interview with Mohommad Nasih, Rector, Universitas Airlangga.