Thailand’s plans to climb the ladder toward becoming a high-economy country were put on hold by disastrous floods in late 2011. Real GDP contracted 9% and losses were estimated at $44.7bn, but recovery, particularly for the hard-hit industrial estates, has been relatively swift. The focus is now on mitigating Thailand’s dependence on low-cost manufacturing exports for growth, which is risky given...
Economy
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Chapter | Country Profile from The Report: Thailand 2012
This chapter features interviews with His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand; Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand; Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General, ASEAN; Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, Minister for Economic Affairs, Kingdom of Bhutan; William Hague, UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs; and Tony Blair, former Prime Minister of the UK.
Articles & Analysis | A line in the sand: The emirate’s strategic location has made defence a priority from The Report: Ras Al Khaimah 2012
The area that now makes up present-day Ras Al Khaimah was historically a popular target for invaders due to the emirate’s strategic location at the entrance of the Gulf. This maritime potential made RAK an important shipping point throughout the ages. Indeed, RAK drew military challenges from not only Islamic clans in the Gulf, but also imperial...
Interviews & Viewpoints | OBG talks to Jim Stewart, CEO, Investment & Development Office, Government of Ras Al Khaimah from The Report: Ras Al Khaimah 2012
To what extent is RAK’s economic success contingent upon the health of neighbouring emirates?
Articles & Analysis | Trading up: Boosting economic ties increases regional integration from The Report: Ras Al Khaimah 2012
A substantial number of new international economic agreements have boosted Ras Al Khaimah in recent years, largely as a result of government-led industrial development measures put in place over the past decade. The emirate has established trade relationships with a diverse group of nations, including Tanzania and the US. Rising export revenues...
Articles & Analysis | Niche potential: Promoting research and development in high-tech industries from The Report: Ras Al Khaimah 2012
Given its relative lack of natural resources, and hydrocarbons in particular, Ras Al Khaimah has had to focus its efforts outside the energy sector, building up a diversified industrial base by making use of a mixture of incentives, infrastructure investment and careful partnerships. Now, the emirate is looking to position itself as a centre for...