Industry

Despite facing a challenging economic climate marked by regional unrest and high energy prices, Jordan’s industrial sector held its ground in the first four months of 2014, posting modest year-on-year (y-o-y) growth.

Growth in Indonesia’s manufacturing sector continues to outstrip the rest of the economy, with gains in most industries well above those of the national average. Some regions away from Java posted even higher rates of expansion, though there are lingering concerns some of this growth is underpinned by a reliance on commodities imports – one that fuels the current account deficit.

A diplomatic approach towards regional issues has strengthened Malaysia’s efforts to boost trade and investment ties with China, setting the scene for the two countries to roll out an ambitious programme of increased financial cooperation.

Entre los años 2012 y 2013, el Perú experimentó un descenso significativo de la Inversión Extranjera Directa (IED), tendencia que se espera continúe al menos hasta el año 2014. La caída registrada por los precios de los metales es la principal responsable de la disminución de la IED, la cual está afectando principalmente al sector minero.

An unusually long running strike at South Africa’s platinum mines has finally come to an end, and while the effects of the five-month action will likely be felt by the industry for years to come as it tries to recoup losses, it may have helped potentially expand the scope of smaller mining firms in the sector.

The first made-in-Nigeria passenger cars for decades rolled off factory lots in Lagos State in June, marking what authorities hope is the beginning of a new era for automotive assembly in the country. The move also raises hopes among some of the world’s key automakers that Nigeria can become a bigger source of customers as well as a supplier for Africa.