Transport

The Philippines’ aviation sector is soon to undergo one of the most dramatic overhauls in its history, with a new open skies policy about to be implemented, granting foreign carriers access to provincial airports across the country. The government has said this measure will bolster tourism. However some critics believe liberalising the industry will do little to increase visitor numbers unless Philippine airlines are given reciprocal landing rights overseas.

A high-speed railway line could link Thailand, Laos and China as early as 2015, with construction work set to begin in 2011. The joint venture is aimed at strengthening regional integration and economic ties, though questions remain over how it will affect the ASEAN economy.

Indonesia’s transport planners hope that a metro system can ease congestion on Jakarta’s gridlocked roads, along with easing the daily anguish of long-suffering commuters the subway system is also expected to clear the way for economic gains.

Almost one year since opening, Dubai's metro is on track to meet the expectations of its creators despite doubts that the cosmopolitan city's citizens could easily be wooed away from the roads and onto rails.

Indonesia's government is gearing up to cater to the country's increasing love affair with the automobile, unveiling plans to develop the first home-grown saloon car aimed specifically at lower-income families.

Plans to develop a high-speed rail system in Thailand are gathering pace, with a series of routes being considered as part of a programme to boost passenger and freight services and better integrate the transport network with the rest of the region.