Transport

With work set to begin on Kuala Lumpur’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network this summer, its supporters hope that the 150-km rail system will ease transportation congestion in the capital and boost economic growth. However, some sceptics are doubtful that the project can deliver on all of its promises and think the money would be better spent on improving the existing system.

Oman is pushing ahead with plans to deploy a nation-wide rail network, with this excepted to boost the economy by expanding logistics capacity and linking up the Sultanate’s ports and production centres.

A recent state government announcement that it was licensing an automobile manufacturing plant to make parts for luxury passenger vehicles could lead to new jobs and a much-needed new industry sector, boosting Sabah’s export potential. However, manufacturers have voiced concerns that this might be affected by a controversial Malaysian government policy – cabotage – and its effects on Sabah’s efforts to develop new industries.

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.