Since gaining control of the Panama Canal in 1999, the country has recorded impressive economic expansion. GDP growth averaged 6.8% from 2000 to 2012, according to the World Bank, and double-digit growth for four of the past seven years, government data show. Public sector spending on national infrastructure has emerged as the primary driver of expansion in the past few years as the country...
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Chapter | Country Profile from The Report: Panama 2014
Panama’s geostrategic location has historically granted it an influence on a regional and global level that often surpasses its small stature. Since the turn of the millennium it has been diversifying its contribution to regional and global business through the expansion of its status as an international finance, transportation and business centre. Today, with the Panamanian government spending...
Following its successful chairmanship of ASEAN in 2013, Brunei Darussalam will look to continue its role as a regional leader in areas ranging from defence to commerce. The increased focus on diversification and the growth of several industries bode well for the economy, and the coming years are expected to see Brunei Darussalam further bolster its position within ASEAN and the international economy.
Chapter | Banking & Financial Services from The Report: Algeria 2013
The banking sector is making steady progress as stability improves and economic growth continues. Banking assets grew by 8.6% in 2012 to AD9.78trn (€92.9bn), although branch access remains relatively limited, with only one bank per 28,000 inhabitants compared to one per 12,000 people in Morocco and one per 9000 in Tunisia. After years of high non-performing loan rates, the central bank is gaining...
Chapter | Telecoms & IT from The Report: Algeria 2013
With ICT expenditure reaching $4.59bn in 2012, Algeria spends considerably less than many of its neighbours, for example Morocco, which spent $13.25bn in the same year. However, the country is making efforts to help modernise and boost the sector. Internet users can expect improvements as the government has planned a major overhaul of network infrastructure. The launch of 3G should also help to...
The “Golden Land”, officially known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and formerly as Burma, has undergone dramatic reforms in recent years under the administration of President U Thein Sein. The rapid transition from a military junta to an open economy has surprised the global community and will see Myanmar assume the ASEAN chair for the first time in 2014.