All Countries and All Sectors

Tema, Ghana’s largest port, has made global headlines recently over the “crippling disruptions” caused by an impounded Argentinean military ship blocking a busy berth. The obstruction has come at an inopportune time for Tema, where activity should be ramping up to the peak pre-Christmas period. It also highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance capacity and efficiency both at Tema and Takoradi, the country’s second-largest port.

The continued conservative approach of Kuwaiti banks, both Islamic and conventional, seems to be paying off, with a number of institutions posting strong returns for the third quarter and several banks reporting double-digit quarterly increases in net profits for the period.

Competition in the Philippines’ telecommunications sector is heating up as the two main players in the market battle for subscribers. While both firms are likely to benefit through an increase in the number of consumers, this may come at a cost if profit margins are deeply impacted, as is expected.

Rising confidence among local consumers is being matched by the steadily strengthening economy, both of which should encourage spending in Abu Dhabi’s retail sector.

Thailand’s green building and energy efficiency construction sector, which may need BT400bn ($13bn) in spending over the next two decades, is looking toward better certification standards and government incentives to drive growth. Figures released by the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) show that BT216bn ($7bn) was spent on energy efficiency between 2003 and 2011, highlighting the growing awareness of sustainability and conservation within Thailand in recent years.

Although growth is expected to ease in Saudi Arabia’s competitive insurance sector this year, the industry still holds plenty of potential for expansion, particularly in the health and life segments.