All Countries and All Sectors

OBG talks to Celina Chew, the managing director of Bayer Thai, about opportunities in agriculture, research and development, and pharmaceuticals.

The already busy glass industry in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is set to expand even further in 2013 with yet another overseas company setting up production facilities in the emirate. Indeed, RAK’s central location and low costs have become desirable for numerous companies looking to set up in the region.

These may be tough times for the Egyptian economy, but healthy long-term fundamentals and sound monetary policy bode well for the future. Indeed, the decision by Egypt’s central bank to keep rates on hold is a clear sign of its policy of prioritising growth in 2012.

The $15bn Exxon-Mobil-led liquefied natural gas (LNG) project has provided the catalyst for Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) transport sector’s first major overhaul since gaining independence 37 years ago. Guided by the PNG Development Strategic Plan (PNGDSP) and “Vision 2050”, LNG revenues are already funding an overhaul of national land, sea and air capabilities.

The forthcoming entry of Malaysia’s largest airline into the oneworld alliance, a group of the world’s major airlines, plus efforts among airlines to boost connectivity in Asia and invest in capacity to support long-term growth, are set to increase flight frequency and services.

A possible merger between the Kingdom’s two airlines, combined with increasing hotel occupancy rates and a rise in traffic at the Bahrain International Airport, are proving promising for the aviation industry’s expansion.