All Countries and All Sectors

The Philippines’ retail sector is expected to have a strong year, with forecasts pointing to rising consumer spending as the economy continues to expand and inflation remains contained. Low interest rates, meanwhile, will serve to encourage consumer spending.

As Oman looks to renewable energy as a way to meet the increasing calls on its national electricity grid, investors are eyeing the Sultanate as a base for the production of technology needed to convert the rays of the sun into energy and profits.

Coal production continues to rise in Mongolia amid the ongoing development of large mining projects aimed at increasing regional demand, yet the energy sector has also began exploring greener alternatives.

With demand for electricity and water rising quickly, authorities in Abu Dhabi have taken steps to reduce consumption, including the introduction of a billing system that will indicate usage more clearly to consumers. Meanwhile, a recent study by an international consultancy firm shows that the introduction of some power-saving techniques could reduce electricity demand in the UAE by up to 50%.

The Turkish aviation sector is experiencing accelerating growth with foreign firms taking note of fresh opportunities. The new alliance in early March between Aéroports de Paris (AdP) and TAV, the Turkish airports operator, is a sign that the rapid growth in passenger numbers and air traffic at the country’s main airports has not only drawn interest from international investors but is also spurring TAV to expand to other regions.

RAK has seen a number of important developments in its education sector in recent years as the emirate continues its drive to become a knowledge-based economy. Most significant among these has been the decision to create a council to oversee and regulate the emirate’s growing number of colleges and universities.