All Countries and All Sectors

Malaysian officials are confident the country’s manufacturing sector will continue to post strong growth throughout this year and beyond, on the back of an increasing swell of both foreign and domestic investment. There are some suggestions, however, that a general slowing of the global economy and the prospect of sharp wage increases could take some of the momentum from industrial expansion.

As Papua New Guinea (PNG) seeks to diversify its economy to avoid over-reliance on gas and mineral resources, its nascent fishing and fish-processing industry is rising in potential.

With the new year underway, things are already looking up for Ras Al Khaimah’s (RAK) construction sector. Although financial results from contractors and materials suppliers reflect the economic impact of instability in key markets during 2011, progress on recent projects, announcements of new infrastructure developments and trickle-down effects of a rising tourism industry all pointing toward expansion for the sector.

Jakarta’s property market is in the midst of a boom driving growth across both the sector’s residential and commercial segments. A combination of strong domestic demand, low interest rates and increased foreign investor confidence is thought to be behind the trend which is expected to continue during 2012, forming a key component of Indonesia’s economic growth.

South Africa’s government is stepping up efforts to revitalise the country’s manufacturing sector and create job opportunities deeper within the country’s interior, seeking to reverse a long-term decline in the sector and address regional disparities in employment and production.

Jordan’s reputation for political and social stability has led to a rise in the number of international students choosing the Kingdom for their university education despite concerns over regional unrest. This trend is strengthening Jordan’s efforts to carve out a niche for itself as a regional education hub and could also help the country to tackle its growing budget deficit.