All Countries and All Sectors

After only one year operating, NTA-Star TV Network, a joint venture between state broadcaster Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Chinese media company StarTimes, has attracted some 400,000 subscribers to its digital terrestrial television (DTT) service. The company, currently in several major urban areas, plans to expand to more markets across the country within the next five years.

Increased levels of public-private cooperation are likely to bring high-tech solutions and better practices to Oman’s health care sector, particularly with regard to increasing ethical standards and monitoring insurance providers.

Sharjah’s real estate sector is a buyer’s and renter’s market at the moment, with prices falling since the beginning of the year and more residents reporting satisfaction with the affordability of housing. Increased residential and office space competition from neighbouring emirates, however, means that maintaining occupancy rates will be a challenge, at least in the near term.

Indonesia’s palm oil sector is looking to adopt more sustainable practices in a bid to alleviate growing environmental concerns while meeting rising global demand.

Malaysia’s Islamic finance sector is further consolidating its position as a market leader, moving to broaden its product range and expand its reach, though it may need to keep an eye on rivals aspiring to emulate its success.

While Turkey’s stock market, like most around the world, has witnessed reversals over the year so far, especially in recent months, it has remained a solid long-term investment, out-performing its emerging market peers.