All Countries and All Sectors

The Ministry of Health announced tough new measures mid-November requiring foreign pharmaceutical companies to set up local production facilities within two years.

The Philippines automotive industry is looking to buck the international trend of lower vehicle production and falling sales brought on by the global economic crisis.

Brunei has recently moved to bolster its position as a regional power in Islamic finance, strengthening legislation to regulate the sector, promote competition and encourage overseas investment in the country's banking and insurance industry while at the same time protecting it against a fallout from the global economic crisis.

Even as oil prices continue to fall, petroleum executives and government officials in Thailand are renewing their call for the development of biofuels, testifying to the country's far-sighted outlook on energy policy.

Qatar has taken a major step in expanding its maritime services industry, inking two key contracts as part of a multi-billion dollar port development whilst dismissing concerns that the crisis in the global economy could affect the project or its long-term viability.

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is actively promoting itself as a production and re-export hub for the Middle East, though it faces stiff competition from other Gulf states, especially fellow emirate Dubai.