The Indonesian economy had a strong year in 2018, with growth of 5.2% marking the fastest pace in half a decade. This came on the back of robust domestic consumption, increased foreign investment and continuing efforts to reform policy and simplify investment procedures, and despite challenges including a falling rupiah, a trade imbalance and global political issues.
Home to an estimated 15% of the world’s proven oil reserves and the single-largest economy in MENA, Saudi Arabia is a key regional and global player. The Vision 2030 blueprint sets out regulatory, budget and social reforms that will be implemented over the coming decade as the nation sets about curbing its reliance on crude oil production and export, which accounted for 43.5% of GDP in 2018.
Its relatively small population and status as the world’s biggest gas exporter have helped Qatar become the richest country globally in terms of GDP per capita, which stood at $72,700 at current prices in 2019, according to IMF estimates. In recent years, however, the nation has faced strong economic headwinds from a drop in global energy prices to a diplomatic blockade.
The Philippines has lifted restrictions on rice imports under new legislation aimed at bridging the supply gap and reducing prices.
Interviews & Viewpoints | Mufaddal Jafferjee, Director, Jafferjee Brothers: Interview from The Report: Sri Lanka 2019
How can the Sri Lankan tea industry be further integrated into the global tea supply chain while protecting the Ceylon tea brand?
Articles & Analysis | Sri Lanka's agricultural output and export potential to rise with reforms and modernisation strategies from The Report: Sri Lanka 2019
Sri Lanka’s economy has traditionally been agriculture-based, but several centuries of international trade – and the introduction of tea, rubber and coffee cultivation by the UK – have altered the sector’s makeup significantly. After independence in 1948, the economy remained highly dependent on trade, with tea, rubber and coconut making up...