Economy

Once again signalling the government’s intent to realign the local labour market, officials announced on February 8 that the Kuwaiti Manpower Restructuring Programme has targeted the placement of 20,000 citizens in private sector jobs over the next two years. The announcement comes at a time of growth, when the country and wider region are beginning to shrug off the effects of the global economic crisis.

With efforts to accelerate the pace of economic growth and boost domestic employment taking centre stage under the new government of Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit, a new law is under discussion that would focus state incentives more squarely on investments that add value, create jobs and make use of local resources.

While the Jordanian political landscape has been renewed, the new prime minister, Marouf Bakhit is expected to face a number of challenges confronted by his predecessor, Samir Rifai. Some argue he will have even less time to balance the necessity of reinvigorating the economy with the need to meet popular expectations.

The digital age will be heading deeper into the heart of Borneo soon – that was the message delivered by Deputy Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum in Sarawak recently. The Minister said in early December that more than 500 villages in Sabah would gain access to the internet via satellite next year as part of the “Kampung Wi-Fi” project.

As Indonesia moves into 2011 with excellent prospects for long-term growth, its place alongside giants China and India as one of the most important economies in the world is being increasingly widely acknowledged.

Jordan’s economy has entered 2011 in strong shape, having posted solid growth over the past 12 months and looking to do even better in the coming year, though progress has been patchy in some areas and there are more than a few potential potholes further down the road.