Seoul’s Thriving Office Market Boasts Over 98% Occupancy Amidst Dwindling Demand Elsewhere

In a world where office spaces face a downturn, Seoul’s office market stands as a beacon of success, boasting an impressive occupancy rate of over 98% for grade-A offices, coupled with a remarkable 15% surge in rents compared to the previous year.  This is according to a Bloomberg study published on 15 November 2023. The […]

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WB Warns:  Limited transportation and logistics and unreliable power supply slowed Cambodia’s economic recovery

The World Bank warns that Cambodia’s economic growth may be further affected by weak global demand or rising food prices for the future as domestic issues face rising household debt and domestic credit. Real estate remains a risk, according to WB’s press release on 22 November 2023. External Challenges: A Global Tapestry Impacting Local Prosperity: […]

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World Bank Warns Cambodia’s GDP to Plunge 9% by 2050 If Climate Crisis Not Properly Addressed

Cambodia stands at a critical crossroads in its path to development, as an alarming report from the World Bank underscores the looming perils of climate change. The recent Cambodia Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) released on 16 October 2023, unveils a strategic framework that is paramount in safeguarding the nation’s future. It underscores the […]

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Rising Skies in Southeast Asia: Why are South East Asian Countries Suddenly Expanding & Building New Mega-sized Airports?

The azure skies of Southeast Asia are in the midst of a remarkable transformation. Seven ASEAN countries are embarking on ambitious airport expansion projects, reflecting the region’s remarkable growth and the pressing need to meet burgeoning demand. Research by Nikkei predicts that the annual passenger capacity at airports in the capitals of these nations will […]

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United States to Launch US$600bn Infrastructure Initiative Across Eurasia to Rival China’s Belt & Road Initiative

In a move set to reshape global economic dynamics, the United States, in collaboration with India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the European Union, and other G20 partners, has unveiled a transformative mega-project estimated at over US$600 billion. This ambitious initiative aims to establish a comprehensive economic and trade network that will rival China’s […]

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BRI Forum Brief: China Shifts from Building Major Infrastructure to Focusing on Digital Connectivity

In an era of evolving global dynamics, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is poised for a transformative second decade, signaling a shift towards more efficient, market-oriented, and less debt-burdened projects. President Xi Jinping’s recent pronouncement on the future of BRI as “small yet smart” is underpinned by valuable lessons learned. This strategic shift comes […]

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Positive Signs Emerge: Serviced Apartment & Landed Property Sectors Rebound Slightly in Q3 2023

In a real estate market that has largely remained stagnant, there are promising signs of recovery in the service apartment and landed property sectors. The latest data, released by CBRE Research on 5 October 2023, indicates a subtle shift in market demand. According to the report, the average quoted rent for Grade A serviced apartments […]

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China’s Economy Rebounds: Factory Activity Signals Stabilisation

China’s economy is showing signs of stabilisation as factory activity expands for the first time in six months. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), which measures the performance of major manufacturers, rose to 50.2 in September, up from 49.7. This figure is above the critical 50-point threshold, indicating a shift from contraction to expansion. Economists had […]

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Behind Thailand’s Visa-Free Strategy: A Closer Look Role in Facilitating Chinese Capital Flight

Behind Thailand’s audacious plan to attract up to 30 million Chinese tourists and the swift implementation of visa-free access lies a more profound hidden agenda—facilitating the transfer of capital from mainland China. The veneer of tourism and visa-free access masks the real story: Chinese investors are utilizing the financial systems in Hong Kong and Thailand […]

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ADB Revises Cambodia’s 2023 Economic Growth Forecast to 5.3% from 5.5%

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has adjusted its economic growth forecast for Cambodia, revising it from an initial estimate of 5.5% to 5.3% for 2023. This slight modification comes in light of slower-than-anticipated industrial growth during the first half of the year, with a notable 18.6% YoY decline in exports of clothing, footwear, and goods, […]

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