Indonesia reforms slightly boost infrastructure plan

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
East Asia ◽  
National Development ◽  
Development Plan ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Public Infrastructure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Private Investors

Subject Indonesia's infrastructure plans. Significance Indonesia will need over 416 billion dollars for infrastructure development between 2015 and 2019, according to the National Development Board's mid-term development plan published late last year. To that end, President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo's government is planning to treble public infrastructure spending to 26 billion dollars in 2016, from about 9 billion dollars in 2015. For 2016, the government has pledged to streamline further the planning and funding systems of infrastructure projects, offering increasingly better regulatory and financial terms to private investors. Impacts Cancellation of the Bandung-Jakarta rail project has hit Chinese-Indonesian infrastructure cooperation, but only temporarily. A repeat of such a political debacle, however, could have a more lasting impact on Chinese and Japanese investors' appetite. To make 'new friends' in South-east Asia, Russia will probably invest in Indonesian infrastructure, especially in the energy sector.

scholarly journals IMPACTS OF RISK FACTORS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS IN VIETNAM

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Do Tien Sy ◽  
Veerasak Likhitruangsilp ◽  
Masamitsu Onishi ◽  
Phong Thanh Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Government Agencies ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Transportation Projects ◽  
The Government ◽  
Private Investors ◽  
Laws And Regulations

The rapidly increasing demand and the inefficacy of financing transportation infrastructure project investments have contributed to various challenges for Vietnam in recent decades. Since the country’s budget is inadequate for investing in all necessary infrastructure projects, the Vietnam government has been inviting other economic sectors, especially the private sector, to participate in infrastructure development. The cooperation between the government agencies and the private entities, called PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP), must encounter various challenges leading to difficulties in attracting private investors. A main reason is that private investors must deal with critical risks concerning PPP investment environment. It is a challenging task for the government to optimally manage such risks to enhance the attractiveness of PPP projects for private investors. This paper examines the critical risk factors that influence the private sector’s investment decisions on PPP transportation projects in Vietnam. Risk factors inherent in typical PPP projects were compiled by comprehensive literature review. To reflect unique characteristics of PPP projects in Vietnam, the compiled risk factors were reviewed by a group of PPP experts from both the public and private sectors in Vietnam through indepth interviews and questionnaire surveys. In addition, ten PPP project case studies in Vietnam were analyzed to derive the risk profile of PPP transportation projects of the nation. These risk factors were quantitatively assessed based on their probabilities and impact levels. We found that the critical risk factors of PPP infrastructure projects in Vietnam are acquisition/compensation problems, approvals and permits, inadequate feasibility studies, finance market issues, subjective evaluation methods, and change in laws and regulations. By performing factor analysis, these critical risk factors were grouped into four categories: (1) bidding process, (2) finance issues, (3) laws and regulations, and (4) project evaluation issues. These critical risk factors represent the obstacles that repel private investors from PPP transportation projects in Vietnam. Thus, the Vietnam government agencies should meticulously address these issues to attract both domestic and foreign private investors in PPP projects.

Chadian government will mask economic shortcomings

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Public Infrastructure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Large Size ◽  
The Government ◽  
Poverty Levels

Subject Economic update. Significance Landlocked and with meagre infrastructure relative to its large size, Chad depends heavily on oil for export earnings. Under 18s make up more than half of the country’s population of 15.5 million, and poverty levels are high. President Idriss Deby has been in power for nearly 29 years and will have noted with some concern the sustained protest campaign in neighbouring Sudan which led to the ouster of its long-standing president earlier this year. Impacts Allegations or revelations about corruption could prompt the government to initiate new anti-graft measures, albeit likely symbolic. Public infrastructure projects will be hamstrung by financing shortages. Oil output is unlikely to grow significantly.

ASEAN-UK post-Brexit ties are likely to grow

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
East Asia ◽  
East Asian ◽  
Leadership Transition ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Trade Deals ◽  
The Eu

Significance This follows the June 23 'Brexit' referendum, in which 52% of those voting called for the government to organise the United Kingdom's exit from the EU. The vote and subsequent leadership transition pose a foreign policy watershed. Impacts South-east Asian states will seek trade deals with the post-Brexit United Kingdom. The diplomatic importance of UK defence and intelligence aid to South-east Asia will grow. France may become more important for the EU to project its influence in South-east Asia.

Indonesia’s e-commerce growth faces multiple obstacles

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
East Asia ◽  
Personal Data ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Multiple Constraints ◽  
Level Playing Field ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Playing Field ◽  
The Government ◽  
Multiple Obstacles ◽  
Future Growth

Subject E-commerce outlook. Significance Indonesia’s e-commerce sector is booming. The government is adopting business-friendly regulations, but the sector’s future growth still faces multiple constraints. Impacts Jokowi’s recent re-election as president promises continuity to investors and policy inertia in areas such as personal data legislation. The lack of personal data protections makes Indonesia a laggard in South-east Asia. Bricks-and-mortar businesses, facing unequal tax burdens, will pressure the government for a level playing field.

scholarly journals Investigation into the causes of delay in land acquisition for PPP projects in developing countries

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 552-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solomon Olusola Babatunde ◽  
Onaopepo Adeniyi ◽  
Oluwaseyi Alabi Awodele
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Empirical Method ◽  
Land Acquisition ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Private Investors

Purpose The land is a critical resource for public-private partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure development. However, acquisition of land for PPP infrastructure projects implementation increasingly becomes problematic in developing countries. Yet, effort at investigating the factors causing a delay in land acquisition for PPP infrastructure projects through an empirical method in developing countries received scant attention. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify and critically assess the factors predisposing PPP projects implementation to land acquisition delay in Nigeria using an empirical approach. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted literature review and questionnaire survey. For instance, literature review was used to identify the factors causing delay in land acquisition for PPP projects in developing countries, which was used to design the questionnaire survey culminating in data analysis. To capture a broad perception, the questionnaires were administered to three different primary stakeholder groups comprised public sector authorities (i.e. ministries, department, agencies), concessionaires and lenders/banks involved in PPP projects implementation in Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using mean score, Kruskal–Wallis test and factor analysis. Findings The study revealed the mean score ranking of 22 identified factors causing a delay in land acquisition for PPP projects in Nigeria. The result of factor analysis grouped the 22 identified factors into 4 principal factors, namely, resettlement issues with political interference; non-availability of land with a higher cost of land transactions; weak planning institutions; and rehabilitation issues with extensive legal delays. Practical implications These study findings have implications for both policymakers considering PPP projects and private investors seeking to finance a PPP project in developing countries. Also, the study findings would be useful for the governments in Nigeria and other developing countries to formulate clear policies framework that facilitates the smooth acquisition of land for PPP projects. Originality/value The study will be beneficial to the potential local and foreign private investors and governments by broadening their awareness on impediments in land acquisition for PPP projects in Nigeria and developing countries at large. These study findings are crucial, as not many empirical studies have been conducted in Nigeria and many other developing countries.

Thai-Vietnamese censorship could hinge on Trump

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
East Asia ◽  
Public Discourse ◽  
Online Advertising ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Military Rule ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Political Activities ◽  
Global Brands ◽  
Political Conditions ◽  
The Government

Significance The case’s progress will be watched carefully in South-east Asia, especially in Thailand and Vietnam. In recent years, both countries have imposed increasingly stiff fines and criminal sentences on political activists criticising the government online or using the internet to organise political activities. This downward turn in Thailand is due to continued military rule and the royal transition, while the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) finds it increasingly difficult to contain criticism of one-party rule as public discourse moves from print to online outlets. Impacts South-east Asian demand for effective encryption services will grow. Global brands can expect more intensive monitoring of their online advertising in South-east Asia. These brands may, therefore, need to devise alternative forms of advertising, appropriate to local political conditions. Thai internet controls will not ease significantly even after elections likely in mid-2018.

South-east Asia palm oil reform pressure will grow

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
East Asia ◽  
Palm Oil ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Operating Costs ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Environmental Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Weak Response ◽  
Oil Sector ◽  
The Government

Subject Palm oil sector in South-east Asia. Significance Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producer, said in August that it would accelerate efforts to impose sustainable environmental practices in vulnerable wetlands, following a weak response from growers. The government fears that the industry may be shut out of advanced markets as international certification systems develop, and new plantation areas begin to challenge South-east Asia's dominance of supply. Impacts Utilising new palm oil plantation areas will require new transport infrastructure. Moves to increase use of biofuels will not necessarily benefit the palm oil sector. Global pressure will grow for rigorous certification systems, but this could hit smaller growers with higher operating costs.

US policy in Syria may prove paradoxical

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
East Asia ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Euphrates River ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Military Presence ◽  
The Government

Significance This came after pro-Damascus troops yesterday attacked the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a US-backed, Kurdish-led outfit that has taken much of the territory east of the Euphrates river from IS. It underlines the paradoxes of Washington's new Syria policy, which plans an indefinite military presence that relies on -- but does not fully support -- the Kurds; and opposes -- but does not intend to fight -- the government of President Bashar al-Assad. Impacts Washington's attack on pro-Damascus forces could lead to a longer-term escalation. Reported IS resurgence south of Idlib could potentially force an expanded US scope of operations. US actions in Syria will not stamp out IS ideology elsewhere, particularly in South-east Asia.

State assets may fund Turkish public-private projects

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Development Programme ◽  
Public Private Partnerships ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Sovereign Wealth Fund ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Development ◽  
The Government ◽  
New Infrastructure

Subject Moves to shore up the PPP infrastructure programme. Significance Political instability, lira volatility and slowing economic growth have raised the risks from public-private partnerships (PPP) in Turkey’s ambitious infrastructure programme, by making it more difficult for developers to access loans. The government, faced with underwriting unprofitable projects and scaling back new development, has handed control of a slate of state companies to the new Turkish Sovereign Wealth Fund (TVFY). Impacts The government is committed to continue developing new infrastructure projects by the PPP model. Profits from the substantial assets transferred to the TVFY will be diverted to fund a grandiose infrastructure development programme. An expanded PPP programme will reinforce calls for better legislation, clarified legal processes and a dedicated agency to oversee projects.

Islamic State threat to Indonesia is changing

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
East Asia ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Islamic State ◽  
Security Forces ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Rights Abuses ◽  
The Government ◽  
State Group

Subject Islamic State threat in Indonesia. Significance The attack against a police post and a Starbucks on Thamrin Road in Jakarta on January 14 has resulted in tighter counterterrorism measures, including arrests of suspects and a crackdown against media outlets promoting Islamic State group (ISG). More controversially, the government is considering harsher counterterrorism laws. Impacts The ISG threat in South-east Asia exists independently of a future wave of returning fighters. Greater powers for security forces will be unpopular as these agencies have previously been accused of human rights abuses. Security agencies are likely to be under-resourced.

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