Economic Updates

South Africa: Tourism rising above challenges

South Africa | 16 May 2013

The local tourism industry is expanding far faster than the rest of the economy, with visitor numbers on the rise and investment levels increasing, though it still has to combat negative perceptions of cost and security that dampen South Africa’s popularity as a holiday destination.

Gabon : la microassurance s'apprête à s'imposer

Gabon | 16 May 2013

Une nouvelle réglementation dans le domaine des assurances, ainsi qu'une augmentation de l'activité dans le secteur agricole en Afrique de l'ouest, pourraient ouvrir la voie aux fournisseurs de microassurance sur un marché encore largement inexploité.

Myanmar: Powering up electricity supplies

Asia | 15 May 2013

Meeting energy demand and expanding electricity distribution networks will be among the greatest challenges for the Myanmar government over the coming years, as the country strives to keep the promises it made to citizens and the international community. With rich sources of hydroelectric power and new gas and oil blocks being tendered in 2013, there is indeed potential for growth.

Malaysia: Bonds draw foreign buyers

Asia | 14 May 2013

With interest rates in developed countries at record lows, many investors are looking for better returns in emerging markets, including Malaysia, where sound macroeconomic fundamentals and attractive yields are driving demand for sovereign debt. The May 5 re-election of the business-friendly Barisan Nasional (BN) party is likely to raise further the profile of South-east Asia’s largest bond market.