Integrity Legal

It recently came to this blogger’s attention that many of the Stock Exchanges around the world are in open discussion regarding possible merger. It would appear that many of the companies which operate various bourses around the globe are keen to exploit the efficiencies and opportunities which could arise as a result of multi-jurisdictional trading. This is even true in the case of the United States of America as the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) could be merged with an exchange in Frankfurt, Germany. The official website of America’s National Public Radio has more information regarding this issue. To quote directly from NPR.org:

The company that operates the New York Stock Exchange could soon be acquired by a European company in a deal that could be announced as soon as next week.

NYSE Euronext, the company that owns the New York Stock Exchange and stock and derivatives markets throughout Europe, has confirmed it’s in advanced talks with Deutsche Boerse, which owns the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The deal would create the world’s largest financial exchange, with headquarters in both Europe and the U.S.

Those reading this blog are encouraged to go to the posting noted above to read the full story.

It should be noted that the United States is not the only country whose stock market is contemplating merger with that of a foreign jurisdiction. It recently was announced that the Canadian Stock Exchange (TMX) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE) are in talks about entering deals to merge those two securities exchange platforms. The Financial Times has been reporting on this state of affairs over the past several days. It would appear that the initial enthusiasm that erupted from the announcement that the Canadian and London Exchanges may be merging was overshadowed by the more recent announcement regarding the NYSE and the German Bourse. To quote directly from the official website of the Financial Times, FT.com:

The limelight may have rapidly moved to the US and Germany but those behind the merger of the London Stock Exchange and TMX, operator of Canada’s largest bourse, insist it was the right deal to do…

The deal, which will create a company worth more than $5bn (£3.1bn), is intended to create the world’s leading cash equities platform for mining companies, as countries including Brazil, China and Mongolia look to exploit their natural resources.

Those seeking further information on this topic are well advised to visit the Financial Times posting noted above.

This blogger was interested when reading the above cited story because the country of Mongolia would appear interested in having their business interests represented on a British-Canadian exchange rather than an exchange in Asia. Mongolia’s desire to acquire investment capital may have been “trumped” by worries that listing on an exchange in Asia would run counter to the country’s strategic long term geopolitical interests.

It should be noted that the American, Canadian, British, and German stock exchanges are not the only ones which have been discussing possible merger. In fact, the Australian Securities Exchange and the Singapore Stock Exchange have been working out the details of a merger for months. The announcements from the North American, British, and European exchanges regarding possible merger may be a catalyst for the Australian and Singaporean exchanges to conclude their merger discussions more quickly. To quote directly from a posting on the Sydney Morning Herald‘s official website SMH.com.au:

A RUSH of merger proposals among the world’s biggest stock exchanges over the past two days is expected to increase pressure on Canberra to approve Singapore Stock Exchange’s $8.4 billion move on the Australian Securities Exchange.

But with the trans-Atlantic deals designed with an eye to overcoming political concerns, Singapore could be forced to restructure its proposal to give the ASX a greater role in any tie-up.

The administration of this web log encourages readers to visit the posting cited above in order to get the full details of the proposed merger between the Singapore Stock Exchange and the Australia Securities Exchange.

There have been a great many announcements regarding stock exchanges in Southeast Asia. Recently, it was announced that the small Southeast Asian nation of Laos was opening a stock exchange to trade Lao securities. Apparently, the Laos Stock Exchange has been operating smoothly since its opening. Meanwhile, it has also been noted that the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar (also referred to by its former name, Burma) is contemplating the establishment of a Burmese Stock Exchange. However, it remains to be seen whether or not this idea will actually come to fruition as Myanmar remains the subject of sanctions and there are many who believe that the country must deal with humanitarian issues prior to undertaking economic programs such as the establishment of a Burmese Bourse. In fact, there are some who argue that so long as Western sanctions remain imposed against Burma that it will be unlikely that an exchange will be opened in that country. That said, anything could happen and the actual establishment of a Burmese stock exchange remains to be seen.

More concrete plans for the opening of a stock exchange appear to be taking shape in the Southeast Asian nation of Cambodia as further steps have been taken toward the proposed opening of a Cambodian Securities Exchange in mid-2011. The following was quoted directly from the official website of the Phnom Penh Post, PhnomPenhPost.com:

PHNOM Penh Securities opened its doors yesterday, becoming the third of seven approved underwriters to open ahead of the planned launch of the Cambodian stock exchange later this year.

Chairman of the firm, Kay Vat, said a key focus of the business would be guiding foreign firms planning to invest in the Kingdom’s listed companies.

Those wishing to learn more about the proposed Cambodian Stock Exchange are well advised to visit the Phnom Penh Post website noted above.

In other postings on this blog it was noted that the Cambodian Exchange is set to commence trading on or around June of this year. At present, there does not appear to be any talk of a merger between the Thai Stock Exchange (often referred to as the SET) and that of any other nation. Furthermore, Chinese officials do not seem particularly predisposed to any type of multi-jurisdictional merger between those exchanges operating in China and those operating in other countries. However, those following this issue should resist the urge to completely rule out such a possibility, but it seems unlikely in the near future as Thai and Chinese officials do not seem poised to make such an announcement.

Stock Exchanges remain an effective tool for countries wishing to attract foreign capital as many foreign investors enjoy the transparency and greater efficiency that comes from trading on an open exchange. That said, the impact from the  “ripple effect” that may result from the merger of the Canadian, American, British, and German Exchanges remain to be seen as the effect of such mergers could reverberate in the economies that make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

American individuals or American companies conducting business abroad should note the fact that all Americans (both natural persons and corporate entities) are required to adhere to the provisions of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is a piece of legislation which attempts to regulate the activity of Americans abroad in a business context. The act is designed to decrease the incidents of graft and corruption perpetrated by Americans doing business abroad. American businesses and individuals investing or doing business abroad may find the assistance of an attorney useful when attempting to comply with the FCPA in an international context.

For related information please see: Thailand Company or US Company Registration.

Tags: ASEAN, ASsociation of Southeast ASian Nations, ASX, Australian Securities Exchange, Bourse News, Cambodian stock exchange, Canadian Stock Exchange, Deutsche Boerse, German Stock Exchange, Global Bourse News, Global Stock Exchange News, London Stock Exchnage, LSE, New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Euronext, SGX, Singapore Stock Exchange, Stock Exchnage News, TMX, World Bourse News, World Stock Exchange News
Posted in Cambodia Business, China Business, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), Laos Business, Myanmar (Burma) Business, Thailand Business, US Business | 1 Comment »

In recent postings on this web log the administration has posted news and information pertaining to the ongoing situation in the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar (also referred to as Burma). In a recent report, it was noted that the Burmese government was discussing the idea of setting up a stock exchange. Meanwhile, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has informally called for an end to the American (as well as international) sanctions being imposed upon Myanmar. To quote directly from a recent posting on the Voice of America’s official website:

The United States is among a handful of countries that have imposed targeted economic sanctions on those most responsible for denying democracy and disregarding human rights in Burma. As the time approaches for the parliaments to convene, some of Burma’s neighbors have called on the West to lift sanctions. They say U.S. policy hampers important areas of trade, prevents investment and technology from helping to develop Burma’s hard-pressed ethnic regions, and hurts the Burmese people.

The United States is deeply concerned about the plight of ordinary citizens of Burma. But it is the regime that is responsible for the country’s dire economic situation. The record is clear on how the military regime has mismanaged the economy, institutionalized corruption and plundered valuable national resources for private gain.

Our two nations have been in talks about improving relations since 2009 and we will continue to engage the government on our mutual concerns. Until the government undertakes fundamental change in Burma, including releasing the more than 2,100 political prisoners and beginning a meaningful and time-bound dialogue with the democratic opposition and ethnic minorities, U.S. sanctions will remain in place.

The issue of Human Rights in Burma is not intended to be the topic of this posting as this blogger sincerely does not feel qualified to address such issues. Exploitation, murder, and human rights abuses in Burma (Myanmar) are all issues which should concern anyone living in modern times, but there is a rather strong argument in favor of lifting sanctions such as these as there are those who would argue that these sanctions fail in their objective and may actually worsen the plight of the common people who are sometimes more adversely impacted by such measures than are those at whom the sanctions were originally aimed. In a piece written on this issue by Leon T. Hadar entitled U.S. Sanctions Against Burma: A Failure on All Fronts these issues were more eloquently elaborated:

The U.S. policy of imposing unilateral trade and investment sanctions against Burma has proven to be a failure on all fronts. By forcing U.S. firms to disengage from Burma, that policy has harmed American economic interests and done nothing to improve the living conditions or human rights of the people of Burma.

Sanctions have denied Burmese citizens the benefits of increased investment by American multinational companies–investment that brings technoloygy, better working conditions, and Western ideas.[sic]

State and local sanctions against Burma have compounded the problem caused by federal sanctions and raised troubling constitutional questions.

Unilateral sanctions have alienated our allies in the region and strengthened the hand of China but achieved none of the stated foreign policy aims. If Washington had allowed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to take the lead in setting policy toward Burma, the United States could have enjoyed a “win-win” situation–better relations with our allies and more influence over the regime in Rangoon.

As an alternative to the failed policy of sanctions, the United States should allow U.S. companies to freely trade with and investment in Burma. A pro-business approach to engagement would more effectively promote political, civil, and economic freedom around the world. Congress should enact legislation requiring a full accounting of the cost of sanctions and explicit justification on national security grounds before they can be imposed.

It has always been this blogger’s personal opinion that the Burmese sanctions were neither well promulgated nor well executed as the imposition of sanctions has resulted in a situation in which the people at the lowest echelons of Burmese society are not able to enjoy the technological and monetary benefits that come with increased investment and the increased economic activity springing therefrom. The policy reasons underlying the sanctions against Burma would seem to originate in a belief that such sanctions will result in better conditions for the dispossessed currently living in Burma. Although this is pure speculation, it would seem that there is at least some room for reasonable people to disagree about the effects of the Burmese sanctions. Hopefully increased dialogue on this issue will result in new strategies which can be implemented to the benefit of the Burmese people and those seeking investment opportunities in Southeast Asia.

For related information please see: US Visa Myanmar.

Tags: American Embassy Burma, American Embassy Myanmar, American Sanctions Burma, American Sanctions Myanmar, ASEAN, ASsociation of Southeast ASian Nations, Burmese Government, Burmese Parliament, US Embassy Burma, US Embassy Myanmar, US Policy in Burma, US Policy in Myanmar, US Sanctions Burma, US Sanctions Myanmar, US Visa Burma, US Visa Myanmar, Voice of America
Posted in Editorial, Myanmar (Burma) Business, News, Opinion, US Embassy Burma, US Embassy Myanmar, US Embassy Rangoon, US Embassy Yangon, US State Department, US Visa | No Comments »

เป็นเรื่องที่อยู่ในความสนใจของบล็อกเกอร์ โดยทางสื่อสิ่งพิมพ์ในกรุงเทพฯ ประเทศไทยซึ่งสมาคมประชาชาติแห่งเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ (ASEAN)กับองค์กรอื่นๆและคณะบุคคลอื่นๆเรียกร้องที่จะให้มีบทลงโทษทางเศรษฐกิจต่อสหภาพพม่า (บางครั้งเรียกว่า พม่า) ในขณะที่มีการค้นคว้าในโลกออนไลน์ตามเรื่องที่อ้างต่อไปนี้ทางเว็บไซต์ Rttnews.com

การประชุมอย่างไม่เป็นทางการของรัฐมนตรีต่างประเทศของสมาคมประชาชาติเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ (ASEAN) เรียกร้องในการให้มีบทลงโทษทางเศรษฐกิจต่อรัฐบาลทหารของพม่า

การประชุมนี้จัดขึ้นในเกาะลัมบอกของอินโดนีเซียมีการเรียกร้องโดยอ้างถึงความก้าวหน้าทางการเมืองที่สำคัญของกลุ่มประเทศในอาเซียน เอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้

รัฐมนตรีว่าการกระทรวงการต่างประเทศ มาร์ตี้ นาทาลีกาวาผู้ที่เป็นประเมศที่มีการสับเปลี่ยนตำแหน่งขององค์กรที่มีสมาชิกอยู่สิบประเทศกล่าวกับผู้สื่อข่าวว่า “พวกเราเชื่อว่า  การพัฒนาเมื่อเร็วๆนี้ต้องการที่จะได้รับการตอบรับจากสังคมนานาชาติ โดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งเพื่อที่จะเป็นหลักประกันความมั่นใจว่า การพัฒนาเศรษฐกิจในเมียนมาร์สามารถที่จะเกิดขึ้นได้”

เขากล่าวว่า รัฐมนตรีของอาเซียนรู้สึกถึงการรอคอยการเลือกตั้งที่ยาวนานซึ่งเขาอธิบายถึง ซึ่งอธิบายถึง การเป็นตัวนำและความโปร่งใสของการปล่อยตัวผู้นำฝ่ายค้าน อองซาน ซูจีซึ่งได้รับการตอบรับที่ดีจากนานาชาติ

การเพิ่มมาตรการการลงโทษยังคงเป็นที่สังเกตได้ แต่ในช่วงของการประกาศจากอาเซียน เว็บไซต์อย่างเป็นทางการของ Straits Times รายงานว่า เจ้าหน้าที่รัฐในเมียนมาร์กำลังเริ่มที่จะเปิดตลาดหลักทรัพย์ในเมียนมาร์ อ้างโดยตรงจากเว็บไซต์ StraitsTimes.com:

กรุงเทพ-เมียนมาร์ในระหว่างการจัดการหลักทรัพย์ในเกาหลีใต้เกี่ยวกับการเปิดตลาดหลักทรัพย์ ขั้นตอนล่าสุดโดยการออกกฎของรัฐบาลทหารซึ่งมีจุดมุ่งหมายในการนำเงินลงทุนในต่างประเทศเข้ามาในประเทศ

การแลกเปลี่ยนหลักทรัพย์ในเกาหลีใต้มีส่วนเกี่ยวข้องกับการเปลิดตลาดการแลกเปลี่ยนหลักทรัพย์ในลาวและในการเปิดตลาดหุ้นที่ยาวนานในกัมพูชาซึ่งจะเปิดในเดือนกรกฎาคม ทั้งสองนั้นเป็นผู้ร่วมลงทุนกับรัฐบาล

ในบล็อกก่อนหน้านี้ ผู้เขียนได้พูดถึงการเปิดตลาดหลักทรัพย์ในลาวและการประกาศที่จะเปิดตลาดหลักทรัพย์ในกัมพูชาซึ่งจะเปิดในกลางปี 2011 ในกรณีของเมียนมาร์ เป็นที่ปรากฏอย่างชัดเจนว่า แผนงานต่างๆของการเปิดตลาดหลักทรัพย์ในเมียนมาร์ยังคงเป็นเรื่องที่ยังไม่แน่นอนตามที่มีการอ้างถึงในการเขียนใน Stratis Times

โฆษกของตลาดหลักทรัพย์ในกรุงโซลรายงานว่า ตัวแทนได้เยือนพม่าสองครั้ง “แต่ยังคงไม่มีการตัดสินใจใดๆเกิดขึ้น” เจ้าหน้าที่กล่าว

แม้ว่าการเปิดตลาดหลักทรัพย์ในพม่าไม่ได้เป็นบทสรุปที่แน่นอนแล้ว แต่ยังคงมีคนจำนวนมากที่อ้างถึงผลประโยชน์ทางเศรษฐกิจซึ่งจะทำให้ทำให้เกิดผลประโยชน์ที่มากขึ้น นอกจากนี้ ยังมีผู้ที่โต้แย้งถึงโอกาสทางเศรษฐกิจในเมียนมาร์ซึ่งจะก่อให้เกิดผลดีต่อเมียนมาร์บนพื้นฐานของหลักที่ว่า น้ำขึ้นให้รีบตัก อ้างเพิ่มเติมจาก Straits Times

เมียนมาร์เป็นประเทศที่อุดุมไปด้วยทรัพยากรธรรมชาติแต่การพัฒนายังคงล้าหลังอยู่เกือบห้าสิบปีของการขาดการบริหารทางเศรษฐกิจภายใต้การปกครองของรัฐบาลทหารและบทลงโทษของตะวันตก

แต่การปฏิรูปภายใต้แนวทางนั้น เจ้าหน้าที่รัฐมีการเปลี่ยนแปลงทรัพย์สินของรัฐในปีที่แล้วและค้นหาวิธีที่จะสั่งห้ามเรื่องเกี่ยวกับกษัตริย์ การติดต่อสื่อสาร การขนส่งทางเรือ และภาคเกษตรกรรม-รอยเตอร์

เมียนมาร์เป็นแหล่งของทรัพยากรธรรมชาติที่อุดมสมบูรณ์และโอกาสทางเศรษฐกิจ แต่ในเวลาที่เขียนบทความนี้หลายๆชาติ เช่นสหรัฐอเมริกา มีบทลงโทษต่อชาติในเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ซึ่งห้ามการจัดกิจกรรมทางการค้า มีบางอย่างที่ถกเถียงกันว่า บทลงโทษที่รุนแรงนั้นจะทำให้ประชากรชาวพม่ามีชีวิตที่แร้นแค้นขึ้น แต่การโต้แย้งนั้นเป็นสมมติฐานทั่วไปในการลบล้างข้อบังคับทางการค้าของต่างชาติ และผลประโยชน์ทางเศรษฐกิจซึ่งมีแนวโน้มที่จะเพิ่มขึ้นจากต่างชาติอาจจะทำให้ได้รับประโยชน์จากปัจจัยต่างๆในตลาดในเมียนมาร์ประเทศที่ประชากรยังคงยากจนอยู่ ภายใต้ทฤษฎี ผลประโยชน์ทางเศรษฐกิจอาจจะไม่เป็นเรื่องที่สำคัญกับชนชั้นที่สูงขึ้นที่อยู่ในเมียนมาร์ เนื่องจากผู้ที่มั่งคั่งจำนวนน้อยมีแนวโน้มที่จะได้รับสิทธิประโยชน์ แม้ว่าจะโดยทางอ้อมจากการเพิ่มทุนของต่างชาติ สินค้าที่ส่งออก ทรัพย์สินทางปัญญาและกิจกรรมทางเศรษฐกิจอื่นๆ

แม้ว่าการแลกเปลี่ยนหลักทรัพย์ในเมียนมาร์อาจจะยังคงอยู่ท่ามกลางการถกเถียงกันและยังคงไกลจากความเป็นจริง ผู้ที่สนใจที่จะทำธุรกิจในเมียนมาร์ หรือปะเทศอื่นๆในเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ควรที่จะทำความเข้าใจกับข้อมูลต่างๆข้างต้นที่มีหลายประเทศโต้แย้งเกี่ยวกับว่า เมียนมาร์มีแนวโน้มที่จะมีบทบาทที่สำคัญในภูมิภาคและเศรษฐกิจโลกเช่นเดียวกับการค้า

To view this information in English please see: US Visa Myanmar.

Tags: ASEAN, Business in Burma, Business in Myanmar, US Visa Burma, US Visa Myanmar, ข่าวในพม่า, ตลาดหลักทรัพย์พม่า, ตลาดหุ้นพม่า, ทำธุรกิจในพม่า, ธุรกิจในพม่า, บริษัทในพม่า, ลงทุนในพม่า, เศรษฐกิจในพม่า
Posted in ข่าวในพม่า, ธุรกิจในนพม่า | No Comments »

It recently came to this blogger’s attention, via the print media in Bangkok, Thailand; that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), along with other organizations and individuals, are calling for an end to the economic sanctions being imposed against the Union of Myanmar (sometimes interchangeably referred to as Burma). While researching this issue online this blogger came upon the following quotation from Rttnews.com:

An informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called for the lifting of economic sanctions against the military regime of Myanmar.

The meeting, held on the Indonesian island of Lombok, made the call citing “significant” political progress made in the south-east Asian country.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, whose country holds the rotating chair of the ten-nation organization, told reporters: “We believe that the recent development needs to be responded by the international community, especially in order to ensure that the economic development in Myanmar can take place.”

He says ASEAN Ministers feel that the recent long-awaited Myanmar elections, which he described as “conducive and transparent, and the release of Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi warranted a positive international response.

The lifting of the sanctions against Myanmar still remains to be seen, but in the wake of the announcement from ASEAN the Straits Times official website is reporting that authorities in Myanmar are taking steps toward creating a stock exchange in Myanmar. To quote directly from the Straits Times website StraitsTimes.com:

BANGKOK – MYANMAR is in talks with South Korea’s bourse operator about opening a stock market, the latest in a series of steps by its military rulers aimed at drawing much-needed foreign capital to the country.

Korea Exchange is already involved in running the newly opened Laos Securities Exchange and is setting up a long-delayed stock market in Cambodia, which is due to open in July. Both are joint ventures with the respective governments.

In previous postings on this blog, the administration has discussed the unveiling of a Stock Exchange in Laos and the announcement that a Cambodian Securities Exchange is set to be opened in mid-2011. In the case of Myanmar, it would appear as though any plans for the eventual creation of a Myanmar securities exchange are still tentative as can be gathered from a further quote in the Straits Times posting:

A spokesman for Korea Exchange in Seoul said representatives had visited Myanmar twice. ‘But nothing has been decided,’ the official said.

Although the opening of a Myanmar Securities Exchange is not a foregone conclusion, there are many who can cite the myriad economic benefits that would accrue as a result of such a step. Furthermore, there are those who would argue that creation of economic opportunities in Myanmar would be beneficial for all Citizens of Myanmar based upon a sort of “rising tide raises all ships” logic. To quote further from the Straits Times:

Myanmar is rich in natural resources but its development has been held back by five decades of economic mismanagement under military dictators and by Western sanctions.

But reforms are under way. The authorities have privatised hundreds of state assets in the past year and are seeking to expand the banking, telecommunications, shipping and agricultural sectors. — REUTERS

Myanmar is truly a cornucopia of natural resources and economic opportunity, but at the time of this writing many nations, including the United States of America, have sanctions against this Southeast Asian nation which prohibit certain forms of commercial activity. There are some who argue that such sanctions actually exacerbate the plight of impoverished Myanmar Citizens. Such an argument generally postulates that easing of foreign trade restrictions, and the economic benefits which would likely arise from such a state of affairs, would accrue to the benefit of many of the market actors in Myanmar, many of whom live in poverty. Under such a theory, economic benefits would not necessarily exclusively accrue to the upper echelon of Myanmar as the less affluent would likely benefit, albeit indirectly, from the infusion of foreign capital, trade goods, intellectual property, and the further economic activity arising therefrom.

Even though a securities exchange in Myanmar may be merely in the discussion phase and is a long way from being created, those interested in doing business in Myanmar, or any other country in Southeast Asia, should take note of the information above as there are many who would argue that Myanmar will likely play a critical role in regional and global economics as well as trade.

For related information please see: US Company Registration, US Visa Myanmar, or Laos Securities Exchange.

Tags: ASEAN, Asia Business News, ASsociation of Southeast ASian Nations, Burma Business, Burma Business News, Burma News, Burma Securities Exchange, Burma Stock Exchange, Burmese Securities Exchange, Burmese Stock Exchange, Cambodia Business, Korea Exchange, Laos Business, Laos Securities Exchange, Laos Stock Exchange, Myanmar Business, Myanmar Business News, Myanmar News, Myanmar Securities Exchange, Myanmar Stock Exchange, Southeast Asia Business News, Thailand Business
Posted in Myanmar (Burma) Business | No Comments »

ผู้ที่สนใจที่จะประกอบธุรกิจในภูมิภาคเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้อาจจะเป็นที่สนใจว่า ลาว (ชื่อเรียกอย่างเป็นทางการคือ สาธารณรัฐประชาธิปไตยประชาชนลาว)เพิ่งจะมีการประกาศเปิดตลาดหลักทรัพย์ อ้างโดยตรงจากบทความเมื่อเร็วๆนี้ในเว็บไซต์ของ BBC:

การซื้อขายหลักทรัพย์ของลาวนั้นได้เปิดดำเนินการแล้วในวันอังคารโดยการซื้อขายของสองบริษัท

ประเทศที่อยู่ตรงกลางระหว่างเวียดนามและไทยเป็นประเทศหนึ่งที่ยากจนที่สุดในโลก

ลาวหวังว่า ตลาดหุ้นจะช่วยเพิ่มเงิน 8 พันล้านดอลลาห์สหรัฐ (5.1 พันล้านปอนด์)และขายพันธบัตรเพื่อหาเงินทุนแก่ประเทศ

การซื้อขายของลาวเป็นการเริ่มต้นที่จะนำเสนอขายหุ้นของสองบริษัทคือ บริษัทอิเล็คทริค เดอ ลาวและบานค์ พอว์ ลี คอมเมิร์ซ เอ็กซ์ทีเรีย ลาว

มูลค่าการซื้อขายในวันแรกเป็นไปอย่างเบาบาง ประมาณ 2.14พันล้านกีบ ($265,000; £170,000)

แม้ว่าการซื้อขายอาจจะไม่มากนักเมื่อเปรียบเทียบกับสหรัฐอเมริกา เครือจักรภพอังกฤษ หรือแม้แต่ประเทศไทย แต่มีแนวโน้มที่การเปลี่ยนแปลงนี้จะขยายโอกาสแก่นักลงทุนชาวต่างชาติที่จะประกอบธุรกิจในลาว หวังเป็นอย่างยิ่งว่า การเปิดตลาดหุ้นนี้จะเป็นการนำทาง ให้ลาวมีบทบาทมากขึ้นในภูมิภาคนี้ ดินแดนที่ไม่มีทางออกสู่ทะเลที่มีประชากรและทรัพยากรธรรมชาติที่ไม่มากนั้นอาจกล่าวได้ว่า ความหวังของลาวในการสร้างงานและพัฒนาระบบเศรษฐกิจในประเทศจะได้รับเงินทุนจากต่างชาติมากขึ้นในรูปแบบของทั้งการพัฒนาและผลกำไร

ลาวเป็นสมาขิกของประชาคมเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ (ASEAN) เมื่อหลายเดือนที่ผ่านมานี้ สมาชิกของอาเซียน(ASEAN)ได้มีการเปลี่ยนแปลงครั้งยิ่งใหญ่ในระบบเศรษฐกิจในขณะที่เงินดอลลาห์สหรัฐกำลังอ่อนค่าลง อย่างน้อยที่สุดคือ มาตรการที่ทุ่มเงิน ไปในระบบเศรษฐกิจที่ธนาคารกลางประกาศใช้ ในขณะเดียวกัน เงินหยวนของจีนกำลังแข็งค่าขึ้นเนื่องจากเศรษฐกิจจีนมีการเติบโตอย่างต่อเนื่อง องค์ประกอบเหล่านี้ประกอบกับปัจจัยอื่นๆส่งผลต่อความไม่แน่นอนครั้งยิ่งใหญ่เกี่ยวกับอนาคตของเศรษฐกิจหลายๆชาติในเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้

สิ่งที่พึงระลึกถึงคือ เมื่อเร็วๆนี้ บริการข่าวของจีนรายงานว่า กรุงเทพจะมีบ้านหลังใหม่มูลค่ากว่า 1.5 พันล้านดอลลาห์สหรัฐในคอมเพล็กซ์การค้าของจีน ในตอนท้ายของข่าวนี้กล่าวว่า จีน ลาวและประเทศไทยจะเชื่อมโยงกันด้วยรถไฟความเร็วสูง หวังเป็นอย่างยิ่งว่า ปัจจัยหลายๆอย่างนั้นกับเงินทุนเพิ่มเติมโดยการซื้อขายในตลาดลาวจะช่วยสร้างบรรยากกาศในการดำเนินธุรกิจที่ดีแก่จีน ไทย ลาวและสมาชิกทั้งหมดในประชาคมอาเซียน (ASEAN)

To find this information in English please see: US Visa Laos

Tags: ASEAN, Laos Stock Exchange, ข่าวกฎหมาย, ข่าวธุรกิจ, ตลาดหุ้นลาว, ธุรกิจระหว่างประเทศ, บริษัทลาว, บริษัทในประเทศลาว, อาเซียน
Posted in ธุรกิจในประเทศจีน, ธุรกิจในประเทศลาว, ธูรกิจในประเทศไทย | No Comments »

Those interested in conducting business in the region of Southeast Asia may be interested to note that the country of Laos (officially referred to as the Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic) has recently announced the opening of a stock exchange. To quote directly from a recent article on the website of the BBC:

The Lao Securities Exchange opened for business on Tuesday with trading in just two companies.

The country, sandwiched between Vietnam and Thailand, is one of the world’s poorest nations.

It is hoped that the stock exchange will help raise $8bn (£5.1bn) in equity and bond sales to fund investment in the country.

The Laos exchange is initially offering shares in two state-owned companies, Electricite du Laos Generation company and Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao.

The volume of the first day’s trading was thin, about 2.14bn kip ($265,000; £170,000).

Although the exchange itself is small in comparison to that of the United States, the United Kingdom, or even the Kingdom of Thailand it is likely that this move will lead to further business opportunities for foreign investors looking to conduct business in Laos. Hopefully, this announcement will also usher in an era in which Laos plays a more dynamic role in the region. As a landlocked country with a relatively small population and few capital resources it can be inferred that Laos’ best hope for creating jobs and improving the overall economic situation in the country will come through the accrual of foreign capital in the form investment and subsequent usage of that capital in ways that will be both constructive and profitable.

Laos is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In recent months members states of ASEAN have seen a great deal of change in the economic realm as the United States dollar has weakened due, at least in part, to “quantitative easing” measures promulgated by the Federal Reserve. Meanwhile, the Chinese Yuan has been getting stronger as the Chinese economy continues to show strong growth. These factors, along with others, have resulted a great deal of uncertainty about the future complexion of business in Southeast Asia.

It should also be noted that Chinese News Services have recently reported that Bangkok will be home to a new $1.5 billion Chinese trade complex. This news comes on the heels of the announcement that China, Laos, and Thailand will eventually be connected via high-speed rail link. Hopefully, all of these factors, in conjunction with the additional capital generated by the Lao exchange, will coalesce into a highly favorable business climate for China, Thailand, Laos, and all of the other member nations of the ASEAN community.

For related information please see: US Visa Laos.

Tags: American Visa Laos, ASEAN, Asian Business, Asian Stock Exchanges, ASsociation of Southeast ASian Nations, Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao, Company Laos, Electricite du Laos Generation, High Speed Rail Link China, High Speed Rail Link Laos, High Speed Rail Link Thailand, Investment in Laos, Lao Business, Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic, Lao Stock Exchange, Laos Company, Laos Stock Exchange, US Visa Laos
Posted in Laos Business | 1 Comment »

Although this blog rarely discusses economic issues. When economics has an impact upon legal issues or matters pertaining to United States Immigration, then discussion of economic matters may be warranted. In recent months, the United States dollar has depreciated against many of the currencies of Asia, but there has yet to be significant movement in the Chinese Yuan which does not really “float” on the market as other currencies. As a result, economic tensions have increased between the United States of America, the Peoples’ Republic of China, the Kingdom of Thailand, and other Asian nations. Meanwhile, some of the member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have seen their currencies rise significantly against the dollar. In a recent editorial posted on ThaiVisa.com, this issue was discussed in detail:

In any event, the dollar can only go south. The greenback slid to its lowest level in almost five months versus the euro. Gold, which represents a hedge against inflationary expectation, has also climbed to a record high on market anticipation that the Fed will flood the financial system with further liquidity to prop up the US economy.

This monetary easing will result in further weakening of the dollar. And as the US government continues to run a massive deficit, the Fed will be obliged to come to the rescue by purchasing the Treasuries that finance the deficit, which is not likely to come down in the foreseeable future due to economic weakness, falling tax revenue and spending obligations that have dramatically increased.

With the US weakness, a sovereign debt crisis in Europe and deflation in Japan, how will Thailand cope with the policy challenge? The first thing that comes to mind is that the baht will continue its upward trend. This is inevitable. The baht could go back to the pre-1997 crisis level of Bt25 to the dollar…

For those unaware, the United States Federal Reserve Bank recently announced that $600 billion in liquidity would be injected into the United States economy over the course of the coming months. As can be gathered from the above quotation, this “quantitative easing” policy is resulting in a depreciation of the dollar compared to Asian currencies (and other global currencies, but the focus of this post will remain on Asia, specifically Thailand). In an article written in The Nation Newspaper and distributed by ThaiVisa.com this issue was discussed in further detail:

When massive capital outflows from the US head towards Asia, much of it is unable to enter China so it floods other emerging markets, especially Asean countries, Korn [Chatikavanij, Finance Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand] said.

“We would like the two economic giants to settle their differences on the exchange-rate issue. I think they understand our predicament,” said Korn…
On the one hand, the US dollar has continued to depreciate, while on the other, China has not allowed the yuan to appreciate. Given the latest US announcement of quantitative easing aimed at stimulating the domestic US economy, several Asian currencies have significantly appreciated against the US dollar, raising concerns about the region’s export competitiveness…

The twin economic giants of China and America have yet to fully reach equilibrium in matters related to currency and trade, but an immediate issue for many Thai Nationals is the relative appreciation of the Thai Baht. There are many who feel that a strong Baht is not in their interests and depending upon circumstances they may be correct.  However, the recent currency fluctuations could prove to be a benefit to those Thai nationals interested in seeking American Immigrant Investor visa benefits.

The United States EB-5 visa (Immigrant Investor category) was designed to provide a travel document and lawful permanent residence to otherwise qualified foreign nationals who wish to make a substantial investment in legally eligible investment programs the United States of America. As the Thai baht has appreciated against the United States dollar it has become relatively “cheaper’ (in Baht terms) to meet some of the investment criteria in the United States. Therefore, as the dollar becomes weaker versus the Thai Baht it becomes less expensive, from a Baht standpoint, to invest in the USA. For those wishing to immigrate to the USA, the current Baht/Dollar exchange rate is something of a windfall.

This could be a boon to the United States economy as well since investment in the United States leads to the creation of new jobs. Furthermore, lawful immigration is one of the central components that drives the American economy. As more Thai nationals invest in the United States economy, the stronger that economy becomes thereby naturally fueling a recover in the overall American economy. As the American economy continues to recover, there may be ancillary benefits that accrue to individuals and businesses in the USA and around the globe. Hopefully this scenario will play out over the coming months and help to spur a recovery in the United States economy.

For related information please see: EB-5 Visa Thailand or US Visa Thailand.

Tags: American Visa Thailand, ASEAN, ASsociation of Southeast ASian Nations, Baht, China, Chinese monetary policy, Currency Crisis, Currency War, Dollar, EB-5 Visa, EB-5 Visa ASEAN, EB-5 Visa Asia, EB-5 Visa Association of Southeast Asian Nations, EB-5 Visa Southeast Asian, EB-5 Visa Thailand, EB5 Visa, EB5 Visa ASEAN, EB5 Visa Asia, EB5 Visa Southeast Asia, EB5 Visa Thailand, Federal Reserve Bank, monetary easing, monetary policy, quantitative easing, Thai monetary policy, Thailand, The Fed, Trade War, Two Economic Giants, US monetary policy, US Visa Thailand, USA, USA Visa Thailand, Yuan
Posted in EB5 Visa, US Consulate Chiang Mai, US Embassy Thailand, US Visa, US Visa and Immigration, US Visa Thailand | No Comments »

The United States Customs and Border Protection Service (USCBP) is tasked with maintaining the security of America’s ports and overseeing the execution of customs regulations. In previous posts on this blog, it has been noted that there is a great deal of economic opportunity in the Asia-Pacific region. Some Americans are unfamiliar with a body known colloquially as APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation). This body has become an increasingly important platform for discussion of various subjects pertaining to inter-jurisdictional matters arising in the Asia-Pacific region. To quote the APEC website directly:

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC, is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region .

APEC is the only inter governmental grouping in the world operating on the basis of non-binding commitments, open dialogue and equal respect for the views of all participants. Unlike the WTO or other multilateral trade bodies, APEC has no treaty obligations required of its participants. Decisions made within APEC are reached by consensus and commitments are undertaken on a voluntary basis.

This consensus driven initiative has proven effective in facilitating international trade, cooperation, and dialogue. In a recent press release it was announced that the USCBP will likely be taking on a more hand-on role within the APEC framework. To quote the press release as distributed by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA):

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today that it will host the Subcommittee on Customs Procedures as part of the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings that will be chaired by the United States. The Sub-committee on Customs Procedures coordinates CBP’s efforts in customs, immigration and counter-terrorism with partner agencies throughout APEC member countries. The yearlong chairmanship will be handed over to CBP from the Japan Customs and Tariff Bureau today.

“CBP is proud to be hosting the distinguished members of the Sub-committee on Customs procedures for the 2011 APEC meetings,” said Commissioner Alan Bersin. “It is of vital importance to the security of our global economy for the members to coordinate and share
customs best practices.”

The subcommittee is a working level group within APEC. It brings Customs administrations of APEC Member Economies together to simplify and harmonize customs procedures and to ensure trade moves efficiently and safely across the Asia-Pacific region. APEC is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. The APEC region is home to more than 2.7 billion
people and represents approximately 60 percent of the world GDP and 44 percent of world trade.

Japan officially turns over the Chair of APEC to President Barack Obama at the November 13-14, 2010 Leader’s Meeting in Yokohama, Japan.

This is a very interesting development from an economic perspective as it would appear that the United States is taking a keener interest in Asia-Pacific affairs. This may be due to the recent downturn in the US economy as well as the rise of The Peoples’ Republic of China as a major player in global economic relations. Whatever the reason for this increasing interest in the region, this author welcomes further streamlining of Customs procedures in an effort to stimulate new transnational trade and facilitate preexisting trading relationships in an effort to increase the volume trade between the United States and the members of APEC.

Hopefully, through voluntary cooperation trade can be increased and the security of the USA and the other APEC member nations will be increased. To further quote the aforementioned press release distributed by AILA:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Hopefully, this new multilateral initiative will be beneficial for all concerned as US officials and Customs authorities from other participating nations can pool some resources in an effort to combat international crime and facilitate the execution of relevant immigration laws.

Many Americans and foreign nationals are under the mistaken impression that Customs and Border Protection simply “rubber stamps” entrants to the United states who are either from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program or have a US Tourist Visa. Nothing could be further from the truth as even those entering the USA with a valid visa could be turned away or placed in Expedited removal proceedings depending upon their travel history. Those interested in traveling to the USA from a country abroad may find the assistance of an American attorney beneficial as such an individual may be able to provide insight into the Immigration process and streamline the processing of visa applications and petitions.

For related information please see: US Visa China.

Tags: AILA, American Attorney, APEC, ASEAN, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Department of Homeland Security, deportation, expedited removal, removal, United States Customs and Border Protection, US Tourist Visa, US Visa China, US Visa Thailand, USCBP
Posted in American Institute Taiwan, Department of Homeland Security, US Business, US Consulate ChengDu, US Consulate Chennai, US Consulate Chiang Mai, US Consulate Guangzhou, US Consulate HCMC, US Consulate Hyderabad, US Consulate Kolkata, US Consulate Mumbai, US Consulate Shanghai, US Consulate Shenyang, US Consulate Singapore, US Consulate Wuhan, US Emassy Mongolia, US Embassy Australia, us embassy bangkok, US Embassy Bangladesh, US Embassy Beijing, US Embassy Burma, US Embassy Cambodia, US Embassy China, US Embassy Dhaka, US Embassy Fiji, US Embassy Hanoi, US Embassy India, US Embassy Indonesia, US Embassy Jakarta, US Embassy Japan, US Embassy Kathmandu, US Embassy Kiribati, US Embassy Kuala Lumpur, US Embassy Laos, US Embassy Malaysia, US Embassy Maldives, US Embassy Manila, US Embassy Mauritius, US Embassy Mongolia, US Embassy Myanmar, US Embassy Nauru, US Embassy Nepal, US Embassy New Dehli, US Embassy New Zealand, US Embassy Papua New Guinea, US Embassy Philippines, US Embassy Phnom Phen, US Embassy Port Moresby, US Embassy Rangoon, US Embassy Singapore, US Embassy South Korea, US Embassy Sri Lanka, US Embassy Suva, US Embassy Thailand, US Embassy Tokyo, US Embassy Tonga, US Embassy Tuvalu, US Embassy Vietnam, US Embassy Yangon, US Tourist Visa, US Visa, US Visa and Immigration, US Warrants, USCBP | No Comments »