Pattaya April 2021

CHINA RETAIL SALES
AND INDUSTRIAL
OUTPUT POWER AHEAD
In the first two months of 2021,
China’s retail sales and industrial production
numbers were sharply higher
year-on-year. Retail sales surged
ahead with a 33.8 per cent increase
and industrial production grew at its
highest pace in decades hitting 35.1
percent compared to the same period
last year.
Of course these numbers come
from comparisons that were from a
low base recorded in the early part
of 2020 at a time when the country
locked down. Yet the National Bureau
of Statistics was quoted as saying, "
effect, the growth of main indicators is
stable and macro indicators are in a
After removing the base reasonable
range."
Industrial output was still up 17
percent when compared with 2019
numbers from the same period.
BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT
AROUND THE ASIAN REGION
Capital Economics senior China
economist, Julian Evans-Pritchard,
was quoted as saying, "We expect
activity to remain strong in the nearterm,
as the easing of virus restrictions
boosts consumption and fiscal
stimulus among key trading partners
should keep exports strong.”
INDONESIA SUPPORTS
EV MANUFACTURERS
Indonesia plans to become a leading
battery powered EV hub and has
announced a change in tax breaks to
support the industry. Batter powered
vehicles will retain their zero per cent
tax rate whereas hybrid vehicles will
move to five percent from zero percent.
The difference in the tax rates
mean that battery powered EV’s will
be favored from a tax perspective.
Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati
was quoted as saying,
"Investors who will build electric
cars in Indonesia feel that they are not
competitive enough because the tax
rate is not differentiated from plug-in
hybrids,"
At the same time, Indonesia remains
a major source of a key metal
used in battery production, nickel. It
will look to increase production of the
sought after metal.
The country is embarking on a renewed
push to become more carbon
neutral since it is sensitive to climate
change. Transportation accounts for
around 30 per cent of total emissions,
with standing traffic in long traffic jams
responsible for elevated levels of air
pollution in major cities.
The head of fiscal policy at the Finance
Ministry, Febrio Kacaribu was
quoted as saying, "Indonesia can
have more opportunities to become
a big player in electric vehicles," adding,
"Battery-powered EVs have more
impact to reduce gas emissions rather
than hybrid ones."
SINGAPORE AND
AUSTRALIA PLAN
TRAVEL BUBBLE FOR
JULY OR AUGUST
Singapore and Australia are in
discussion about setting up a travel
corridor between the two countries
as early as July or August 2021.
Yet the travel bubble will only
be available to nationals of the two
countries who have already received
a Covid-19 vaccination, which will
likely narrow the field for many others
who have yet to receive one.
Australian Trade Minister Dan
Tehan, was quoted as saying, “Singapore
are very keen to work with
Australia on a proof of vaccination
certificate and we agreed our officials
should work together on this,”
adding, “I’m scheduled to travel to
Singapore in the coming months and
this will be a key topic of discussions
as we seek to explore a travel bubble
with Singapore.”
Other nationals who have transited
in Singapore may also be allowed
to travel subject to 14 days quarantine
in the city-state. As well, the bubble
may be extended to include New
Zealand in the future.
FOODMART
SUPERMARKET
FOODMART
Offers a wide selection of
the best foods and beverages
from around the world
at reasonable prices.
Tel:
038-303 467
FOODMART
Is located directly
on Thappraya Road
north of Thepprasit
Road, opposite
Pan Pan Restaurant.
On Thappraya Road, Jomtien 316/3 Moo 12, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150