On July 10, the Luzon leg of the 2026-2028 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) Roadshow commenced in Makati City, the Philippines. It served as the official venue for presenting Manila’s newly revised fiscal incentives and high-value investment paths.
Author: Elisabeth Xaviera
Business and Economy Correspondent, SEA Daily
Indonesia to Launch First Domestically Built NEO-1 Satellite
On July 8, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the national satellite programme, Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) announced that the country’s first domestically built satellite NEO-1 is set to launch in January 2027.
Thailand Slashes Oil Prices to Ease Living Cost
As of July 8, Thailand has cut oil prices, with diesel decreasing by 2.56 Thai baht (0.08 US dollar) per litre, while gasoline and gasohol dropped by 2.51 Thai baht (0.07 US dollar) per litre across all grades.
The South China Sea Arbitral Award, Ten Years On
“The Department of Foreign Affairs has already undertaken appropriate diplomatic action with the government of the People’s Republic of China in connection with the illegal presence of this floating structure,” read a statement by the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) on June 9, following Manila’s diplomatic lodgement against China over a floating structure discovered inside Scarborough Shoal.
Indonesia Launches First Carbon Credit Projects, Unlocks $279m Trading Value
Jakarta has officially launched the Indonesia Forestry Carbon Hub (IFCH) and debuted its first carbon credit projects, the Ministry of Forestry announced on July 6.
The Philippine Bourse Advances on Cooling Inflation, Peso Weakens
On July 6, Manila’s local bourse concluded positively with the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rising by 0.58% to close at 6,223.99, marking its fourth consecutive day of gains, while the general All Shares index advanced 0.53% to 3,388.97 points.
World Bank Elevates Philippines to Upper-Middle Income Status
The Philippines officially attained upper-middle-income country (UMIC) status, as the World Bank announced in its annual Country Income Classifications report on July 1.
Philippines-Canada Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership as Marcos Secures $14m Investment
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. concluded his four-day visit to Canada on July 4, bringing home crucial investment pledges.
Vietnam-EFTA Pact Set to Boost Bilateral Trade and Investment
On July 2, Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) officially issued a joint communiqué following the successful conclusion of their negotiations to upgrade bilateral cooperation and eliminate customs duties.
Laos is set for an agricultural export boom but must first resolve its debt crisis
In the last week of June, the Lao government commenced a series of meetings to evaluate the country’s development progress throughout the first half of the year, as well as to establish priority deliverables for the subsequent second half of the year (H2).