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Asia’s data centre market

Why Cooling is Critical for Asia’s Hot Data Centre Market

Asia’s data centre market is hot, figuratively and literally speaking. The focus now is on...
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Asian countries energy transition

Global Oil Crisis Causes Asia to Accelerate Energy Transition Plans

Countries in Asia are rethinking clean energy transition plans amid a global oil crisis, which...
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businesses win asia

Identifying What Businesses Must Do To Win in Asia

Businesses wanting to win in Asia must move away from the guesswork and intuition-based decision-making...
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• The EU-India FTA creates the world’s largest free trade zone. The deal covers 92 percent of EU exports to India and nearly all trade volume of Indian exports to the EU • Estimates have the EU saving nearly USD5 billion in duties annually while exports to India could more than double by 2032 • Europe’s automotive, machinery and services sectors are among those that stand to benefit greatly from the trade deal India was once known for its relatively protectionist approach, which weighed on the economy. The situation has changed rapidly since 2014 with the country having reached 10 free trade agreements. However, the recently agreed upon EU-India FTA is one of never-before-seen size and scope. Asian Insiders India Partner Priti Verma shares insights on what the deal means for European businesses and examines potential opportunities now available. Upon the conclusion of negotiations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the bloc’s free trade agreement with India as the mother of all deals. This was not the usual hyperbole or bluster that surrounds the conclusion of these pacts. Instead, it was a realisation of the EU-India FTA’s true size and scope as well as the positive impact the deal brings to both sides. The coupling of the second and fourth-biggest global economies creates the world’s largest free trade zone. It’s also further proof that global partnerships are in flux. As the influence of existing trade partners wanes, a strengthening of different relationships, such as the FTA between Europe and India, is requiring businesses to reevaluate their strategies. The deal has been hailed as a victory for both sides. In terms of Indian exports to the EU, 97 percent of tariff lines covering more than 99 percent of current trade value is covered in the FTA. More than 70 percent of these are eligible for immediate duty elimination while a further 20 percent are slated for zero-duty access in the next three to five years depending on type. Conversely, about 92 percent of EU exports to India, accounting for 97.5 percent of trade value, have been included in the pact. Almost half of existing tariff lines will receive immediate duty elimination. Another 40 percent will see a phased elimination of duties over a period spanning five to 10 years. For European companies considering entry into India, the FTA helps level the playing field and ensures much-needed stability. Key points in the agreement include: • Lower or no tariffs and most goods • A clearer framework on both legal and competitive matters, including intellectual property rights • An increased number of opportunities for partnerships and investment in India • More streamlined market access What will the impact of the EU-India FTA be? Given the sheer size of the two economies involved, the impact of the EU-India FTA will be massive. Some of the early details highlight this reality. According to the European Commission, the EU could achieve nearly USD5 billion in annual duty savings as exports surge. Approximately USD220 billion in goods and services is now traded between the two annually. The volume of EU goods exported to India is projected to double by 2032. That is huge, considering the latter’s current position as the world’s fourth-largest economy and the future growth it is likely to experience. Projections for the 2027 fiscal year alone indicate the economy will expand by upwards of seven percent. Equally important, deeper economic integration between the two sides will not only support growth but also improve the stability of global supply chains at a time when other trading partners have become less reliable. Understanding opportunities of the FTA In order to gain widespread access to European markets, India was willing to grant several major concessions that provide companies with significant opportunities moving forward. In particular, the automotive, machinery and services sectors appear likely to benefit. Automotive India is set to reduce tariffs on European carmakers to 10 percent over the next five years. There will also be a quota-based access system in place for up to 250,000 EU vehicles each year. Electric Vehicles could be a potential boon given Europe’s expertise in the field and India’s state plans to reduce emissions and shift away from internal combustion engine cars, trucks and buses. EV components and infrastructure stand to benefit under the FTA. Machinery Currently, machinery and electrical equipment account for the largest share of EU exports to India. The majority of tariffs in this category will eventually fall to zero in the coming years. Key products include medical devices, chemicals and construction equipment. This comes at a crucial time for India. The country is scaling efforts in infrastructure, construction and healthcare which could all benefit from European machinery and equipment. Supply-chain diversification The FTA now provides a foundation for European organisations to integrate India into their supply chains as part of widespread diversification efforts. Nuances of a deal The FTA between India and the EU has been almost 20 years in the making. Discussion took place in 2007 but failed to get over the line due to various disagreements. Talks resumed in 2022, and a consensus was reached regarding several key points. Yet a few items are worth highlighting. For instance, the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which sees a fee levied on EU imports of steel, cement and other high-carbon goods, remains in place on Indian steel despite the FTA. Instead, Europe has committed to investing roughly USD600 million to help India reduce emissions caused by steel and aluminium producers. Beyond that, a few sectors in India have been protected in the FTA, including agriculture. A few items, such as apples, pears and peaches, are eligible for phased tariff reductions. Other products like spirits will be lowered slightly but remain at relatively high levels. While expected, it does highlight the need for companies to explore the nuances of the deal. Nowhere is that more evident than in the rules of origin, product-specific rules and other potential challenges related to supply chains. The FTA does make it easier for European companies to set up manufacturing hubs in India, but high logistics costs and some problematic customs regulations must now be addressed by the government. Final thoughts on Indian market entry The EU-India FTA will allow European companies to access opportunities in a large, rapidly growing economy. Tariff eliminations or reductions are the headline, but the deal also provides a framework for other key areas to reduce risk. However, entry or expansion into India can still pose challenges for businesses unfamiliar with the country’s operating environment. At Asian Insiders, we can ensure your company has the necessary research required to make an informed decision and assist with the crucial aspects of entry. To learn more about opportunities in India, please contact Jari Hietala, Managing Partner: jari.hietala(at)asianinsiders.com or Priti Verma, India Partner: priti.verma(at)asianinsiders.com

Understanding the Impact and Opportunities of the EU-India FTA

The EU-India FTA has been hailed as a victory for both sides. For European companies, the opportunities...
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Thailand EV Growth

More EVs Hit the Road in Thailand but Roadblocks Threaten to Stall Growth

More EVs rolling onto roads across Thailand over the past few years have exposed several challenges...
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Asia’s Diverse AI Ecosystem Unlocks New Opportunities

Asia has several AI opportunities for international companies, including local talent development,...
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Thailand’s updated company registration process

Understanding Thailand’s Updated Company Registration Review Process

Thailand has updated its company registration review process with four new measures coming...
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biotechnology india growth

Why Biotechnology Could Be India’s Next Major Growth Sector

Biotechnology is playing an increasingly important role in India after a decade of impressive...
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Asian air travel

Asian Air Travel Soars Again in 2025, but Will Smooth Sailing Continue in 2026?

Asian air travel continues to grow with international passenger travel up by 10 percent and...
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Asia Market Entry Outlook 2026: Renewable Energy Priorities Begin to Shift

Despite some issues, Asia boasts a positive outlook when it comes to renewable energy given...
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Asia automotive supply chain diversification

Asia Market Entry Outlook 2026: The Future of Automotive Supply Chain Diversification

Asia continues to see automotive supply chain diversification with India and many ASEAN countries...
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Asia data centre sector

Asia Market Entry Outlook 2026: Is the Data Centre Sector Still Growing?

In Asia, the data centre sector has been among the fastest-growing markets but will the trend...
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Asia market entry outlook 2026

Asia Market Entry Outlook 2026: Opportunity in the Face of Uncertainty

The Asia market entry outlook for 2026 is positive, but preparation is vital for success amid...
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digital economy Southeast Asia

How the Digital Economy is Creating Business Opportunities in Southeast Asia

The rise of the digital economy is being witnessed throughout Southeast Asia and presents many...
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Indonesian Digital Health Industry

From Pandemic Necessity to Everyday Use: Indonesian Digital Health Industry Enters Its Next Phase

The pandemic served as a catalyst for increased adoption in the Indonesian digital health industry....
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The Untapped Potential of Hydrogen and Ammonia in Asia

While the consensus surrounding the potential of hydrogen, ammonia in Asia had been optimistic,...
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Demand for Heavy Machinery Across Asia is Creating Big Opportunities

Heavy machinery needs in Asia have created opportunities for firms with equipment that can...
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clean energy Asian data centre development

Clean Energy Remains Crucial for Asian Data Centre Development

Clean energy is necessary to prevent an electricity shortage that could hinder Asian data centre...
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investment electric mobility India

Why is Foreign Investment Focused on Electric Mobility in India?

Foreign investment opportunities for electric mobility in India include electric vehicle manufacturing,...
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Asian Food Beverage Industry

Changing Lifestyle Habits Create New Opportunities in the Asian Food & Beverage Industry

A growing middle class and greater awareness of health are leading to changes in the Asian...
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Why is the Philippines Considering Nuclear Energy?

The Philippines recently moved a step closer to adopting nuclear energy. Here's why the county...
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Singapore Seeks Support to Build SAF Industry as Deadline Approaches

If Singapore is to achieve its stated goal of Net Zero aviation emissions by 2050, developing...
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India BESS Outlook

India BESS Outlook: Promising Early Progress and Ample Opportunities

The Indian BESS market added 341 MWh of new capacity last year and the outlook is promising...
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Southeast Asia Nuclear Energy Opportunities

Southeast Asia Explores Nuclear Energy Opportunities to Solve Power Challenges

Countries in Southeast Asia are identifying possible nuclear energy opportunities as they balance...
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Are There Opportunities for Western Auto Technology in China? Maybe

Tapping into opportunities for Western auto technology in China can be daunting, but these...
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energy storage asia

Energy Storage Comes into Focus as Asia Embraces Renewables

Energy storage is a growing sector in Asia and this presents a range of new business opportunities...
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Malaysia Foreign Investment

Amid Rising Uncertainty, Malaysia Remains a Foreign Investment Hub

Malaysia received nearly USD15 billion in foreign investment during the first quarter of 2025...
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tariffs ASEAN Manufacturing

Understanding How Tariffs Will Impact ASEAN Manufacturing

US tariffs may have some impact on ASEAN manufacturing but the region remains an attractive...
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Taiwan Welcomes Foreign Firms to Assist with Health Tech Push

Taiwan believes foreign firms can help it take the lead in the health tech sector
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Exploring Investment Opportunities as Asian Aviation Reaches New Heights

A range of investment opportunities can be found across the Asian aviation sector, which is...
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Asian Data Centre Market

Thriving Asian Data Centre Market May Not Be Able To Keep Up With Storage Demand

Asian data centre market capacity is predicted to double by 2030, with demand still likely...
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labour shortages Asia construction

Rising Costs and Labour Shortages in Asia Cause Construction Sector to Seek Innovations

Labour shortages in the Asia construction industry have already led to backlogs and project...
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Indonesian Supplements Market

Can the Indonesian Supplements Market Reach Its Full Potential?

A rapidly expanding middle class, accompanied by an increasing awareness of health and nutrition,...
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emission reduction targets Asia

Examining Emission Reduction Targets in Asia

Emission reduction targets in Asia vary from country to country, but most nations have a roadmap...
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Entering South Korea Defence Market

Entering South Korea's Defence Market: Opportunities for Global Suppliers

Entering South Korea’s defence market is something more global suppliers are considering as...
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ASEAN Semiconductor Value Chain

ASEAN Begins Climb Up the Semiconductor Value Chain

Many ASEAN countries are offering incentives for companies that invest in the semiconductor...
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EVs Asia

EVs in Asia: Progress Made but Further Investment Needed

As the regional market continues to grow, here is a brief overview of the EV situation in...
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green logistics asia

What is Green Logistics and How is It Taking Shape in Asia?

Green logistics has become an essential sector in Asia as countries look to meet emissions...
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Renewable Energy Development Crucial to Powering the Philippines

Efforts to incorporate renewables into the energy mix in the Philippines are picking up st...
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Indian construction boom

Indian Construction Boom Leads to Huge Opportunities

The Indian construction boom has seen the country become one of the world’s largest building...
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indonesia biotech investment

Indonesia Seeks Biotech Investment to Bring Down Healthcare Costs

Indonesia has identified biotech investment as a way for the country to reduce costs and improve...
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Fintech Opportunities in Japan Appear as Public Perception Changes

Fintech opportunities in Japan include cashless payments, blockchain solutions, and regional...
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A Brief Overview of Engineering Opportunities in Asia

There are a lot of engineering opportunities for foreign companies in Asia. Here's a look at...
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Thai EV Industry

Thai EV Industry Remains an Attractive Investment Option

The Thai EV industry has grown due to public adoption and investment from foreign firms. The...
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free trade Asia

How a Commitment to Free Trade Positions Asia for a Stable Future

Free trade remains a priority in Asia, and this can benefit overseas companies
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tariffs Asia alternative

As Tariffs Take Effect, Asia Provides an Alternative to Companies

With tariffs rocking global markets, Asia has emerged as an alternative for businesses needing...
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Asian construction industry

Innovation Key to Solving Challenges in the Asian Construction Industry

The Asian construction industry has been extraordinarily busy. With growth expected to continue,...
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Opportunities Asian Automotive

Identifying Opportunities in the Asian Automotive Sector

Opportunities in the Asian automotive sector are changing rapidly as more countries move ahead...
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AI investment asia

AI Investment in Asia Heats Up as More Companies Embrace Innovation

AI investment in Asia is expected to surpass USD110 billion by 2028 as more companies from...
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Asia Investment Silver Economy

Asia Urgently Seeks Investment in Silver Economy Solutions

Aging populations in Asia are creating investment opportunities in the silver economy for overseas...
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Indian food and beverage foreign investment

Indian Food and Beverage Targets Foreign Investment as Part of Ambitious Growth Plan

The Indian food and beverage sector is now open to 100 percent foreign direct investment with...
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Specialised Logistics Asia

The Stage is Set for Specialised Logistics to Soar in Asia

As exports of electric vehicles, chemicals, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and various food...
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Philippine infrastructure investment opportunities

Philippine Infrastructure Drive Creates Investment Opportunities

The most significant Philippine infrastructure investment opportunities are those capable of...
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BESS opportunities Asia

BESS the Linchpin for Asia’s Renewable Energy Targets

The BESS market in Asia will see significant growth in the coming years creating opportunities...
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Singapore construction sector

Singapore Seeks Innovation to Transform the Construction Sector

The major players in Singapore’s construction sector have made it known they are looking for...
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Indonesian pharmaceutical industry

Indonesian Pharmaceutical Industry Finds Itself at a Critical Crossroads  

With the Indonesian pharmaceutical industry finding itself at a crossroads, foreign companies...
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India Data Centre Market

Growing India Data Centre Market Attracts Foreign Interest

The India data centre market is predicted to generate more than USD 4.5 billion in revenue...
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Asia Aquaculture Future

Blue Ambition: Asia Aquaculture Moves into the Future

Asia is the global leader in aquaculture production, and the future of the sector is bright...
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Health, Pharmaceuticals, and Medical Devices Among Asia’s Most Promising Investment Sectors

Health, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices opportunities in Asia are expansive and predicted...
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Asia Market Opportunities 2025: Asian Aviation Ready for Take-Off

Asia is expected to be the aviation industry’s primary growth driver with a majority of the...
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Asia hydrogen strategies

Asia Market Opportunities 2025: Hydrogen Crucial to Decarbonisation Strategies

As countries across Asia look to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach climate targets,...
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Asia data centres

Asia Market Opportunities 2025: Data Centres Take Off

Asia has witnessed a swift rise in the number of data centres. What’s more, the sector isn’t...
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Asia Market Opportunities 2025

Asia Market Opportunities 2025: Fintech Primed for Growth

Growth and broad support are among the reasons why fintech is one of the Asia market opportunities...
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EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement

EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement at 5: Positives, Opportunities and What’s Next

With the EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement having been in place since November 2019, now is...
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Electrifying Indian Mobility Offers Opportunities for the World

Electrifying Indian mobility is providing investment opportunities in EV manufacturing, supply...
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Protectionism vs. Openness: Trade Barriers in Asia Hinder Economic Sustainability

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, many nations are adopting protectionist policies. Here's...
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How Will a Second Trump Presidency Impact Asia’s Economic Outlook?

There is no denying that a second Donald Trump presidency will impact Asia’s economic outlook....
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A Brief Overview of Logistics in Asia

The logistics market in Asia is now the world’s largest, reaching an estimated USD4.4 trillion...
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India Seeks Foreign Investment to Reach Clean Energy Goals

India will require foreign investment to achieve stated clean energy targets, including 500...
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Next Big Thing: Understanding the Growing Industrial Automation Market in China

A number of overseas companies have found success entering the industrial automation market...
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Malaysian upstream oil and gas

Here’s why investors are again eyeing the Malaysian upstream oil and gas sector

These are exciting times for the Malaysian upstream oil and gas sector with investors now...
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Indonesian Medical Device Sector

Growing Indonesian Medical Device Sector Reduces Obstacles For Foreign Companies

The Indonesian medical device sector has notched impressive growth in the aftermath of the...
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Korea in Race to Build Sustainable Aviation Fuel Capabilities

South Korea needs to ramp up production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) quickly. Here is...
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4 Years Into The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement: Time to Pay Attention

When the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement launched in 2020, it was hailed as a landmark moment....
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President-Elect Prabowo Subianto Eyes Ambitious Goals for Indonesian Economy

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There are currently abundant opportunities for foreign firms in the Malaysian seafood sector....
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Taiwan Semiconductor Industry in Need of Upstream Support as Global Competition Rises

The Taiwan semiconductor industry has upstream opportunities for overseas firms in manufacturing...
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Korea Takes the Lead in Hydrogen Economy Implementation, But Challenges Remain

South Korea has made significant strides in building the hydrogen economy. Yet, much work remains...
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Business opportunities in Central Asia include a need for energy imports and infrastructure...
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Thriving Malaysian Medical Device Industry Primed for Future Growth

The Malaysian medical device industry has quietly become one of the country’s economic success...
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Indonesia Data Centre Boom

Understanding How Indonesia Will Benefit from the ASEAN Data Centre Boom

Total data centre capacity in Indonesia reached 514MW last year Indonesia is projected to...
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Thailand Requires More Battery Energy Storage Systems to Meet Clean Energy Targets

With clean energy commitments on the horizon, Thailand needs help with Battery Energy Storage...
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Thailand Energy Grid

Can the Thailand Energy Grid Keep Up with the Country’s Push for Renewables?

The potential limitations of the Thailand energy grid are coming into focus as the country...
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Renewable Integration is the Next Step for Korean Smart Grid Success

With progress being made on the Korean Smart Grid Roadmap 2030, the next major obstacle is...
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Are You Ready for Success in Asia?

Success in Asia requires a robust approach to planning, partnering, resource allocation and...
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Building Taiwan’s Bicycle Business

Taiwan's bicycle business is booming. Improved technology and smart thinking will transform...
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The Korean Artificial Intelligence Industry

The Korean artificial intelligence industry is flourishing, full of promise for the future...
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Fintech in Indonesia is rapidly rising, promising to improve financial inclusiveness across...
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Powering Up: Cambodia’s Power Development Plan

Cambodia's power development plan 2022 -2040 offers a framework for the improvement of the...
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Trade Meetings and Exhibitions in Thailand

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India’s Retail Market – Looking Ahead

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Opportunities in Malaysia’s Automotive Sector

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Developing the Circular Economy in Asia

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Opportunities from China's Silver Economy

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High Opportunity in Taiwan’s Hydrogen Sector

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How to Succeed in South Korea

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Gone Fishing: Indonesian Aquaculture

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