Thailand boasts of relatively better infrastructure as compared to the other Southeast Asian countries, with Singapore and Malaysia being exceptions. This month’s focus story, “Regaining Lost Ground”, is about Thailand’s current infrastructure base as well as its potential for further development to support its economic growth. Political stability and certainty of policy and regulatory arrangements will play a key role in attracting private/foreign investors.
Another country that we are taking a closer look at in this issue is the Philippines. Our story “Extensive Plans” highlights the country’s experience and plans with regard to private sector participation. Initially, a lot of projects identified to be undertaken on PPP basis could not take off due to various issues related to viability, capacity building, etc. The issues are being resolved by streamlining various processes and practices and developing a favourable environment for the private sector. Our telecom story “Growing Inorganically” studies the performance and the business strategy of Philippines-based Globe Telecom to expand its operations.
The story “Enhanced Delivery” highlights the Metropolitan Cebu Water District’s initiatives to improve the water supply situation. Over the years, MCWD has managed to improve its operational performance and service delivery by reducing water wastage, rehabilitating infrastructure, and monitoring resources.
Private operators are also performing well. PT Jasa Marga has made fundamental transformation in its business management to add to its operational network, step up its revenue generation capacity, improve customer satisfaction and boost efficiency. Going forward too, it is expected to play a significant role in realising Indonesia’s toll road development plan. Another story, “Adding Capacity”, highlights the Singapore port operator’s performance and expansion plans. Singapore port handles about one-seventh of the world’s total container transhipment throughput.
Other national stories assess Vietnam’s ambitious new urban transport projects (“Set for Change”) and Indonesia’s measures to arrest the declining oil and gas output (“Trend Reversal”).