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Atradius: Rising oil prices bring welcome post-recession cash injection to oil producing nations

Atradius‘ latest economic report on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) acknowledges the importance of the growth in oil prices for the energy-exporting economies of the region. However, it also notes the limits to growth presented by an underdeveloped private sector and the ongoing downside risks to the economic outlook caused by the pandemic.

DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach – 8 February 2022 – Rising oil prices are boosting economic growth throughout the oil producing economies of the MENA region, with predictions that GDP will largely return to pre-pandemic levels during the course of 2022. Oil prices are expected to level out at about USD70 per barrel, with global demand for oil picking up. In the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) oil activity is expected to grow by up to 8% in 2022, a huge increase on the 0.5% recorded last year.

 

Many of the energy-exporting nations have also enacted strong vaccine strategies, which in turn has enabled them to lift lockdown measures and reopen domestic sectors such as retail and tourism.

 

However, despite a brief role when they led the economic recovery during the oil price shock, several non-energy exporting nations have now slipped behind their GCC neighbours when it comes to short-term growth predictions. For Jordan and Lebanon, in particular, ongoing high Covid-19 infection rates are negatively impacting their economic rebounds and contributing to weak economic growth.

 

The development of the region’s private sector is also likely to have an impact on the size and speed of the region’s economic recovery. As the report outlines, without private sector reform, economic growth will slow. This is true of most GCC countries where the share of the state-owned hydrocarbon sector dwarfs their various private sectors, but also in Algeria and Egypt where restrictions on imports and foreign investment, and a preferential treatment of state-owned companies over private companies in public tenders are additional factors that are stifling business.

 

Although vaccine programmes and the development of the private sectors are important for the region’s economy, growth is still heavily dependent on oil. Niels de Hoog, Senior Economist, Atradius, acknowledged that the world economy will still require energy from fossil fuels on a large scale for several decades. However, he noted that despite plans to expand the capacity of hydrocarbon production, many GCC nations are also investing in renewable energy. He said: “Investments in renewable projects are being stepped up simultaneously to increase the share of domestic energy consumption that comes from renewable sources. The additional fossil fuel production will mainly be destined for exports.” At the same time, the rise in home-grown renewables is also changing the economic prospects of the region’s non-hydrocarbon producers for the better as they become less dependent on imported energy.

 

Schuyler D’Souza, Managing Director Middle East, Atradius said: “The Atradius Regional Economic Outlook for the Middle East and North Africa paints a varied picture. On the one hand we are seeing a rebound from the economic crises of the pandemic downturn and the oil price shock. However, on the other hand, additional factors are impacting projected growth in the region. Primary among these are the slow rate of vaccine roll-out in some of the economies and heavy dependence on state-owned hydrocarbon businesses. This picture may change over the next few years as some of the region’s countries expand investment in renewable energy and enable growth among the private sector.”

 

Get the Atradius Economic Research Report here: https://atradius.com.hk/en/publications/economic-research-petrodollars-boost-mena-private-sector.html

 

About Atradius

Atradius is a global provider of credit insurance, bond and surety, collections and information services, with a strategic presence in over 50 countries. The products offered by Atradius protect companies around the world against the default risks associated with selling goods and services on credit. Atradius is a member of Grupo Catalana Occidente (GCO.MC), one of the largest insurers in Spain and one of the largest credit insurers in the world. You can find more information online at www.atradius.com.hk

Connect with Atradius on Social Media

Twitter

https://twitter.com/atradius

LinkedIn

https://linkedin.com/company/atradiusasia

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https://www.youtube.com/user/atradiusgroup

#Atradius

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Singapore is ready for Biometric Payment Cards

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 8 February 2022 – Zwipe, a biometric fintech pioneer, conducted a comprehensive consumer investigation in Singapore during Q4 2021 to study 150+ consumers’ payment preferences and feedback on biometric payment cards. Consumers’ feedback on biometric payment cards was extremely positive, indicating a strong demand for biometric payment cards.

Below are some interesting facts from the survey:

  • 88% of consumers would prefer their next payment card to be biometric
  • 70% of consumers are ready to switch to a new bank for a safer way to pay
  • 80% of consumers have concerns on the risk of infection when paying in-store and touching the POS

The survey’s findings are consistent with data available from other worldwide studies undertaken in the Nordics, Canada, USA, UK, Germany and South Africa. Consumers across the world, just as in Singapore, want a payment solution that delivers world-class security and user experience and ensures 100% touch-less check out at all times.

 

Zwipe: A biometric fintech pioneer

Founded in 2009 with the mission to make “convenience safe and secure” through the use of biometric technologies, Zwipe has today emerged as a pioneer in NxtGen payment solutions. The company believes that the inherent uniqueness of every person is the key to a safer future. Zwipe works across networks of international organizations, industries and cultures to bring biometric payment solutions globally.

 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Zwipe’s growing team is represented by 14 different nationalities in nine countries across five time zones – from Colorado Springs to Singapore.

Strong demand for Biometric Payment Cards

According to Claus Hansen, Zwipe’s newly appointed VP of Sales for APAC, “The payments market in Singapore is mature and sophisticated, with banks and fintechs offering highly digital services for retail, e-commerce and mobile financial services. The more-traditional smart card segment is the area where Singaporean consumers are now expecting card issuers to step up. The Zwipe Pay platform, which includes a single silicon biometric system on the card, is a game-changer in the payments sector as it has dramatically reduced the unit costs and improved the biometric performance ensuring an excellent user experience.”

 

He further highlights, “Consumers value convenience, security, and safety when selecting and using a payment method. As such, Zwipe is well positioned to provide cutting-edge card-based solutions that enable our clients in APAC to respond to market demands, while also establishing ourselves as the strategic technology partner of choice.”

 

Hansen has worked in payment technologies, cybersecurity, fintech, and smart cards for over 25 years. In the APAC region, he has held senior executive management positions with Entrust, NXP Semiconductors, Gemalto, dzcard, and Kona I.

 

About Zwipe:

Zwipe believes the inherent uniqueness of every person is the key to a safer future. We work with great passion across networks of international organizations, industries and cultures to make convenience safe and secure. We are pioneering next-generation biometric card and wearables technology for payment and physical & logical access control and identification solutions. We promise our customers and partners deep insight and frictionless solutions, ensuring a seamless user experience with our innovative biometric products and services.

Founded and headquartered in Oslo, Norway our growing team is represented by 14 different nationalities in nine countries across five time zones – from Colorado Springs to Singapore.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

More Than 70,000 People Affected by Natural Disasters in Laos in 2021

Widespread floods in Laos after tropical storm Koguma
The Nam Song River bursts its banks in Vang Vieng.

More than 70,000 people in Laos were affected by floods and other natural disasters in 2021, with 17 injured and 19 dead.

Chubb Offers No-Questions-Asked-Policy-Cancellation and Refund for All Chubb-Underwritten Travel Policies in Singapore

SINGAPORE  – Media OutReach  8 February 2022 – Chubb announced today the launch of a No-Questions-Asked-Policy-Cancellation and Refund campaign in Singapore for all Chubb-underwritten individual Single-Trip travel policies, issued from 16 December 2021 to 31 March 20221.

 

This service promise is also supported by partners who distribute Chubb’s travel products, like American Express, DBS Bank Ltd, and GrabInsure Insurance Agency (S) Pte Ltd, and more.

 

“Recognising the uncertainty surrounding international travel, this campaign was introduced to provide our customers a straightforward experience to cancel and refund their travel insurance policy, in the event of changes to travel plans, due to COVID-19.  As consumers ourselves, we understand that with the changing requirements/circumstances, planning for international travel can be stressful and our insurance policy shouldn’t add to that stress. By allowing our customers to cancel and refund their policies with no questions asked, we hope to provide them with greater confidence, and the relevant protection required, as they resume travels,” said Serene Neo, Division Head of Accident & Health for Chubb in Singapore.

 

In addition to providing cancellation and refund benefits, Chubb’s travel policies distributed by partners also provide cover for2:

 

COVID-19 Benefits

  • Overseas medical expenses
  • Overseas hospital confinement benefit
  • Overseas quarantine benefit
  • Emergency medical evacuation & repatriation
  • Journey cancellation and curtailment

Travel Inconveniences

  • Trip delay coverage
  • Baggage delay coverage
  • Loss or damage to personal belongings (including baggage) coverage


Other Benefits

  • Credit card indemnity
  • Emergency mobile phone expenses
  • Personal liability coverage
  • 24-Hour emergency assistance



1 Terms and conditions apply. For more information, visit chubb.com/leisuretravelcampaign 

2 For full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions, please refer to your Chubb-underwritten individual Single-Trip travel policy.

About Chubb Singapore

Chubb is the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurer. Chubb Insurance Singapore Limited, via acquisitions by its predecessor companies, has been present in Singapore since 1948. Chubb in Singapore provides underwriting and risk management expertise for all major classes of general insurance. The company’s product offerings include Financial Lines, Casualty, Property, Marine, Industry Practices as well as Group insurance solutions for large corporates, multinationals, small and medium-sized businesses. In addition, to meet the evolving needs of consumers, it also offers a suite of tailored Accident & Health and Personal & Specialty insurance options through a multitude of distribution channels including bancassurance, independent distribution partners and affinity partnerships.

Over the years, Chubb in Singapore has established strong client relationships by delivering responsive service, developing innovative products and providing market leadership built on financial strength.

More information can be found at www.chubb.com/sg.

#Chubb

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

DHL Supply Chain makes strategic appointments in Singapore and Japan clusters

  • Jérôme Gillet named CEO Japan & Korea Cluster and Alfred Goh to take over as CEO Singapore Cluster covering Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines
  • Tandem move of both executives leverages the specializations of both to drive long-term value for customers

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 8 February 2022 – DHL Supply Chain (DSC), the world’s leading contract logistics provider and a business division under Deutsche Post DHL Group, has made changes in its leadership team in Asia Pacific. Effective 15 February 2022, Jérôme Gillet, currently CEO Singapore Cluster, DSC, has been named CEO Japan and Korea Cluster. Alfred Goh, currently CEO Japan and Korea Cluster, DSC, will take over from Jérôme Gillet as CEO Singapore Cluster, covering Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Indonesia.

Jérôme Gillet

Alfred Goh

 

Both Gillet and Goh are industry veterans who have proven track records spearheading market-leading initiatives in the organization. They will continue to report to Terry Ryan, CEO, APAC, DSC, and remain members of the APAC Management Board. Gillet will relocate to Japan and Goh will move to Singapore.

 

“The tandem moves of both Alfred and Jerome allow the unique opportunity to leverage the specialized skill sets of two outstanding colleagues to drive further growth in their respective markets,” said Terry Ryan, CEO DHL Supply Chain Asia Pacific. “Their focus on customer centricity, detailed operational knowledge and innovative approach to supply chain challenges will help chart new avenues in their respective clusters.”

 

Gillet to accelerate growth with a focus on profitability  in Japan and Korea

Gillet has contributed to the growth and success of the region in his role as CEO, Singapore Cluster.  Under his leadership, the business has become the leading semi-conductor logistics provider. He initiated transformative partnerships with DSSI, a joint venture with JG Summit group, one of the largest transport companies in the Philippines today.

 

With 22 years of experience in Asia, Gillet began his career at DHL in 2008 as VP, Consumer & Packaging Business Development, DSC, responsible for the APAC region, and subsequently took on added responsibility for the Middle East & Africa region. In 2014, he was appointed as CCO, Asia Pacific, DSC, before assuming his position as CEO, Singapore Cluster, in 2016.

 

“Under Alfred’s leadership in Japan and Korea, he has firmly established the automation and robotics agenda for the organization and delivered strong growth. Building on this strength, I look forward to working with the team to strengthen and expand the cluster  especially in the technology, retail and life science sectors,” said Jérôme Gillet, CEO DHL Supply Chain, Japan Cluster. “

 

Goh to further digitalization agenda and build strategic growth platforms in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines

 

Goh is no stranger to the region having started his career with DHL in 2004. Before his role as CEO Japan & Korea Cluster, DSC, he was based in Singapore spearheading the organization’s approach to nurture and support emerging global Asian enterprises in his role as  President, Fast Growing Enterprises (FGE) which he held since 2010, and assumed additional responsibilities as Regional Head Customer Solutions & Innovations Asia Pacific in 2017.

He stepped into his role as CEO Japan & Korea Cluster, DSC in 2018. He achieved significant growth through large, transformational deals and progressed APAC’s automation and robotics agenda, implementing new technologies for key customers.

“Jerome has been instrumental in establishing strategic partnerships and developing turnkey solutions across Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines,” said Alfred Goh, CEO Singapore Cluster, DSC. “I’m excited to return to this dynamic region, and with Indonesia added to the fold, I look forward to continuing our momentum in key sectors such as semiconductor and create strategic growth platforms in ecommerce omni-channel, life sciences and government related offerings in the four countries.”

 

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 66 billion euros in 2020. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero-emissions logistics by 2050.

#DHL

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Local Company Builds First Private Hospital in Xayaboury Province

Groundbreaking ceremony for Saiyavate Hospital in Xayaboury
Groundbreaking ceremony for Saiyavate Hospital in Xayaboury Province.

A local company in Laos has invested approximately LAK 15 billion to construct the first private hospital in Xayaboury Province.

Fourth Quarter 2021 Citi Residential Property Ownership Survey

Over 40% of respondents expect stable home prices in the coming year and are cautious about purchasing a property

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 7 February 2022 – Citi Hong Kong conducted a survey in December 2021 on residential property ownership in Q4 2021. According to the survey results:

  • 36% of the respondents expected property prices to rise in the coming year, a slightly lower percentage compared with the previous quarter, but higher than the level recorded in the same period in 2020. 42% of respondents expected property prices to be stable in the coming year.
  • 5% of the respondents believed that it was a good time to buy a property, a slightly higher percentage compared with the previous quarter.
  • 12% of the respondents expressed interest in property ownership, a slightly lower percentage compared with the previous quarter. According to the survey results, more than 370,000 people toured properties in November or December last year. However, more than 60% of respondents said that they are not interested in property ownership at present, representing the highest proportion in the past five years.
  • The Fourth Quarter 2021 Citi Residential Property Ownership Survey found that most respondents expected a steady development of property prices in the coming year, and, while the proportion of respondents who consider it is a good time to purchase a home has slightly increased, a number of respondents are not interested in property ownership at the moment.

 

42% of respondents expect property prices to remain flat in the coming year, and a slightly higher percentage of respondents consider it is a good time to purchase a home

 

The proportion of respondents who expressed optimism about property prices in Q4 2021 dropped slightly, with 36% of the respondents expecting property prices to rise in the coming year, and 42% anticipating stable property prices. For the whole year of 2021, an average of 40% of respondents expected an upward trend in property prices, a higher percentage than the average of 23% recorded in the previous year. In addition, in Q4 2021, 5% of the respondents considered it to be a good time to buy a property, representing a slight increase compared with the previous quarter. On the other hand, 12% of respondents expressed interest in buying a home, a slight drop compared with the previous quarter. According to the survey results, about 372,000 people toured properties in November or December last year. Overall speaking, respondents expected the property market to develop steadily. Although there is a slight increase in respondents considered it to be a good time to buy a property, there are also more respondents not showing interest in property ownership at the moment. Respondents were holding a wait-and-see attitude towards home ownership.

 

The Residential Property Ownership Survey was conducted in December last year. Although the local pandemic situation was relatively mild at that time, considering that the residential property price in Hong Kong peaked in August last year, followed by a moderate adjustment by 3% until the end of the year, it was reasonable that the proportion of respondents expressing optimism about the property price has dropped. Looking forward to this year, the property market may be subject to more challenging factors. With the expected increase in the supply of public and private housing, the housing shortage of the past years may be reversed, and the expected interest rate hike in the United States will also have a psychological impact on the repayment of mortgage loans by prospective owners. Together with the lowering of the rate of rental return, the demand for residential investment may decline accordingly. Factors such as supply and demand for property, costs of repayment of mortgage loans and investment income may affect the perceptions of the respondents regarding the overall property market.

How do you think home prices will trend in the next 12 months?

Percentage of Respondents

 

Q4 2020

Q1 2021

Q2 2021

Q3 2021

Q4 2021

Upward

22%

33%

54%

38%

36%

Flat

43%

47%

35%

37%

42%

Downward

36%

20%

12%

25%

22%

 

If you do not own any property now, taking your current standard of living and family finances into consideration, do you think it is a good time to purchase a home now?

 

Percentage of Respondents

 

Q4 2020

Q1 2021

Q2 2021

Q3 2021

Q4 2021

A good/an excellent

time to purchase

8%

7%

7%

4%

5%

Neutral

39%

37%

38%

41%

45%

A bad/terrible

time to purchase

54%

56%

55%

55%

50%

 

How interested are you in purchasing a property now?

Percentage of Respondents

Q4 2020

Q1 2021

Q2 2021

Q3 2021

Q4 2021

Very/rather
interested

17%

17%

14%

13%

12%

Neutral

27% 

29%

28%

33%

26%

Very/rather
uninterested

56%

54%

58%

54%

62%

“The survey results show that citizens were cautious about the property market in Q4 2021,” said Josephine Lee, Head of Retail Bank at Citi Hong Kong. “More than 40% of the respondents expected property prices to remain flat in the coming year. Although a slightly higher percentage of respondents consider it to be a good time to buy a property, over 60% of respondents are not interested in buying a property at the moment, showing a wait-and-see attitude towards home ownership. We recommend that citizens should assess their personal financial condition comprehensively when considering buying a property and seek an appropriate mortgage plan to execute their home ownership plan. They should also start reviewing their asset allocation as soon as possible, adjusting their investment portfolio in different market situations to accumulate wealth. This can help to empower them to realise their aspirations in home buying sooner.” 

Citibank commissioned the University of Hong Kong Social Sciences Research Centre to conduct the survey, interviewing a random sample of more than 500 Hong Kong respondents by phone in December 2021. Since 2010, Citibank has been conducting surveys of the Hong Kong housing market to assess the current state of home ownership in the SAR, gauge public intentions towards home ownership, and track public expectations of future housing price trends.

Source: Citibank Q4 2021 Residential Property Ownership Survey

About Citi

Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.

Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://blog.citigroup.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi

#Citi

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

US Lifts Visa Sanctions for Citizens of Laos

US Restriction on Laos Visas

The United States Government has today lifted most sanctions on US visa issuance to citizens of Laos.