On December 8th, 2023, Singapore showcased and promoted Northern China Ice and Snow Tourism through photo exhibitions, videos and lectures at its Chinese Cultural Center. China and Singapore are important sources of both inbound tourists and outbound tourists for each other. Before the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, about 1 million people from Singapore traveled to China every year.

Inflation Rate in Laos Rises to 39.3% in December 2022

According to the latest report released by the Lao Statistics Bureau, the inflation rate in Laos rose to 39.3% in December, the highest level in 2022. Rising prices of communication and transportation, consumer goods, and the continued depreciation of the Lao currency, the kip, are the main factors driving inflation in Laos.

Thailand to Build a Smart New City in Eastern Economic Corridor

The deputy spokesperson of Thailand’s Office of the Prime Minister stated that the Thai government will invest 1.35 trillion baht and plans to build Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) into a regional business and financial center and a global smart city by 2037. By 2032, it is estimated that the smart city will be able to accommodate 350,000 residents, and will directly create 200,000 jobs, providing employees with a salary of over 1.2 trillion baht, with better quality and higher income, and will adopt international management standards.