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3621. The case for a National Merchant Shipping Policy for Malaysia

Author:
Nazery Khalid
Publication Date:
05-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
For a country with Malaysia's size and population, it certainly does not punch within its weight class in merchant shipping. As of 1 January 2009, Malaysia ranked 25th in the list of the most important maritime nations by way of its 0.79% contribution (9.39 mil. DWT) to the global merchant shipping tonnage (UNCTAD, 2009). MISC is the world's largest owner / operator of LNG tankers and a key player in international seaborne energy transportation. A growing number of Malaysian owners/operators of offshore service vessels (OSV) provide their services abroad, and Malaysian captains and officers are coveted for their skills and experience are sought by shipping lines worldwide.
Topic:
International Trade and Finance and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
Malaysia and Southeast Asia

3622. Preparing for a low carbon future in the maritime sector

Author:
Nazery Khalid
Publication Date:
05-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
The need to address the issue of climate change has become a matter of priority, and players in the shipping industry must stand up and be counted to play their part to reduce carbon emissions. Being a crucial facilitator of trade and at the forefront of activities such as offshore oil and gas exploration and production, expectation is high for the shipping industry to take urgent, meaningful action to adopt green practices.
Topic:
Climate Change, Energy Policy, Environment, and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
Southeast Asia

3623. Seas under siege

Author:
Nazery Khalid
Publication Date:
05-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
The oceans provide sustenance, resources and employment to many people. They also act as a conduit to migration of people and movement of goods that have shaped human civilization and facilitate global trade and economic growth. In addition to these pivotal roles, the seas also act as a regulator of the world's weather pattern. The importance of oceans that give the earth the moniker 'the Blue Planet' to civilization cannot be overemphasized.
Topic:
Climate Change, Environment, International Trade and Finance, and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
Malaysia

3624. Meeting bigger challenges in deeper waters

Author:
Nazery Khalid
Publication Date:
04-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
As the pursuit of hydrocarbon energy expands to new territories to meet growing global demand, the pressure for oil and gas majors to find new sources of these two coveted commodities will increase. Offshore locations, especially deepwater sites, have yielded prolific deposits, and are poised to be a hive of activities in the oil and gas industry. Operations farther and deeper in offshore sites will bring a variety of issues and challenges that will test the resolve and stretch the resourcefulness of industry players.
Topic:
Climate Change, Energy Policy, Environment, and Maritime Commerce

3625. Towards Realising the Potential of Malaysia's Shipbuilding Industry

Author:
Nazery Khalid
Publication Date:
03-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
The tremendous growth of shipping activities in Malaysia over the years underlines the value of the maritime sector to its economic well-being and the importance of the seas to the lives of its people. Malaysia has emerged as a leading maritime nation in terms of merchant shipping capacity. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) ranked Malaysia 18th in a list of 35 most important maritime countries and territories as of 1 January 2008 in terms of deadweight tonnage (DWT) of its merchant vessels (including national and foreign flagged).
Topic:
Development, Industrial Policy, International Trade and Finance, and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
Malaysia, United Nations, and Southeast Asia

3626. Malaysia\'s Re-Election as an IMO Council Member: An Opportunity to Shin

Author:
Nazery Khalid
Publication Date:
01-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Maritime Institute of Malaysia
Abstract:
Malaysia\'s re-election as a member of Council C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in November 2009 presents an excellent opportunity for this ambitious maritime nation to shine on the international stage. The re-election can be seen as the international community\'s vote of confidence for Malaysia to be the voice of developing nations at the IMO - the United Nations body that oversees the use and management of the world\'s oceans - and promote their interests. Having been given the thumbs-up by IMO members to assume the coveted IMO Council membership once again, expectations are now higher for Malaysia to make a mark at the international maritime platform.
Topic:
Democratization, International Trade and Finance, and Maritime Commerce
Political Geography:
Malaysia, United Nations, and Southeast Asia

3627. Revisiting the NAFTA Agenda on Climate Change

Author:
Jeffrey J. Schott and Meera Fickling
Publication Date:
07-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Peterson Institute for International Economics
Abstract:
A year ago, we wrote a policy brief titled Setting the NAFTA Agenda on Climate Change, which explored issues of energy and environmental cooperation among the three North American countries in light of the climate legislation that had recently passed the US House of Representatives. Similar legislation did not pass the Senate, and Congressional leaders are now considering much more modest measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reforming US energy policy.
Topic:
Climate Change, Economics, International Trade and Finance, and Treaties and Agreements
Political Geography:
United States and North America

3628. Dealing with Volatile Capital Flows

Author:
Olivier Jeanne
Publication Date:
07-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Peterson Institute for International Economics
Abstract:
The set of tools and mechanisms with which emerging-market countries insure themselves against volatile capital flows is in a state of flux. Most emerging-market countries had accumulated an unprecedented level of international reserves before the global financial crisis that started in 2008. The crisis itself led to a large increase in International Monetary Fund (IMF) resources and the introduction of a new lending facility, the Flexible Credit Line (FCL). Meanwhile, some progress was made toward transforming the Chiang Mai Initiative into an Asian Monetary Fund, and the Greek debt crisis even prompted calls for the creation of a European Monetary Fund.
Topic:
Development, Economics, Emerging Markets, Markets, and Foreign Direct Investment

3629. The Big U-Turn: Japan Threatens to Reverse Postal Reforms

Author:
Gary Clyde Hufbauer and Julia Muir
Publication Date:
06-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Peterson Institute for International Economics
Abstract:
On May 31, 2010 a majority of the Lower House of the National Diet of Japan approved legislation that would reverse a decade's worth of effort to fully privatize key subsidiaries of Japan Post Holdings Co. Ltd. Besides postal services, the state-run postal system offers banking and insurance services, through Japan Post Bank (JPB) and Japan Post Insurance (JPI), respectively. These are the financial engines of Japan Post and were the units slated for privatization. Both subsidiaries have long received favorable government treatment, tilting the playing field against private banks and insurance firms, whether foreign or domestic. The government of Japan is in clear violation of its commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO), and if the Upper House approves the legislation, Japan will reverse the efforts made by the United States and the European Union, as well as domestic private banks and insurance firms, to establish a level playing field. What's more, Japan risks having a formal WTO dispute brought against it.
Topic:
Economics, Government, and Privatization
Political Geography:
United States, Japan, and Europe

3630. Deepening China-Taiwan Relations through the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement

Author:
Daniel H. Rosen
Publication Date:
06-2010
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Peterson Institute for International Economics
Abstract:
On Sunday, June 13, 2010 representatives from China and Taiwan held a third round of talks in Beijing on an Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) that would liberalize important aspects of cross-Strait economic relations. Details of what was agreed and what remains under negotiation are still trickling out, and in any case the nature of this framework is that various elements will be agreed upon on an ongoing basis rather than at once. But it is clear from available details that ECFA will be an ambitious accord that fundamentally changes the game between Taiwan and China and hence affects the regional economy and even the transpacific tempo for the United States.
Topic:
Economics, International Cooperation, International Trade and Finance, Treaties and Agreements, and Bilateral Relations
Political Geography:
United States, China, and Taiwan