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The King's philosophy for a Sufficiency Economy is an approach to life and conduct applicable at every level

Nowadays, it seems that most countries have some kind of televised talent contest.

Focusing on a personalised approach to client services, Mozambique’s Banco Único opened its doors in 2011 after identifying an opportunity to challenge the four main banks by meeting the demand for financial products and services built around customers’ actual needs. João Figueiredo, President of Banco Único, talks to Upper Reach about the country’s banking sector, its low bancarisation, and how “Banco Único, more than being a transactional bank, is a relational bank” as it concentrates on building close links with each of its customers.

Before the discovery of oil, Kuwaitis were renowned international traders and their commercial acumen is still evident today. Abdul Wahab Al Wazzan, Second Vice-Chairman of the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the umbrella organisation for the business community in Kuwait, discusses the business climate in the emirate with World Report, highlighting in particular the need for SME experience in the country and the increased potential for partnerships thanks to recently introduced legislation making joint ventures easier.

According David Reddaway, British Ambassador to Turkey, “British business has really woken up to the opportunities here.” Speaking to World Report, Mr Reddaway discusses Europe’s fastest growing economy’s “combination of political stability, democratic rights and economic prosperity” that provides a source of inspiration in the region, as well as opening exciting possibilities for East-West partnerships. He highlights how both governments have achieved “a series of agreements on issues that represent real progress in how we can do business together.”

Turkey is the number two country in Europe for talking on the phone and using the internet. Plus, mobile data usage in the youthful nation has increased fifteen-fold in just five years. Serhat Ozeren, Chairman of Turkey’s Internet Improvement Committee, the rapidly increasing importance of the sector to the nation’s development plans with World Report.

Confidence is high that Istanbul can be established as a major financial centre, first locally, then regionally, and eventually internationally. Artunç Kocabalkan, Chairman of Turkey’s Istanbul Financial Centre Initiative (IFC-I), speaks to World Report about the IFC-I’s role in making this plan an achievable reality and why investors should also have confidence in Istanbul’s potential status as a financial centre.

The Philippines has decided to take China to a UN arbitral tribunal to resolve a territorial dispute in the South China Sea, a move that many countries unbiasedly support

Economic growth is strong, social programs successful, and transparency improved. The Philippines is becoming more than just a picture-perfect vacation spot

A new era for business and investment in the Philippines has arrived, thanks to Fitch Ratings and S&P having lifted the country’s credit rating to investment grade (BBB-) with a stable outlook