KUALA LUMPUR: The government remains committed to enhance the country's competitiveness by further liberalisation and market driven policies, says Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

In his preface to the Economic Report released on Friday, Oct 23, the Prime Minister said the government remained committed to greater accountability and transparency.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Budget 2010 will lay the foundation for the new economic model and the formulation of the 10th Malaysia Plan.

The Economic Report released on Friday, Oct 23 said measures would be taken to move the country to a high-income economy.

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has revised downwards its forecast for the economy this year and expects gross domestic product (GDP) to contract at a smaller pace of 3% instead of shrinking by up to 4% under its earlier forecast.

SHANGHAI: China is risking property-market “bubbles” to encourage growth in the world’s third-largest economy, according to former Morgan Stanley Asian economist Andy Xie.

KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB-Mapletree Management Sdn Bhd (CMM) has completed the acquisition of Patimas Computers Bhd’s headquarters building for RM60 million.

The property, located in Technology Park Malaysia (TPM), Bukit Jalil, comprises a 2-storey purposed built Grade A office building with a gross area of 138,000 sq ft.

KUALA LUMPUR: Rent prices in the Brooklyn apartment market are showing signs of stability following swings in rents and vacancies underpinned by job losses, according to a report.

However, it is unlikely that the market has hit bottom yet, said real estate investment services firm Marcus & Millichap in their 4Q apartment research report.

KUALA LUMPUR: Following a 40% take-up rate of its Amarin Wickham green condominium project after the launch here on July 24, luxury property developer Amarin Group will launch the luxury freehold 21-unit project across the Causeway.

KUALA LUMPUR: Consumers in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa region stated one of the main reasons for saving is for property acquisition, according to the latest survey by MasterCard.

Apart from having an emergency stash, the other main reasons for putting money aside are for investing (46%), retirement (45%), and buying property (40%). 

SYDNEY: Australia’s housing affordability dropped 3.3% in 3Q as interest rates at half-decade low and government grants to first-time buyers fuelled demand and prices for property, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

LONDON: The worst of the global commercial property meltdown is over, although the recovery will be uneven as rebounding markets in Asia and Europe contrast with more subdued US conditions, a report said on Oct 21.

The rally is supported by the improving global economy, investor sentiment, market liquidity and corporate balance sheets, Jones Lang LaSalle Inc said in the report.