A round-up of public finance news stories from the Asia Pacific region you might have missed.
South Korea central bank cuts growth outlook
South Korea's central bank cut its 2014 economic growth estimate on Thursday, but reiterated Asia's fourth-largest economy is firmly on its way to recovery – even in the face of looming risks from the US fiscal impasse. (Reuters via CNBC)
Public service compo blows out to $200m
Western Australia’s public service workers compensation bill will increase to nearly $200m this year, with the government's insurer warning costs are rising much quicker than inflation because of higher public sector wages, soaring medical bills and legal costs. (Yahoo)
Young entrepreneurs to get something from Malaysia's 2014 Budget
The Malaysian government is expected to announce a framework designed to assist and mentor youth in social entrepreneurship in the upcoming Budget, Finance Ministry director general Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah said. (Free Malaysia Today)
Indian finance ministry asks public sector banks to increase rural ATMs
State-run banks in India have installed only 5,726 ATMs by end of August as against the target to install 34,668 by the end of March 2014. (Business Standard)
Off-budget financing of infrastructure projects in Thailand
BLOG: Thailand’s opposition Democrats basically agree on the need for infrastructure spending although they differ on exactly what to spend it on. (Asian Correspondent)
Manila casinos taking on Singapore hinges on tax
Macau casino mogul Lawrence Ho said gambling revenue in the Philippines ‘could easily’ double to $4bn in a couple of years, setting the stage to challenge Singapore as Asia’s second-biggest gaming hub. However, the government must decide how to tax casino developers, he said. (Bloomberg)
