asia/australia
The course of affairs in this part of the world was determined to a large extent by a strong rise in
the prices of export products. This had a favourable effect on the available purchasing power and
thus on the demand for beer.
Total exports to the Asia/Australia area were at a higher level than in the previous year,
ff ingapore j Malaysia
In the past financial year agreement was reached with the government authorities in Malaysia for
a partial reduction of the recently implemented increase in the tax burden on beer. In the second
half of the year under review there was accordingly another sharp rise in beer sales.
In Singapore, however, the excise duties on beer were increased, as a result of which sales there
were adversely affected.
On balance the beer sales of Malayan Breweries Ltd. were only slightly higher than those for the
previous financial year.
Australian New Guinea I Papua
Sales of South Pacific Brewery Ltd., of Port Moresby, a subsidiary of Malayan Breweries Ltd.,
increased considerably compared with the previous year. In the meantime, a brewery has been
brought into operation in Port Moresby by a competing group.
New Zealand
Leopard Brewery Ltd., of Hastings, in which Malayan Breweries Ltd. has an interest, achieved a
modest increase in sales during the past year.
Indonesia
Partly owing to the favourable economic situation, the sales by P.T. Perusahaan Bir Indonesia,
of Surabaya, show a substantial increase. Trade and industry were confronted with a decline in
value of the rupiah, which is linked to the U.S. dollar, as well as with the phenomenon of inflation,
which for the first time for several years is again evident in Indonesia.
The construction of a second brewery near Jakarta has proceeded according to plan. The commis
sioning took place at the end of 1973.
Lebanon
Sales by Brasserie Malterie Almaza S.A.L., of Beirut, have once again increased. Contributions
to this were made both by the firm's own brand and by Amstel beer brewed under licence by
this brewery.
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