ReleaseWire

Taiwan's life insurance sector is among the largest in the world by any measurement, with 2014 premiums totalling USD81.4bn, and will continue to grow, passing USD100bn by 2017. Non-life business is far smaller at USD16bn in 2014, the majority of which is written by life insurers through health and personal accident insurance. In both sectors, the same three insurers, Cathay, Fubon and Nan Shan, control around 50% of gross premiums.

Following a year which BMI believes saw a mixed growth pattern across Russia's freight transport sector, 2014 will signal another tough year, with some of the freight modes forecast to decline or struggle to grow in terms of freight volumes.

This report is the result of Timetric's extensive market research covering the aggregates market in Switzerland. It contains detailed historic and forecast market value data for the aggregates market and its categories (construction sands, gravel & pebbles, crushed stone, chippings, waste-based aggregates and pre-coated aggregates), including data by domestic production, supply balance, existing stock, imports and exports. 'Aggregates in Switzerland to 2018: Market Databook' provides an overview and insight into the operating environment of the aggregates industry in Switzerland. It is an essential tool for companies active across the Swiss construction value chain and for new players who are considering entering the market.

This report is the result of Timetric's extensive market research covering the roofing products market in Qatar. It contains detailed historic and forecast market value data for the roofing products market and its categories (clay roofing products, slate tiles and bitumen roofing felts), including data by domestic production, supply balance, existing stock, imports and exports. 'Roofing Products in Qatar to 2018: Market Databook' provides an overview and insight into the operating environment of the roofing products industry in Qatar. It is an essential tool for companies active across the Qatari construction value chain and for new players who are considering entering the market.

Core Views

Our subdued forecasts for the UK power sector are a consequence of stalling investment in new thermal capacity and protracted uncertainty over government energy policy. While the UK's Energy Bill and the EMR have been signed into law , and there has been encouraging activity in the nuclear sector , many investors are unwilling to commit capital until market conditions improve a nd there is more clarity over energy policy and the outcome of the 2015 general election .

The Future of the Seasonings, Dressings & Sauces Market in Venezuela to 2018 is the result of Canadean's extensive market research. The report presents detailed analysis on the Seasonings, Dressings & Sauces consumption trends in Venezuela, historic and forecast Seasonings, Dressings & Sauces consumption volumes and values at market and category level, brand share and distribution channel data. This report brings together Canadean Intelligence's research, modeling and analysis expertise in order to develop uniquely detailed market data. This allows domestic and foreign companies to identify the market dynamics to account for Seasonings, Dressings & Sauces sales overall and to know which categories and segments are showing growth in the coming years.

After many years of economic uncertainty, and a catastrophic double-dip recession, Ireland's economy finally began growing again in the second quarter of 2013, and with it the travel and tourism market fared considerably better in 2013 than in 2012. Potential Irish tourists were less reluctant to book holidays, at home or abroad, with an increased feeling of confidence and this fed through to many categories of travel and tourism. Disposable incomes remained low, however, as a result of the...

Our view for modest positive growth within Kuwait's construction sector is playing out driven largely by the housing sector , with our 2015 forecast for year-on-year growth standing at 3.8%. Despite plenty of infrastructure project opportunities in Kuwait, the country's business environment has limited i nvestor interest. In comparison to its GCC neighbours, Kuwait's industry size is small and will experience more moderate growth rates. B etween 201 4 and 201 8 , BMI forecast s t he value of the Kuwaiti construction industry will increase in real terms by an average of 4.2% y-o-y, taking it from US D 3. 5 bn in 201 4 to US D 5 bn by 20 18 .

Transportation grew by 8% in value in 2013 to reach A$27 billion, up slightly from the value growth experienced in 2012. Most of this growth came from scheduled airlines, which grew 7%, fuelled by strong growth in both inbound and outbound travel, as well as domestic travel. With all three forms of travel delivering solid growth, and with an expansion of capacity keeping airfares down, growth in air travel was virtually assured. This was sadly not the case in relation to profitability.

Currency depreciation and a lack of access to credit on favourable terms resulted in a dramatic slowdown in consumer electronics spending in 2013, but we forecast a recover y from 2014 as the economic environment stabilises. BMI has a positive medium term outlook for Egypt's consumer electronics market, with a young population, low device penetration rates, rising incomes and the falling cost of devices to drive growth. We expect government, vendor and operator-led investment in supporting infrastructure such as telecoms networks and retail/distribution networks to further encourage growth and drive accelerating demand for connected devices such as smartphones and tablets. We expect total spending to increase at a CAGR of 6.1 % 2014-2018, with total spending expected to rise from USD 3.3 bn in 2014 to USD 4.0 bn in 2018.

GlobalData's new report, "Italy General Surgery Market Outlook to 2020", provides key market data on the Italy General Surgery devices market. The report provides value, in millions of US dollars, and volume (in units) within market categories - Bronchoscopes, Laryngoscopes, Ureteroscopes, Cystoscopes, Colonoscopes, Sigmoidoscopes, Esophagoscopes & Gastroscopes, Duodenoscopes, Laparoscopes, Hysteroscopes, Sinuscopes, Resectoscopes, Endoscopy Visualization Systems, Endoscopy Visualization System Components, Endoscopic Reprocessors, Endoscopy Fluid Management Systems, Capsule Endoscopy Systems, Surgical Generators, Bariatric Surgery Devices, Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices, Biopsy Devices, Hernia Repair, Non-Vascular Stents and Gynecological Devices.

This report is the result of Timetric's extensive market research covering the construction wood market in Bulgaria. It contains detailed historic and forecast market value data for the construction wood market and its categories (solid wood and wood-based panels), including data by domestic production, supply balance, existing stock, imports and exports. 'Construction Wood in Bulgaria to 2018: Market Databook' provides an overview and insight into the operating environment of the construction wood industry in Bulgaria. It is an essential tool for companies active across the Bulgarian construction value chain and for new players who are considering entering the market.

Travel accommodation grew by 5% for the second consecutive year in 2013, as Australian holidaymakers increasingly chose to holiday domestically, discouraged from outbound travel by the depreciation of the Australian dollar. At the same time, much of the growth in travel accommodation in Australia was due to a lack of growth in VFR travel in 2013. Consumers who in 2012 had been more inclined to stay at their relatives' homes are increasingly deciding to stay in travel accommodation, thereby putting upward pressure on travel accommodation.

Sales of sportswear start to rise intensely in Romania in 2012, increasing by 7% followed by a 9% rise in 2013, thanks to the growing interest among the population in sports, regular exercise, and other sports activities. The rising numbers of sports facilities help boost sales of sportswear in Romania. Several state financed programmes support the construction of public swimming pools, both in small and large urban areas as well as the construction of public gyms.

The debt relief plan, passed through parliament in late May 2014, will provide a short-term boost to consumption, at the expense of deteriorating external surpluses and reduced ability to meet external debt obligations.

The Future of the Feminine Hygiene Market in France to 2018 is the result of Canadean's extensive market research. The report presents detailed analysis on the Feminine Hygiene consumption trends in France, historic and forecast Feminine Hygiene consumption volumes and values at market and category level, brand share and distribution channel data. This report brings together Canadean Intelligence's research, modeling and analysis expertise in order to develop uniquely detailed market data. This allows domestic and foreign companies to identify the market dynamics to account for Feminine Hygiene sales overall and to know which categories and segments are showing growth in the coming years.

Belgium's Oil and Gas sector offers little upside for growth due to a lack of indigenous reserves. A small amount of unconventional exploration may be possible targeting Belgium's coal-bed methane, but the potential exit of one of the country's key energy companies is likely to negatively impact the rate of development. Belgium is expected to remain dependant on imports throughout the forecast period with limited potential to attract any major investment in the near term despite mature infrastructure in the country.

As is occurring in other mature categories, in sauces, dressings and condiments manufacturers are pursuing product innovation and promoting alternative packaging types that meet the trend towards convenience, a faster cooking process, but also enjoyment. Across the different categories, traditional packaging types are witnessing the rise of alternatives pursued by manufacturers to generate a visual impact but also growth despite market maturity.

In 2013, jeans recorded positive growth in all price segments in both current value and volume terms. Current fashion trends effectively served to reinvigorate demand for jeans in Germany, with sales increasing by 2% in current value terms and 1% in volume terms. Both volume and value sales were driven by a diverse mix of styles, such as ripped jeans as well as slim fit cuts. The trend for coloured jeans did not show any signs of fading and according to industry experts continued to resonate well with a large group of consumers. In Germany, slim cut styles were particularly popular in 2013 among both male and female consumers.

The continued use of monetary and fiscal stimulus measures by the Chinese government at the expense of structural reforms suggests that near-term growth in China's infrastructure and construction sectors could be stronger than previously expected. That said, we still expect China's construction and infrastructure sectors to experience a structural slowdown over the long-term. The key reason for this outlook is because we believe that the basis for this increase in fixed asset investment is through the increase in liquidity in China's financial system, an unsustainable investment model due to the diminishing marginal return on expenditure.

Due to the healthy economy of the country, Singaporeans are experiencing increasingly-hectic lifestyles, which is supporting rising demand for convenience products, such as wipes. Wipes continued to perform strongly in 2013 with current value growth of 6%.

Attracted by the opportunities available brought by the growing middle class and improving economic conditions in the country, Chinese sportswear brands are growing in number. Following Li-Ning's entry in the second quarter of 2012, Erke was made available locally at SM Lanang Premiere by Juego Sports. Hengda Group Holdings Corp, meanwhile, aims to grow its brand, Vobu, as it partnered with local company, Sporteum Philippines Inc.

The report contains a detailed description of the power generation company's business operations, history, corporate strategy, and business structure. This report contains a detailed SWOT analysis, information on key employees (executives), and major products and services.

This report is the result of Timetric's extensive market research covering the construction wood market in Philippines. It contains detailed historic and forecast market value data for the construction wood market and its categories (solid wood and wood-based panels), including data by domestic production, supply balance, existing stock, imports and exports. 'Construction Wood in Philippines to 2018: Market Databook' provides an overview and insight into the operating environment of the construction wood industry in Philippines. It is an essential tool for companies active across the Philippine construction value chain and for new players who are considering entering the market.