Asia Briefing - English Magazine - ASEAN Investment Horizons: Key Industries for AEC 2015

In this issue

ASEAN is synonymous with integration. Whether in terms of the closely-knit economies of the ASEAN-6, the narrowing gap between these and CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) in the lead up to ASEAN Economic Community 2015, or even more ambitious proposals such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) or Trans-Pacific Partnership, the leaders of Southeast Asia have shown unflagging commitment to making transnational trade a defining feature of the region.

Unsurprisingly, the ten-nation bloc has been high on the watchlist of foreign investors, especially against the backdrop of China’s declining competitiveness. But with upwards of $US1.5 trillion in trade flowing through the region annually and a combined GDP of nearly US$2.5 trillion, deciding how and where to bring your business into ASEAN can be a bewildering exercise. Cognizant of the risks involved in any foreign investment venture, Dezan Shira & Associates offers insight pooled from our established presence in Vietnam and Singapore, and partner firms throughout the region.

In this issue of Asia Briefing, we forecast the effects of ASEAN Economic Community on foreign investment into the region in the lead up to 2015. Following this, we highlight what is happening in some of ASEAN’s hottest industries for investment, including electronics, information and communications technology, textiles and medical devices. Lastly, we examine the growing potential of bilateral trade between ASEAN and India in light of recent historic developments in the latter.

For a comprehensive list of trade agreements ASEAN is signatory to, as well as the latest updates on regulatory, legal and tax issues affecting investment in the region, please log on to our website at www.aseanbriefing.com.