AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

download AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

of 28

Transcript of AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    1/28

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    2/28

    www.cushmanwakefield.com

    We deliver

    world-class advice

    for owners and occupiers ofoffice, industrial, hospitality,

    retail and residential real estate

    3 Church Street

    #09-03 Samsung Hub

    Singapore 049483

    Telephone: (+65) 6535 3232

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    3/28

    The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmCham Singapore) and the U.S.

    Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with other AmChams in the ASEAN region, conducted

    a study among AmCham members of American businesses in seven Southeast Asiancountries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

    This study, now in its 11th year, builds on previous studies conducted by AmCham Singapore

    and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of the study was to understand members

    outlook on business growth and perceptions about a series of local factors in the ASEAN

    region. The members surveyed were senior executives, working with for a companyies held by

    or with an American majority interests. For the rst time in 2012, multiple senior members from

    each U.S. company were asked to complete the survey.

    This regional report presents collective feedback received from senior members of: The

    American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, TheAmerican Cambodian Business Council, The American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, The

    American Chamber of Commerce of The Philippines, The American Chamber of Commerce in

    Indonesia, The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, and The American Chamber of

    Commerce in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi).

    INTRODUCTION

    CONTENTS

    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    The outlook on investment opportunities in ASEAN is good across the region, with 92% of

    respondents indicating a positive outlook, with 70% of respondents plan to expand theirbusiness in ASEAN.

    Expansion is expected to continue region-wide. The most popular location for expansion

    is Vietnam, followed by Thailand.

    Companies view ASEAN economic integration as very important, yet are sceptical that

    ASEAN will achieve its ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) goals by 2015.

    Fewer than half of the respondents say they can utilize the provisions of ASEANs free

    trade agreements with major trading partners, including China, India, Japan, Australia

    & New Zealand, and South Korea. Large majorities indicated that those agreements are

    important to their future investment plans in the region.

    Corruption continues to be the most signicant concern across the region. In addition,

    housing costs emerged as a new concern this year, most prominent in Singapore.

    02 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK04 ASEAN INTEGRATION AND FTAS06 BUSINESS EXPANSION IN ASEAN10 STRENGTHS AND CHALLENGES11 WORKFORCE EXPANSION11 EXPATRIATE SATISFACTION14 CAMBODIA REPORT HIGHLIGHTS15 INDONESIA REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

    16 MALAYSIA REPORT HIGHLIGHTS17 PHILIPPINES REPORT HIGHLIGHTS18 SINGAPORE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS19 THAILAND REPORT HIGHLIGHTS20 VIETNAM REPORT HIGHLIGHTS21 SURVEY METHODOLOGY21 PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS23 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

    01

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    4/28

    02

    ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

    INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY IN ASEANASEANs economic outlook continues to be positive after the volatility of the past few years.

    More than nine in ten business executives (92%) have a positive or very positive outlook on

    the investment opportunities for their company in the ASEAN region. Respondents in both the

    services and manufacturing sectors were equally positive, at 90%.

    At least 84% of respondents indicate a positive outlook for the region as a whole.

    Respondents in Cambodia and Indonesia have the most optimistic outlooks of all countries

    surveyed, with 100% reporting a positive or very positive outlook, while those in the

    Philippines are nearly as optimistic (96% positive or very positive).

    Very positive Somewhat positive Neutral Negative

    ASEAN Investment Opportunity Outlook

    55% 37% 6% 1%

    Regional

    Total

    Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Thailand Indonesia Cambodia

    ASEAN Investment Opportunity Outlook (By Country)

    6%

    1%

    37%

    55%

    5%

    2%

    37%

    56%

    7%

    0%

    47%

    47%

    9%

    0%

    41%

    49%

    3%0%

    38%

    58%

    13%

    2%

    38%

    47%

    0%

    32%

    68%

    0%

    19%

    81%

    Negative Neutral Positive Very PositiveVery Negative

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    5/28

    03

    90% of survey respondents expect their companies trade and investment to increase in theASEAN region over the next ve years. 27% expect the level to increase signicantly.

    PROFIT OUTLOOKThe majority of respondents (70%) expect their companies prots to increase in 2012 and

    85% expect a prot increase in 2013.

    Level o Trade/Investment in ASEAN Past 2 Years

    25% 54% 17% 3%

    Increase signicantly Increase Stay at about the same level Decrease

    Increase signicantly Increase Stay at about the same level Decrease

    Level o Trade/Investment in ASEAN Next 5 Years

    27% 63% 8% 1%

    2012 Decrease 2012 Remain 2012 Increase 2013 Decrease 2013 Remain 2013 Increase

    Compared to 2011, do you expect your profts in ASEAN to increase,decrease, or remain the same in 2012 and 2013?

    Regional Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Thailand Indonesia Cambodia

    Business executives report strong increases in the level of investment by their company

    in the ASEAN region. 79% of respondents indicate that their companys level of trade and

    investment in the ASEAN region has increased in the past two years. One quarter of the

    respondents say it has increased signicantly, while 17% say it has stayed about the same,

    and 3% say it has decreased.

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    6/28

    04

    FINANCING AND COSTS OF BORROWINGThe percentage of respondents experiencing signicant nancing constraints has decreased

    over the past three years, from 24% in 2009 to 20% in 2011 and 19% in 2012. Regional

    experiences with costs of borrowing remained similar to those of the past two years, with

    much variance across the region.

    IMPORTANCE OF ASEAN INTEGRATIONASEAN economic integration is valuable to majority of respondents, with 65% reporting that

    this integration is important to helping their companies do business in the region. Of all the

    countries surveyed, executives in Vietnam had the highest positive response rate (76%).

    2009 2010 2011 2012

    Percentage o respondents acing signifcant fnancing constraints

    RegionalTotal

    Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Thailand Indonesia Cambodia

    2009 2010 2011 2012

    Percentage o respondents acing higher costs o borrowing

    Regional

    Total

    Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Thailand Indonesia Cambodia

    Yes No

    Is ASEAN integration important to helping your company do business in the region?

    Regional Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Thailand Indonesia Cambodia

    ASEAN INTEGRATION AND FTAs

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    7/28

    05

    ASEAN REGIONAL AGREEMENTSBusiness executives in the ASEAN region consider each of the ve regional agreements

    assessed to be important to their companys investment plans in the region. Importance

    ratings range from 64% for the Framework Agreement on Services to 55% on the

    Comprehensive Investment Agreement.

    ASEAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENTSFewer than half of business executives surveyed say their company can utilize the provisions

    of ASEANs free trade agreements with major trading partners. 47% of respondents report

    that their companies can use the provisions of the ASEAN-China agreement, while 30% can

    do so under the Korea agreement.

    The data below shows the responses for each agreement.

    Can your company utilize the provisions o the agreement toexport goods or services rom ASEAN to the specifed country?

    Not Sure No Yes

    Australia &

    New Zealand

    China India Japan Korea

    Importance o ASEAN Regional Agreements

    Important Neutral / Not Important / Not Sure

    64%

    61%

    60%

    58%

    55%

    36%

    39%

    40%

    42%

    45%

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    8/28

    06

    However, the majority of respondents consider the ASEAN Free Trade Agreements to be

    either important or extremely important to their investment plans in the region.

    LOCATION OF BUSINESS EXPANSION IN ASEANVietnam is by far the most popular location for expansion, receiving 57% of responses.

    Thailand is the second most popular location at only 11%. No respondents indicated that

    their top location for expansion was Brunei.

    BUSINESS EXPANSION IN ASEAN

    Importance o ASEAN FTAs

    Australia and

    New Zealand

    China India Japan Korea

    Not at all Important Not Important Neutral Important Extremely Important

    Location o Expansion in ASEAN

    Vietnam Thailand Singapore Philippines Indonesia Myanmar Cambodia Malaysia Laos

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    9/28

    07

    DIVERSIFYING OPERATIONS FROM CHINA TO ASEANIn this years survey, signicantly more respondents reported that their companies are

    planning to diversify some investments or business from China into ASEAN over the next twoyears than when asked in 2011. Vietnam is the only country in which fewer respondents plan

    to diversify investments away from China in 2012.

    BUSINESS DIRECTION IN MYANMARThe large majority of respondents (72%) either support or strongly support the United States

    governments decision to suspend some sanctions currently placed on Myanmar. Only 2% ofthe respondents are in opposition to suspending sanctions. Respondents based in Cambodia

    are the strongest supporters, with 81% indicating either support or strong support.

    Yes 2011 Yes 2012

    Does your company plan to diversiy some investments or business rom China intoASEAN Over the Next Two Years?

    Regional Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Thailand Indonesia Cambodia

    Strongly Oppose Oppose Neutral Support Strongly Support

    Please indicate how you eel about the United States government suspendingsanctions on Myanmar

    Regional Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Thailand Indonesia Cambodia

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    10/28

    08

    33% of respondents are either currently exporting, planning to export, or considering

    exporting. Vietnam and Thailand had the largest numbers of respondents considering

    exporting to Myanmar, at 22% and 21%, respectively.

    35% of respondents currently invest in Myanmar or planning or considering doing so in the

    future. In Cambodia, 31% of respondents are currently investing or planning to invest, making

    it the country with the highest interest.

    Not Sure Do not export and no plans

    to export

    Considering Exporting Planning to Export Currently Exporting

    Which one o the ollowing best describes your export activity with Myanmar?

    Regional Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Thailand Indonesia Cambodia

    Not Sure Do not invest and currently

    no plans to invest

    Considering investing Planning to invest Currently investing

    Investment activity with Myanmar

    Regional Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Thailand Indonesia Cambodia

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    11/28

    09

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    12/28

    10

    LOCAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTExcluding respondents from Singapore, corruption and laws and regulations continue to be

    sources of dissatisfaction for respondents, similar to ndings in 2011, 2010, and 2009. In fact,

    corruption was the highest source of dissatisfaction for all countries except Singapore andMalaysia.

    Sentiment towards the U.S. remains highly positive across the ASEAN region and is a major

    strength in every country, with satisfaction above 50%.

    Respondents across the region are also satised with personal security in all the countries with

    the exception of Malaysia, in which responses were mixed.

    STRENGTHS AND CHALLENGES

    Factors Regional Malaysia Philippines Singapore Thailand Vietnam Indonesia Cambodia

    Infrastructure 57% 90% 40% 94% 51% 57% 74% 44%

    Availability of raw materials 52%

    Availability of low cost labor 73% 40% 55% 71% 69%

    Availability of trained

    personnel/efcient

    manpower

    50% 78% 61% 44% 50%

    Ofce lease costs 72% 60% 48% 56% 58% 56%

    Housing cost 44% 77% 51% 55%

    Laws and regulations 55% 43% 86% 56% 59% 61% 44%

    Corruption (or lack of) 46% 48% 73% 88% 64% 77% 87% 81%

    Local protectionism

    (or lack of)71%

    Tax Structure 55% 83% 47%

    Personal security 74% 58% 96% 69% 72% 52% 56%

    Stable government and

    political system64% 62% 53% 94% 60% 62% 52% 75%

    New business incentives by

    government62%

    Ease of moving products

    through customs66% 65% 52%

    Free movement of goods

    within the region66% 62% 56%

    Sentiment towards the U.S. 70% 76% 83% 75% 56% 68% 58% 75%

    Strength: 50% or greater satisfaction rate Concern: 40% or greater dissatisfaction

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    13/28

    11

    EXPAT ASSIGNMENT SATISFACTIONThe majority of respondents (51%) stated that their companies regularly receive requests

    from employees based in other locations to work in their response location. This is an

    increase from 39% in 2011 and 2010.

    EXPATRIATE SATISFACTION

    Does your company regularly receive requests rom employees based in otherlocations to work in your response location?

    Yes 2010 Yes 2011 Yes 2012

    Regional Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Thailand Indonesia Cambodia

    OVERALL WORKFORCE BY COUNTRYThe majority of respondents (60%) predict an increase in their companies ASEAN overall

    workforce. Only 4% expect a decrease, while 36% expect it to remain about the same. This

    data is comparable with 2011 data.

    WORKFORCE EXPANSION

    Decrease Same Increase

    Do you expect your total number o employees in the response location toincrease, decrease, or remain about the same in 2012?

    Regional Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Thailand Indonesia Cambodia

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    14/28

    12

    EXPAT SATISFACTION IN RESPONSE LOCATIONSatisfaction rates remain high at 96%, a slight increase from the past two years.

    REQUESTS FOR EXTENSION OF ASSIGNMENTSResults show that, in most countries, increasing numbers of expatriate employees attempt

    to extend their time in their response location within ASEAN. In 2012, Thailand was the only

    country in which fewer respondents stated that expatriate employees attempt to extend their

    time there.

    Do your expatriate employees attempt to extend their time in your response location?

    Yes 2010 Yes 2011 Yes 2012

    Regional Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Thailand Indonesia Cambodia

    Are your expatriate employees generally satisfed with their assignments inyour response location?

    Yes 2010 Yes 2011 Yes 2012

    Regional Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Thailand Indonesia Cambodia

    EXPATRIATE SATISFACTION

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    15/28

    13

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    16/28

    14

    Outlook or Investment Opportunitiesin ASEAN

    Proft Outlook 2012

    Proft Outlook 2013

    CAMBODIA

    Target Countries for Business Expansion

    Myanmar Cambodia Vietnam Laos

    Major Strengths

    (% Satised)

    Major Concerns

    (% Dissatised)

    Stable government and

    political system (75%)

    Corruption (81%)

    Sentiment towards the

    U.S. (75%)

    Availability of trained

    personnel/efcient

    manpower (50%)

    Availability of low costlabor (69%)

    Laws and Regulations(44%)

    Personal security (56%) Infrastructure (44%)

    Ofce lease costs (56%)

    Free movement of goodswithin the region (56%)

    BUSINESS OUTLOOK

    ASEAN Economic Outlook: All respondents maintain a positive or

    very positive outlook for the ASEANregion as an investment opportunity fortheir companies.

    Current Business Climate:

    Percentage of respondents facingsignicant nancing constraintsdecreased from 28% in 2011 to 13% in2012.

    The majority of respondents (73%) are notfacing higher costs of borrowing in 2012.

    Importance of ASEAN Markets in GlobalBusiness:

    69% of respondents reported thatASEAN markets have increased inimportance to their companies in the pasttwo years.

    Most respondents (75%) expect ASEANimportance to continue to increase in thenext two years.

    Business Direction and Movement inASEAN:

    75% of respondents plan to expand theircompanies business in ASEAN.

    Prot Outlook:

    88% expect a prot increase in 2012.

    88% expect a prot increase in 2013.

    Workforce Expansion:

    69% expect a workforce increase in 2012.

    27% expect an increase of 5 to 10%.

    27% expect an increase of 15 to 20%.

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    17/28

    15

    BUSINESS OUTLOOK

    ASEAN Economic Outlook: All respondents in Indonesia indicated

    a positive or very positive outlook forthe ASEAN region as an investmentopportunity for their companies.

    Current Business Climate:

    Respondents facing signicant nancingconstraints decreased from 22% in 2011to 13% in 2012.

    The large majority of respondents (74%) arenot facing higher costs of borrowing in 2012.

    Importance of ASEAN Markets in GlobalBusiness:

    84% of respondents reported thatASEAN markets have increased inimportance to their companies in the pasttwo years.

    Most respondents (84%) also expect ASEANimportance to increase in the next two years.

    Business Direction and Movement inASEAN:

    81% of respondents plan to expand theircompanies in ASEAN.

    Prot Outlook:

    77% expect a prot increase in 2012.

    90% expect a prot increase in 2013.

    Workforce Expansion:

    58% expect a workforce increase in 2012.

    28% expect an increase of 20 to 50%.

    Target Countries for Business Expansion

    Outlook or Investment Opportunitiesin ASEAN

    Proft Outlook 2012

    Proft Outlook 2013

    INDONESIA

    Vietnam Indonesia Myanmar Singapore

    Major Strengths

    (% Satised)

    Major Concerns

    (% Dissatised)

    Availability of low cost

    labor (71%)

    Corruption (87%)

    Ofce lease costs (58%) Infrastructure (74%)

    Sentiment towards U.S.

    (58%)

    Local protectionism

    (71%)

    Housing costs (55%) Laws and Regulations

    (61%)

    Ease of moving productsthrough customs (52%)

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    18/28

    16

    BUSINESS OUTLOOK

    ASEAN Economic Outlook: 94% of respondents maintain a positive

    or very positive outlook for the ASEANregion as an investment opportunity fortheir companies.

    Current Business Climate:

    Respondents facing signicant nancingconstraints decreased from 15% in 2011to 3% in 2012.

    There has been a decrease in those facinghigher costs of borrowing, from 37% in 2011to 13% in 2012.

    Importance of ASEAN Markets in GlobalBusiness:

    53% of respondents report that ASEANmarkets have increased in importance totheir companies in the past two years.

    The majority of respondents (60%)expect ASEAN importance to increase inthe next two years.

    Business Direction and Movement in

    ASEAN: 70% of respondents companies plan to

    expand in ASEAN, and none expect tocontract.

    Prot Outlook:

    70% expect a prot increase in 2012.

    80% expect a prot increase in 2013.

    Workforce Expansion:

    50% expect a workforce increase in 2012.

    40% expect an increase of 5-10%.

    Target Countries for Business Expansion

    Outlook or Investment Opportunitiesin ASEAN

    Proft Outlook 2012

    Proft Outlook 2013

    MALAYSIA

    Vietnam Thailand Indonesia Malaysia Philippines

    Major Strengths

    (% Satised)

    Major Concerns

    (% Dissatised)

    Infrastructure (90%) Corruption (48%)

    Sentiment towards U.S.(76%)

    Personal security (38%)

    Ofce Lease Costs

    (72%)

    Housing costs (31%)

    Free movement of goods

    within the region (66%)

    Ease of moving yourproducts through

    customs (66%)

    Stable government and

    political system (62%)

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    19/28

    17

    BUSINESS OUTLOOK

    ASEAN Economic Outlook: 92% of respondents maintain a positive

    or very positive outlook for the ASEANregion as an investment opportunity fortheir companies.

    Current Business Climate:

    Respondents facing signicant nancingconstraints decreased from 24% in 2011to 18% in 2012.

    Most respondents (80%) are not facinghigher costs of borrowing in 2012.

    Importance of ASEAN Markets in GlobalBusiness:

    63% of respondents reported thatASEAN markets have increased inimportance to their companies in the pasttwo years.

    The majority of respondents (58%)expect ASEAN importance to increase inthe next two years.

    Business Direction and Movement in

    ASEAN: 83% of respondents companies plan to

    expand in ASEAN.

    Prot Outlook:

    73% expect a prot increase in 2012.

    88% expect a prot increase in 2013.

    Workforce Expansion:

    75% expect a workforce increase in 2012.

    30% expect an increase of 20 to 50%. Major Strengths(% Satised)

    Major Concerns

    (% Dissatised)

    Sentiment towards the

    U.S. (83%)

    Corruption (73%)

    Availability of trained

    personnel/efcient

    manpower (78%)

    Laws and Regulations

    (43%)

    Availability of low costlabor (73%)

    Ease of moving productsthrough customs (43%)

    Ofce lease costs (60%) Infrastructure (40%)

    Target Countries for Business Expansion

    Outlook or Investment Opportunitiesin ASEAN

    Proft Outlook 2012

    Proft Outlook 2013

    PHILIPPINES

    Philippines Vietnam Singapore IndonesiaThailand Myanmar

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    20/28

    18

    BUSINESS OUTLOOK

    ASEAN Economic Outlook: 93% of respondents maintain a positive

    or very positive outlook for the ASEANregion as an investment opportunity fortheir companies.

    Current Business Climate:

    Respondents facing signicant nancingconstraints rose slightly from 14% in2011 to 17% in 2012.

    Most of respondents (75%) are not facinghigher costs of borrowing.

    Importance of ASEAN Markets in GlobalBusiness:

    65% of respondents report that ASEANmarkets have increased in importance totheir companies in the past two years.

    Most respondents (69%) expect ASEANimportance to increase in the next twoyears.

    Business Direction and Movement inASEAN:

    81% of respondents companies expectto expand in ASEAN.

    Prot Outlook:

    70% expect a prot increase in 2012.

    85% expect a prot increase in 2013.

    Workforce Expansion:

    58% expect a workforce increase in 2012.

    33% expect an increase of 5 to 10%.

    22% expect an increase of 10 to 15%.

    Target Countries for Business Expansion

    SINGAPORE

    Indonesia MyanmarVietnam Singapore Thailand Philippines Malaysia

    Outlook or Investment Opportunitiesin ASEAN

    Proft Outlook 2012

    Proft Outlook 2013

    Major Strengths

    (% Satised)

    Major Concerns

    (% Dissatised)

    Personal Security (96%) Housing Costs (77%)

    Infrastructure (94%) Ofce Lease Costs (48%)

    Stable Government & Political

    System (94%)

    Availability of Low Cost

    Labor (40%)

    Corruption (88%)

    Laws and Regulations (86%)

    Tax Structure (83%)

    Sentiment Towards the U.S. (75%)

    Ease of Moving Products throughCustoms (65%)

    New Business Incentives Offeredby Government (62%)

    Free Movement of Goods within the

    Region (62%)

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    21/28

    19

    BUSINESS OUTLOOK

    ASEAN Economic Outlook: 85% of respondents indicated a positive

    or very positive outlook for the ASEANregion as an investment opportunity fortheir companies.

    Current Business Climate:

    Respondents facing signicant nancingconstraints decreased from 21% in 2011to 16% in 2012.

    The percentage of those facing highercosts of borrowing decreased signicantlyfrom 34% in 2012 to 11% in 2012.

    Importance of ASEAN Markets in GlobalBusiness:

    67% of respondents report that ASEANmarkets have increased in importance totheir companies in the past two years.

    A majority of respondents (64%) expectASEAN importance to increase in thenext two years.

    Business Direction and Movement in

    ASEAN: 65% of respondents companies expect

    to expand in ASEAN.

    Prot Outlook:

    73% expect a prot increase in 2012.

    84% expect a prot increase in 2013.

    Workforce Expansion:

    60% expect a workforce increase in 2012.

    33% expect an increase of 5 to 10%.

    Target Countries for Business Expansion

    Outlook or Investment Opportunitiesin ASEAN

    Proft Outlook 2012

    Proft Outlook 2013

    THAILAND

    SingaporeVietnam Thailand Myanmar Indonesia

    Major Strengths

    (% Satised)

    Major Concerns

    (% Dissatised)

    Personal security (69%) Corruption (64%)

    Ofce lease costs (56%) Stable government andpolitical system (60%)

    Sentiment towards the

    U.S. (56%)

    Laws and regulations

    (56%)

    Housing costs (55%) Tax structure (47%)

    Infrastructure (51%)

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    22/28

    20

    BUSINESS OUTLOOK

    ASEAN Economic Outlook: 90% of respondents maintain a positive

    or very positive outlook for the ASEANregion as an investment opportunity fortheir companies.

    Current Business Climate:

    Respondents facing signicant nancingconstraints doubled from 19% in 2011 to39% in 2012.

    A majority of respondents (62%) do notface higher costs of borrowing.

    Importance of ASEAN Markets in GlobalBusiness:

    72% of respondents report that ASEANmarkets have increased in importance totheir companies in the past two years.

    Most respondents (76%) expect ASEANimportance to increase in the next twoyears.

    Business Direction and Movement inASEAN:

    73% of respondents companies plan toexpand in ASEAN.

    Prot Outlook:

    57% expect a prot increase in 2012.

    82% expect a prot increase in 2013.

    Workforce Expansion:

    58% expect a workforce increase in 2012.

    52% expect an increase of 5 to 15%.

    Target Countries for Business Expansion

    Outlook or Investment Opportunitiesin ASEAN

    VIETNAM

    Laos Malaysia Brunei Philippines

    Proft Outlook 2012

    Proft Outlook 2013

    75%

    5% 5% 3% 3% 3% 2% 2% 2%

    CambodiaVietnam Myanmar Thailand Singapore

    Major Strengths

    (% Satised)

    Major Concerns

    (% Dissatised)

    Personal security (78%) Corruption (77%)

    Sentiment towards the

    U.S. (68%)

    Laws and Regulations

    (59%)

    Stable government and

    political system (62%)

    Infrastructure (57%)

    Availability of low costlabor (55%)

    Ease of moving productsthrough customs (43%)

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    23/28

    21

    SURVEY METHODOLOGY

    Sample Size A list of AmCham members from U.S. companies with e-mail

    contacts was provided by each AmCham:

    Cambodia: List of 66 members, response rate was 24% (16)

    Indonesia: List of 130 members, response rate was 24% (31)

    Malaysia: List of 224 members, response rate was 13% (30)

    Philippines: List of 238 members, response rate was 17% (40)

    Singapore: List of 1,103 members, response rate was 12% (127)

    Thailand: List of 238 members, response rate was 19% (45)

    Vietnam: List of 367 members, response rate was 18% (67)

    Overall: List of 2,366 members, response rate was 15% (356)

    Data Collection Method Web-based, self-administered survey. No enforcement on participation.

    Data Collection Period June 15, 2012 to July 3, 2012

    *Throughout the report, percentages on graphs may not add to 100% due to respondents

    selecting multiple answers, respondents selecting not sure, or incomplete entries in the

    data set.

    Note 1: For the rst time in 2012, multiple senior members of each U.S. company were askedto complete the survey.

    Note 2: There is only 2010-2012 data available for Cambodia.

    PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS

    In the 2012 ASEAN Business Outlook Survey, the largest represented country is

    Singapore, whose respondents consist of 36% of the total, followed by Vietnam, whose

    respondents make up 19% of the total sample. Cambodia is the least represented,

    making up 5% of the total population of respondents.

    59% of respondents are responsible for more than one country in the region and the

    largest portion of respondents primary activity is in the services sector (53%). 29% of

    respondents work in the manufacturing sector. The largest portion of respondents represent companies that have 50 to less than 500

    employees in the region.

    Refer to the next page for more information.

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    24/28

    22

    Country Region Thailand Singapore Malaysia Vietnam Philippines Indonesia Cambodia

    COUNTRY OF RESPONSIBILITY

    Only ONEcountry

    41% 40% 12% 37% 73% 63% 58% 81%

    Multiplecountries

    41% 41% 41% 41% 41% 41% 41% 41%

    PRIMARY ACTIVITIES

    Service 53% 45% 68% 28% 14% 69% 39% 56%

    Manufacturing 29% 34% 21% 55% 46% 12% 30% 19%

    Other 19% 18% 17% 17% 16% 23% 26% 25%

    SIZE OF WORKFORCE (NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES)

    Below 50 26% 36% 32% 17% 20% 25% 16% 19%

    50 to < 500 45% 36% 40% 47% 54% 45% 58% 56%

    500 to

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    25/28

    23

    This report was compiled and published by The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore

    and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

    Editor-In-Chief:

    Liyana Othman, Head of Communications & Corporate Relations, AmCham Singapore

    Editors:

    Anne Marie Brooks, Head of Regional and Public Affairs, AmCham Singapore

    John Goyer, Senior Director, Southeast Asia, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

    Brandt Williams, Government Relations Executive, AmCham Singapore

    Alex Stuart, Communications Executive, AmCham Singapore

    Research and Analysis:

    Bill Dalbec, Senior Director, APCO Insight

    Hannah Fornero, Government Relations Intern, AmCham Singapore

    Georgiy Lomsadze, Government Relations Intern, AmCham Singapore

    We would like to thank the following Executive Directors of the following AmChams in the

    region for their expertise and support:

    Jim Swander, The American Cambodian Business Council

    Sarah Howe, The American Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia

    Tim Garland, The American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce

    Rob Sears, The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines

    Judy Benn, The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand

    Adam Sitkoff, The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (Hanoi)

    Herb Cochran, The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City)

    We would also like to thank James Waller of Nathan Associates for his advice and guidance.

    For more information on the survey, visit www.amcham.org.sg/aseanoutlook.

    ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    26/28

    24

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    27/28

    01

  • 7/31/2019 AP1211131_Amcham_Report 20120903

    28/28