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A brief guide to ASEAN & the
Asian Economic Community

Avondale Investment Management (UK)
“ Inspired Investment Solutions”
A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR
Upon my travels and my new life here in SE Asia, I have come across many successful and
erudite businessmen from overseas. Inevitably after exchanging pleasantry’s the subject of
what line of profession both parties work in always comes to the forefront?
When the discussion gets around to potential investment opportunities in SE Asia, I always
ask the question have you heard about ASEAN and the forthcoming Asian Economic
Community of 2015.
Inevitably there is a disappointing common thread to all of their answers and just as in life, in
today’s competitive global business world, ignorance is not bliss and can at best most
certainly lead to a missed business opportunity.
Of course the vision of a region of 620 million people with a gross domestic product of £1.35
trillion as a single market and production base. Is already compelling enough for many multinational companies such as Ford, Chevron, Samsung, BMW, Honda, and Philipp’s, (to name
but a few) to have already set up strategic bases across the regions ten member states.
However, what about the rest of the international business community and what about
organisations such as SME’s?
So what actually is ASEAN and what is the forthcoming Asian Economic Community of 2015
and perhaps more importantly for all of those erudite businessmen who feel ignorance is
bliss ……..what will be the potential opportunities for foreign investment within the AEC in
just two years’ time?
Well with the aforementioned questions in mind the brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian
Economic Community is designed to answer all of those questions and more and is written
as an easy to use and quick reference guide to the subject.
The guide covers the most common topics relating to the subject matter and includes a brief
history of ASEAN and a historical timeline of key events. In addition, there is information
pertaining to ASEAN’s structure, abiding philosophy and aims, ASEAN’s global trade
statistics, ASEAN’s affiliate partners and an introduction, and critical analysis of the
forthcoming AEC.
The guide also has a table of member state information including links to each member
states foreign affairs government website.
It should be stressed that this guide is intended to be a handy aid memoir for overseas
investors and is no way meant to be definitive but then what guide is!
Finally, this guide is the result of many long hours of dedicated hard work carried out by the
author and I would like to personally thank you for taking the time out to read this guide.

Tony Randall
A brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community

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Authors note and Copyright
A brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community
Authors note
Every possible effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this guide is
accurate at the time of going to press, and the author and publishers cannot accept
responsibility for any errors or omissions, however, caused. No responsibility for loss or
damage occasioned to any person acting, or refraining from action, as a result of the
material in this publication can be accepted by the editor, the publisher, or author.
Copyright
The right of Antony Randall to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by
his accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted in any form or
by any means, stored in a retrieval system without the prior written permission of either the
author or publisher, or in the case of reprographic reproduction a license issued in
accordance with the terms and licenses issued by Avondale Investment Management UK .
Avondale Investment Management Limited 2013

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A brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community
List of Contents

1. Commentary page 1
2. A brief history of ASEAN pages 1 to 2
3. ASEAN and AEC timeline pages 2 to 3
4. ASEAN’s abiding philosophy and aims pages 3 to 4
5

ASEAN’s Vision page 4

6. ASEAN’s guiding principles and goals page 4
7. The three pillars page 4
8. Structure of ASEAN page 5
9. ASEAN plus six page 5
10. ASEAN plus six and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership page 6
11. Asian Economic Community pages 6 to 14
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Introduction pages 6 to 7
What to expect page 7
Benefits pages 7 to 8
Progress pages 8 to 9
Working towards the AEC free market – the challenges pages 9 to 10
The big issue of Myanmar pages 10 to 11
Conclusion pages 11 to 14

12. Appendices pages 15 to 24
1.
2.
3.
4.

Appendix I ASEAN’s growing investment potential page 16
Appendix II Member states - general information pages 17 to 21
Appendix III ASEAN – Secretariat Organisational Structure page 22
Appendix IV Asean – top ten global traders page 23

13. Bibliography pages 24 to 25
14. About the author pages 26 to 27

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A brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian
Economic Community
ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community
Commentary
There may come a point when people across Southeast Asia will wake up one morning at
the end of 2015 to find themselves part of one giant country with ten “provinces”.
Perhaps this maybe a grandiose perception of what the AEC, the Asian Economic
Community may turn out to be in just over two years’ time. However, there is no doubt that
the arrival of the AEC will force allot of people in SE Asia to adopt a less insular outlook.
The vision of a region of 620 million people with a gross domestic product of £1.35 trillion as
a single market and production base is indeed a compelling one which is rapidly moving
towards reality. ASEAN’s top policymakers have spent years behind the scenes working out
ways to streamline and harmonise regulations to ensure that goods, services, capital and
people will be able to move freely from one member country another.
Indeed, the AEC has no shortage of cheerleaders among politicians and executives of
member states and corporations (including many international corporations), that are already
confident about the ability to hold their own in the wider world.
However, for many small businesses and the public at large, reactions range from suspicion
to fear and outright cluelessness. Clearly, a lot of work remains to be done on the public
relations side to ensure that all of the regions citizens will be comfortable in their new bigger
home. (See also Appendix I Graphic - ASEAN’s Growing Investment Potential at the
end of this guide).
A brief History of ASEAN
Much of Southeast Asia was colonised by Western powers prior to World War II. During the
war Japan took control of the region, but was forced out following the war as Southeast Asia
countries pushed for independence. Though they were independent, the countries found that
stability was hard to come by, and they soon looked to each other for answers.
(Opposite left, map of the current
ASEAN Community’s ten member
countries).
In 1961 the Philippines, Malaysia,
and Thailand came together to form
the Association of Southeast Asia
(ASA), a precursor to ASEAN. Six
years later in 1967, the members of
ASA, along with Singapore and
Indonesia, created ASEAN, forming a
block that would push back at the
dominating western pressure.

The Bangkok Declaration was discussed and agreed upon by the five leaders of those
countries over golf and drinks (they later dubbed it "sports-shirt diplomacy"). Importantly, it is
this informal and interpersonal manner that characterises Asian politics.
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Brunei joined in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995, Laos, and Burma (now Myanmar) in
1997, and Cambodia in 1999. Today there are ten member countries of ASEAN: Brunei
Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand, and Vietnam. (See also Appendix II ASEAN members table of information)
ASEAN and AEC formation timeline of key events and historical milestones
Year

Key Event /Milestone

ASEAN is established
1967
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN was established in Bangkok by the
five original Member Countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and
Thailand.
First ASEAN summit held and Bali Concord I agreement reached
1976
The First ASEAN summit was held in February 1976 in Bali. At this summit, ASEAN
expressed its readiness to "develop fruitful relations" and mutually beneficial co-operation
with other countries of the region. The ASEAN leaders signed the Treaty of Amity and
Cooperation in Southeast Asia which is also commonly known as the Bali Concord I.
1977
Japan’s PM Fukuda visited five of the six member ASEAN nations and in a conference in
Manila promised SE Asia that Japan renounced forever aggression against its neighbours.
This key political statement made on behalf of the Japanese people by their Prime Minister
Pat the time was to become known as the ‘Fukuda Doctrine’.
1978
First ASEAN-European Economic Community ministerial meeting held in Brussels.
First tentative steps towards AEC
1992
Singapore, six ASEAN members - Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand, and Brunei agree to remove import taxes on 8,000 goods. They actually meet the
deadline in 2010.
ASEAN Regional Forum Formed
1994
ASEAN establishes the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which is focused on security
interdependence in the Asia-Pacific region. Besides ASEAN member states, the present
participants include Australia, Canada, China, European Union, India, Japan, South
Korea, North Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Russian
Federation and the United States.
1997
First meeting of ASEAN plus Three,(dialogue partners) comprising leaders of the ten
ASEAN members and their counterparts from East Asia -- China, Japan, and South Korea.
Chiang Mai Initiative agreement
2000
The Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI) was set up by the group to assist East Asian countries
defend their currencies and economy’s in times of future liquidity crises. The initiative came
in response to the 1997 East Asian financial crisis. ASEAN, China, Japan, and South
Korea launched the multilateral arrangement of currency swaps (CMI).
Bali Concord II
2003
Members adopt the Bali Concord II (adopted from the original 1997 proposal of Asean
integration known as the Asean Vision 2020). The new concord calls for the establishment
of the Asean Economic Community supported by three pillars - political and security
cooperation, economic cooperation and, social-cultural cooperation. ASEAN members met
for a two day summit in Tokyo and Japan joins the ASEAN bloc in a pledge to expand
trade and join forces on regional security.
China – ASEAN Free Trade Accord
2004
The ASEAN bloc and China sign an accord to create the world's biggest free trade area by
removing tariffs for their 2 billion people by the end of the decade.
Inaugural meeting of ASEAN and plus 6 dialogue partners
2005
First meeting of the ASEAN plus Six, (ASEAN’s dialogue partners) and also called the East
Asia Summit, comprising the ASEAN countries plus China, Japan, South Korea, India,
Australia and New Zealand.
ASEAN bloc members agree charter to ratify the formation of the AEC
2007
ASEAN bloc signs charter giving its ten member states a legal identity, a first step towards
its aim of a free trade area by 2015.

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Year

Key Event /Milestone

ASEAN members establish the AEC
2008
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations moves to forge an EU-style free trade
community within a free market economy and a social community, signing a charter that
makes the bloc a legal entity for the first time and could pave the way for creating a single
market within seven years.
Japan and the bloc confirm that that they had finished signing a trade agreement after
several years of negotiations which will effectively tear down trade barriers between the
world's third largest economy and the ten member bloc of ASEAN.
2010
A free-trade agreement between China and the ASEAN bloc finally comes into effect. The
six richest members of the bloc scrap tariffs on 90% of goods. The four poorest member
country’s (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar) will not need to cut tariffs to the same
level until 2015.
Bali concord III agreement
2011
Bali Concord III - At the 19th ASEAN Summit on 17 November 2011 in Bali, the ASEAN
Leaders signed the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in a Global Community of
Nations, also known as the Bali Concord III. This is a response to the new reality that
today ASEAN as group, confronted by complex and dynamic 21st century global
challenges, which defy a single national solution and instead demand cooperation among
nations at all level, i.e. bilateral, regional, and global, simultaneously in order to respond
more effectively.
The Bali Concord III is a manifestation of ASEAN’s global outreach to contribute further in
a more coordinated, cohesive, and coherent manner. The action plan is to run parallel
along with the new AEC and it reflects ASEAN’s commitment to take an increasing role in
addressing global challenges. The group sets a period of ten years 2012 to 2022 to
achieve the goals as set out in the Bali Concord III.
The summit also brings together for the first time the ten member ASEAN bloc members
and) and the blocs eight dialogue partners. President Barack Obama became the first US
leader to attend an East Asia summit. Political leaders from eighteen nations discuss key
issues such as regional territorial disputes in the South China Sea, democratic reforms in
military-dominated Myanmar, mitigating natural disasters, currency, trade, and other issue.
ASEAN members on track to full economic community integration
2013
ASEAN’s four newer members - Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia, are scheduled to
lower their tariffs to zero, but with a flexible time frame up to 2025. The ten Asean
economies will liberalise the trade of goods, services (including skilled labour), and
investment to promote expansion of trade and investment, reduce disparities and lift
competitiveness as a group on the world stage by December 2015.

ASEAN’s abiding philosophy and aims
As set out in the ASEAN Declaration, the aims and philosophy of the group is as follows:
To accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region
through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the
foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian Nations;
To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of
law in the relationship among countries of the region and adherence to the principles of the
United Nations Charter;
To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the
economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific, and administrative fields;
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To provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities in the
educational, professional, technical and administrative spheres;
To collaborate more effectively for greater utilisation of all of the member states agriculture,
and industries. The expansion of the member states: trade, including the study of the
problems of international commodity trade, the improvement of their transportation, and
communication systems, and the raising of the living standards of their people.
ASEAN’s Vision
The ASEAN Vision 2020, adopted by the ASEAN Leaders on the 30th Anniversary of
ASEAN, agreed on a shared vision of ASEAN as a concert of Southeast Asian nations,
outward looking, living in peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together in partnership in
dynamic development and in a community of caring societies.
ASEAN’s Guiding Principles & Goals
According to the groups guiding document, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in
Southeast Asia (TAC), there are six fundamental principles members adhere to:
1. Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and
national identity of all nations.
2. The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference,
subversion, or coercion.
3. Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another.
4. Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner.
5. Renunciation of the threat or use of force.
6. Effective cooperation among themselves.
In 2003 the group agreed on the pursuit of three pillars, or, "communities":
1. Security Community: Apart from minor national boundary incidents, no international
armed conflicts have taken place among ASEAN’s members since its inception four
decades ago. Each member has agreed to resolve all conflicts by use of peaceful
diplomacy and without use of force.
2. Economic Community: Perhaps the most vital part of ASEAN's quest is to create a
free, integrated market in its region, much like that of the European Union. The ASEAN
Free Trade Area (AFTA) embodies this goal, eliminating virtually all tariffs (taxes on
imports or exports) in the region to increase competitiveness and efficiency. The
organization is now looking towards China, Japan, and India to open up their markets in
order to create the largest free market area in the world.
3. Socio-cultural Community: To combat the pitfalls of capitalism and free trade, namely,
disparity in wealth and job loss, the socio-cultural community focuses on disadvantaged
groups such as rural workers, women, and children. Various programmes are used to
this end, including those for HIV/AIDS, higher education, and sustainable development,
among others. The ASEAN scholarship is offered by Singapore to the other nine
members, and the University Network is a group of 21 higher education institutes that aid
each other in the region.

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Structure of ASEAN
There are a number of decision-making bodies that comprise ASEAN, spanning from
international to the very local. The most important are listed below:
1.
2.

3.
4.

5.

Meeting of the ASEAN Heads of State and Government: The highest body made up of
the heads of each respective government; meets annually.
Ministerial Meetings: Coordinates activities in many areas including agriculture and
forestry, trade, energy, transportation, science and technology, among others; meets
annually.
Committees for External Relations: Made up of diplomats in many of the world's major
capitals.
Secretary-General: The appointed leader of the
organisation empowered to implement policies
and activities; appointed to five year term. The
current Secretary General is currently Lê
Lương Minh of Vietnam, (Opposite Right).
Not mentioned above are over twenty five other
committees and one hundred and twenty
technical and advisory groups.

(See also Appendix III - Organisational Structure at the end of this guide).
Global Trade - (See Appendix IV table of top ten ASEAN traders at the end of this
guide)
In ascending order the top four global ASEAN trading partners are the European Union
(11.5%) USA (10.1%), China (10.1%) and Japan (9.5%) continue to be ASEAN’s largest
export markets (Q4 2011).
China (13.3%), Japan, (11.5%), followed by the EU (10.8%) and USA (9.3%), were
the largest sources of ASEAN imports as of again Q4 2011. Total trade with ASEAN top ten
trading partners in 2011 to Q4 amounted to 1.536$ billion (US) with trade in exports
amounting to 810$ billion (US). Imports amounted to 726$ billion (US) The balance of trade
deficit resulting in a surplus credit of 8.4$ billion.
ASEAN plus six
The ‘plus six’ in this instance refers to ASEAN’s
six dialogue partners who are as follows:
Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand,
and South Korea.
(Opposite left ASEAN plus six members)

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ASEAN plus six and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership - the ARCEP
Various free trade agreements already exist between the ASEAN bloc and the six dialogue
partners. However, most recently negotiations have taken place between both blocs to form
a single free market between all sixteen country members.
The proposed ASEAN Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (ARCEP) will form a
single market linking the nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus the six
dialogue nations i.e. Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea.
The market will cover over three billion people and boast a combined gross domestic
product of plus USD15 trillion, which is expected at least USD2.5 billion greater than the
European Union.
With cooperation expected to cover trade, investment, technology, and infrastructure,
ARCEP will also build on existing Free Trade Agreements between the ASEAN bloc and the
six dialogue partners.
The ARCEP negotiations are taking place in parallel with efforts to complete preparations for
the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community at the end of 2015.
The AEC, (more of which later) will create a single economic zone allowing the free flow of
goods, services, investment, skilled labour, and capital across the 10 ASEAN nations.
ASEAN Economic Community - AEC
Introduction
The ASEAN Leaders at their Summit in Kuala Lumpur in December 1997 decided to
transform ASEAN into a stable, prosperous, and highly competitive region with equitable
economic development, and reduced poverty and socio-economic disparities (ASEAN Vision
2020).
At the Bali Summit in October 2003, ASEAN Leaders declared that the ASEAN Economic
Community (AEC) shall be the goal of regional economic integration (Bali Concord II) by
2020.
In addition to the AEC, the ASEAN Security Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural
Community are the other two integral pillars of the envisaged ASEAN Community. All the
three pillars are expected to work in tandem in establishing the ASEAN Community by 2020.
Subsequently, the ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (AEM) held in August 2006 in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia, agreed to develop “a single and coherent blueprint for advancing the AEC
by identifying the characteristics and elements of the AEC by 2015.
This was to also be consistent with the Bali Concord II which set out clear targets and
timelines for implementation of various measures as well as pre-agreed flexibilities to
accommodate the interests of all ASEAN Member Countries.
At the 12th ASEAN Summit in January 2007, the Leaders affirmed their strong commitment
to accelerate the establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015 as envisioned in the

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ASEAN Vision 2020 and the ASEAN Concord II, and signed the Cebu Declaration on the
Acceleration of the Establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015.
In particular, the Leaders agreed to hasten the establishment of the ASEAN Economic
Community by 2015 and to transform ASEAN into a region with free movement of goods,
services, investment, skilled labour, and freer flow of capital.
What to expect
1. Free flow of goods – Eliminating existing non-tariff barriers through improvements in
the transparency of non-tariff measures, and the promulgation of rules and
regulations which conform to international standards and practices. Trade will be
facilitated through the harmonisation and standardised certification for goods of each
country. Tariffs on most goods items will fall to zero in all ten ASEAN economies.
Trade will be easier because of work already done to reduce procedural steps and
streamline examination of goods at customs points within member countries.
2. Free flow of investment – The full establishment of a free and open investment
regime, to boost competitiveness within ASEAN countries, and to attract flows of
investment to the economic bloc. Foreign direct investment in ASEAN will be
liberalised to allow holdings of up to 100% equity in the areas of agriculture, forestry,
fisheries, mining, and manufacturing. In services, shareholders from Asean will still
be capped at 70%. However, countries might want to preserve ownership in some
professions in accordance with their respective laws.
3. Free flow of trade – The removal of all restrictions relating to the provision of
services, and the formation of companies across the borders of the ten ASEAN
member states by 2015, subject to respective national regulations.
4. Free flow of skilled labour – Member countries are aiming to increase the mobility
of labour within the ASEAN region, by facilitating the issuance of visas and
employment passes for professionals and skilled labour, thus intensifying competition
for employment opportunities in the region by 2015. There will be better mobility for
professionals in seven fields– engineers, doctors, dentists, accountants, nurses,
surveyors, and architects. ASEAN will create standardised certification for those
professionals eligible to relocate. Movement of unskilled labour will still be subject to
the laws of member countries.
5. Free flow of capital – Fortify capital market development by harmonising financial
standards through the promulgation of regulations in areas such as the offering of
debt securities, and disclosure requirements, to enhance capital flows throughout the
region.
Benefits
Economic opening up among members will transform ASEAN into a single production and
market base, envisioning a free flow of goods, services, investment, and labour and a freer
flow of capital.
AEC members can benefit from tariff reductions on more goods such as vehicle tyres,
machinery, synthetic rubber, and petrochemicals.

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AEC creates new opportunities for members to expand export markets and production
bases. AEC members can benefit from different types of competitive advantage enjoyed by
each member, such as labour wages, culture, or natural resources, and increased
opportunities for direct foreign investment.
Progress
The official ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Scorecard, published by the ASEAN
Secretariat in May 2012, stipulated that ASEAN had achieved 67.5 per cent of its targets for
the 2008–11 period.
Overall, there has been significant progress in all areas, (pillars) of integration since the
establishment of the AEC in 2007.
Within the report there are obvious disparities in relation to how each area of integration has
progressed. For example while the fourth pillar of the blueprint, ‘integration into the global
economy’, was the best performer at 85.7 per cent, the first pillar on ‘single market and
production base’ was the worst performer, with 65.9 per cent over the same period.
The scores however are not surprising. In the last few years, ASEAN has signed
and implemented five FTA’s , (Free Trade Agreements) and has driven the expanded East
Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum to help tackle key security challenges
affecting the region.
In addition to the leaders’ meeting, the organisation has held summits with China, Japan,
South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and India. This raised the international profile
of ASEAN, especially in an era of East Asia-led global economic recovery. Nevertheless,
ASEAN faces several internal challenges related to non-tariff barriers, sticky labour laws,
lack of infrastructure, and a development gap among members.
A regional economic scorecard is expected to serve as an unbiased assessment tool to
measure the extent of integration among its members and the economic health of the region.
It is expected to provide relevant information about regional priorities and in this way foster
productive, inclusive, and sustainable growth. Moreover, scores create incentives for
improvement by highlighting what is working and what is not.
The AEC Scorecard is also a compliance tool that makes it possible to monitor the
implementation of ASEAN agreements and the achievement of milestones indicated in the
AEC Strategic Schedule.
So how far has ASEAN progressed in meeting its goal of full integration for all member
states by the end of 2015?

According to the press statement issued after the ninth AEC Council Meeting held in
Brunei Darussalam on the 28th of April this year, ASEAN ministers noted that 77.5 per
cent of measures under the AEC blueprint had already been implemented.
The AEC envisages that the key characteristics of the community as a single market and
production base, a highly competitive economic region, a region of equitable economic
development and a region fully integrated into the global economy will be achieved by
December 2015.
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However doubts remain that such an ambitious programme can be established let alone
completed by this date. Independent analysts and critics tend to agree that the challenges to
the realisation of the key characteristics of the AEC still remain intact and unchallenged.
Working towards the AEC free market – the challenges
A single market without borders, ASEAN has applied a common ASEAN visa system that
supports people-to-people contact and connectivity, yet Cambodia and Laos are not
included and Thailand has opted out.
Moreover, the majority of SME’s, (small-medium scale companies) throughout the region are
still unfamiliar with the single market visa scheme, with many not even knowing that the
scheme exists.
Travel and tourism , has become a significant service sector which has continued to boost
ASEAN’s economy and competitiveness, due to the strategic location of such country’s such
as Thailand, and other key factors such as affordability, climate, and diverse heritage and
culture’s.
The tourism sector accounts for 4.6 per cent of ASEAN’s total GDP and the sector employs
9.3 million people, who in turn contribute globally up to 9 per cent of combined GDP and
employment worldwide.
Nevertheless, this huge net contribution has not significantly improved the bloc’s
competitiveness. In fact the competitiveness index gap among ASEAN members is huge.
According to the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), Singapore is the highest (2 out of 144
countries) among ASEAN countries Malaysia is second highest at 25 and Cambodia is the
lowest at 85. Indonesia’s rank is 50.
Development of member countries - first of all it is important to note that ASEAN as a group
have been aware of the critical issue of minimizing the development gap among ASEAN
members since their initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) was established in 2000. Over a
decade has passed since the initiative which was initially set up to help establish and
accelerate economic and social growth of the bloc’s newest members, including Cambodia,
Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV).
Nevertheless a report issued from the World Bank at the beginning of 2012 revealed that
ASEAN still had to address the disparities between member countries and reduce the
development gap between its richest and poorest members. Such huge disparities in which
Singapore has the highest GDP per capita at (US$46,241), while Cambodia has the lowest
($897) is hindering the bloc’ economic and social development progress.
Perhaps an even greater challenge to ASEAN’s vision of a liberal market system, and a
future integrated global economy is to how to maintain the bloc’s strategic centrality in the
geo –political arena both at regional and global levels.
Much political and diplomatic effort at executive level has been expended to ensure the
blocs strategic centrality. For example ASEAN successfully formed a Regional
Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in November 2011 with its major dialogue
partners the plus six, (Australia, China, India, South Korea, Japan, and New Zealand) which
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certainly adds both international creditability and impetus to ASEAN’s first step to an
integrated global economy.
Nonetheless, most recently ASEAN’s cohesiveness has been threatened regionally by the
South China Sea dispute, which involves China, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and
Taiwan. If the dispute continues without satisfactory resolution for all parties concerned, it
will be hard for the bloc to operate politically on the global stage along with its economic
cooperation.
The big issue of Myanmar?
Although Myanmar is moving forward with economic reforms and opening up to the
international community, analysts say the country is not yet ready to join a planned
integrated network of Southeast Asian economies in 2015.
A lack of infrastructure, human resources, and technology, along with an unfinished legal
framework for businesses, are a concern for Myanmar as ASEAN attempts to form The AEC
within the next two years.
Myanmar, which in effect has only been transitioning from half a century of military
dictatorship in 2011, has still primarily reliant on an agricultural economy that depends on
rice and bean exports. It’s quite apparent that after just two years of transition the country’s
agricultural sector would struggle to meet requirements for the Asean Economic Community
(AEC).
Rice trader Pyae Sone Oo of the Myanmar Rice Federation stated at a recent seminar in
Rangoon “We’ve been left far behind,” even if we want to catch up, we can only do it
gradually. There are some areas—like the rice industry, overall—which we can say are quite
ready. But there are still many gaps.”
According to data compiled by Myanmar’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation from 2011, 25
per cent of the country’s economic output comes from the farming sector.
The country’s rice exports almost tripled over the past three years, and is expected to reach
1.4 million tons in the current fiscal year, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation.
However, rice traders say they lack solid financial support and continue to encounter
logistical problems, largely due to poor infrastructure.
Pyae Sone Oo said that logistics is a big issue for the country and ports and trading points
were not yet sufficient to upgrade the export sector. The quality of Burma’s rice also makes it
difficult to compete with neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, he said.
“If we could delay Myanmar’s full participation in the AEC for about two years, I think we will
be ready,” he said. “But in the meantime, other countries will pass us and I’m afraid we will
remain delayed.
“On the other hand, we need to educate and support farmers to get quality grains so we can
compete with other countries, and capacity building for farmers is needed as well.”

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 10
Dr. Maung Maung Lay, vice president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), agreed that the country was not yet prepared for the
ASEAN single market but said businesspeople were ready to overcome existing hurdles.
“We Burmese people are smart enough and resilient enough to face the challenges of
joining the 2015 Asean Economic Community”.
Nearly every sector of the country’s economy lags behind those of neighbouring countries,
after decades of international isolation, internal political conflicts, and economic hardship
under military rule.
Since reformist President Thien Sein took power in 2011, the United States and the
European Union have eased restrictions to allow companies to do more business in the
Southeast Asian country.
“The sleeping beauty has awakened, and there are many suitors,” said Maung Maung Lay.
“The challenges are quite enormous. Most of the smallest enterprises are technically and
financially weak—there’s no capital market yet.”
Apart from infrastructure concerns, a lack of human resources also hampers growth. The
country is already suffering from brain drain to neighbouring countries with higher wages.
Once the AEC comes into full effect, Maung Maung Lay said, even more qualified workers
could go abroad for employment in more lucrative markets.
Still, Khine Khine Nwe, secretary general of the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers
Association, said her industry was ready to take part in the regional economic community in
2015.
“To look at the bright side, we are quite ready to take orders and we have skilled labourers,”
she said, adding that she runs a garment factor in the country’s commercial capital,
Rangoon.
She said the garment industry had struggled to survive due to international economic
sanctions imposed against Myanmar under the former regime, but that she was optimistic
now that the country has opened its door to foreign investment.
The garment industry was particularly hard hit by American sanctions, she said. The United
States is gradually lifting sanctions to encourage political and economic reforms.
“Whether or not we are ready [for the AEC] depends on the mind-set of people,” Khin Khine
Nwe said. “From experience, those of us in the garment industry know we can overcome the
hardest times. I believe we are ready to face any challenge, good or bad.”
Conclusion
The 45th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting, (AEM) and related meetings were held in
Brunei, (on August 20 to 24). The AEM provides a platform for economic and trade ministers
from the ten ASEAN member states and their counterparts from important dialogue
partners, including Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South
Korea, and the United States, to engage in high-level discussions on economic cooperation.

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 11
The economic ministers meetings provided a much-needed platform for ASEAN to show that
they are on track towards the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by the year 2015.
This is especially so since the target for establishing the AEC is less than two and half years
away. ASEAN has to redouble its efforts to keep pace with the binding commitments made
in the AEC blueprint.
It is now at the mid-point of the implementation of its AEC blueprint and has to take stock,
realign, and adopt a bolder approach to meet all the outstanding, clear evidence current and
future commitments.
More importantly, it will have to avoid any protectionist stance due to the continuing
uncertainty in the global economy. ASEAN will also have to show its collective leadership in
managing the competing interests of its partners in East Asia over the form and pace of East
Asia-wide trade arrangement.
The Aug. 27-Sept. 1 meetings discussed the mid-term review of the implementation of the
AEC blueprint and the AEC scorecard; plans for narrowing the economic development gap
among ASEAN nations to support equitable development; the progress in pursuing the
regional comprehensive economic partnership (RCEP); and the implementation of the
connectivity initiative, among others.
The mid-term review will provide a critical assessment on where ASEAN is with its economic
community efforts.
While there is clear evidence of progress in the implementation of the regional commitments,
the review is likely to highlight gaps that ASEAN countries will have to address primarily in
the following areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

The removal of non-tariff barriers
Enhancing trade facilitation measures;
Accelerating services and investment liberalization
Pushing ahead with more transport facilitation measures
Implementing all the roadmaps for the twelve priority integration sectors
Improving the ease of doing business
Addressing the low utilization of the five free trade agreements of ASEAN with its
partners.

While ASEAN has achieved about 67.5 per cent of its commitments under the AEC
scorecard for the period 2008 to 2011, the remaining areas are also the most difficult ones.
If ASEAN is to accelerate progress in these remaining areas, it will require collective, bold
leadership, and serious commitment to dealing with the different legislative requirements and
domestic issues of ASEAN countries.
It will also have to be looking at regulatory limitations that impede the implementation of
intra- and extra ASEAN measures, and fostering greater coordination among the various
agencies at the national level in implementing regional commitments.
Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 12
In this respect, the AEC compliance scorecard could be made more rigorous. The current
scorecard fails to sufficiently capture the state of progress in the implementation of regional
commitments by ASEAN countries.
Regular periodic assessments and in-country surveillance could be undertaken by ASEAN
Integration Monitoring Office (AIMO) to alert countries to any issues and roadblocks to
integration. The scorecard could also be made publically available for transparency and
credibility of ASEAN’s community building efforts. This will help garner the support of the
other stakeholders and the international community.
There could be enhanced engagement of the private sector by ASEAN governments at
every stage of the community building effort. Regular private sector engagement can help to
assess the impact and effectiveness of ASEAN policies and measures being implemented.
Feedback from market participants will help to tackle impediments to the free flow of goods,
services, investment, and capital.
The private sector, for its part, could be more proactive and each sector could develop their
own scorecards through their respective trade associations to provide inputs into the AEC
scorecard.
There is also a necessity for ASEAN as a bloc to engage the business community more,
including technical committees, senior officials, and at minister level.
An issue that ASEAN will have to address with urgency is equitable development across the
region. Here, ASEAN has to place more emphasis on the Initiative for ASEAN Integration
and development of the sub-regions such as the ASEAN Mekong Basin Development
Cooperation and the ASEAN connectivity initiatives. There must be a coherent strategy for
bringing about equitable development across the ASEAN region.
Two horizontal issues may need to be addressed here. First is the alignment of sub-regional
development initiatives with the overall AEC initiative. If there is no alignment, there may be
duplication of resources and divergence in policies and goals.
Second is the financing of sub-regional development initiatives. ASEAN is still dependent on
its dialogue and development partners for integration and connectivity initiatives.
For example, the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund is expected to only leverage about US$13
billion up to 2020 with the support of the Asian Development Bank when the infrastructure
requirements based on conservative estimates is about $60 billion annually.
ASEAN will have to also embark on public-private partnership models to fund some of its
priority infrastructure projects. For this, the project proposals have to be attractive and the
governments need to collaborate with the private sector as well as provide the necessary
incentives to defray the project risks involved.
The regional comprehensive economic partnership will be a key initiative ASEAN has to
tackle collectively in order to stay relevant and attractive to East Asia.
Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 13
This region-wide agreement will position ASEAN as the pivot of East Asia that will generate
trade and investment growth for the region.
This is an excellent opportunity for ASEAN to show it can effectively lead the process to
cobble together a free trade arrangement, which will include the two dynamos of the region,
China and India.
For this to happen, ASEAN will have to agree within its membership on the level of ambition
desired for the free trade agreement; the approach to the negotiations; and inclusion of
issues such as government procurement, competition, intellectual property and so forth.
These are not easy issues to reach consensus on, as not all non-ASEAN partners may want
to offer concessions they have made in favour of ASEAN to the other parties involved.
Indeed, there is a lot for the meetings in Brunei to mull over. But what is necessary will be to
regain the lost ground by pushing ahead with the economic community building with greater
urgency and stamping ASEAN’s centrality on regional architecture through its collective
leadership cognisant of the interests of ASEAN’s partners.

~
Like to know more about Avondale Investment Management UK or perhaps you would
like to know more about the subject matter within this guide?
Then please visit our investment library which has an ever growing number of reports, guides and
other literature which are all intended to assist you in finding the right investment opportunity.
Alternatively we will be very happy to deal with enquires about our services direct by contacting us at
Avondale Investment Management Limited. Company contact details of which can be found by
navigating to the contact page of the website at www.avondaleinvestment.com
On the other hand, you can mail us at either tonyrandall@avondaleinvest.com or
avondaleinvest@hotmail.com

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 14
Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 15
ASEAN’s Growing Investment Potential Appendix I

June 2013

Courtesy of Samsung Economic Research Institute

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 16
ASEAN Member States- General Information - Appendix II
Country/ Item
Brunei Darussalam

Member states information

Head of State

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin
Waddaulah
Bandar Seri Begawan

Capital
National Flag

Population
Language’s
Religion
STD code
Internet code
GMT time difference
Opening times

Currency
Brunei GDP
Brunei GDP growth rate y-o-y Q1
2013
Ease of doing business – World
Bank Index 2013
Ministry of Foreign Affairs &
Trade of Brunei Darussalam
Website

388,190.00
Malay, English, and Chinese
Islam
+ 673
.bn
GMT + 8.00 hours - UK
Banks: 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 11am Saturday.
Government offices:7.45am-12.15pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm
Monday to Thursday and Saturday and Retail Outlets:10am to
9.30pm all week
B$ (Brunei Dollar)
USD$) 20,250,000.00
0.9%
2011 ranking: 83
2012 ranking: 79
www.mfa.gov.bn

Cambodia
Head of State
Head of Government
Capital
National Flag

His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni
Prime Minister Hun Sien
Phnom Penh

Population
Language’s
Religion
STD code
Internet code
GMT time difference
Opening times

14,952,665.00
Khmer, French, and English
Buddhist
+ 855
.kh
GMT+6 hours - UK
Banks: 8:30-11:30 14:00-16:00 Monday to Friday –some banks
are open on Saturday mornings. Government Offices: 7.30am
to 5.00pm Monday to Fridays and Saturday mornings only.
Retail Outlets: 9.00 am to 9.00 pm all week.
Riel & USD$
(USD$) 27,940,000,000

Currency
Cambodian GDP
Cambodian GDP growth rate
y-o-y Q1 2013
Ease of doing business – World
Bank Index 2013
Ministry of Foreign Affairs &
International Cooperation of
Cambodia Website

7.1%

2011 ranking: 141
2012 ranking: 133
www.mfaic.gov.kh

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 17
Country/ Item
Indonesia

Member states information

Head of State
Capital
National Flag

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Jakarta

Population
Language’s
Religion
STD code
Internet code
GMT time difference
Opening times

240,271,522.00
Bahasa Indonesian, Dutch & English
Muslim (majority 90%)
+62
.id
GMT +7 hours - UK
Banks: 8.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday and 8.00am to
11.00am Saturday Government Offices: 8.00am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday Retail Outlets: 10.00am to 10.00pm all week
Rupiah (IDR)
(USD $) 914,600,000,000
5.81%

Currency
Indonesian GDP
Indonesian GDP growth rate
y-o-y Q2 2013
Ease of doing business – World
Bank Index 2013
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Indonesia Website

2011 ranking: 130
2012 ranking: 128
www.kemlu.go.id

Laos PDR
Head of State
Head of Government
Capital
National Flag

President Choummaly Sayasone
Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong
Vientiane

Population
Language’s
Religion
STD code
Internet code
GMT time difference
Opening times

6,834,942.00
Lao, French, and English
Buddhist
+856
.la
GMT+7 hours - UK
Banks: 8.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday Government
Offices: 8.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday Retail Outlets:
8.00 am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday
Kip
(USD$) 13,980,000,000
7.8%

Currency
Laos GDP
Laos GDP growth rate y-o-y Q1
2013
Ease of doing business – World
Bank Index 2013
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao
PDR Website

2011 ranking: 166
2012 ranking: 163
www.mofa.gov.la

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 18
Country/ Item
Malaysia

Member states information

Head of Government
Capital
National Flag

The Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak
Kuala Lumpur

Population
Language’s
Religion
STD code
Internet code
GMT time difference
Opening times

25,715,819.00
Malay, English, Chinese, Tamil
Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian
+60
.my
GMT+8 hours - UK
Banks: 10.00am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday, 9.0am to
11.30am Saturday Government Offices: 8.00am to 4.15pm
Monday to Friday, Retail Outlets: 10.00am to 8.00pm
Ringgit
(USD$) 384,300,000,000
1.4%

Currency
Malaysian GDP
Malaysian GDP growth rate y-o-y
Q2 2013
Ease of doing business – World
Bank Index 2013
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Malaysia Website
ASEAN-Malaysia National
Secretariat Website

2011 ranking:14
2011 ranking:12
www.kln.gov.my
www.kln.gov.my/myasean

Myanmar
Head of State
Capital
National Flag

President Thein Sein
Nay Pyi Taw

Population
Language’s
Religion
STD code
Internet code
GMT time difference
Opening times

48,137,741.00
Myanmar (Burmese)
Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian
+ 95
.mm
GMT +6.30 hours-UK
Banks: 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday Government
Offices: 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday Retail Outlets:
9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday
Kyat
(USD$) 55,130,000,000
6.2%

Currency
Myanmar GDP
Myanmar GDP growth rate y-o-y
Q1 2013
Ease of doing business – World
Bank Index 2013
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Myanmar Website

2011 ranking: not registered
2012 ranking: not registered
www.mofa.gov.mm

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 19
Country/ Item
Philippines

Member states information

Head of State

President Benigno S. Aquino III

Capital
National Flag

Manila

Population
Language’s
Religion
STD code
Internet code
GMT time difference
Opening times

97,976,603.00
Filipino, English, Spanish
Catholic, and Muslim
+63
.ph
GMT+ 8hours - UK
Banks: 9.00am to 3.00pm Mondays to Fridays Government
Offices: 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Fridays Retail
Outlets:10.00am to 9.00pm Monday to Saturdays
Peso
(USD$) 317,500,000,000
1.4%

Currency
Philippine GDP
Philippine GDP growth rate y-o-y
Q2 2013
Ease of doing business – World
Bank Index 2013
Department of Foreign Affairs of
the Philippines Website

2011 ranking: 136
2012 ranking: 138
www.dfa.gov.ph

Singapore
Head of State
Head of Government
Capital
National Flag

President Tony Tan Keng Yam
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Singapore

Population
Language’s
Religion
STD code
Internet code
GMT time difference
Opening times

4,657,542.00
English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
Buddhist Taoist, and Muslim
+65
.sg
GMT+7 hours - UK
Banks: 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 1.00pm
Saturdays Government Offices: 7.30 & 9.30am to 4.00 and
6.00pm Monday to Friday, 11.30am to 1.00pm Saturdays
Retail Outlets: 10.00 am to 9.00pm Monday to Saturday,
11.00am to 7.00pm Sunday
S$ (Singapore Dollar)
(USD$) 237,300,000,000
15.5%

Currency
Singapore GDP
Singapore GDP growth rate y-o-y
Q2 2013
Ease of doing business – World
Bank Index 2013
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Singapore Website

2011 ranking: 1
2012 ranking: 1
www.mfa.gov.sg

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 20
Country/ Item
Thailand

Member states information

Head of State
Head of Government
Capital
National Flag

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra

Population
Language’s
Religion
STD code
Internet code
GMT time difference
Opening times

67,091,089.00
Thai and English
Buddhist
+66
.th
GMT+6 hours - UK
Banks: 8.30 to 5.00pm Monday to Saturdays Government
Offices: 8.30 to 5.00pm Monday to Fridays Retail Outlets:
10.00am to 10.pm all week
Baht
(USD$) 547,400,000,000
2.8%

Currency
Thailand GDP
Thailand GDP growth rate y-o-y
Q2 2013
Ease of doing business – World
Bank Index 2013
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Thailand Website

2011 ranking: 17
2012 ranking: 18
www.mfa.go.th

Vietnam
Head of State
Head of Government
Capital
National Flag

President Nguyen Minh Triet
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung
Ha Noi

Population
Language’s
Religion
STD code
Internet code
GMT time difference
Opening times

86,967,524.00
Vietnamese, English, French, and Chinese
None (80%) Buddhist and Catholic
+84
.vn
GMT + 7 hours - UK
Banks: 8.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday, 8.30am to
11.30am Saturday Government Offices: 7.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 12.00pm Saturday Retail Outlets:
8.00am to 10.00pm all week
Dong
(USD$) 241,700,000,000
5%

Currency
Vietnam GDP
Vietnamese GDP growth rate
y-o-y Q2 2013
Ease of doing business – World
Bank Index 2013
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Vietnam Website

2011 ranking: 99
2012 ranking: 99
www.mofa.gov.vn

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ASEAN Secretariat Organisational Structure Appendix III

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Page 22
ASEAN Top Ten Global Trade partners Q4 2011 - Appendix 2
Note: source ASEAN merchandise trade statistics database.
Top ten ASEAN trade partner countries/regions as of Q4 2011
Trade partner country/region

1/

ASEAN

value in US$ million; share in percent
Share to total ASEAN trade

Value
Exports

Imports

Total trade

Exports

Imports

Total trade

199,587.3

176,620.1

376,207.3

24.6

24.3

24.5

China

81,591.0

96,594.3

178,185.4

10.1

13.3

11.6

European Union-27

92,990.9

78,795.0

171,785.9

11.5

10.8

11.2

Japan

78,068.6

82,795.1

160,863.7

9.6

11.4

10.5

USA

82,201.8

67,370.3

149,572.1

10.1

9.3

9.7

Republic of Korea

34,292.9

40,447.4

74,740.3

4.2

5.6

4.9

Hong Kong

56,696.7

11,218.6

67,915.2

7.0

1.5

4.4

Australia

29,039.3

14,810.8

43,850.1

3.6

2.0

2.9

India

26,520.3

12,595.5

39,115.8

3.3

1.7

2.5

United Arab Emirates

10,569.5

13,797.0

24,366.5

1.3

1.9

1.6

Total top ten trade partner countries

691,558.3

595,044.0

1,286,602.3

85.3

81.9

83.7

Others

118,930.9

131,310.1

250,241.0

14.7

18.1

16.3

Total

810,489.2

726,354.1

1,536,843.3

100.0

100.0

100.0

2/

Source
Notes
x

ASEAN Merchandise Trade Statistics Database (compiled/computed from data submission, publications and/or websites of ASEAN Member States' national
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) units, national statistics offices, customs departments/agencies, or central banks)
not available as of publication time
not available/not compiled

1/
2/

identified/ranked based on share of total trade
includes trade of all other countries and those that could not be attributed to specific countries
Some figures may not sum up to totals due to rounding off errors.

Avondale Investment Management (UK). www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013

Page 23
Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 24
Bibliography
A list of research sources

Notwithstanding, the authors own research data and local knowledge, a brief list of research sources
for this guide can be found as follows:
Newspaper and magazine articles
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

The Bangkok Post
The Nation
Jakarta Mail
Vientiane Times
South China Daily
Look East magazine
ASEAN Affairs
Yangon Times
The Straits Times
The Australian
The Star
The Phnom Penh Post

Websites-News Organisations
13. Reuters website
14. BBC News website
All other websites
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.

IMF
OECD
ASEAN
Asian Development Bank
CIA World Fact Book
The World Bank
Wikipedia
Samsung Research Institute

Finally, a heart- felt thanks to you all thank you to you all.

Tony Randall

A brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 25
Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 26
Authors Bio – Tony Randall – A brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic
Community
Tony Randall is an investment management consultant who lives in Thailand.
He is also the author of many guide books including
The Essential Guide to Thailand 2013, The Property
Investment Guide to Thailand, and The Guide to
property and land ownership for foreign nationals and
The Investment Guide to Cambodia.
Tony has over 25 years of investment property industry
experience working for international property
companies.
He founded Avondale Investment Management Limited
a UK based property investment company on the 15th of September 2011.
Having spent many years exploring SE Asia he soon realised that the region with its many
diverse cultures, strategic location ,all year round sunshine, tropical beaches, and fantastic
cuisine, increasingly became his principle destination of choice. The attraction of an
affordable eastern exotic lifestyle became too great a temptation and he relocated to the
region where he has lived for over the past three years.
He soon also realised the potential opportunities for overseas investment in the booming
SE Asian property and investment markets for overseas investors, property buyers,
overseas workers, and retiree’s.
The brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community covers the most common
topics relating to the subject matter and includes a brief history of ASEAN and a historical
timeline of key events. In addition, there is information pertaining to ASEAN’s structure,
abiding philosophy and aims, ASEAN’s global trade statistics, ASEAN’s affiliate partners and
an introduction, and critical analysis of the forthcoming AEC.

Contact details Telephone: +44 (0) 754 2701564 UK +66 (0) 861029558 Thailand.
Email: tonyrandall@avondaleinvest.com or uniqueimprint@hotmail.com
Website: www.avondaleinvestment.com
Postal address:
United Kingdom – Registered Address
Suite 72, Cariocca Business Park, 2 Sawley Road, Manchester. Lancashire, M40 8 BB. England

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 27
Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 28
Also available

Property Investment in the Kingdom of Thailand

Introduction
Until now there has been few comprehensive guide books catering for international property
investors whose primary motivation is investment. This book focuses primarily on private
equity real estate investment in Thailand and secondly on SE Asia.
Much attention has been devoted in recent years to SE Asia and the ASEAN block of
member states and with the Asian Economic Community set to become a reality in 2015.
Many analysts have argued that the SE Asian countries consisting of over 620 million people
and with a combined gross domestic product of 2.3 Trillion (sterling) will become one of the
world’s largest combined economies within the next decade.
Thailand with its democratic constitution set in the heart of SE Asia and the second largest
economy in the ASEAN market is blessed with wonderful climate and a friendly culture. The
Kingdom has been a number one choice for overseas visitors for many years.
However, it is just not about the country, culture, and economy that make Thailand a
worthwhile investment opportunity.
Thailand is also very affordable (approximately 35% on average cheaper than the UK) and it
is no wonder that an estimated 50% of all foreign nationals who annually move to Thailand
are in particular retirees.
With traditional international property markets such as Spain, Greece, Portugal, and the
USA, continuing to underperform Thailand’s emerging private international real estate
market is fast becoming SE Asia’s number one market for international property investors.
So, if you′re planning to take your property investment to the next level in SE Asia, whether it
be finding a second home, a retirement home or looking for the unique international
investment opportunity, who should you turn to for independent advice about your
investment?
The guide to Property Investment in the Kingdom of Thailand is essential reading for
commercial real estate investors as well as anyone considering buying a property in
Thailand.
Nevertheless, domestic investors should find the book of interest as well, as it covers many
same issues, opportunities, and impediments foreign investors face.
The author who lives in Thailand has gained valuable insight into the Thai property market
and has 25 years’ experience of working in the UK and International property development
and property investment markets.
Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 29
The guide adopts no nonsense but professional and impartial approach to Thai property
investment opportunities, exposing potential risks and benefits to ensure the selection of the
most appropriate investments.
With almost three hundred pages of information on the Thai property market, this book
provides the investor with the most up to date information on issues such as:









current property legislation for foreign nationals seeking investment in Thailand
current capital values and rental rates
investment strategies
finance strategies
economic and institutional factors as well as practical
information relating to pension advice
UK and Thai tax legislation
Non Domicile status for UK citizens abroad

No, other guide encompasses the range of information and advice contained within the
book.
So before you decide, avoid the pitfalls and read the guide to Property Investment in the
Kingdom of Thailand it will help save time and money by making you aware of where the
real and safe investment opportunities are and just as importantly what investments to avoid.
UK Copyright Registration no: 284654683 10.4.12

Tony Randall

Property Investment in the Kingdom of Thailand

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 30
Also available

The Q and A Guide to Property Ownership in Thailand for Foreign Nationals

Introduction
The potential opportunities for overseas investment in the booming Thailand property market
for both the commercial real estate investor and private property buyer; in this, most
beautiful of Asian countries is for all to see.
However, what are the potential pitfall’s and risk’s associated with purchasing a property and
land in the Kingdom?
The Q and A Guide to Property Ownership in Thailand for Foreign Nationals is an updated
version of the guide which was originally published as part of the Property Investment Guide
to Thailand. The guide covers the most common and frequently asked questions relating to
the purchase of property and land ownership for foreign nationals in Thailand.
The mini guide adopts a professional and impartial approach when tackling the most
frequently asked questions by investors seeking to invest in property in Thailand.
The primary audience for this guide is the foreign commercial real estate investor and private
real estate property buyer and the guide is intended to be a handy aid memoir for both
private and commercial real estate investors who are seeking potential investment
opportunities in one of the most popular of SE Asian property Markets.

Tony Randall
The Q and A Guide to Property Ownership in Thailand for Foreign Nationals

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 31
Also available

The Essential Living Guide to Thailand 2013

Introduction
Whether it is the idea of working for oneself, enjoying more sunshine or simply wishing to
spend more time with one's family, millions of us dream about leaving our 9-5 jobs and
moving abroad.
Therefore, for those of you who are considering avoiding the humdrum of the western
lifestyle and the incessant talk on mortgages, taxes, shrinking pensions, the ever-increasing
unemployment figures and the ever decreasing value of your lifestyle?
The dream of moving to a sunnier climate and exotic life can be more than enough incentive;
to move abroad .Whatever the reason and however long you plan to stay, moving overseas
is not just about deciding what to take with you. Your entire life is about to change and the
more prepared you are, the better the relocation will go.
So why Thailand……….
Well just for starters, Thailand is already one of the most popular tourist destinations’ in the
world with over 19.5 million foreign tourists visiting the country in 2012 and it’s just not the
visitors who enjoy the Thai lifestyle. Over, two million foreign expatriate’s already live and
enjoy their life in amazing Thailand.
The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia blessed with natural beauty, its
islands are amongst the most scenic and beautiful in the world. Recognised as one of the
friendliest and relaxing countries in the world, this is a country with something for everyone.
Let us not also forget that perhaps, the most distinctive point about Thailand is the Thais.
This nation known as the ‘Land of Smiles’ deserves its name for the Thais are always
smiling, easy-going, and very tolerant of people from other nationalities. Thai people are
rightly for known for their hospitality and for being kind, warm, and welcoming to foreign
nationals.
The Essential Living Guide to Thailand 2013
So whether you’re are an overseas’ worker, retiree, grey gapper, taking a sabbatical, looking
for a new life abroad, an ex-pat or even looking for just a holiday home The Essential
Living Guide to Thailand 2013 is your indispensable guide to this most beautiful and
exotic part of the world.
The author, drawing on all his experience of living in this fascinating of Asian countries,
takes the hassle out of relocating by providing practical advice on every step of the process
from the initial research, visa requirements, moving your possessions abroad and finding a
home.
Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 32
There is also advice on how to cope with culture shock and language barriers; and the latest
information on taxation, work visa’s, international education, lifestyle issues ,property
investment ,health issues, marriage and divorce, planning and retirement and information on
gay Thailand .
Also included are four mini guides to Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations Bangkok,
Chaing Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket and also an up to date and comprehensive directory of
over 600 suppliers, contacts, and services in Thailand.
With almost 500 pages The Essential Guide to Thailand 2013 is not only the most in-depth
and indispensable guide you are ever likely to read about Thailand but it is also your key to
escaping the rat race……..
UK Copyright Registration no: 28465468210.4.12

Tony Randall

The Essential Living Guide to Thailand 2013

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 33
Also available

A guide to property and land ownership in SE Asia for foreign nationals

Introduction
The international property markets since the global financial crisis and the continuing
Eurozone crisis have been in a state of variable flux for some time.
Today, investors seek the stability and simplicity of property to gain good returns on
investment.
Equities or stocks which can be volatile but despite current world economics, property is
regarded as historically stable.
Many overseas investors now see Southeast Asia as an emerging market for property
investment for potential investment opportunities, whether it be in terms of a pure investment
opportunity or second home investment. Because home ownership is so common in west,
many also want to buy their own home or otherwise control their property.
Therefore, for the potential investor, what are the legal requirements in terms of investing
and purchasing property or land in SE Asia and how do they differ for the overseas investor?
Written by a property professional and expatriate the guide takes the investor through the
complexities and potential pitfalls of investing in property in SE Asia
Covering the ten most popular property markets in SE Asia including China, the Guide to
property and land ownership in SE Asia provides the investor with the latest up to date
information for foreign nationals such as leasehold legislation, company ownership, foreign
national property ownership rights, and property taxation.
Succinct and readable, the guide is designed to assist any prospective investor avoid the
pitfalls and enjoy the benefits of investing in the property markets of SE Asia.
Note: Property legislation in Thailand is covered in depth in the guide to Property investment in the Kingdom of
Thailand and is not included within this guide.

Tony Randall
A guide to property and land ownership in SE Asia for foreign nationals

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 34
Company Disclaimer
Whilst the information contained within this guide has been to the best of our knowledge carefully and
meticulously researched. All information contained within the guide is subject to interpretation and external
economic, political, legal, and financial factors which are beyond our control.
Furthermore, every possible effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this guide is
accurate at the time of publication and we make know no warranty about the accuracy or completeness of the
content to the maximum extent permitted. No responsibility for loss or damage occasioned to any person acting,
or refraining from action, as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the company and
author.

Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 35
Contact:
Avondale Investment Management (UK)
Suite 72 Cariocca Business Park ,
2 Sawley Road ,
Manchester.
Lancashire.
M40 8BB.
United Kingdom.
Telephone:
+44 (0) 7542 701564
+66 (0) 861029556
E mail:
tonyrandall@avondaleinvest.com
avondaleinvest@hotmail.com
Website :
www.avondaleinvestment.com

‘ Inspired Investment Solutions’

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A brief guide to ASEAN and the AEC

  • 1. A brief guide to ASEAN & the Asian Economic Community Avondale Investment Management (UK) “ Inspired Investment Solutions”
  • 2. A WORD FROM THE AUTHOR Upon my travels and my new life here in SE Asia, I have come across many successful and erudite businessmen from overseas. Inevitably after exchanging pleasantry’s the subject of what line of profession both parties work in always comes to the forefront? When the discussion gets around to potential investment opportunities in SE Asia, I always ask the question have you heard about ASEAN and the forthcoming Asian Economic Community of 2015. Inevitably there is a disappointing common thread to all of their answers and just as in life, in today’s competitive global business world, ignorance is not bliss and can at best most certainly lead to a missed business opportunity. Of course the vision of a region of 620 million people with a gross domestic product of £1.35 trillion as a single market and production base. Is already compelling enough for many multinational companies such as Ford, Chevron, Samsung, BMW, Honda, and Philipp’s, (to name but a few) to have already set up strategic bases across the regions ten member states. However, what about the rest of the international business community and what about organisations such as SME’s? So what actually is ASEAN and what is the forthcoming Asian Economic Community of 2015 and perhaps more importantly for all of those erudite businessmen who feel ignorance is bliss ……..what will be the potential opportunities for foreign investment within the AEC in just two years’ time? Well with the aforementioned questions in mind the brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community is designed to answer all of those questions and more and is written as an easy to use and quick reference guide to the subject. The guide covers the most common topics relating to the subject matter and includes a brief history of ASEAN and a historical timeline of key events. In addition, there is information pertaining to ASEAN’s structure, abiding philosophy and aims, ASEAN’s global trade statistics, ASEAN’s affiliate partners and an introduction, and critical analysis of the forthcoming AEC. The guide also has a table of member state information including links to each member states foreign affairs government website. It should be stressed that this guide is intended to be a handy aid memoir for overseas investors and is no way meant to be definitive but then what guide is! Finally, this guide is the result of many long hours of dedicated hard work carried out by the author and I would like to personally thank you for taking the time out to read this guide. Tony Randall A brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 1
  • 3. Authors note and Copyright A brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community Authors note Every possible effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this guide is accurate at the time of going to press, and the author and publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, however, caused. No responsibility for loss or damage occasioned to any person acting, or refraining from action, as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the editor, the publisher, or author. Copyright The right of Antony Randall to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by his accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, stored in a retrieval system without the prior written permission of either the author or publisher, or in the case of reprographic reproduction a license issued in accordance with the terms and licenses issued by Avondale Investment Management UK . Avondale Investment Management Limited 2013 Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 2
  • 4. A brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community List of Contents 1. Commentary page 1 2. A brief history of ASEAN pages 1 to 2 3. ASEAN and AEC timeline pages 2 to 3 4. ASEAN’s abiding philosophy and aims pages 3 to 4 5 ASEAN’s Vision page 4 6. ASEAN’s guiding principles and goals page 4 7. The three pillars page 4 8. Structure of ASEAN page 5 9. ASEAN plus six page 5 10. ASEAN plus six and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership page 6 11. Asian Economic Community pages 6 to 14 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Introduction pages 6 to 7 What to expect page 7 Benefits pages 7 to 8 Progress pages 8 to 9 Working towards the AEC free market – the challenges pages 9 to 10 The big issue of Myanmar pages 10 to 11 Conclusion pages 11 to 14 12. Appendices pages 15 to 24 1. 2. 3. 4. Appendix I ASEAN’s growing investment potential page 16 Appendix II Member states - general information pages 17 to 21 Appendix III ASEAN – Secretariat Organisational Structure page 22 Appendix IV Asean – top ten global traders page 23 13. Bibliography pages 24 to 25 14. About the author pages 26 to 27 Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 3
  • 5. A brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community
  • 6. ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community Commentary There may come a point when people across Southeast Asia will wake up one morning at the end of 2015 to find themselves part of one giant country with ten “provinces”. Perhaps this maybe a grandiose perception of what the AEC, the Asian Economic Community may turn out to be in just over two years’ time. However, there is no doubt that the arrival of the AEC will force allot of people in SE Asia to adopt a less insular outlook. The vision of a region of 620 million people with a gross domestic product of £1.35 trillion as a single market and production base is indeed a compelling one which is rapidly moving towards reality. ASEAN’s top policymakers have spent years behind the scenes working out ways to streamline and harmonise regulations to ensure that goods, services, capital and people will be able to move freely from one member country another. Indeed, the AEC has no shortage of cheerleaders among politicians and executives of member states and corporations (including many international corporations), that are already confident about the ability to hold their own in the wider world. However, for many small businesses and the public at large, reactions range from suspicion to fear and outright cluelessness. Clearly, a lot of work remains to be done on the public relations side to ensure that all of the regions citizens will be comfortable in their new bigger home. (See also Appendix I Graphic - ASEAN’s Growing Investment Potential at the end of this guide). A brief History of ASEAN Much of Southeast Asia was colonised by Western powers prior to World War II. During the war Japan took control of the region, but was forced out following the war as Southeast Asia countries pushed for independence. Though they were independent, the countries found that stability was hard to come by, and they soon looked to each other for answers. (Opposite left, map of the current ASEAN Community’s ten member countries). In 1961 the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand came together to form the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA), a precursor to ASEAN. Six years later in 1967, the members of ASA, along with Singapore and Indonesia, created ASEAN, forming a block that would push back at the dominating western pressure. The Bangkok Declaration was discussed and agreed upon by the five leaders of those countries over golf and drinks (they later dubbed it "sports-shirt diplomacy"). Importantly, it is this informal and interpersonal manner that characterises Asian politics. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 1
  • 7. Brunei joined in 1984, followed by Vietnam in 1995, Laos, and Burma (now Myanmar) in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999. Today there are ten member countries of ASEAN: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. (See also Appendix II ASEAN members table of information) ASEAN and AEC formation timeline of key events and historical milestones Year Key Event /Milestone ASEAN is established 1967 The Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN was established in Bangkok by the five original Member Countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. First ASEAN summit held and Bali Concord I agreement reached 1976 The First ASEAN summit was held in February 1976 in Bali. At this summit, ASEAN expressed its readiness to "develop fruitful relations" and mutually beneficial co-operation with other countries of the region. The ASEAN leaders signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia which is also commonly known as the Bali Concord I. 1977 Japan’s PM Fukuda visited five of the six member ASEAN nations and in a conference in Manila promised SE Asia that Japan renounced forever aggression against its neighbours. This key political statement made on behalf of the Japanese people by their Prime Minister Pat the time was to become known as the ‘Fukuda Doctrine’. 1978 First ASEAN-European Economic Community ministerial meeting held in Brussels. First tentative steps towards AEC 1992 Singapore, six ASEAN members - Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei agree to remove import taxes on 8,000 goods. They actually meet the deadline in 2010. ASEAN Regional Forum Formed 1994 ASEAN establishes the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which is focused on security interdependence in the Asia-Pacific region. Besides ASEAN member states, the present participants include Australia, Canada, China, European Union, India, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, the Russian Federation and the United States. 1997 First meeting of ASEAN plus Three,(dialogue partners) comprising leaders of the ten ASEAN members and their counterparts from East Asia -- China, Japan, and South Korea. Chiang Mai Initiative agreement 2000 The Chiang Mai Initiative (CMI) was set up by the group to assist East Asian countries defend their currencies and economy’s in times of future liquidity crises. The initiative came in response to the 1997 East Asian financial crisis. ASEAN, China, Japan, and South Korea launched the multilateral arrangement of currency swaps (CMI). Bali Concord II 2003 Members adopt the Bali Concord II (adopted from the original 1997 proposal of Asean integration known as the Asean Vision 2020). The new concord calls for the establishment of the Asean Economic Community supported by three pillars - political and security cooperation, economic cooperation and, social-cultural cooperation. ASEAN members met for a two day summit in Tokyo and Japan joins the ASEAN bloc in a pledge to expand trade and join forces on regional security. China – ASEAN Free Trade Accord 2004 The ASEAN bloc and China sign an accord to create the world's biggest free trade area by removing tariffs for their 2 billion people by the end of the decade. Inaugural meeting of ASEAN and plus 6 dialogue partners 2005 First meeting of the ASEAN plus Six, (ASEAN’s dialogue partners) and also called the East Asia Summit, comprising the ASEAN countries plus China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. ASEAN bloc members agree charter to ratify the formation of the AEC 2007 ASEAN bloc signs charter giving its ten member states a legal identity, a first step towards its aim of a free trade area by 2015. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 2
  • 8. Year Key Event /Milestone ASEAN members establish the AEC 2008 The Association of Southeast Asian Nations moves to forge an EU-style free trade community within a free market economy and a social community, signing a charter that makes the bloc a legal entity for the first time and could pave the way for creating a single market within seven years. Japan and the bloc confirm that that they had finished signing a trade agreement after several years of negotiations which will effectively tear down trade barriers between the world's third largest economy and the ten member bloc of ASEAN. 2010 A free-trade agreement between China and the ASEAN bloc finally comes into effect. The six richest members of the bloc scrap tariffs on 90% of goods. The four poorest member country’s (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar) will not need to cut tariffs to the same level until 2015. Bali concord III agreement 2011 Bali Concord III - At the 19th ASEAN Summit on 17 November 2011 in Bali, the ASEAN Leaders signed the Bali Declaration on ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations, also known as the Bali Concord III. This is a response to the new reality that today ASEAN as group, confronted by complex and dynamic 21st century global challenges, which defy a single national solution and instead demand cooperation among nations at all level, i.e. bilateral, regional, and global, simultaneously in order to respond more effectively. The Bali Concord III is a manifestation of ASEAN’s global outreach to contribute further in a more coordinated, cohesive, and coherent manner. The action plan is to run parallel along with the new AEC and it reflects ASEAN’s commitment to take an increasing role in addressing global challenges. The group sets a period of ten years 2012 to 2022 to achieve the goals as set out in the Bali Concord III. The summit also brings together for the first time the ten member ASEAN bloc members and) and the blocs eight dialogue partners. President Barack Obama became the first US leader to attend an East Asia summit. Political leaders from eighteen nations discuss key issues such as regional territorial disputes in the South China Sea, democratic reforms in military-dominated Myanmar, mitigating natural disasters, currency, trade, and other issue. ASEAN members on track to full economic community integration 2013 ASEAN’s four newer members - Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia, are scheduled to lower their tariffs to zero, but with a flexible time frame up to 2025. The ten Asean economies will liberalise the trade of goods, services (including skilled labour), and investment to promote expansion of trade and investment, reduce disparities and lift competitiveness as a group on the world stage by December 2015. ASEAN’s abiding philosophy and aims As set out in the ASEAN Declaration, the aims and philosophy of the group is as follows: To accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavours in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian Nations; To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries of the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter; To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific, and administrative fields; Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 3
  • 9. To provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities in the educational, professional, technical and administrative spheres; To collaborate more effectively for greater utilisation of all of the member states agriculture, and industries. The expansion of the member states: trade, including the study of the problems of international commodity trade, the improvement of their transportation, and communication systems, and the raising of the living standards of their people. ASEAN’s Vision The ASEAN Vision 2020, adopted by the ASEAN Leaders on the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN, agreed on a shared vision of ASEAN as a concert of Southeast Asian nations, outward looking, living in peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together in partnership in dynamic development and in a community of caring societies. ASEAN’s Guiding Principles & Goals According to the groups guiding document, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), there are six fundamental principles members adhere to: 1. Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations. 2. The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference, subversion, or coercion. 3. Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another. 4. Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner. 5. Renunciation of the threat or use of force. 6. Effective cooperation among themselves. In 2003 the group agreed on the pursuit of three pillars, or, "communities": 1. Security Community: Apart from minor national boundary incidents, no international armed conflicts have taken place among ASEAN’s members since its inception four decades ago. Each member has agreed to resolve all conflicts by use of peaceful diplomacy and without use of force. 2. Economic Community: Perhaps the most vital part of ASEAN's quest is to create a free, integrated market in its region, much like that of the European Union. The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) embodies this goal, eliminating virtually all tariffs (taxes on imports or exports) in the region to increase competitiveness and efficiency. The organization is now looking towards China, Japan, and India to open up their markets in order to create the largest free market area in the world. 3. Socio-cultural Community: To combat the pitfalls of capitalism and free trade, namely, disparity in wealth and job loss, the socio-cultural community focuses on disadvantaged groups such as rural workers, women, and children. Various programmes are used to this end, including those for HIV/AIDS, higher education, and sustainable development, among others. The ASEAN scholarship is offered by Singapore to the other nine members, and the University Network is a group of 21 higher education institutes that aid each other in the region. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 4
  • 10. Structure of ASEAN There are a number of decision-making bodies that comprise ASEAN, spanning from international to the very local. The most important are listed below: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Meeting of the ASEAN Heads of State and Government: The highest body made up of the heads of each respective government; meets annually. Ministerial Meetings: Coordinates activities in many areas including agriculture and forestry, trade, energy, transportation, science and technology, among others; meets annually. Committees for External Relations: Made up of diplomats in many of the world's major capitals. Secretary-General: The appointed leader of the organisation empowered to implement policies and activities; appointed to five year term. The current Secretary General is currently Lê Lương Minh of Vietnam, (Opposite Right). Not mentioned above are over twenty five other committees and one hundred and twenty technical and advisory groups. (See also Appendix III - Organisational Structure at the end of this guide). Global Trade - (See Appendix IV table of top ten ASEAN traders at the end of this guide) In ascending order the top four global ASEAN trading partners are the European Union (11.5%) USA (10.1%), China (10.1%) and Japan (9.5%) continue to be ASEAN’s largest export markets (Q4 2011). China (13.3%), Japan, (11.5%), followed by the EU (10.8%) and USA (9.3%), were the largest sources of ASEAN imports as of again Q4 2011. Total trade with ASEAN top ten trading partners in 2011 to Q4 amounted to 1.536$ billion (US) with trade in exports amounting to 810$ billion (US). Imports amounted to 726$ billion (US) The balance of trade deficit resulting in a surplus credit of 8.4$ billion. ASEAN plus six The ‘plus six’ in this instance refers to ASEAN’s six dialogue partners who are as follows: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. (Opposite left ASEAN plus six members) Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 5
  • 11. ASEAN plus six and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership - the ARCEP Various free trade agreements already exist between the ASEAN bloc and the six dialogue partners. However, most recently negotiations have taken place between both blocs to form a single free market between all sixteen country members. The proposed ASEAN Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (ARCEP) will form a single market linking the nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations plus the six dialogue nations i.e. Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. The market will cover over three billion people and boast a combined gross domestic product of plus USD15 trillion, which is expected at least USD2.5 billion greater than the European Union. With cooperation expected to cover trade, investment, technology, and infrastructure, ARCEP will also build on existing Free Trade Agreements between the ASEAN bloc and the six dialogue partners. The ARCEP negotiations are taking place in parallel with efforts to complete preparations for the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community at the end of 2015. The AEC, (more of which later) will create a single economic zone allowing the free flow of goods, services, investment, skilled labour, and capital across the 10 ASEAN nations. ASEAN Economic Community - AEC Introduction The ASEAN Leaders at their Summit in Kuala Lumpur in December 1997 decided to transform ASEAN into a stable, prosperous, and highly competitive region with equitable economic development, and reduced poverty and socio-economic disparities (ASEAN Vision 2020). At the Bali Summit in October 2003, ASEAN Leaders declared that the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) shall be the goal of regional economic integration (Bali Concord II) by 2020. In addition to the AEC, the ASEAN Security Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community are the other two integral pillars of the envisaged ASEAN Community. All the three pillars are expected to work in tandem in establishing the ASEAN Community by 2020. Subsequently, the ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (AEM) held in August 2006 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, agreed to develop “a single and coherent blueprint for advancing the AEC by identifying the characteristics and elements of the AEC by 2015. This was to also be consistent with the Bali Concord II which set out clear targets and timelines for implementation of various measures as well as pre-agreed flexibilities to accommodate the interests of all ASEAN Member Countries. At the 12th ASEAN Summit in January 2007, the Leaders affirmed their strong commitment to accelerate the establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015 as envisioned in the Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 6
  • 12. ASEAN Vision 2020 and the ASEAN Concord II, and signed the Cebu Declaration on the Acceleration of the Establishment of an ASEAN Community by 2015. In particular, the Leaders agreed to hasten the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015 and to transform ASEAN into a region with free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled labour, and freer flow of capital. What to expect 1. Free flow of goods – Eliminating existing non-tariff barriers through improvements in the transparency of non-tariff measures, and the promulgation of rules and regulations which conform to international standards and practices. Trade will be facilitated through the harmonisation and standardised certification for goods of each country. Tariffs on most goods items will fall to zero in all ten ASEAN economies. Trade will be easier because of work already done to reduce procedural steps and streamline examination of goods at customs points within member countries. 2. Free flow of investment – The full establishment of a free and open investment regime, to boost competitiveness within ASEAN countries, and to attract flows of investment to the economic bloc. Foreign direct investment in ASEAN will be liberalised to allow holdings of up to 100% equity in the areas of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining, and manufacturing. In services, shareholders from Asean will still be capped at 70%. However, countries might want to preserve ownership in some professions in accordance with their respective laws. 3. Free flow of trade – The removal of all restrictions relating to the provision of services, and the formation of companies across the borders of the ten ASEAN member states by 2015, subject to respective national regulations. 4. Free flow of skilled labour – Member countries are aiming to increase the mobility of labour within the ASEAN region, by facilitating the issuance of visas and employment passes for professionals and skilled labour, thus intensifying competition for employment opportunities in the region by 2015. There will be better mobility for professionals in seven fields– engineers, doctors, dentists, accountants, nurses, surveyors, and architects. ASEAN will create standardised certification for those professionals eligible to relocate. Movement of unskilled labour will still be subject to the laws of member countries. 5. Free flow of capital – Fortify capital market development by harmonising financial standards through the promulgation of regulations in areas such as the offering of debt securities, and disclosure requirements, to enhance capital flows throughout the region. Benefits Economic opening up among members will transform ASEAN into a single production and market base, envisioning a free flow of goods, services, investment, and labour and a freer flow of capital. AEC members can benefit from tariff reductions on more goods such as vehicle tyres, machinery, synthetic rubber, and petrochemicals. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 7
  • 13. AEC creates new opportunities for members to expand export markets and production bases. AEC members can benefit from different types of competitive advantage enjoyed by each member, such as labour wages, culture, or natural resources, and increased opportunities for direct foreign investment. Progress The official ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Scorecard, published by the ASEAN Secretariat in May 2012, stipulated that ASEAN had achieved 67.5 per cent of its targets for the 2008–11 period. Overall, there has been significant progress in all areas, (pillars) of integration since the establishment of the AEC in 2007. Within the report there are obvious disparities in relation to how each area of integration has progressed. For example while the fourth pillar of the blueprint, ‘integration into the global economy’, was the best performer at 85.7 per cent, the first pillar on ‘single market and production base’ was the worst performer, with 65.9 per cent over the same period. The scores however are not surprising. In the last few years, ASEAN has signed and implemented five FTA’s , (Free Trade Agreements) and has driven the expanded East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum to help tackle key security challenges affecting the region. In addition to the leaders’ meeting, the organisation has held summits with China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and India. This raised the international profile of ASEAN, especially in an era of East Asia-led global economic recovery. Nevertheless, ASEAN faces several internal challenges related to non-tariff barriers, sticky labour laws, lack of infrastructure, and a development gap among members. A regional economic scorecard is expected to serve as an unbiased assessment tool to measure the extent of integration among its members and the economic health of the region. It is expected to provide relevant information about regional priorities and in this way foster productive, inclusive, and sustainable growth. Moreover, scores create incentives for improvement by highlighting what is working and what is not. The AEC Scorecard is also a compliance tool that makes it possible to monitor the implementation of ASEAN agreements and the achievement of milestones indicated in the AEC Strategic Schedule. So how far has ASEAN progressed in meeting its goal of full integration for all member states by the end of 2015? According to the press statement issued after the ninth AEC Council Meeting held in Brunei Darussalam on the 28th of April this year, ASEAN ministers noted that 77.5 per cent of measures under the AEC blueprint had already been implemented. The AEC envisages that the key characteristics of the community as a single market and production base, a highly competitive economic region, a region of equitable economic development and a region fully integrated into the global economy will be achieved by December 2015. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 8
  • 14. However doubts remain that such an ambitious programme can be established let alone completed by this date. Independent analysts and critics tend to agree that the challenges to the realisation of the key characteristics of the AEC still remain intact and unchallenged. Working towards the AEC free market – the challenges A single market without borders, ASEAN has applied a common ASEAN visa system that supports people-to-people contact and connectivity, yet Cambodia and Laos are not included and Thailand has opted out. Moreover, the majority of SME’s, (small-medium scale companies) throughout the region are still unfamiliar with the single market visa scheme, with many not even knowing that the scheme exists. Travel and tourism , has become a significant service sector which has continued to boost ASEAN’s economy and competitiveness, due to the strategic location of such country’s such as Thailand, and other key factors such as affordability, climate, and diverse heritage and culture’s. The tourism sector accounts for 4.6 per cent of ASEAN’s total GDP and the sector employs 9.3 million people, who in turn contribute globally up to 9 per cent of combined GDP and employment worldwide. Nevertheless, this huge net contribution has not significantly improved the bloc’s competitiveness. In fact the competitiveness index gap among ASEAN members is huge. According to the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), Singapore is the highest (2 out of 144 countries) among ASEAN countries Malaysia is second highest at 25 and Cambodia is the lowest at 85. Indonesia’s rank is 50. Development of member countries - first of all it is important to note that ASEAN as a group have been aware of the critical issue of minimizing the development gap among ASEAN members since their initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) was established in 2000. Over a decade has passed since the initiative which was initially set up to help establish and accelerate economic and social growth of the bloc’s newest members, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam (CLMV). Nevertheless a report issued from the World Bank at the beginning of 2012 revealed that ASEAN still had to address the disparities between member countries and reduce the development gap between its richest and poorest members. Such huge disparities in which Singapore has the highest GDP per capita at (US$46,241), while Cambodia has the lowest ($897) is hindering the bloc’ economic and social development progress. Perhaps an even greater challenge to ASEAN’s vision of a liberal market system, and a future integrated global economy is to how to maintain the bloc’s strategic centrality in the geo –political arena both at regional and global levels. Much political and diplomatic effort at executive level has been expended to ensure the blocs strategic centrality. For example ASEAN successfully formed a Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in November 2011 with its major dialogue partners the plus six, (Australia, China, India, South Korea, Japan, and New Zealand) which Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 9
  • 15. certainly adds both international creditability and impetus to ASEAN’s first step to an integrated global economy. Nonetheless, most recently ASEAN’s cohesiveness has been threatened regionally by the South China Sea dispute, which involves China, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Taiwan. If the dispute continues without satisfactory resolution for all parties concerned, it will be hard for the bloc to operate politically on the global stage along with its economic cooperation. The big issue of Myanmar? Although Myanmar is moving forward with economic reforms and opening up to the international community, analysts say the country is not yet ready to join a planned integrated network of Southeast Asian economies in 2015. A lack of infrastructure, human resources, and technology, along with an unfinished legal framework for businesses, are a concern for Myanmar as ASEAN attempts to form The AEC within the next two years. Myanmar, which in effect has only been transitioning from half a century of military dictatorship in 2011, has still primarily reliant on an agricultural economy that depends on rice and bean exports. It’s quite apparent that after just two years of transition the country’s agricultural sector would struggle to meet requirements for the Asean Economic Community (AEC). Rice trader Pyae Sone Oo of the Myanmar Rice Federation stated at a recent seminar in Rangoon “We’ve been left far behind,” even if we want to catch up, we can only do it gradually. There are some areas—like the rice industry, overall—which we can say are quite ready. But there are still many gaps.” According to data compiled by Myanmar’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation from 2011, 25 per cent of the country’s economic output comes from the farming sector. The country’s rice exports almost tripled over the past three years, and is expected to reach 1.4 million tons in the current fiscal year, according to the Myanmar Rice Federation. However, rice traders say they lack solid financial support and continue to encounter logistical problems, largely due to poor infrastructure. Pyae Sone Oo said that logistics is a big issue for the country and ports and trading points were not yet sufficient to upgrade the export sector. The quality of Burma’s rice also makes it difficult to compete with neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, he said. “If we could delay Myanmar’s full participation in the AEC for about two years, I think we will be ready,” he said. “But in the meantime, other countries will pass us and I’m afraid we will remain delayed. “On the other hand, we need to educate and support farmers to get quality grains so we can compete with other countries, and capacity building for farmers is needed as well.” Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 10
  • 16. Dr. Maung Maung Lay, vice president of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), agreed that the country was not yet prepared for the ASEAN single market but said businesspeople were ready to overcome existing hurdles. “We Burmese people are smart enough and resilient enough to face the challenges of joining the 2015 Asean Economic Community”. Nearly every sector of the country’s economy lags behind those of neighbouring countries, after decades of international isolation, internal political conflicts, and economic hardship under military rule. Since reformist President Thien Sein took power in 2011, the United States and the European Union have eased restrictions to allow companies to do more business in the Southeast Asian country. “The sleeping beauty has awakened, and there are many suitors,” said Maung Maung Lay. “The challenges are quite enormous. Most of the smallest enterprises are technically and financially weak—there’s no capital market yet.” Apart from infrastructure concerns, a lack of human resources also hampers growth. The country is already suffering from brain drain to neighbouring countries with higher wages. Once the AEC comes into full effect, Maung Maung Lay said, even more qualified workers could go abroad for employment in more lucrative markets. Still, Khine Khine Nwe, secretary general of the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association, said her industry was ready to take part in the regional economic community in 2015. “To look at the bright side, we are quite ready to take orders and we have skilled labourers,” she said, adding that she runs a garment factor in the country’s commercial capital, Rangoon. She said the garment industry had struggled to survive due to international economic sanctions imposed against Myanmar under the former regime, but that she was optimistic now that the country has opened its door to foreign investment. The garment industry was particularly hard hit by American sanctions, she said. The United States is gradually lifting sanctions to encourage political and economic reforms. “Whether or not we are ready [for the AEC] depends on the mind-set of people,” Khin Khine Nwe said. “From experience, those of us in the garment industry know we can overcome the hardest times. I believe we are ready to face any challenge, good or bad.” Conclusion The 45th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting, (AEM) and related meetings were held in Brunei, (on August 20 to 24). The AEM provides a platform for economic and trade ministers from the ten ASEAN member states and their counterparts from important dialogue partners, including Australia, Canada, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, and the United States, to engage in high-level discussions on economic cooperation. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 11
  • 17. The economic ministers meetings provided a much-needed platform for ASEAN to show that they are on track towards the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by the year 2015. This is especially so since the target for establishing the AEC is less than two and half years away. ASEAN has to redouble its efforts to keep pace with the binding commitments made in the AEC blueprint. It is now at the mid-point of the implementation of its AEC blueprint and has to take stock, realign, and adopt a bolder approach to meet all the outstanding, clear evidence current and future commitments. More importantly, it will have to avoid any protectionist stance due to the continuing uncertainty in the global economy. ASEAN will also have to show its collective leadership in managing the competing interests of its partners in East Asia over the form and pace of East Asia-wide trade arrangement. The Aug. 27-Sept. 1 meetings discussed the mid-term review of the implementation of the AEC blueprint and the AEC scorecard; plans for narrowing the economic development gap among ASEAN nations to support equitable development; the progress in pursuing the regional comprehensive economic partnership (RCEP); and the implementation of the connectivity initiative, among others. The mid-term review will provide a critical assessment on where ASEAN is with its economic community efforts. While there is clear evidence of progress in the implementation of the regional commitments, the review is likely to highlight gaps that ASEAN countries will have to address primarily in the following areas: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. The removal of non-tariff barriers Enhancing trade facilitation measures; Accelerating services and investment liberalization Pushing ahead with more transport facilitation measures Implementing all the roadmaps for the twelve priority integration sectors Improving the ease of doing business Addressing the low utilization of the five free trade agreements of ASEAN with its partners. While ASEAN has achieved about 67.5 per cent of its commitments under the AEC scorecard for the period 2008 to 2011, the remaining areas are also the most difficult ones. If ASEAN is to accelerate progress in these remaining areas, it will require collective, bold leadership, and serious commitment to dealing with the different legislative requirements and domestic issues of ASEAN countries. It will also have to be looking at regulatory limitations that impede the implementation of intra- and extra ASEAN measures, and fostering greater coordination among the various agencies at the national level in implementing regional commitments. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 12
  • 18. In this respect, the AEC compliance scorecard could be made more rigorous. The current scorecard fails to sufficiently capture the state of progress in the implementation of regional commitments by ASEAN countries. Regular periodic assessments and in-country surveillance could be undertaken by ASEAN Integration Monitoring Office (AIMO) to alert countries to any issues and roadblocks to integration. The scorecard could also be made publically available for transparency and credibility of ASEAN’s community building efforts. This will help garner the support of the other stakeholders and the international community. There could be enhanced engagement of the private sector by ASEAN governments at every stage of the community building effort. Regular private sector engagement can help to assess the impact and effectiveness of ASEAN policies and measures being implemented. Feedback from market participants will help to tackle impediments to the free flow of goods, services, investment, and capital. The private sector, for its part, could be more proactive and each sector could develop their own scorecards through their respective trade associations to provide inputs into the AEC scorecard. There is also a necessity for ASEAN as a bloc to engage the business community more, including technical committees, senior officials, and at minister level. An issue that ASEAN will have to address with urgency is equitable development across the region. Here, ASEAN has to place more emphasis on the Initiative for ASEAN Integration and development of the sub-regions such as the ASEAN Mekong Basin Development Cooperation and the ASEAN connectivity initiatives. There must be a coherent strategy for bringing about equitable development across the ASEAN region. Two horizontal issues may need to be addressed here. First is the alignment of sub-regional development initiatives with the overall AEC initiative. If there is no alignment, there may be duplication of resources and divergence in policies and goals. Second is the financing of sub-regional development initiatives. ASEAN is still dependent on its dialogue and development partners for integration and connectivity initiatives. For example, the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund is expected to only leverage about US$13 billion up to 2020 with the support of the Asian Development Bank when the infrastructure requirements based on conservative estimates is about $60 billion annually. ASEAN will have to also embark on public-private partnership models to fund some of its priority infrastructure projects. For this, the project proposals have to be attractive and the governments need to collaborate with the private sector as well as provide the necessary incentives to defray the project risks involved. The regional comprehensive economic partnership will be a key initiative ASEAN has to tackle collectively in order to stay relevant and attractive to East Asia. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 13
  • 19. This region-wide agreement will position ASEAN as the pivot of East Asia that will generate trade and investment growth for the region. This is an excellent opportunity for ASEAN to show it can effectively lead the process to cobble together a free trade arrangement, which will include the two dynamos of the region, China and India. For this to happen, ASEAN will have to agree within its membership on the level of ambition desired for the free trade agreement; the approach to the negotiations; and inclusion of issues such as government procurement, competition, intellectual property and so forth. These are not easy issues to reach consensus on, as not all non-ASEAN partners may want to offer concessions they have made in favour of ASEAN to the other parties involved. Indeed, there is a lot for the meetings in Brunei to mull over. But what is necessary will be to regain the lost ground by pushing ahead with the economic community building with greater urgency and stamping ASEAN’s centrality on regional architecture through its collective leadership cognisant of the interests of ASEAN’s partners. ~ Like to know more about Avondale Investment Management UK or perhaps you would like to know more about the subject matter within this guide? Then please visit our investment library which has an ever growing number of reports, guides and other literature which are all intended to assist you in finding the right investment opportunity. Alternatively we will be very happy to deal with enquires about our services direct by contacting us at Avondale Investment Management Limited. Company contact details of which can be found by navigating to the contact page of the website at www.avondaleinvestment.com On the other hand, you can mail us at either tonyrandall@avondaleinvest.com or avondaleinvest@hotmail.com Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 14
  • 20. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 15
  • 21. ASEAN’s Growing Investment Potential Appendix I June 2013 Courtesy of Samsung Economic Research Institute Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 16
  • 22. ASEAN Member States- General Information - Appendix II Country/ Item Brunei Darussalam Member states information Head of State His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah Bandar Seri Begawan Capital National Flag Population Language’s Religion STD code Internet code GMT time difference Opening times Currency Brunei GDP Brunei GDP growth rate y-o-y Q1 2013 Ease of doing business – World Bank Index 2013 Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade of Brunei Darussalam Website 388,190.00 Malay, English, and Chinese Islam + 673 .bn GMT + 8.00 hours - UK Banks: 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 11am Saturday. Government offices:7.45am-12.15pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and Saturday and Retail Outlets:10am to 9.30pm all week B$ (Brunei Dollar) USD$) 20,250,000.00 0.9% 2011 ranking: 83 2012 ranking: 79 www.mfa.gov.bn Cambodia Head of State Head of Government Capital National Flag His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni Prime Minister Hun Sien Phnom Penh Population Language’s Religion STD code Internet code GMT time difference Opening times 14,952,665.00 Khmer, French, and English Buddhist + 855 .kh GMT+6 hours - UK Banks: 8:30-11:30 14:00-16:00 Monday to Friday –some banks are open on Saturday mornings. Government Offices: 7.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Fridays and Saturday mornings only. Retail Outlets: 9.00 am to 9.00 pm all week. Riel & USD$ (USD$) 27,940,000,000 Currency Cambodian GDP Cambodian GDP growth rate y-o-y Q1 2013 Ease of doing business – World Bank Index 2013 Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of Cambodia Website 7.1% 2011 ranking: 141 2012 ranking: 133 www.mfaic.gov.kh Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 17
  • 23. Country/ Item Indonesia Member states information Head of State Capital National Flag President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Jakarta Population Language’s Religion STD code Internet code GMT time difference Opening times 240,271,522.00 Bahasa Indonesian, Dutch & English Muslim (majority 90%) +62 .id GMT +7 hours - UK Banks: 8.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday and 8.00am to 11.00am Saturday Government Offices: 8.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday Retail Outlets: 10.00am to 10.00pm all week Rupiah (IDR) (USD $) 914,600,000,000 5.81% Currency Indonesian GDP Indonesian GDP growth rate y-o-y Q2 2013 Ease of doing business – World Bank Index 2013 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Website 2011 ranking: 130 2012 ranking: 128 www.kemlu.go.id Laos PDR Head of State Head of Government Capital National Flag President Choummaly Sayasone Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong Vientiane Population Language’s Religion STD code Internet code GMT time difference Opening times 6,834,942.00 Lao, French, and English Buddhist +856 .la GMT+7 hours - UK Banks: 8.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday Government Offices: 8.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday Retail Outlets: 8.00 am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday Kip (USD$) 13,980,000,000 7.8% Currency Laos GDP Laos GDP growth rate y-o-y Q1 2013 Ease of doing business – World Bank Index 2013 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lao PDR Website 2011 ranking: 166 2012 ranking: 163 www.mofa.gov.la Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 18
  • 24. Country/ Item Malaysia Member states information Head of Government Capital National Flag The Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak Kuala Lumpur Population Language’s Religion STD code Internet code GMT time difference Opening times 25,715,819.00 Malay, English, Chinese, Tamil Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian +60 .my GMT+8 hours - UK Banks: 10.00am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday, 9.0am to 11.30am Saturday Government Offices: 8.00am to 4.15pm Monday to Friday, Retail Outlets: 10.00am to 8.00pm Ringgit (USD$) 384,300,000,000 1.4% Currency Malaysian GDP Malaysian GDP growth rate y-o-y Q2 2013 Ease of doing business – World Bank Index 2013 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia Website ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat Website 2011 ranking:14 2011 ranking:12 www.kln.gov.my www.kln.gov.my/myasean Myanmar Head of State Capital National Flag President Thein Sein Nay Pyi Taw Population Language’s Religion STD code Internet code GMT time difference Opening times 48,137,741.00 Myanmar (Burmese) Buddhist, Muslim, and Christian + 95 .mm GMT +6.30 hours-UK Banks: 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday Government Offices: 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday Retail Outlets: 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Saturday Kyat (USD$) 55,130,000,000 6.2% Currency Myanmar GDP Myanmar GDP growth rate y-o-y Q1 2013 Ease of doing business – World Bank Index 2013 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar Website 2011 ranking: not registered 2012 ranking: not registered www.mofa.gov.mm Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 19
  • 25. Country/ Item Philippines Member states information Head of State President Benigno S. Aquino III Capital National Flag Manila Population Language’s Religion STD code Internet code GMT time difference Opening times 97,976,603.00 Filipino, English, Spanish Catholic, and Muslim +63 .ph GMT+ 8hours - UK Banks: 9.00am to 3.00pm Mondays to Fridays Government Offices: 8.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Fridays Retail Outlets:10.00am to 9.00pm Monday to Saturdays Peso (USD$) 317,500,000,000 1.4% Currency Philippine GDP Philippine GDP growth rate y-o-y Q2 2013 Ease of doing business – World Bank Index 2013 Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Website 2011 ranking: 136 2012 ranking: 138 www.dfa.gov.ph Singapore Head of State Head of Government Capital National Flag President Tony Tan Keng Yam Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Singapore Population Language’s Religion STD code Internet code GMT time difference Opening times 4,657,542.00 English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil Buddhist Taoist, and Muslim +65 .sg GMT+7 hours - UK Banks: 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 1.00pm Saturdays Government Offices: 7.30 & 9.30am to 4.00 and 6.00pm Monday to Friday, 11.30am to 1.00pm Saturdays Retail Outlets: 10.00 am to 9.00pm Monday to Saturday, 11.00am to 7.00pm Sunday S$ (Singapore Dollar) (USD$) 237,300,000,000 15.5% Currency Singapore GDP Singapore GDP growth rate y-o-y Q2 2013 Ease of doing business – World Bank Index 2013 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore Website 2011 ranking: 1 2012 ranking: 1 www.mfa.gov.sg Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 20
  • 26. Country/ Item Thailand Member states information Head of State Head of Government Capital National Flag His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra Population Language’s Religion STD code Internet code GMT time difference Opening times 67,091,089.00 Thai and English Buddhist +66 .th GMT+6 hours - UK Banks: 8.30 to 5.00pm Monday to Saturdays Government Offices: 8.30 to 5.00pm Monday to Fridays Retail Outlets: 10.00am to 10.pm all week Baht (USD$) 547,400,000,000 2.8% Currency Thailand GDP Thailand GDP growth rate y-o-y Q2 2013 Ease of doing business – World Bank Index 2013 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand Website 2011 ranking: 17 2012 ranking: 18 www.mfa.go.th Vietnam Head of State Head of Government Capital National Flag President Nguyen Minh Triet Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung Ha Noi Population Language’s Religion STD code Internet code GMT time difference Opening times 86,967,524.00 Vietnamese, English, French, and Chinese None (80%) Buddhist and Catholic +84 .vn GMT + 7 hours - UK Banks: 8.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 11.30am Saturday Government Offices: 7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 12.00pm Saturday Retail Outlets: 8.00am to 10.00pm all week Dong (USD$) 241,700,000,000 5% Currency Vietnam GDP Vietnamese GDP growth rate y-o-y Q2 2013 Ease of doing business – World Bank Index 2013 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Website 2011 ranking: 99 2012 ranking: 99 www.mofa.gov.vn Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 21
  • 27. ASEAN Secretariat Organisational Structure Appendix III Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 22
  • 28. ASEAN Top Ten Global Trade partners Q4 2011 - Appendix 2 Note: source ASEAN merchandise trade statistics database. Top ten ASEAN trade partner countries/regions as of Q4 2011 Trade partner country/region 1/ ASEAN value in US$ million; share in percent Share to total ASEAN trade Value Exports Imports Total trade Exports Imports Total trade 199,587.3 176,620.1 376,207.3 24.6 24.3 24.5 China 81,591.0 96,594.3 178,185.4 10.1 13.3 11.6 European Union-27 92,990.9 78,795.0 171,785.9 11.5 10.8 11.2 Japan 78,068.6 82,795.1 160,863.7 9.6 11.4 10.5 USA 82,201.8 67,370.3 149,572.1 10.1 9.3 9.7 Republic of Korea 34,292.9 40,447.4 74,740.3 4.2 5.6 4.9 Hong Kong 56,696.7 11,218.6 67,915.2 7.0 1.5 4.4 Australia 29,039.3 14,810.8 43,850.1 3.6 2.0 2.9 India 26,520.3 12,595.5 39,115.8 3.3 1.7 2.5 United Arab Emirates 10,569.5 13,797.0 24,366.5 1.3 1.9 1.6 Total top ten trade partner countries 691,558.3 595,044.0 1,286,602.3 85.3 81.9 83.7 Others 118,930.9 131,310.1 250,241.0 14.7 18.1 16.3 Total 810,489.2 726,354.1 1,536,843.3 100.0 100.0 100.0 2/ Source Notes x ASEAN Merchandise Trade Statistics Database (compiled/computed from data submission, publications and/or websites of ASEAN Member States' national ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) units, national statistics offices, customs departments/agencies, or central banks) not available as of publication time not available/not compiled 1/ 2/ identified/ranked based on share of total trade includes trade of all other countries and those that could not be attributed to specific countries Some figures may not sum up to totals due to rounding off errors. Avondale Investment Management (UK). www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 23
  • 29. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 24
  • 30. Bibliography A list of research sources Notwithstanding, the authors own research data and local knowledge, a brief list of research sources for this guide can be found as follows: Newspaper and magazine articles 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. The Bangkok Post The Nation Jakarta Mail Vientiane Times South China Daily Look East magazine ASEAN Affairs Yangon Times The Straits Times The Australian The Star The Phnom Penh Post Websites-News Organisations 13. Reuters website 14. BBC News website All other websites 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. IMF OECD ASEAN Asian Development Bank CIA World Fact Book The World Bank Wikipedia Samsung Research Institute Finally, a heart- felt thanks to you all thank you to you all. Tony Randall A brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 25
  • 31. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 26
  • 32. Authors Bio – Tony Randall – A brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community Tony Randall is an investment management consultant who lives in Thailand. He is also the author of many guide books including The Essential Guide to Thailand 2013, The Property Investment Guide to Thailand, and The Guide to property and land ownership for foreign nationals and The Investment Guide to Cambodia. Tony has over 25 years of investment property industry experience working for international property companies. He founded Avondale Investment Management Limited a UK based property investment company on the 15th of September 2011. Having spent many years exploring SE Asia he soon realised that the region with its many diverse cultures, strategic location ,all year round sunshine, tropical beaches, and fantastic cuisine, increasingly became his principle destination of choice. The attraction of an affordable eastern exotic lifestyle became too great a temptation and he relocated to the region where he has lived for over the past three years. He soon also realised the potential opportunities for overseas investment in the booming SE Asian property and investment markets for overseas investors, property buyers, overseas workers, and retiree’s. The brief guide to ASEAN and the Asian Economic Community covers the most common topics relating to the subject matter and includes a brief history of ASEAN and a historical timeline of key events. In addition, there is information pertaining to ASEAN’s structure, abiding philosophy and aims, ASEAN’s global trade statistics, ASEAN’s affiliate partners and an introduction, and critical analysis of the forthcoming AEC. Contact details Telephone: +44 (0) 754 2701564 UK +66 (0) 861029558 Thailand. Email: tonyrandall@avondaleinvest.com or uniqueimprint@hotmail.com Website: www.avondaleinvestment.com Postal address: United Kingdom – Registered Address Suite 72, Cariocca Business Park, 2 Sawley Road, Manchester. Lancashire, M40 8 BB. England Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 27
  • 33. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 28
  • 34. Also available Property Investment in the Kingdom of Thailand Introduction Until now there has been few comprehensive guide books catering for international property investors whose primary motivation is investment. This book focuses primarily on private equity real estate investment in Thailand and secondly on SE Asia. Much attention has been devoted in recent years to SE Asia and the ASEAN block of member states and with the Asian Economic Community set to become a reality in 2015. Many analysts have argued that the SE Asian countries consisting of over 620 million people and with a combined gross domestic product of 2.3 Trillion (sterling) will become one of the world’s largest combined economies within the next decade. Thailand with its democratic constitution set in the heart of SE Asia and the second largest economy in the ASEAN market is blessed with wonderful climate and a friendly culture. The Kingdom has been a number one choice for overseas visitors for many years. However, it is just not about the country, culture, and economy that make Thailand a worthwhile investment opportunity. Thailand is also very affordable (approximately 35% on average cheaper than the UK) and it is no wonder that an estimated 50% of all foreign nationals who annually move to Thailand are in particular retirees. With traditional international property markets such as Spain, Greece, Portugal, and the USA, continuing to underperform Thailand’s emerging private international real estate market is fast becoming SE Asia’s number one market for international property investors. So, if you′re planning to take your property investment to the next level in SE Asia, whether it be finding a second home, a retirement home or looking for the unique international investment opportunity, who should you turn to for independent advice about your investment? The guide to Property Investment in the Kingdom of Thailand is essential reading for commercial real estate investors as well as anyone considering buying a property in Thailand. Nevertheless, domestic investors should find the book of interest as well, as it covers many same issues, opportunities, and impediments foreign investors face. The author who lives in Thailand has gained valuable insight into the Thai property market and has 25 years’ experience of working in the UK and International property development and property investment markets. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 29
  • 35. The guide adopts no nonsense but professional and impartial approach to Thai property investment opportunities, exposing potential risks and benefits to ensure the selection of the most appropriate investments. With almost three hundred pages of information on the Thai property market, this book provides the investor with the most up to date information on issues such as:         current property legislation for foreign nationals seeking investment in Thailand current capital values and rental rates investment strategies finance strategies economic and institutional factors as well as practical information relating to pension advice UK and Thai tax legislation Non Domicile status for UK citizens abroad No, other guide encompasses the range of information and advice contained within the book. So before you decide, avoid the pitfalls and read the guide to Property Investment in the Kingdom of Thailand it will help save time and money by making you aware of where the real and safe investment opportunities are and just as importantly what investments to avoid. UK Copyright Registration no: 284654683 10.4.12 Tony Randall Property Investment in the Kingdom of Thailand Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 30
  • 36. Also available The Q and A Guide to Property Ownership in Thailand for Foreign Nationals Introduction The potential opportunities for overseas investment in the booming Thailand property market for both the commercial real estate investor and private property buyer; in this, most beautiful of Asian countries is for all to see. However, what are the potential pitfall’s and risk’s associated with purchasing a property and land in the Kingdom? The Q and A Guide to Property Ownership in Thailand for Foreign Nationals is an updated version of the guide which was originally published as part of the Property Investment Guide to Thailand. The guide covers the most common and frequently asked questions relating to the purchase of property and land ownership for foreign nationals in Thailand. The mini guide adopts a professional and impartial approach when tackling the most frequently asked questions by investors seeking to invest in property in Thailand. The primary audience for this guide is the foreign commercial real estate investor and private real estate property buyer and the guide is intended to be a handy aid memoir for both private and commercial real estate investors who are seeking potential investment opportunities in one of the most popular of SE Asian property Markets. Tony Randall The Q and A Guide to Property Ownership in Thailand for Foreign Nationals Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 31
  • 37. Also available The Essential Living Guide to Thailand 2013 Introduction Whether it is the idea of working for oneself, enjoying more sunshine or simply wishing to spend more time with one's family, millions of us dream about leaving our 9-5 jobs and moving abroad. Therefore, for those of you who are considering avoiding the humdrum of the western lifestyle and the incessant talk on mortgages, taxes, shrinking pensions, the ever-increasing unemployment figures and the ever decreasing value of your lifestyle? The dream of moving to a sunnier climate and exotic life can be more than enough incentive; to move abroad .Whatever the reason and however long you plan to stay, moving overseas is not just about deciding what to take with you. Your entire life is about to change and the more prepared you are, the better the relocation will go. So why Thailand………. Well just for starters, Thailand is already one of the most popular tourist destinations’ in the world with over 19.5 million foreign tourists visiting the country in 2012 and it’s just not the visitors who enjoy the Thai lifestyle. Over, two million foreign expatriate’s already live and enjoy their life in amazing Thailand. The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia blessed with natural beauty, its islands are amongst the most scenic and beautiful in the world. Recognised as one of the friendliest and relaxing countries in the world, this is a country with something for everyone. Let us not also forget that perhaps, the most distinctive point about Thailand is the Thais. This nation known as the ‘Land of Smiles’ deserves its name for the Thais are always smiling, easy-going, and very tolerant of people from other nationalities. Thai people are rightly for known for their hospitality and for being kind, warm, and welcoming to foreign nationals. The Essential Living Guide to Thailand 2013 So whether you’re are an overseas’ worker, retiree, grey gapper, taking a sabbatical, looking for a new life abroad, an ex-pat or even looking for just a holiday home The Essential Living Guide to Thailand 2013 is your indispensable guide to this most beautiful and exotic part of the world. The author, drawing on all his experience of living in this fascinating of Asian countries, takes the hassle out of relocating by providing practical advice on every step of the process from the initial research, visa requirements, moving your possessions abroad and finding a home. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 32
  • 38. There is also advice on how to cope with culture shock and language barriers; and the latest information on taxation, work visa’s, international education, lifestyle issues ,property investment ,health issues, marriage and divorce, planning and retirement and information on gay Thailand . Also included are four mini guides to Thailand’s most popular holiday destinations Bangkok, Chaing Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket and also an up to date and comprehensive directory of over 600 suppliers, contacts, and services in Thailand. With almost 500 pages The Essential Guide to Thailand 2013 is not only the most in-depth and indispensable guide you are ever likely to read about Thailand but it is also your key to escaping the rat race…….. UK Copyright Registration no: 28465468210.4.12 Tony Randall The Essential Living Guide to Thailand 2013 Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 33
  • 39. Also available A guide to property and land ownership in SE Asia for foreign nationals Introduction The international property markets since the global financial crisis and the continuing Eurozone crisis have been in a state of variable flux for some time. Today, investors seek the stability and simplicity of property to gain good returns on investment. Equities or stocks which can be volatile but despite current world economics, property is regarded as historically stable. Many overseas investors now see Southeast Asia as an emerging market for property investment for potential investment opportunities, whether it be in terms of a pure investment opportunity or second home investment. Because home ownership is so common in west, many also want to buy their own home or otherwise control their property. Therefore, for the potential investor, what are the legal requirements in terms of investing and purchasing property or land in SE Asia and how do they differ for the overseas investor? Written by a property professional and expatriate the guide takes the investor through the complexities and potential pitfalls of investing in property in SE Asia Covering the ten most popular property markets in SE Asia including China, the Guide to property and land ownership in SE Asia provides the investor with the latest up to date information for foreign nationals such as leasehold legislation, company ownership, foreign national property ownership rights, and property taxation. Succinct and readable, the guide is designed to assist any prospective investor avoid the pitfalls and enjoy the benefits of investing in the property markets of SE Asia. Note: Property legislation in Thailand is covered in depth in the guide to Property investment in the Kingdom of Thailand and is not included within this guide. Tony Randall A guide to property and land ownership in SE Asia for foreign nationals Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 34
  • 40. Company Disclaimer Whilst the information contained within this guide has been to the best of our knowledge carefully and meticulously researched. All information contained within the guide is subject to interpretation and external economic, political, legal, and financial factors which are beyond our control. Furthermore, every possible effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this guide is accurate at the time of publication and we make know no warranty about the accuracy or completeness of the content to the maximum extent permitted. No responsibility for loss or damage occasioned to any person acting, or refraining from action, as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the company and author. Avondale Investment Management (UK) www.avondaleinvestment.com Copyright © 2013 Page 35
  • 41. Contact: Avondale Investment Management (UK) Suite 72 Cariocca Business Park , 2 Sawley Road , Manchester. Lancashire. M40 8BB. United Kingdom. Telephone: +44 (0) 7542 701564 +66 (0) 861029556 E mail: tonyrandall@avondaleinvest.com avondaleinvest@hotmail.com Website : www.avondaleinvestment.com ‘ Inspired Investment Solutions’