Why are distribution challenges in Vietnam more acute than they are in other major ASEAN markets? Multinationals operating in Southeast Asia’s major emerging markets tend to rely heavily on distributors, and nowhere is this more true than in Vietnam. According…
Myanmar: To Invest or Not to Invest, That is the Question
When we talk to executives who are thinking about expanding into Myanmar, many of their concerns seem to come down to the same thing: politics. There is a round of elections coming up in late 2015 that has the potential…
The Philippines – Asia’s Cinderella Story
Everyone loves a Cinderella Story, a situation in which a competitor emerges out of nowhere to achieve great success. So it’s not surprising to see so many people rooting for the Philippines lately. After expanding on average by 3.8% per…
Vietnam’s Structural Slowdown
There was a time when companies could count on Vietnam to post one of Asia’s highest growth rates. In the years running up to the financial crisis, its economy outpaced ASEAN’s other major economies, consistently expanding by at least 7%…
Thailand’s economy is struggling but will not suffer another 1997 Asian Financial Crisis
Thailand’s economy has been struggling this year. Industrial production has slowed as growth in eight of the country’s top ten export markets has deteriorated, and domestic demand has stagnated as an expiring tax rebate for cars has weighed on consumption. …
On the Road in Indonesia: Economic Governance Good for Business in Long Run
Adam Jarczyk, Asia Pacific Practice Leader for FSG, is currently on the road in Indonesia. He is speaking with government officials, senior executives and industry thought leaders to provide our clients with the latest on-the-ground insight from the market. He…
Managing Indonesia’s Workforce Risks in 2013
Starting now, companies will face increasing workforce risks in Indonesia. Wages will rise by 15-30% over the next 12 months, pushing companies towards a labor cost trap, and a new regulation slated for implementation later this year will restrict companies’…