Asian Perceptions 2008 Final

For the last several years Asean Focus Group has conducted a survey to establish the perceptions which people hold to a number of Asian countries as commercial targets for foreign investment and trade. The information has been an important input to decision makers in Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The key findings of the report include: Expansion plans: despite the adverse global financial climate, a majority of respondents of respondents are planning or considering commercial expansion in the region, with China, India, Vietnam and Malaysia perceived as the most attractive South East Asian investment locations. Indonesia has experienced a dramatic increase in attractiveness as a commercial target - and this is probably due to an extended period of political stability. Free Trade Agreements: there seems to be significant evidence that the expectations of the benefits of Free Trade Agreements significantly outweigh the actual benefits, possibly due to lack of education and understanding.