Doing Business in the ASEAN Countries
Southeast Asia is home to the ten ASEAN nations of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Collectively they comprise a huge market of over half a billion people, with a total land area of 4.5 million square kilometers, a combined domestic product in excess of US$1.1 trillion and total trade of over US$1.4 trillion. It is the most dynamic and fastest growing region in the world but also has some of the world's most distinctive cultures and business systems. It offers tremendous opportunities for investors and businesses. But to succeed you need to be familiar with the unique business environment including political and business systems, cultural idiosyncrasies, management practices, social structures, legal frameworks, government priorities, potential competition, establishing relationships and selecting partners, and dealing with corruption and other ethical pitfalls. The book will apply a framework to understand each country along these dimensions. This book is a practical and comprehensive guide to succeeding in ASEAN countries. It allows for a deeper understanding of the business environment of these diverse economies. You will be better able to evaluate the risk factors and make meaningful decisions.
Strategic Development of ASEAN Logistics Infrastructure
Introduction: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recently launched its ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which could potentially revolutionize the economic output in the region through free movement of goods, people, and capital across borders. At this stage, several trade barriers still exist which limit successes in AEC.<br><br>Literature Review: This article assesses strategic opportunities, weaknesses, and threats to trade in the region, with a particular focus on logistics infrastructure. A review and analysis of the quality of land, air, and sea transportation networks is provided.<br><br>Recommendations and Conclusion: Recommendations are made pertaining to customs and investment policies, security, safety, and infrastructure development. AEC is found capable of achieving its goals given that trade participants have adequate means by which they can deliver their goods.
Mining Law and Policy in Indonesia: Issues in Current Practice that Need Reform
In a recently completed doctoral research, ‘Foreign Direct Investment in Gold Mining in Developing Countries: Analysis of Award and Implementation of the Contract of Work System in Indonesia’, it was found that the mining industry in Indonesia is poised for a major reform effort which is necessary in order to sustain foreign direct investment and rescue the industry from serious decline. In this follow up work, the authors discuss the areas that need reform and suggest possible action in restructuring policy for optimum results.