China Outbound: Local Economic Programs and Policy Package Implemented in ASEAN and India

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Our Latest Round-Up of Business News Affecting China-Based Businesses Investing in Asia

In this edition of China Outbound, we take a closer look at the economic initiatives and programs introduced by ASEAN nations and India. We begin by introducing India’s major economic projects “Make in India” and “Digital India,” which serve as a magnet for foreign investment in India. And then discuss the policy package implemented in Indonesia and the Philippines, aiming at boosting free trade. Finally, we talk about the strengthened economic ties between India and Vietnam during new period of bilateral cooperation.

India’s Economic Initiatives: A Magnet for Investments

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has introduced a multitude of economic programs since 2014. Make in India remains the flagship initiative; all other development programs seek to complement it. Make in India, Digital India, Smart Cities, Skill India, Housing for All and Start Up India are the government’s top priority economic projects.

Recent Study Revels Investor Confidence over Philippines’ Business Horizon

Despite concerns over competition and lagging demand, a recent study from the Philippine Department of Economics and Statistics reveals growing confidence from business leaders. Differing levels of risk exposure in Q3 as well as confidence in a speedy Q4 recovery bode well for existing firms and reveal opportunities in a market that is projected – at least according to a study by HSBC – to be ASEAN’s largest economy by 2050.

Indonesia to Implement Policy Package to Strengthen Lackluster Economy

As Indonesia continues to struggle with an economy that refuses to strengthen adequately, President Joko Widodo has launched a policy package intended to jumpstart economic growth in the country. The country has set a target of seven percent GDP growth by 2017, and aims to achieve this through increased infrastructure spending and attracting more foreign investment.

Vietnamese and French Firms Look for New Ways to Increase Free Trade

Speaking on Monday during a conference in Paris, the Trade Counsellor of the Vietnamese Embassy in France, Nguyen Canh Cuong, said Vietnamese and French companies need to take advantage of the business opportunities presented by the Vietnam-European Union Free Trade Agreement (VEFTA).

French experts present at the same event agreed that both Vietnam and France will benefit from the FTA, which would cut most taxes and tariffs.

India and Vietnam Set to Strengthen Economic Ties during New Period of Bilateral Cooperation

India and Vietnam are poised to strengthen their relations to the best they have been in decades thanks to recent political shifts and policy developments.Modi’s government has shown that it views Vietnam as an essential partner moving forward into 2016. Current Indian investment into Vietnam totals almost USD$1 billion; both sides have also recently agreed on a new bilateral trade target of US$15 billion by the year 2020.


About Us

Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email china@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com.

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