Asia is lucrative and ripe with opportunity, yet many
markets and business opportunities remain largely untapped
by foreign firms. Asia must be regarded as a vital and
indispensable part of every global business strategy,
especially for firms wanting to stay ahead of their competition.
Experience has shown that business success in Asia requires
proper research, planning, commitment, flexibility, a
long-term vision and a sense of adventure.
Strong opportunities exist for US export sales to Asia
as well as local product sourcing and contract manufacturing
of goods destined for American markets.
Japan, China and the other countries of Asia constitute
diversified and robust markets of tremendous potential:
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 Product manufacturing costs across
Asia are relatively low, skilled labor is in
abundance and product quality standards are extremely
high. Disposable income levels are rising and
an educated and growing middle class have helped
fuel demand for quality goods and services. |
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 Japan represents the 2nd largest economy in
the world. Imagine a country slightly smaller
than California with approximately half the population
of the US. With an annual household income averaging
the equivalent of US$110,000 and a savings rate
of almost 24% the Japanese have one of the highest
levels of disposable income in the world. Imported
products, especially branded consumer products,
remain highly desirable. Japan imports more than
US$292 billion worth of goods, approximately
$53 billion from the US alone. The rise in single
working women, a growing aging population, a
shift from a producer-driven to a value conscience
consumer-driven market, streamlining of distribution
channels and relaxation of government regulations
are just a few of the changes that have created
vast opportunities in “The New Japan”. |
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 China’s more than 1.3 billion consumers
represent a quarter of the world’s population
and that figure is expected to double in the
next 50 years! China’s economy is the fastest
growing in the world with an annual growth rate
approaching 8%. Their GDP has quadrupled since
1978 making it the 6th largest economy in the
world (2nd largest if measured on a purchase
power parity basis). China is the largest exporter
to the United States (US$63 billion in 2002)
and the number one target in the world for foreign
direct investment. China’s membership
in the World Trade Organization will unlock
business
opportunities for Chinese and non-Chinese firms
alike.
Hong Kong, the gateway to China, remains a critical
component of business activity in the greater
China area. This duty-free port city is North
Asia's main center of international finance,
shipping, IT and related services. The co-existence
of traditional Chinese values and western influences
gives Hong Kong a unique competitive advantage
and affirms its leadership position in regional
business and global trade. |
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The 1997~1998 economic crisis hit Thailand
particularly hard. A currency devaluation of
almost 50% has resulted in extremely low cost
manufacturing opportunities. Many US, European
and Japanese world-class companies have established
manufacturing facilities in Thailand to satisfy
consumer demand on both a local and international
level … a testimony to the opportunities
involving Thailand. |
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 Singapore, with a highly developed and successful
free-market economy, enjoys a remarkably open
and corruption-free environment, stable prices,
and one of the highest per capita GDPs in the
world (approaching US$25,000). Singapore is establishing
itself as Southeast Asia's financial and high-tech
hub and is in the forefront of regional innovation
and consumer trends. |
