Asia is one of the world's most dynamic and fast-growing economic regions. This growth is accelerating especially with the economic developments in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries. The ASEAN region, consisting of Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei, Laos and Cambodia, offers great opportunities for Turkish investors.
So, what are the investment opportunities in the ASEAN region, how can Turkish investors evaluate these opportunities and in which sectors are there opportunities? In this article, we examine the relations between ASEAN and Turkish investors and the trade opportunities in the region.
ASEAN is an economic and political cooperation organization founded in 1967. ASEAN is a fast-growing and strategically important region with a population of approximately 660 million people, representing 10% of the world economy. ASEAN countries play an important role in global supply chains with the increase in economic cooperation and trade.
While the growth rates of the regional economies are among the highest in Asia, the young population and rapidly developing technology sector also increase the attractiveness of ASEAN countries. The free trade agreements and regional integration opportunities provided by ASEAN make entering the region even more attractive for Turkish investors.
ASEAN offers growth opportunities in a wide range of sectors for Turkish investors. ASEAN is an attractive target market for Turkish business people in terms of wholesale trade, opening up to new markets and direct foreign investment.
1. Production and Manufacturing Sector
ASEAN countries, especially Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand, are very attractive centers for production and manufacturing with their low labor costs and advanced infrastructure. Turkish investors can become part of regional supply chains by investing in these countries in areas such as automotive, textile, electronics and food production.
2. Renewable Energy
ASEAN countries are making major investments in renewable energy projects. Turkey's strong energy sector and experience in renewable energy offer significant opportunities in the ASEAN region, especially for projects such as solar energy, wind energy and hydroelectric power plants. Turkish companies can establish long-term partnerships by transferring their experience in this field to ASEAN countries.
3. Digital Technologies and Internet Commerce
The ASEAN region is rapidly advancing in digitalization. Areas such as e-commerce, software development and fintech have gained great momentum. Turkish investors can establish partnerships with companies operating in e-commerce platforms or financial technologies by offering digital solutions in the ASEAN market.
4. Construction and Infrastructure
ASEAN countries are making major investments in urbanization and infrastructure projects. Urban transformation, transportation projects and the construction sector are of great importance in this context. Turkish contracting companies can share their experience in this field by participating in major infrastructure projects in ASEAN.
5. Health and Tourism Sector
The tourism sector in the ASEAN region is growing rapidly, especially in countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. There are also great opportunities in health tourism and medical devices. Turkish investors can obtain profitable opportunities in both tourism and health by transferring their health sector investments to ASEAN.
It is important for Turkish investors who want to trade in the ASEAN region to develop some strategies specific to the region. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Regional Agreements and Customs Regulations
There are many free trade agreements among ASEAN countries. Although Turkey does not have a direct free trade agreement with ASEAN, it can indirectly benefit from these advantages through ASEAN's foreign trade agreements. It is very important to research customs duty rates, trade barriers and local regulations.
2. Local Business Culture and Doing Business
ASEAN is a region that hosts different cultures and each country has its own unique ways of doing business. For example, while strong family businesses and individual relationships are prominent in Indonesia, more formal and institutional business styles are common in developed countries such as Singapore and Thailand. It will be critical for Turkish investors to understand the local business culture of the countries they will do business in well and to establish strong relationships with their business partners for a successful investment.
3. Language Barriers and Communication
English is widely spoken in most countries in the ASEAN region. However, it should not be forgotten that in some countries, local languages are more dominant. Turkish investors can overcome the language barrier by working with consulting firms that provide services in local languages.
4. Investment Incentives
ASEAN countries offer many tax breaks, incentives and special economic zones for foreign direct investments. Turkish investors can make their investments more profitable by taking advantage of these incentives. Such incentives are especially common in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand.
The ASEAN region offers great opportunities in developing markets for Turkish investors. Thanks to the strong economic growth, young population and increasing digitalization in the region, trade and investment opportunities are rapidly diversifying. Turkish business people can make strategic investments to gain a strong place in the ASEAN markets and catch up with the rapid growth in the region.
Developing the right strategies and understanding the local business culture are critical factors for successful investments when doing business with ASEAN. ASEAN countries offer very attractive opportunities for Turkish investors in growing sectors such as manufacturing, digital trade and renewable energy. If you are considering taking advantage of these opportunities, you can create your business plan for ASEAN today.