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Overview By most measurements, the Cambodian economy is healthy. The Asian Development Bank forecasts economic growth of 7% in 2019 and 6.8% for 2020, while the World Bank considers economic growth to be “better than expected” because of increasing exports, growing internal demand, and consistency in foreign investment. But structural problems persist. Cambodia is repeatedly … Continue reading Cambodia: Economic risk update
With roughly seventeen months to go until the Vietnamese Communist Party’s next National Congress, at which the party’s next leaders will be selected and announced, personnel vetting has now begun. It will be make or break time for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who is seeking to implant his own nominees in positions of … Continue reading Vietnam: Political and security risk update
Recent market research by Access Asia Consulting has found that nearly half of all apparel and footwear retail outlets in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, and its top tourist destination, Siem Reap, are selling counterfeit luxury brands. The quality and prices range dramatically depending on the outlet, with markets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap selling … Continue reading Cambodia Counterfeits: Sales of fake luxury brands are surging as retail sector and online sales take off
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is reasserting the power of the federal government as well as the prime minister’s office as he prepares to use his final opportunity to shape Malaysia’s political and economic future, according to sources in the Pakatan Harapan (“Alliance of Hope”) coalition that brought the uncompromising leader back to power. Mr. Mohamad … Continue reading Malaysia: Political and Security Update
Questions linger after consortium led by a presidential advisor and backed by China Telecom was selected as third telco provider; move towards energy exploration in disputed waters could trigger backlash. Last year’s provisional selection of a third telco operator in the Philippines sent more mixed signals about opportunities for investment in what has been one … Continue reading Philippines: Telecom and energy deals send disquieting signals
Two recent bills – one on special economic zones (SEZs) and the other on cyber-security – which were discussed by Vietnam’s National Assembly (NA) in June, generated widespread public interest and nation-wide protests. This latest round of unrest is indicative of heightened political and social activism in Vietnam. However, Access Asia has held a long-time … Continue reading Vietnam: Two new bills spark protests, but wide-spread unrest unlikely
Summary: The dissolution of Cambodia’s only credible opposition party on 16 November has heightened the risk of political and social instability in the run-up to next year’s general elections, yet the move will likely have limited economic implications over the short term. The threat of sanctions by Western countries will likely not be heeded, while … Continue reading Cambodia: The dissolution of the CNRP and implications for foreign investment
The recent violence that has swept the northern townships of Myanmar’s Rakhine state driving an exodus of over half a million Rohingya Muslims into neighboring Bangladesh in little more than one month has created a humanitarian catastrophe of daunting proportions. Unfolding on the religious and cultural fault-line between South and Southeast Asia, it is a … Continue reading Myanmar/Rakhine Security Assessment
Access Asia is seeking a Vietnam-based writer familiar with the business and political environment of Vietnam. The candidate must be a native English speaker (likely from an English speaking country or being an overseas Vietnamese.) Please send your CV and cover letter to info@accessasiaconsulting.com.
Over the past several years, Access Asia has noted several types of problems in supply chains of multinational corporations operating in the region that can cause reputational problems, raise costs, and potentially lead to legal problems with regulatory authorities. Some of the challenges include tax evasion and collusion with customs officials, illegal drugs and counterfeit … Continue reading Supply Chain Risks in Southeast Asia