Nearly two thirds plan to expand operations and employment in the ASEAN region, and 85 percent are planning to increase their regional trade and investment. In contrast, less than half of European companies in China are planning to expand. To address these trade barriers, European businesses in the region are also keen to see strengthened ties between the EU and ASEAN. Commenting on the survey, EU Ambassador to ASEAN Francisco Fontan said: “Southeast Asia is central to the EU’s global trade negotiation agenda. As such we welcome European businesses’ embrace of ASEAN as a center of global economic growth.

Source: Manila Bulletin September 01, 2016 14:18 UTC