News
Teikoku Databank, Ltd. (TDB) recently unveiled that a total of 11,328 Japanese enterprises have commenced business operations in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries. On Dec. 31, 2015, the 10 members launched the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), hoping that they will liberalize intra-region trade and develop an integrated market. The Tokyo-based credit research company had compiled a report on the number of compatriot enterprises doing business in the region as of the end of April. It was the first time that TDB had conducted research that covers all of the 10 ASEAN economies.
By country, TDB said that Thailand held the largest share of 30.4%, hosting 4,788 Japanese businesses as of the end of April. Thailand was followed by Singapore, where 2,821 companies were in business, accounting for 17.9% of the pie. Vietnam came in third place, having welcomed 2,527 firms from Japan, 16%.
By time of business, meanwhile, manufacturers numbered 4,925, holding the leading share of 43.5%, according to TDB. Ranked second were wholesalers, which amounted to 2,825, 24.9%. Manufacturers and wholesalers enjoyed a combined share of some 70%. In Malaysia, Japanese wholesalers mainly handle auto parts, components and accessories, while in Thailand and Malaysia, they mostly deal in electric machinery and appliances.
The TDB report indicated the combined number of transporters and communication service providers operating in the Southeast Asian nations as of the end of April was 444, accounting for 3.9% of the total.
By country, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam were the top three. In Thailand, 191 Japanese transport and communication service providers were in service. Singapore followed Thailand, where 151 firms from Japan were in operation (share: 5.4%). In Vietnam, 105 were in service (4.2%).
