European companies plan to up trade, investment in ASEAN
Most European companies will increase trade and investment in an integrated Association of Southeast Asian Nations over the next five years, according to a survey, although many also expressed frustration at existing trade barriers. The 2016 EU-ASEAN Business Sentiment Survey showed that 85% of European respondents said they would increase trade and investment in the ASEAN market, up from 80% recorded in last year’s survey. Malaysia was the most popular country as the prospective destination of trade and investment, followed by Indonesia. The second annual survey, conducted by the EU-ASEAN Business Council, the body representing European companies operating in Southeast Asia, polled 204 company executives.
