Exporters target ASEAN markets

Exporters target ASEAN markets

JAKARTA (JP): Exporters in Asia, Australia and New Zealand
will target members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) as main export destinations for at least one year, a
survey concluded.

"Over the next 12 months, ASEAN countries are perceived to be
a growth area for exports by at least 40 percent of exporters in
seven of 15 countries surveyed," the survey said.

The survey, which was commissioned by parcel delivery company
DHL Worldwide Express and conducted by the Gallup Organization
from Jan. 9 to Jan. 16, was reported in the Asian Quarterly
Export Indicator over the weekend.

The organization said some 1,125 executives of a number of big
exporters in 15 countries had been polled. The 15 countries
include Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan,
Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea,
Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

According to the survey, ASEAN countries were cited as the
export markets which experienced the best growth in the last 12
months.

ASEAN groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It is expected to admit
Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar as new members in the middle of this
year.

The survey concluded that most of the exporters cited cost and
trade atmosphere as the most important factors affecting sales.

Three in five Japanese respondents said the yen exchange rate
would play a large role.

The survey also said big exporters would expand their shares
in other countries of Asia and Europe.

India, China, and Vietnam were rated as the most difficult
countries for initiation of trade, and Hong Kong and Singapore
the easiest.

For Indonesia, Thailand is regarded the easiest country for
trade initiation, while India is the most difficult.

It said 39 percent of Indonesian exporters saw Australia and
New Zealand as the most developed markets for their products.

Most Asian exporters feel there will be no significant change
in Hong Kong after it is returned to China on July. 1. They also
believe economy and business in Hong Kong will remain the same or
improve. (bnt)