With a population of more than 600 million and a GDP of £1.9 trillion, ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations), made up of Brunei Darussalam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, is already a major economic force in Asia. It is the fastest-growing region in the world with economic growth and development expected to exceed the global average for the foreseeable future. As the economies of neighbouring China and India decelerate the region is increasingly becoming an important destination for British exports.

UKABC was joined by a whole host of aspirational exporting companies along with seasoned exporting professionals on its Sizzling Southeast Asia Roadshow showcasing the current and near-future opportunities in this vibrant, dynamic and fastest growing region in the world. Expert advice on doing business in ASEAN came from experienced export consultants from the UK-ASEAN Business Council, the Department for International Trade and several organisations in the field of export support.

The roadshow event scheduled three stops across the Midlands Engine region, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire and the event format included stellar presentations on doing business in ASEAN as well as roundtable discussions. Presentations included subjects on how to enter the ASEAN markets, financing your exporting, protecting your IP, e-commerce along with language and cultural advice.

UKABC was very honoured to have support at the event from the ASEAN Embassies in the UK and companies heard first hand from Michelle Sanchez, Director Philippines & Special Trade Representative, Department of Trade and Industry, H.E. Sayakane SISOUVONG Laos Ambassador to UK (and former Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN), H.E. Antonio M. Lagdameo, Philippines Ambassador to UK and Ketsuda Supradit, Minister (Economic and Finance) to UK and Europe, Royal Thai Embassy in London.

Delegates also heard from two companies that had entered the ASEAN markets and shared their experience of that journey, Chris Bishop, Director APAC Region, Ipsotek Ltd. and Dan Day, Founder and CEO of Invisible Artists.

The event was followed by a lunch which provided delegates with the opportunity to continue discussions with all the ASEAN trade experts and dignitaries.

The event schedule for three stops on the Roadshow:

• Registration and networking
• Welcome and introductions
• Regional export opportunities
• A presentation on a seasoned professional’s ASEAN export journey

Roundtable discussions included:

• How to enter the ASEAN markets – presented by UK ASEAN Business Council
• International capabilities and support in ASEAN
• Financing Your Exporting – Anne Lockett, Export Finance Manager, UK Export Finance
• Protecting your IP in ASEAN – John Otter, Intatrade
• Do I need to speak the lingo?
• Exporting is Great – Department for International Trade
• E-commerce – Tersa Gualtieri, Digital Trade Adviser, DIT
• Networking Lunch

Why did people attend the Sizzling Southeast Asia Roadshow?

The time is ripe for exploring this exciting market and finding out how you can benefit from the opportunities on offer, and with the support of UKABC, exporting companies can discover the pitfalls and benefits from entering this new economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia.

For further details on the processes and requirements for exporting to ASEAN, please contact our Export Specialists:

Paul North
+44 (0)7494 499728
paul.north@ukabc.org.uk

Geoff Charlesworth
+44 (0)7494 499731
geoff.charlesworth@ukabc.org.uk