The Seminar
Southeast Asia is made up of 11 countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with the exception of East Timor.
Some of these countries are also part of a new free-trade agreement: the CPTPP.
On February 22, learn about the many business opportunities in Southeast Asia. This seminar will allow you to take stock of this area’s current situation and learn about the various facets of Southeast Asia such as business culture, the legal and fiscal systems, and potential business sectors.
This is a unique opportunity to:
- Evaluate your business’s potential for growth in Southeast Asia.
- Network with other Quebec companies interested in this market.
- Benefit from the advice of experts and companies working in this area.
Why Southeast Asia?
Who should attend?
Why Southeast Asia?
Southeast Asia is made up of 11 countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and East Timor. They all belong to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), with the exception of East Timor.
- ASEAN is Canada’s sixth-largest trading partner.
- Trade volume of CAD 23.3 billion in 2017.
- ASEAN is one of the world’s most active trading regions.
- GDP growth rate of 5.1% in 2018 (Asian Development Bank).
- As a group, member countries make up the seventh-largest economy in the world.
- ASEAN is an economic driver concentrated around its three largest markets: Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
- They make up 60% of the regional GDP.
- ASEAN has experienced a major demographic change in the last 20 years making it the third-largest workforce in the world after China and India.
- By 2030, ASEAN’s middle class is expected to reach 51%, which will considerably increase demand for goods and services.
- ASEAN is a highly coveted destination for foreign direct investment.
- Foreign direct investment increased by 12% in 2017 when compared to 2016 (a record level of US$137 billion), making ASEAN the fourth largest global destination for direct foreign investment and the second in Asia after China.
- ASEAN’s member countries and Canada issued the Canada-ASEAN Joint Declaration on Trade and Investment (JDTI) in 2011.
- This declaration provides a platform to coordinate and exchange information on investment and trade opportunities, thereby reinforcing Canada and ASEAN’s trade commitments.
- The new work plan to implement the JDTI from 2016 to 2020 focuses on several areas including small and medium-sized enterprises, corporate social responsibility, innovation and education.
The CPTPP is a free-trade agreement that will stimulate the economy
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a new free-trade agreement between 11 countries including Canada, Vietnam and Singapore.
Once in effect on December 30, 2018, it will become one of the largest free-trade agreements in the world and will improve access to certain key markets in Asia. Canadian companies will benefit from privileged access to these markets as well as an integrated and better-established regulatory framework.
The CPTPP by numbers:
- 11 countries: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
- 13.5% of the global GDP.
- 495 million people.
- An expected 17% increase in Canadian exports to Vietnam by 2040, the largest increase among CPTPP members.
Who should attend this seminar?
- All companies wishing to expand into Southeast Asia or learn more about these markets.
- Companies in all sectors wishing to prepare for and learn about:
- Business opportunities
- Regulatory, fiscal and legal conditions
- Business culture in the market of Southeast Asia
- Business leaders and people responsible for business development who are looking for new markets.
- All others with an interest in developing their products or services in Southeast Asia.