Viet Nam top destination for international investors

Motorbike saddles are produced by workers of Thailand-invested TS Viet Nam in the capital. Viet Nam ranked the second most attractive regional investment destination, according to a recent survey by the ASEAN Business Advisory Council. — VNA/VNS Photo Danh Lam

Third place went to Singapore with 43 per cent, followed by Thailand and Malaysia with 42 per cent, the Philippines with 27 per cent, Laos and Cambodia with 26 per cent, Myanmar with 25 per cent and Brunei with 17 per cent.

"Results resemble those of the ASEAN Business Outlook 2011-12 survey, which showed that 85 per cent of American firms questioned were planning to expand into ASEAN in the next two years," a press release issued by ABAC said.

The ABAC survey measured investment attractiveness on a scale of zero to 10. Indonesia received the highest rating at 6.89, followed by Viet Nam (6.29), Singapore (6.07), Thailand (6.04) and Malaysia (5.69).

One-fourth of those questioned came from Indonesia, while Singapore, Viet Nam, Thailand and the Philippines together accounted for 47 per cent.

"That the composition of respondents was higher from these countries was intentional because they represent the largest economies in terms of population and GDP," the release said.

As a region, ASEAN was rated as an attractive destination for investment, with 88 per cent of those questioned saying they planned to expand their business into at least one or more of the grouping's countries in the next three years.

"Half of these business groups want to invest in Indonesia while more than 40 per cent want to invest in Viet Nam, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia," the statement said.

ASEAN was further rated as a more attractive investment destination than China in terms of commodity market and production location.

Source: Vietnamnews