2 out of 5 Businessmen Unaware of ASEAN Economic Community

Liputan6.com, Jakarta The ASEAN Leaders have initiated the ASEAN Economic blueprints during the 13^th ASEAN Summit in late November 2007. The Summit in Singapore led to the establishment of ASEAN Economic Community which should become active in 2015. Local entrepreneurs as well as ones from neighbouring ASEAN countries welcome this newly formed community. 

However, despite the growing acknowledgment of the newly formed community, apparently only 60% from all entrepreneurs within the ASEAN region showed interest and realized the importance of ASEAN Economic Community.

As quoted from sbf.com, Monday (19/01/2015), the survey released by Singapore Business Federation (SBF) shows how 2 out of 5 businessmen/entrepreneurs do not realize the necessity of AEC and how it would help the progress of both local and ASEAN- wide business.

The survey also points out the fact that there are many businessmen from ASEAN countries and China who seek for opportunity around the Asia region. 72% of the survey participants are reported to have been opening up business abroad. The attractive market targeted includes the one in Myanmar, Indonesia and Cambodia.

"The survey shows that there is still plenty of time and effective ways as to raise the awareness of businessmen about the importance of AEC," SBF CEO Ho Meng Kit said.

He explains how in the formation of ASEAN Economic Community, a massive-scale on the flow of goods and services, along with the staff exchange will occur. Sooner or later, entrepreneurs will realize that business opportunities around the ASEAN region will become enhanced in the presence of AEC.

"We are inviting all kinds of trading associations and government bodies to help us expand our business opportunities through the establishment of AEC," he shared. (Akp/Ein)