ASEAN COUNTRIES TO OUTPERFORM THE WORLD ECONOMY IN 2012

The relationship among ASEAN member nations ( Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) has evolved from a group of countries that compete for foreign investments into an assembly that mutually reinforces progress through greater linkages and trade. 

ASEAN has been one of the most successful emerging regions in GDP growth since 2010, and it is expected to outperform the rest of the world economy into 2012. Growing private consumption among the expanding middle class of emerging ASEAN economies is expected to be the main driver for their long term sustainable growth. Growing the pool of finance professionals with international experience and the highest technical knowledge is important for the ASEAN countries to make the most of these opportunities.

Indonesia is predicted to be the engine of growth for the region in 2012. With its 234 million people, Indonesia is expected to make a contribution of 42.8% to ASEAN growth in 2012, followed by Singapore 21.5%; Thailand 17.6%, Malaysia 12.1% and Vietnam 5%.