Investors drawn to low-wage countries / ASEAN member states constitute alternative to China / Highly heterogeneous region / E&E and automotive sectors drive Thai plastics demand / Massive expansion in plastics production capacities

摘要

Times change. Once seen as a cheap manufacturing base, many firms now consider China too expensive. Instead of setting up base here, several investors and players are establishing a foothold in countries where they can produce cheaper, including in Southeast Asia's low-wage countries.