Cross-border M&A in Southeast Asia has grown steadily over the past decade, driven by regional consolidation and international buyers seeking exposure to high-growth consumer markets.  But the deals that close are rarely the ones that started as planned. Targets are often founder-led. Financials are built for tax compliance, not for buyer scrutiny. And the gap… Read More

“We can’t compete with Uniqlo in India“. A Japanese apparel client said this to us while planning their India entry. They were right. But they were also missing the point. India does not ask you to compete with giants. It asks you to build something different.That distinction sits at the heart of Japanese investment in… Read More

In October 2024, Pernod Ricard broke ground in Butibori, Nagpur, on Asia’s largest malt distillery and maturation facility, in one of the most studied India site selection decisions of recent years. Formalised through a February 2024 MoU with the Government of Maharashtra, the project commits up to EUR 200 million (INR 1,785 crore) over ten… Read More

Chinese and Taiwanese companies are rapidly shifting production into Vietnam in response to higher U.S. tariffs and to strategically diversify their supply chains. As a result of this significant investment, Vietnam’s exports to the United States are increasing and along with it the bilateral trade deficit. While this trend reinforces Vietnam’s position as a key… Read More

Malaysia’s New Incentive Framework (NIF) for manufacturing, effective 1 March 2026, represents a structural recalibration of investment policy. Rather than adjusting tax rates or expanding incentive lists, this reform shifts the logic behind investment evaluation and reward systems. The traditional model, under the 1986 Promotion of Investments Act, relied on product promotion and activity. Eligibility… Read More

After nearly 20 years in the making and 5 years to execute, the India-EU Free Trade Agreement won’t magically slash prices overnight or transform markets by next quarter. Every social media post I’ve come across includes posts about how much European products (cars, spirits, processed food, olive oil to name a few) will cost in… Read More

New Investment Law enables company formation before project approval and removes 38 conditional business lines. On 11 December 2025, Vietnam’s National Assembly approved a new Law on Investment that fundamentally changes how foreign companies enter the market. The law takes effect 1 March 2026, with conditional business provisions starting 1 July 2026. Company formation before… Read More

The Agriculture Market in Thailand  Agriculture remains a critical pillar of Thailand’s economy. In 2024, the sector accounted for 8.71% of GDP—a slight increase from 8.56% in 2023. It also employs about one-third of the labor force, underscoring its vital role in supporting rural livelihoods.  Exports are robust — from January to October 2024, agricultural export revenue reached approximately USD 47.5 billion, contributing to a larger trade value of approximately USD 66.4… Read More

India’s automotive sector is not just growing — it is being deliberately shaped by a series of government policies, demand-side shifts, and technology advancements that position the country as a future leader in global mobility. For global manufacturers and investors, this alignment of market opportunity and policy support signals that the time to act is… Read More

India’s auto components sector has become one of the country’s strongest growth stories — and a key pillar of its participation in the global automotive value chain. The sector is not just feeding domestic OEMs but also rapidly expanding its export footprint, offering compelling opportunities for global manufacturers and investors. Growth in exports: a 73%… Read More