Factum Global’s Post

🫱🏼🫲🏽 | Investment, trade and tourism ties with the ASEAN Bloc strengthened – as Wesgro engages key markets for the Western Cape ✅ Between January 2013 and December 2022, the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) invested in twelve foreign direct investment projects into South Africa ✅ Six of these projects were located in the Western Cape ✅ The green economy is high on the agenda as members and representatives eye areas of collaboration for growth between regions In order to engage on topics of shared interest, members of the Wesgro team met with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Heads of Mission in Pretoria last week, to initiate discussions around interventions and collaboration between the Western Cape and Southeast Asia. Attended by key role players from the ASEAN Regional Forum, including High Commissioners, Counsellors, Secretaries of States, and Ambassadors, the meeting allowed for knowledge sharing and robust discussions around trade and investment opportunities, particularly in the Halal industry, Islamic finance agricultural sectors and the green economy. Both Wesgro and the ASEAN Regional Forum members agreed on the importance of trade relations between the Western Cape and ASEAN countries including: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia and Laos, as well as the need to develop these trade relations to establish concrete partnerships and future collaboration. The engagement created an opportunity amongst others for Vietnam to share its journey to building a renewable energy industry as well as to discuss tourism linkages. Opportunities were identified to work more closely in the creative industries with the Philippines, and to increase citrus trade to Indonesia. Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander highlighted the importance of these synergies to Cape Town and the Western Cape, saying: 💬  “We’re looking to the future and today’s engagement has allowed us to gain a better understanding of each ASEAN member country’s priorities. We look forward to further collaboration, and strengthening our relationships across tourism, trade, and investment to bring about mutual prosperity. The green economy presents an opportunity to attract further investment from important markets into our province, and we as Wesgro will assist in facilitating shared business across areas”. Wesgro has a longstanding history of enabling business between the respective regions, including - but not limited to - a food and beverage trade mission to Malaysia in the last year for the Malaysia International Halaal Showcase, and the hosting of delegates at the Made in the Cape exports event as well as a range of businesses in Singapore for Food and Hotel Asia in April earlier this year. #OpenForBusiness #InvestCapeTown #InvestWesternCape #NowhereBetter #MadeInTheCape #CapeConfidence #PlaceOfMore

Unleashing the Potential of Portugal: A Growing Economy 💥 Let's debunk the misconceptions about the economic status of Portugal! 🌟 Contrary to outdated belief, Portugal is far from being a "poor" nation. In fact, this country stands out as a beacon of economic prospects: 1. Wealth growth. Portugal has shown robust economic growth over the years, with significant improvements in key sectors such as tourism, technology, and renewable energy. 2. Strategic investments. The Portuguese government's strategic investment in infrastructure and innovation has attracted foreign companies and investors, creating a dynamic business environment full of opportunities. 3. Innovation center. Portugal has made a splash in the tech and innovation arena, positioning itself as a hotspot for startups and entrepreneurs. Through initiatives such as technology incubators, acceleration programs, and supportive policies, the country is nurturing a culture of innovation. 4. Global trade. The strategic position of Portugal and its membership in the European Union have contributed to the development of international trade partnerships. The country's exports, including textiles, wines, and machinery, are a valuable contribution to the world market. 5. Quality of life. In addition, Portugal offers an affordable cost of living, stunning scenery, and a pleasant climate. This in turn attracts professionals, retirees, and digital nomads seeking a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. In short, Portugal's economic growth, strategic initiatives, innovative ecosystem, and quality of life clearly show that this country is moving forward with confidence and ambition 🌍📈 #cascatadeluxo - follow this hashtag #movetocascais - follow this hashtag #homeinportugal - follow this hashtag

🌍 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐏 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐥'𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 🌍 In the ever-connected world we live in, a nation's international image and global positioning have never been more crucial. Portugal, with its rich culture, innovation, and unparalleled beauty, has been making remarkable strides on the global stage, and one organization that has been instrumental in this journey is #AICEP - The Portuguese Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade. 🌟AICEP has been at the forefront of showcasing Portugal's unique strengths to the world. Through strategic marketing initiatives and investment promotion, they have helped create a compelling brand identity for Portugal as a hub of innovation, culture, and business opportunity. 🚀 AICEP's efforts have attracted significant foreign investment and facilitated international trade partnerships. Their tireless work has contributed to Portugal becoming an attractive destination for businesses, startups, and investors seeking to tap into the country's potential. 🏆 From the booming tech scene in Lisbon and Porto to the award-winning Portuguese wines, the success stories linked to Portugal speak volumes. AICEP's support has been instrumental in nurturing these success stories, thereby contributing to economic growth and job creation. 🌎Portugal's influence now spans continents, with companies expanding their operations worldwide. AICEP's support in internationalization strategies has paved the way for Portuguese businesses to thrive on a global scale, contributing to the nation's economic resilience. 🌿 Their commitment to sustainable development has ensured that Portugal's growth is not only robust but also responsible. This aligns with global trends and values, attracting businesses and investors looking for eco-friendly solutions. 🙌 The agency initiatives have not only benefited large corporations but also local businesses, startups, and communities. They have played a pivotal role in creating an ecosystem where innovation and entrepreneurship flourish. 🤝AICEP has fostered international partnerships that benefit both Portugal and its global allies. These partnerships, built on trust and shared goals, contribute to diplomatic and economic strength. It's important to understand that AICEP has been playing an extraordinary role in shaping Portugal's global image and fostering its economic development. Their dedication to promoting Portugal as a world-class destination for investment, trade, and innovation has yielded remarkable results. As we celebrate Portugal's achievements on the world stage, let's not forget the pivotal role played by AICEP in elevating the nation to new heights. 🌟🇵🇹 #AICEP #Portugal #GlobalSuccess #InvestInPortugal

Thank you Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Republic of #Indonesia for the invitation to have Expedia Group speak at last week’s #ASEAN Workshop on Investment Facilitation in Bali! Was very delighted to share the stage with panelists, Dendy Apriandi from Indonesia, and saysamone singbandith (Simon) from Laos. The region indeed has lots to offer with recent notable developments bolstering its attractiveness as a compelling investment destination. These include: 📈 Remarkable progress on growth policies across the region. The work of earlier government leaders following the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis to fortify their respective macroeconomic policies are bearing fruit. Government effectiveness has improved, with the most dramatic shifts evident in Indonesia and Vietnam over the last 10 years. (https://lnkd.in/ghds-X9H) 🤝 Stronger cooperation in trade such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), giving ASEAN economies a boost. Continuing, and constructive roles played by ASEAN member states such as Indonesia, and Singapore in attracting and channeling investment and services into their respective countries will also benefit the region as a whole. 👨🏻💻 Positive, growing effects of digital economy companies on direct investment, innovation, inclusion, and productivity improvements in the markets they serve. As digitalization accelerates, their impact is expected to be further amplified. To this end, we shared three ways in which ASEAN’s potential can be fully unlocked - the 3Cs: - Clarity. Clear laws and regulations help to provide stability, confidence, and transparency for investors. This is especially crucial in sectors closely tied to the digital economy, where rapid developments necessitate updated policies that strike a balance between risk and innovation. - Certainty. Well-defined master plans offer certainty by outlining the government's long-term vision and developmental goals. Plans that highlight investment opportunities and sector-specific initiatives will help companies and prospective investors better sense-make the contributions they can bring, and consequently project returns. - Comprehensive support. “Carrots” such as incentives and grants may help mitigate upfront risks, but they do have limitations in fully motivating investment. A comprehensive support package, complemented by a coordinated whole-of-government effort to facilitate a company’s market entry and expansion plans will go a long way. ASEAN’s next phase of growth will be an exciting one! And I for one, am very much looking forward to seeing how everything unfolds. Let’s get to work 💪🏼 US-ASEAN Business Council Steven Gunawan Angela Tanoesoedibjo Zuaida Abdullah Indra Gunawan Fauzan Muttaqien Eacham Curry The ASEAN Secretariat Rafly Pratama

🚀 Attention Australian Investors! 🌏 If you are considering Vietnam to set up a new business venture? Here's a concise breakdown of the 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝟲 𝗙𝗗𝗜 𝗵𝗼𝘁𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 to get the best returns in 2024:     1️⃣ Ho Chi Minh City: Leading the pack with a staggering US$5.85 billion in FDI for 2023, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's financial epicentre and a manufacturing powerhouse in the region.    2️⃣ Hai Phong: The port city secures second place with over US$3.26 billion in FDI, primarily driven by manufacturing and processing industries, making it an enticing prospect for investors.    3️⃣ Quang Ninh: Positioned in the northeast, Quang Ninh attracts FDI of US$3.11 billion It is a smart choice for foreign firms looking for a low-cost, well-prepared location in Southeast Asia from which to expand their footprint in the sub-continent.    4️⃣ Bac Giang: Home to burgeoning electronics manufacturing, Bac Giang ranks fourth with US$3.02 billion in FDI, boasting industrial clusters and ample investment opportunities. 5️⃣ Thai Binh: With nearly US$2.8 billion in registered capital, Thai Binh's infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism sectors present promising avenues for growth and investment.     6️⃣ Hanoi: Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, received over US$2.73 billion in FDI in 2023 and is actively seeking high-quality investments from key markets including Australia.     📈With Australia being one of Vietnam's key FDI partners and Vietnam experiencing robust economic growth alongside a rising consumer market, Australian businesses and investors have a prime opportunity to capitalize, particularly in aviation, transport, logistics, mining, and resources sectors.   𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://lnkd.in/ezAVRXjF #InvestmentOpportunities #VietnamMarketStrategy #AustralianInvestors #FDIInVietnam #doingbusiness #fdi #australianbusiness

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐬 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 Thailand has advanced to 25th place from 30th in the global competitiveness rankings, surpassing Malaysia to become ASEAN's second-ranked country. The IMD World Competitiveness Center's 2024 Report highlights Thailand's significant economic performance improvements, particularly in international trade and current account balance. Despite a slight decrease in overall score, Thailand's economic zones showed notable gains in sectors like business efficiency and international trade, underlining its growing competitiveness in the region. source: https://lnkd.in/gEsTSps3

Thailand jumps five places in competitiveness ranking This report comes at a time when competition is again growing among many countries to attract foreign investment. Especially In a time when many investors are looking for alternatives to China, these results are a welcome tailwind for Thai policy makers. The headline number shows that Thailand has improved by five ranks to 25th rank among a total of 67. More importantly it is now second in the ASEAN zone, having passed Malaysia. The overall results have a number of interesting subsets: Economic performance up by 11 spots to a very impressive 5th place. International trade up by 23 spots to 6th place Government efficiency incl. public finance, tax policy and business legislation remained to be comparatively weak and together with infrastructure woes seen as a key reason for holding back the overall great performance. Thailand clearly has a lot going for itself as an alternative location for foreign direct investment. What is your view – is this a good time to invest in Thailand? #thailand, #asean, #foreigndirectinvestment, #businesscompetitiveness https://lnkd.in/gUxUwBW5

UNITING AFRICA...#IAmAfrica The vision of a unified Africa holds immense appeal, presenting us with numerous compelling reasons to pursue it. By uniting the continent, we can cultivate stronger bonds among African nations, stimulate economic growth, facilitate cultural exchange, and effectively address common challenges. As a perception manager, I believe that laying the groundwork for this unification begins with targeting some easily achievable goals: 1. ECONOMIC INTEGRATION: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a promising initiative that comes to mind. By encouraging economic cooperation and eliminating trade barriers, we can bolster intra-African trade and drive economic development. EXAMPLES: - Establishing regional trade agreements to reduce tariffs and promote intra-African trade. - Implementing common regulations and standards for products and services across African countries. - Creating platforms and marketplaces that facilitate cross-border business transactions. 2. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: Investing in transportation networks, such as roads, railways, and air connectivity, would enhance connectivity within Africa, promoting trade and fostering economic progress. EXAMPLES: - Constructing a high-speed railway network connecting major African cities to enhance transportation and trade. - Investing in renewable energy projects to provide affordable and sustainable power supply across the continent. - Developing logistic hubs and modernizing port facilities to streamline the movement of goods and foster efficient trade. 3. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT): Expanding affordable internet access and digital technologies will accelerate development across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. This will pave the way for innovation and growth. EXAMPLES: - Expanding broadband infrastructure to provide affordable and reliable internet access to all regions. - Investing in digital skills training programs to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge for the digital economy. - Establishing innovation hubs and startup incubators to promote entrepreneurship and technological advancements. 4. CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND TOURISM: Promoting cultural exchange programs and facilitating tourism will foster a sense of shared identity among Africans. By celebrating our diverse cultures, we can build unity while simultaneously boosting the tourism industry, creating jobs, and generating revenue. EXAMPLES: - Organizing annual pan-African cultural festivals that showcase diverse traditions, music, art, and cuisine. - Implementing visa-free travel policies among African countries to encourage tourism and enhance people-to-people interactions. - Developing joint marketing campaigns to promote Africa as a vibrant and diverse tourist destination globally...👇🏽

Unlocking Investment Opportunities in Thailand: A World of Potential Awaits! Thailand, with its vibrant economy and strategic location in Southeast Asia, continues to be an attractive destination for both foreign and local investments. The Kingdom offers a wealth of opportunities across various sectors and industries. Today, I'd like to shed light on some key sectors that are drawing attention and how businesses can seize these opportunities. Real Estate and Property Development: Thailand's property market is thriving, fueled by urbanization and an influx of tourists. From residential projects to commercial developments, the real estate sector presents a promising landscape for investors. Renewable Energy: With a strong commitment to sustainability, Thailand is actively promoting renewable energy projects. Solar and wind energy ventures, in particular, offer a sustainable and profitable avenue for investments. Information Technology and Digital Services: The digital transformation wave has swept across Thailand, creating a demand for IT solutions, software development, and digital services. Businesses that offer tech solutions have a significant role to play. Logistics and Transportation: As a regional logistics hub, Thailand's infrastructure development and connectivity projects open doors for logistics and transportation companies. Efficient supply chain solutions are in high demand. Tourism and Hospitality: While tourism faced challenges in recent times, Thailand remains a global tourist hotspot. Investing in the hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, and wellness centers, can rebound strongly with the return of international travelers. Maritime and Shipping: Thailand's strategic coastal position positions it as a maritime trade gateway. Shipping and maritime-related businesses can tap into the growing trade volume. Agriculture and Agribusiness: Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Thailand's economy. Investments in agriculture technology, food processing, and sustainable farming practices are poised for growth. Financial Services: Thailand's growing middle class is fueling demand for financial services, including banking, insurance, and fintech. The financial sector presents exciting prospects for investors. Global Partnerships: Collaboration between local and foreign businesses can unlock synergies and enhance investment opportunities. Leveraging Thailand's well-established business networks is key to success. To tap into these opportunities, businesses should conduct thorough market research, establish strong local partnerships, and navigate the regulatory landscape effectively. Remember, success often hinges on understanding the unique nuances of the Thai market and building strong client relationships. Let's embark on this journey together, exploring the exciting investment prospects Thailand has to offer. #InvestmentOpportunities #ThailandBusiness #BusinessDevelopment #SustainableInvestment