The Thai retail sector has been the most active in preparing to tap the handsome business opportunities that the Asean Economic Community (AEC) is expected to offer at the end of this year.
The evidence is all over the country, particularly in major border provinces. Not only local retail operators but also big players such as Central Group, The Mall Group, Tesco Lotus and Big C have gained footholds in key provinces to reap the benefits from the AEC’s trade liberalisation and free mobilisation of manpower.
Many have moved across borders to make their significant presence in high-potential countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. However, it is not always a smooth path for business operators. Many challenges, particularly differences of culture, laws and regulations, tastes and local preferences, have to be overcome.
(Source: Bangkok Post)