BANGKOK, March 11 – Improved economies in Southeast Asia have contributed to higher spending among consumers in the region, according to a survey by the Thai Commerce Ministry.
Srirat Rastapana, director general of the International Trade Promotion Department, said the study on consumers’ behaviour in Southeast Asian countries is to give Thai traders and investors a better picture of the trading situation for development of a supply chain, use of raw material, effective labour and technology management and risks prevention given the launch of ASEAN Economic Community in late 2015.
Indonesians are earning more and consequently spending more particularly on instant food, non-alcohol beverages, mobile phones, Internet-connected computers, electrical appliances and products for recreation and telecommunication.
The income of middle- and lower-middle class people in the Philippines has expanded and they spend more on real estate, innovative goods and brand-name products relating to lifestyle, entertainment, home appliances and food. Filipinos are also becoming more health conscious.
Vietnamese, especially those in the labour force which represents 80 per cent of the population, are more careful in their spending due to inflation. They go to market every day and prefer to buy fresh rather than instant food.
In Myanmar, economic growth has been rapid in accord with the ASEAN trend particularly on investment and manufacturing expansion.
Trading volume in Southeast Asia has grown sharply and steadily in the last two years.
