Clear business climate ‘dealmaker’ amid rising protectionism, USABC says
The Jakarta Post’s Ruth Dea Juwita and Aditya Hadi sat down with USABC president and CEO Brian McFeeters to discuss about geopolitical uncertainty and the fate of the US-Indonesia agreement on reciprocal trade (ART).
The United States-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) president and CEO, Brian McFeeters, provides insights into the current business climate amid rising protectionism. The USABC, which has been fostering connections between private sector and governments across Southeast Asia since 1984, has facilitated over $532 billion in US foreign direct investment in the region. However, the recent surge in geopolitical uncertainty and trade tariffs has posed challenges to US businesses operating in Southeast Asia.
Despite these hurdles, US companies are largely maintaining their original plans for operations in the region. Companies understand the uncertainty surrounding tariffs and are proceeding with their business strategies based on the present conditions. The USABC identifies Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines as its top priority countries, each offering unique advantages. Vietnam is known for its manufacturing growth, while Indonesia boasts a vast domestic market and a young, digitally savvy population.
McFeeters emphasizes the importance of a clear, predictable, and transparent business environment for US businesses to thrive in Southeast Asia. The USABC encourages ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to address issues and share experiences on The Jakarta Post.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
