Southeast Asia: Dynamic Opportunities for U.S. Competitiveness

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A Message from Thomas J. Donohue

On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams) in Southeast Asia and our members, I am pleased to present this report, Southeast Asia: Dynamic Opportunities for U.S. Competitiveness. The American business community, represented by the Chamber and the AmChams, offers its views in the hope of expanding dialogue and commercial relations between the United States and the countries of Southeast Asia.

This is an important time in U.S. relations with Southeast Asia. New emerging markets in an increasingly global environment are challenging traditional trade and investment relationships. Regional economic integration has become the zeitgeist in Asia, and bilateral and regional trade agreements are springing up everywhere. The U.S. business community believes it is important for the United States to recalibrate its role and strategy in Southeast Asia to ensure a strengthened competitive position for American companies in this critical market.

The Chamber has prepared this report as part of its strategy of seeking to increase the U.S. focus, resources, and presence in Southeast Asia. The Chamber, in cooperation with the AmChams in Southeast Asia, is stepping up its regional programs and initiatives and increasing its policy advocacy efforts in Washington to refl ect the heightened priority of Southeast Asia in the business strategy of American companies.

The AmChams of Southeast Asia are invaluable partners of the Chamber and function as America's commercial ambassadors abroad. Their members work every day to increase American competitiveness and contribute to the economic growth of the region.

The partnership between the AmChams and the Chamber aims to foster greater dialogue on important commercial issues and ensure that the voice of the American business community is heard both in Southeast Asia and in Washington. As a team, we champion issues that promote open markets and a level playing fi eld for American businesses to compete and prosper on both sides of the Pacific.

The Chamber is proud to cooperate with the AmChams that contributed to this report and will continue to work hard to encourage increased U.S. trade and investment in Southeast Asia.

Sincerely,
Thomas J. Donohue
President and CEO
U.S. Chamber of Commerce