Challenges to integration
Establishing this roadmap is, at present, hindered by a number of obstacles including vast differences in political and economic models. This variance means that some countries are benefiting more from the unified marketplace than others. According to recent findings from Baker & McKenzie, Singapore is the preferred base for 80 percent of multi-regional companies due to its open markets and international finance hub, with Thailand losing out to more politically stable emerging markets offering low-cost labour and more favourable business regulations.