Figure 2 shows the ASEAN regulatory scores as against the ASEAN average.
While Brunei and Singapore experience lesser problems due to regulations, Laos,
Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are almost the same and
slightly higher than the ASEAN average. The incidence of trade friction in logistics
services is highest in Indonesia.
Figure 3 shows the ASEAN foreign investment scores as against ASEAN average.
We can note that Singapore welcomes foreign investment. Brunei and the Philippines
are also quite friendly in terms of foreign investment. Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam are
almost neutral. The comparison shows the investment-related regulations inhibit free
trade in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
Figure 4 shows the ASEAN infrastructure scores as against the ASEAN average.
In terms of infrastructure, Singapore is doing well, while Thailand is catching up.
Malaysia is also catching up with its upcoming ports and improving facilities. In all the
other ASEAN nations, particularly in Vietnam, infrastructure is poor.