Faith flows

Investor faith remains unaffected by the crisis in South East Asia shows a survey of about 198 firms done by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and International Chamber of Commerce. Of the 500 firms polled, 198 replied. Almost all the firms said that they had a positive long term outlook of SE Asia. A quarter of the companies said that they plan to increase their investment over the short and long term. About 62 per cent said that they would continue with their existing investment plans.

The continued interest of MNCs in the regions implies that all is not lost for the Tiger economies and there is hope for a quick recovery. Of all the companies polled, those from North America had the maximum faith in SE Asia as 70 per cent of them indicated increased investment.