Innovate, Elevate, Accelerate
Even though it is a developing area, Southeast Asia is already home to tens of billionaires who have built business empires across the region. Having grown their companies by working with their families or as sole entrepreneurs, ASEAN billionaires are at the head of some of the largest corporations of the region.
Cities and urbanization are some of the most important drivers of Southeast Asia’s economic dynamism, environmental, societal and cultural change. To better understand the challenge and opportunities they bring, here are 4 infographics summarizing urban trends on the demography and rural exodus in ASEAN.
With a strong appetite for development, Myanmar has adopted a very accommodating fiscal regime. A low corporate income tax, a progressive but low personal income tax, no VAT but a light “commercial tax” and strong incentives, aim at attracting and helping companies to spur the development of Myanmar’s newly opened economy.
Taxes in Laos are among the lowest in the region: a low corporate income tax, a low progressive income tax and a low VAT make the country attractive for business. The Lao taxation system is quite simple and straightforward to encourage investment in the country and help develop its burgeoning economy.
Though slightly above regional peers, taxes in the Philippines are rather low globally: low corporate income tax, low progressive income tax and and low VAT. Though the taxation system is rather simple, particular rates, formalities and methods of calculations have to be implemented to properly compute and declare taxes.
Urbanization is one of the major trends currently shaping Southeast Asian societies, cultures, economies, businesses and environments. Being on the verge of counting more than half of its population living in urban areas, ASEAN comprises some of the largest and some of the fastest growing cities of the world.
Taxes in Vietnam are rather on the low side globally: a low corporate income tax, a progressive income tax and a low VAT make the country generally interesting for business. Some other taxes, special rates and methods of calculations also need to be taken into account in order to properly assess fiscal expenses.
Thailand is a country with rather low taxes: a low corporate income tax, a progressive income tax and a low VAT that make the country attractive for business. Some other taxes and specific regulations are also applied to particular key sectors such as transport, banking and finance or real estate.
Cambodia is a business-friendly country, with a progressive but low income tax, a low corporate income tax and low equivalent to VAT which make it attractive for work and business. Other taxes are also in the lower range, further enabling professionals and companies to consider Cambodia for their operations.
Taxes in Singapore are part of what makes it one of the best places to do business. With a simple and clear system of low corporate tax, personal income and goods and services tax (VAT), Singapore is attractive for most businesses. Several schemes further alleviate taxes for companies, fostering the pro-business environment even further.