Investors still flocking to China - Update - Statistical Data Included

Business Asia, Sept, 2002

* Thailand

Thai exports rose to a 16-month high as demand for rubber, electronics and other goods surged, according to the country's Commerce Ministry. Exports in July were US$5.95 billion, the highest since March 2001, when exports were $6.07 billion, said Commerce Minister Adisai Bodharamik. Thailand is relying on rising exports and a consumer-spending boom to double economic growth this year. The economy may expand as much as 4.5 per cent in 2002, up from 1.8 per cent last year. "Exporters have received more orders for most products such as furniture, rubber and electronics parts," Adisai said. "We will see high export figures in the third quarter." The final export number for July will probably be higher after the Commerce Ministry receives a final count on shipments.

* Vietnam

Vietnam's coffee exports in the crop year to September 2003 may drop 23 per cent to 500,000 tonnes from the maximum estimate for the current year, according to the Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association. Vietnam expects coffee exports in the crop year ending in September to drop to between 600,000 and 650,000 tonnes from about 880,000 tonnes in the previous year. Unfavourable weather conditions are expected to further cut into exports in the following year. If domestic prices rise, exporters may have to suspend shipments to avoid losses. Vietnam's coffee exports in the crop year to September 2001 contributed to a global supply glut that forced prices down to three-decade lows, causing many farmers to chop down coffee trees and shift to other crops, Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association chairman Doan Trieu Nhan said in June.