Japanese companies, and especially its small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are increasingly expanding abroad. According to a recent report from JETRO, the Japanese trade organisation, more 2 out of 3 firms surveyed plan to increase their exports over the next three years.
The majority of surveyed firms anticipate expanding into the ASEAN-6 region, given its relatively low wages and high growth rates. Over 11,000 Japanese companies have already penetrated Southeast Asia, with the majority concentrated in Thailand and Vietnam.