Consulting Opportunity for Investment Trends and Prospec in ASEAN

ASEAN - AUSTRALIA DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION PROGRAM (AADCP) PHASE II

CONSULTING OPPORTUNITY
FOR
INVESTMENT TRENDS AND PROSPECTS IN ASEAN
Closing Date: 20 August 2010

Background
In moving towards the goal of economic integration, an investment regime and environment that promotes the sustained inflows of new investments and reinvestments will encourage and ensure dynamic development of ASEAN economies.

In recent years, the increase in intra-ASEAN flows is attracting interest. As FDI flows from developed countries decline due to combined financial and economic uncertainties, the share of intra-ASEAN FDI flows has been moving up steadily. The share of intra-ASEAN FDI flows to total ASEAN FDI inflows went up
from 13.5% in 2007 to 18.2% in 2008.The strength of intra-ASEAN flows can be explained by the increasing confidence of ASEAN investors in investing in countries that share close geographical and cultural similarities. As the benefits of ASEAN integration efforts become more well-known, such familiarity is expected to continue to boost investor confidence in ASEAN. Finally, priority actions taken under the AEC Blueprint could play an important role in enhancing intra-ASEAN FDI flows.

Needs and Objectives
Achievement of the ASEAN Economic Community goal related to a single market and production base requires the freer and enhanced flow of investment. ASEAN Member States (AMS) will need to take specific actions to enhance FDI, especially intra-ASEAN FDI. The successful undertaking of these requires a greater
understanding of the nature of investment flows in ASEAN; an assessment of the determinants of, and impediments to, these flows; and the identification of follow-up actions that would lead to increased flows. The project “Investment Trends and Prospects in ASEAN” will consist of an analytical study (hereinafter
called “the Study”) on intra-ASEAN FDI that will assist ASEAN in achieving the AEC goal of the free flow of investment.

Expected outcomes are:

• An enhanced understanding of the nature of global FDI flows into ASEAN including up-to-date data and trends;
• A clearer picture of the current state (sources, directions and features) of intra-ASEAN FDI flows;
• A greater understanding of the determinants of, and impediments to, intra-ASEAN FDI flows and of potential policies and programs to enhance these flows;
• Enhanced capacities of ASEAN Member States to undertake specific activities to increase intra-ASEAN FDI flows;
• Enhanced capacities of ASEAN sectoral bodies and ASEC to support the AMS to successfully carry out activities to achieve greater intra-ASEAN FDI flows.

Qualifications
In its proposal the bidder should demonstrate that it meets the following qualifications:

• In-depth experience and knowledge of foreign direct investment and investment issues and tools including ASEAN Investment Agreement (AIA), ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) and Free Trade Areas;
• Knowledge and experience in investment policies and macro-economic analysis, particularly of intra-regional trade and investment;
• Proven skills in econometrics skills and data analysis;
• Extensive experience in policy advice and in dealing with senior government officials, private-sectors’/businessmen and other identified stakeholders; and
• Thorough understanding of ASEAN, ASEC and AADCP II processes is an added value.

Visit our website at http://www.asean.org/opportunities for further information on job specifications and application procedures. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified.