ANVF 2023: From trade to investment, is “China + 1” happening in Asia?

The COVID pandemic has accelerated the trend to diversify China-centric supply chains. As global trade dynamics shift, many companies are looking to mitigate risks and optimize their operations in Asia. This strategy presents opportunities for countries like Vietnam, India and Indonesia, which offer lower labor costs, favorable investment policies, and growing consumer markets. However, challenges such as infrastructure gaps, regulatory uncertainties, and geopolitical tensions also exist. Is "China + 1" truly happening in Asia? What are the drivers and implications of this strategy for the region's economic landscape?
Speakers:
− Wendy Cutler, Vice President, Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI); Former Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative
− Xu Qiyuan, Deputy Director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences; Deputy Director, the Research Centre for International Financial
− Jonathan Zhu, Partner and Co-head of Asia Private Equity, Bain Capital
− Tan Teck Long, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Wholesale Banking, OCBC
Moderator: Ravi Velloor, Associate Editor, The Straits Times, Singapore