ASEAN integration opens avenue to healthcare investors
Subject The ASEAN Economic Community and medical investments. Significance Rising incomes and demographic shifts are driving demand for improved health services across South-east Asia and the region has become an important production base for pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. With the promulgation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in late 2015 -- which will help to close development gaps, improve infrastructure and expand private healthcare access -- various medical industry investment opportunities are coming. Impacts Commercial healthcare operators will be needed to finance emerging healthcare markets. A rise in public-private partnerships is probable. Medical investors will tap the growth potential for hospital services, pharmaceuticals and medical devices.