Industrializing Southeast Asia

Abstract

This paper introduces the state of industrialization in Southeast Asia, rationale used to promote industrialization, the timing of policy emphasis on export orientation and the different outcomes enjoyed by the market and transition economies. Although a number of economies have experimented with import substitution policies, industrialization in the Southeast Asian economies is largely driven by export markets. The paper ends by providing the setting for a deeper scrutiny of manufacturing issues selectively by industry in Southeast Asia. © 2009 Taylor & Francis.