As China has become more high-tech, methods of management have moved more online however good supplier management in Asia still requires face-to-face engagement. Factories are often located deep in the countryside, issues such as forced or child-labour must be monitored and in recent times increasing numbers of western retailers require accurate information on product provenance. Production quality and adherence to specification must be regularly audited and this is impossible to do online.

Western companies producing significant volumes may decide to maintain a direct office however that adds a layer of cost. Asian Insiders offers a service where this work can be done on the client’s behalf.

Various Southeast Asian countries offer manufacturing specialisation – Thailand for automotive, appliances and electronics, Malaysia offers significant electronics subcontracting capacity, Indonesia for furniture and lower tech manufacturing however over recent years, Vietnam has become the most significant manufacturing hub in the region. Several larger international manufacturers have shifted parts of their assembly to Vietnam, including Samsung, Intel, IG, Foxconn etc. Other product categories including metal forging and fabrication along with a wide range of consumer and home-based products. Vietnam offers literally thousands of companies in each sector varying mainly in capacity of output.