Singapore must brace for tighter trade war against Bangkok, Hong Kong

There could be a shift in commercial weight.

While Singapore is enjoying major opportunities and developments especially in Iskandar and the establishment of ASEAN Economic Community, there are rising threats that may affect Singapore's investment and trade potential.

Macquarie Research said that Bangkok, capital of Greater Mekong area, is becoming a bigger competitor. The Kunming-Bangkok high-speed rail would improve trade with Laos and Myanmar, potentially shifting commercial weight to Thailand.

Macquarie Research also noted that Hong Kong is undergoing a new phase of Pearl River Delta development. The economy has benefitted from the boom of Shenzhen‟s boom. Guangdong is now also moving up the value-chain.