Ancient Perspectives, ASEAN Vision

Ancient Perspectives, ASEAN Vision: An Interview with Ashish Kumar Bhatia
By Vietnam Economic Times

Ashish Kumar Bhatia, the driving force behind AKOM TRADING COMPANY LIMITED, views his professional journey as an ascent up an “Ancient Pyramid.”

Starting with an honors degree in Information Systems and Computer Science from the University of Lincoln in the UK, Bhatia was driven to master the complexities of banking and finance. His career took him to some of the world’s most prestigious financial institutions, including Citibank and HSBC in Dubai, as well as prominent asset management firms in London and Kuala Lumpur.

This journey through increasingly sophisticated work environments culminated in his ultimate goal: becoming an entrepreneur in Vietnam.

Vietnam: A Global Export Hub
According to AKOM TRADING COMPANY LIMITED, Vietnam is rapidly gaining global recognition as a key export hub. Bhatia attributes this rise to several critical factors:

1. Strategic Location: Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam offers easy access to major markets like China, Japan, and South Korea. Its extensive coastline makes it an ideal logistics hub.

2. Cost-Competitive Labor: The country offers a skilled workforce with labor costs lower than neighbors like China, driving manufacturing shifts to the region.

3. Supply Chain Diversification: Amidst global trade tensions and pandemic disruptions, Vietnam has become a vital alternative for companies seeking to reduce risk and diversify away from single-country dependence.

4. Infrastructure & Policy: Heavy investment in ports like Hai Phong and Cat Lai, combined with pro-business government policies and FDI incentives, creates a strong environment for export industries.

Operational Advantages for AKOM
For AKOM TRADING COMPANY LIMITED, Vietnam’s geography is not just a macroeconomic detail—it is an operational asset. Proximity to the ASEAN region and a shared border with China allows for cost-effective sourcing of raw materials and efficient export capabilities. Furthermore, the location offers resilience, allowing the company to maintain reliable connectivity even during global trade disruptions.

Key Business Strategies: Expanding into Southeast Asia
Bhatia outlines a clear strategic roadmap for leveraging Vietnam’s strengths to penetrate the broader Southeast Asian market. AKOM TRADING COMPANY LIMITED focuses on four pillars of growth:

1. Establish Vietnam as the Regional Headquarters
The company plans to use Vietnam as a strategic launching pad. Its proximity to key ASEAN economies—such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore—makes it the ideal base for regional expansion.

2. Leverage Local Consumer Insights
Bhatia believes in learning from the Vietnamese market first. By understanding local preferences and building a strong, credible brand presence domestically, the company can effectively localize products and services for neighboring countries.

3. Drive Cross-Border E-commerce
Capitalizing on Vietnam’s growing digital infrastructure, the company intends to use the country as a base for cross-border online retail, targeting the wider ASEAN consumer base.

4. Networking via Regional Trade Hubs
The strategy involves active participation in trade fairs and events hosted in Vietnam to connect with international buyers and partners, utilizing local events for regional networking.

Future Outlook
Looking ahead, the long-term goal for AKOM TRADING COMPANY LIMITED is to establish branch offices throughout the entire ASEAN region, with Vietnam serving as the permanent headquarters.

To other entrepreneurs considering the region, Bhatia offers a message of confidence: “Vietnam is on track to become a key business destination in the coming decades.” With political stability, a youthful economy, and high growth potential, he believes the country offers unrivaled opportunities compared to other regions.