Expanding into Asia Pacific: What You Need to Know First

“Asia Pacific seems to be heating up—should we be expanding there too?”

If conversations like this are happening in your organization, you’re not alone. The Asia Pacific region is no longer just a market with “growth potential”—it has become a core engine of global economic expansion.

According to the Asia Economic Outlook and Integration Process 2025 Report, released at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, Asia Pacific is projected to grow by 4.5% in 2025, significantly outpacing the global average of 3.3%. The region’s share of global GDP is expected to reach 36.4% at market exchange rates, and 48.6% in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.

However, many companies entering Asian markets quickly realize that gaining a foothold is far more complex than expected. This is often due to a range of unforeseen, real-world challenges that standard market entry plans fail to anticipate.

In this piece, we’ll examine the key practical obstacles businesses encounter when expanding into Asia Pacific and explore strategic approaches to navigate them successfully.

Real-World Challenges You’ll Face When Expanding into APAC

1. “Our Product Should Work Fine” Misconception

One of the most common assumptions companies make is “Our product worked well in our home market. It should work just fine in Asia.”

Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case.

Take the example of a European cosmetics brand that launched its foundation line in Asia with confidence. Shortly after launch, it became clear that the available shades didn’t suit Asian skin tones. After six months of unsold inventory, the company had to halt operations and start over—with a fully localized product line.

2. Legal and Regulatory Landscapes That Are More Complex Than Expected

You might assume, “Our legal team reviewed everything; we should be fine.” But on-the-ground realities often reveal a different story.

For example:

• India: Tax structures differ from state to state, adding unexpected complexity to operations.
• Singapore: While business-friendly, it presents challenges like intense competition and foreign worker quota restrictions that can limit hiring flexibility.

3. Cultural Differences That Translation Can’t Fix

Language can be translated but culture cannot.

Even with the best local partners, understanding cultural nuances is difficult unless you’ve lived in the country for years.

For instance:

• In South Korea, after-work dinners and drinks are often essential to building business relationships.
• In various Asian countries, unspoken cultural sensitivities can trigger strong negative reactions if misunderstood—something no translation software or manual can prepare you for.

The Critical Importance of Hands-On Experience and Expert Insights

No matter how comprehensive your market research may be, real-world conditions often differ from what’s on paper. For example, you might know that motorcycles are the primary mode of transportation in Vietnam—but have you factored in the need for packaging specifically designed for motorcycle delivery?

This is where local expert insights become invaluable.

Experts offer more than just data. They provide practical, experience-based knowledge about risk factors, consumer behavior, logistical realities, and unspoken regulatory details that aren’t captured in secondary research. Their insights can significantly reduce the risk of failure and help your business establish a faster, more stable foothold in complex markets.

How to Find Experts with Practical Experience

When entering the Asian market, how can you find experts who not only understand each country’s culture and market dynamics but also have deep knowledge of your specific business sector?

This is where Liahnson & Company with Expert Network Services plays a critical role. Our knowledge experts platform and methodology connect you with right professionals who possess first-hand, on-the-ground experience in your target industry and region—offering practical insights that go far beyond general research.

To support the client’s intelligence needs, Liahnson & Company, Asia’s leading expert network, developed 15 tailored survey instruments and rapidly mobilized its network across key Asia Pacific markets. Within two weeks, we identified and recruited 20 highly relevant experts, including senior executives and seasoned investors in the door lock and access control industry.

Through these executives embedded in the local market landscape, we delivered critical insights not available through public sources, including:

• Regional consumer preferences
• Strategies for responding to local regulatory frameworks
• Practical approaches to navigating cultural and institutional barriers

Conclusion

Entering the Asia Pacific market is not simply a matter of exporting products and launching sales. It is a complex, high-stakes undertaking that demands localized strategies tailored to each country’s unique culture, market dynamics, and often-unspoken regulatory realities.

The most reliable path to success? Gaining deep, actionable insights through direct engagement with local industry experts for each market.

At Liahnson & Company, we operate Asia’s most extensive expert network—connecting you with the specialists best suited to support your market entry and expansion efforts. Whether you’re exploring opportunities or preparing for launching, our industry experts provide the clarity and confidence you need to navigate Asia’s complexity with precision.