"The dramatic modernisation of the Asian economies ranks alongside the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution as one of the most important developments in economic history." - Larry Summers, US economist and Director of the White House National Economic Council.

As the driving force behind the global economy, Asia now provides more opportunities than ever before for businesses of all sizes, in all fields, and from all countries to grow and succeed.

The question savvy entrepreneurs and companies around the world nowadays need to ask themselves when they plan for the future is not whether to do business in Asia, but how to do it the right way.

It's a crucial one. Although we're all living in an era of globalisation, and no matter where you come from, you're going to find the unique business environment in each Asian country poses unique challenges that are likely to be quite different from anything you may be used to dealing with back home.

While Asia can offer you enormous potential, its diverse cultures, social systems, legal frameworks, regulatory requirements and ways of doing business can pose substantial risks for unwary foreign investors. Although these factors may create obstacles that might appear insurmountable, especially if you lack in-depth understanding of the issues involved, that needn't be the case if you tackle them properly.

The most important first step to doing business in Asia is to get trustworthy advice and support from an experienced and reliable source. And preferably you should seek that before you invest your first dollar in the region.

That's where ICR comes into the picture. Our company was established in Bangkok in 1995. We were the first multidisciplinary company to specialise in Thai corporate services for overseas investors. Since then we have served a growing number of clients who wish to do various kinds of business in Thailand.

In 2006, we decided to further develop our offshore corporate services business by opening an office in Hong Kong, one of the world's key offshore jurisdictions.

One of the biggest advantages ICR can offer you is the fact that both our Bangkok and Hong Kong offices are managed by long-term expatriates who have spent decades helping companies and individual entrepreneurs and business people from around the world to navigate the complexities of establishing and operating successful ventures in the region.

To give you just a few examples of how we can help. We can start by advising you on the type of corporate structure that will be most appropriate for your specific business goals. Then we can go on to talk about all the practical issues you will need to deal with in areas such as investment requirements, corporate filings, employment, taxes, visas, work permits, etc.

But - most importantly - we don't just advise. We also act on our clients' behalf. Backed by highly competent teams of local professionals in our offices in Bangkok and Hong Kong, ICR can take care of the paperwork and other details. This will lighten the administrative burdens that would otherwise be on your shoulders and allow you to focus your full energy and skills on building your business in the region.

Our combination of international perspectives plus local knowledge and professional capabilities generates a powerful synergy. ICR not only speaks your language and understands your needs as an overseas investor; we also have the resources to act as your trustworthy guide and partner in satisfying them.