The transport sector is ready to become part of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) as Thai driving licences are valid in member nations and trucks and buses permitted to operate in neighbouring countries without having to pass through a vehicle condition inspection, a senior Thai official said on Monday.

Asean chief executives have ranked uncertain or volatile economic growth ahead of over-regulation (77 per cent), exchange-rate volatility (72 per cent), and government response to fiscal deficits and debt burdens (70 per cent) as a potential economic and policy threat.

Capital markets in Southeast Asia have the opportunity to better retain and mobilise the high savings rate and surpluses within their borders if they can further develop their local currency bond markets and improve investments among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said Standard & Poor's Ratings Services in a report published today.

Mc Group has set its sights on neighbouring markets, starting with Myanmar, where it has appointed a local distributor.