The Obama administration’s 2012 “Pivot to East Asia” regional strategy is aimed at focusing upon the rapidly developing economies of South East Asia whose strategic importance to the United States both economically and militarily has been highlighted by the administration.

1. MARCH 4, 2014
CLIENT ALERT
This alert provides only general
information and should not be
relied upon as legal advice.
This alert may be considered
attorney advertising under
court and bar rules in certain
jurisdictions.
PIVOTING TO ASIA: ASIA PACIFIC
ENJOYS HIGHEST GLOBAL CORPORATE
DIVIDENDS GROWTH RATE
AUSTRALIA TAKES THE LEAD
For more information, contact
your Patton Boggs LLP attorney
or the authors listed below.
SIMON HARRISON
sharrison@pattonboggs.com
ABU DHABI
ANCHORAGE
DALLAS
DENVER
DOHA
DUBAI
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
RIYADH
WASHINGTON DC
The second of a series of client alerts examining the relevance of Obama
administration’s pivot policy as seen from the region.
The Obama administration’s 2012 “Pivot to East Asia” regional strategy is aimed
at focusing upon the rapidly developing economies of South East Asia whose
strategic importance to the United States both economically and militarily has
been highlighted by the administration.
The following key focus areas have been identified:
→ Strengthening bilateral security alliances; deepening [America’s] working
relationships with emerging powers, including with China
→ Engaging with regional multilateral institutions
→ Expanding trade and investment
→ Forging a broad-based military presence
→ Advancing democracy and human rights
A February study by Henderson Global Investors confirms that Global
corporate dividends have now exceeded $US1 trillion last year and for the first
time the Asia Pacific region has enjoyed growth of 79 percent overall since 2009.
This is the highest rate of growth compared to the regional categories of the
markets of emerging nations, North America, Britain and Europe and Japan.
The 79 percent figure is almost double the rate of global dividends.
Leading the ranks of Asia Pacific dividends is Australia at $US40.3 billion,
compared to Hong Kong at $US33 billion, and almost twice the combined
amount of Australia’s regional partners Taiwan, at $US8.9billion; Singapore, at
$US8billion; and South Korea, at $US6.7billion.
PattonBoggs.com
Client Alert: Pivoting to Asia: Asia Pacific Enjoys Highest Global Corporate Dividends Growth Rate
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2. The Australia position is even more impressive considering the Australian dividend payout rate rose by 10.2 percent in
the year compared to only 1.1 percent-increase over the same period in the United States and 0.9 percent in the UK.
A significant number of American businesses and investors are already engaging with Australia, which has been more
than receptive to the outreach, to ease access into the burgeoning Asian markets.
Patton Boggs has been called upon for counsel in these matters owing to its credibility and familiarity with the
markets and regulatory mechanisms of the region. Our attorneys in Brisbane offer on-the-ground analysis and counsel
on matters related to the opportunities the “Pivot to East Asia” policy will afford. For more information, please
contact Patton Boggs Of Counsel Simon Harrison.
PattonBoggs.com
Client Alert: Pivoting to Asia: Asia Pacific Enjoys Highest Global Corporate Dividends Growth Rate
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